Compared to the scheming Kumo and Iwa shinobi, the Konoha forces at this moment appeared far more united. At the point where the borders of the Land of Fire, Land of Waterfalls, and Land of Grass met, Konoha's camp was set firmly within the Land of Fire territory.
"Tsunade-sama!"
As the Fourth Raikage, A, and the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, met on the opposing side, Tsunade was also gathering with Konoha's shinobi. The atmosphere in the camp grew fervent.
"Good. With all of you here, we're bound to achieve a perfect victory this time."
After delivering these encouraging words, Tsunade walked toward the central tent under the expectant gazes of her comrades.
With the ANBU taking up guard positions, only a few jōnin remained inside the tent.
"Tsunade-sama, the Iwagakure have sent a challenge—Ōnoki and the Fourth Raikage actually want to fight you alone! This is utterly outrageous!"
One of the jōnin, his face twisted in anger, relayed the situation. Clearly, he was disgusted by the audacity of the Iwa and Kumo shinobi.
"Hideyoshi, no need to get so worked up."
Tsunade reassured the jōnin before continuing, "Actually, this battle was my idea in the first place."
What?!
At her words, every jōnin in the tent paled. Even the usually unflappable Shikaku, whose intellect bordered on inhuman, widened his eyes in shock.
For a moment, he wondered if Tsunade had lost her mind—or if he was hallucinating.
"Relax."
Seated at the head of the table, Tsunade felt a warmth in her chest at the concern on their faces, though she also found it somewhat amusing.
"If I issued the challenge, it's because I'm confident in my ability to win."
Yet despite her reassurance, the unease in the room didn't dissipate.
One was the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki. The other was the Fourth Raikage, A. Either of them could single-handedly take on two elite jōnin squads. For Tsunade to challenge both of them at once—was she out of her mind?
"You all think I'm trying to get myself killed, don't you?"
Faced with their skepticism, Tsunade had no choice but to accept that actions would speak louder than words. If she won, all doubts would vanish.
But if she lost... Konoha would likely face a pincer attack from both the Iwa and Kumo forces.
Beating a weakened opponent wasn't just something ordinary people enjoyed—shinobi loved it too. Only true madmen sought to challenge stronger foes at every turn. Who wouldn't prefer an easy fight?
If Tsunade lost, the consequences would be severe.
First, there was the risk of injury—or worse, death. If the enemy killed her, Konoha would become a laughingstock.
The Fifth Hokage, dead within two months of taking office? The village might not even acknowledge her as Hokage at all.
"Tsunade-sama, why not select someone to fight alongside you?" Shikaku suggested.
Even if Konoha added one more fighter against Ōnoki and the Raikage, no one would object.
Maito Gai, who had been silent until now, immediately perked up, his eyes wide with hope as he stared at Tsunade—his gaze practically screaming, Pick me, pick me, please pick me!
"I think Shikaku's idea is sound. How about I join you, Tsunade-sama?" Kakashi added his own suggestion.
Put simply, anyone with a functioning brain would doubt Tsunade's chances against the combined might of Ōnoki and the Raikage.
For one, Ōnoki's Dust Release was widely regarded as the strongest offensive technique in the shinobi world.
After all, Ōnoki's Dust Release was reputed to be the most powerful offensive jutsu in the shinobi world. That title wasn't bought—it was forged through the countless lives extinguished by that technique.
"I volunteer as well!" Maito Gai declared passionately.
As others began raising their hands in solidarity, Tsunade quickly raised her own to stop them.
"Enough. This fight is mine alone. What, do you all think I can't handle a reckless brute and an old man?"
Uh...
As much as they wanted to support her, the jōnin couldn't ignore the reality of the situation. Tsunade's physique, while impressive, didn't exactly scream "unstoppable warrior" compared to the Raikage's raw power or Ōnoki's devastating techniques.
"Alright, alright, everyone out. Kakashi and Shikaku, stay. The rest of you—have a little faith in your Hokage, will you? I haven't even warmed the seat yet! If I wanted to retire, I wouldn't pick this method."
And as for her age—
(Tsunade: Shut it, or you'll taste my Super Strength Punch!)
With the others reluctantly filing out of the tent—their expressions still heavy with concern—Tsunade rolled her shoulders and settled into a more relaxed, almost domineering posture.
"You two already know about Asuma. Now, let's discuss how to handle this."
Kakashi immediately turned his gaze toward Shikaku. This wasn't something he'd thought about, so he'd leave it to the smarter man.
Shikaku: 'You traitor, Kakashi! Just because I'm smart, you're going to exploit my intellect? That's low!'
Despite his internal grumbling, Shikaku maintained his composure. When the Hokage asked a question, he had to answer.
"The Third Hokage led Konoha for decades. There are countless people in the village, from top to bottom, who owe him favors. Now that Asuma is dead, if you pursue this, Tsunade-sama, it could spark a rebellion from the Sarutobi clan. Even if it doesn't harm the village, it could damage your reputation significantly."
People were easily swayed by the crowd.
When everyone around you claimed someone was bad, you'd start believing it too.
The Sarutobi clan's influence was undeniable. With the Third's passing still fresh and now Asuma's death, darker minds might suspect Tsunade of purging her predecessor's legacy.
Tsunade remained silent, shifting her gaze to Kakashi.
Kakashi wanted to cry, but he had to contribute.
"Aside from Asuma, the only Sarutobi with potential is Konohamaru. The rest are, at best, chūnin-level. If no one reaches jōnin within the next decade, the Sarutobi clan will..."
He didn't finish, but Tsunade and Shikaku understood.
A declining clan, destined to fade—was it really worth pursuing?
If they had to act, why now?
'This guy... he's trying to dodge the issue.'
With a sigh, Tsunade made her decision.
"Mark Asuma as missing in action. Truthfully, I'm not even sure if he's dead. Once we return to the village, monitor the Sarutobi clan closely. If anyone dares to entertain treasonous thoughts again... don't blame me for being merciless."
One chance — no more.
Asuma was Sarutobi Hiruzen's son. For his sake, Tsunade would show leniency.
But for the rest of the Sarutobi clan?
Heh.
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