The aftermath of Asuma's public defeat at the hands of Andrew didn't spark the political firestorm some expected. Third Hokage never summoned Andrew for questioning. After all, Asuma had initiated the duel, and the fight had occurred in full view of countless witnesses. The entire process had been fair, direct, and completely voluntary.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, for all his lingering pride, understood that this wasn't something he could pursue further without making himself look like a fool.
And he wasn't about to fall into the trap of public opinion again—not after years of dealing with its backlash. For someone like him, maintaining the illusion of impartiality was essential.
Still, it stung. Andrew had used the Sarutobi clan's own signature Fire Release to overpower Asuma—utterly and publicly. The humiliating comparison left the old man with little choice but to swallow his frustration in silence.
Not that Andrew cared in the slightest. His focus had already shifted toward the Uchiha clan's newest endeavor—developing a formal medical ninja division under Tsunade's leadership.
The plan was ambitious. Andrew had already begun organizing a training program, selecting talented Uchiha with aptitude for medical ninjutsu to undergo intensive study. But his real aim went beyond just forming a specialized team.
"Every Uchiha shinobi should have a basic understanding of medical jutsu," Andrew explained in a meeting. "Even if they don't master it, knowing how to stabilize a wounded comrade on the field could mean the difference between life and death."
The message was clear: self-reliance and survival.
Ironically, Tsunade was surprised at how seriously the Uchiha had embraced the idea. Back when she lost her younger brother Nawaki in the war, she had proposed a similar medical corps program to Konoha's elders.
They had rejected it.
To the village's senior leadership, medical ninjutsu was considered secondary—too expensive, too inefficient for the battlefield. Their short-sightedness was part of what had driven her away.
Now, here was the Uchiha clan, offering full financial backing and open enthusiasm for the exact proposal she'd once been mocked for.
For the first time in years, Tsunade felt truly respected. That respect reignited her passion. She poured herself into the training with a level of dedication that even surprised Andrew.
Naturally, this didn't go unnoticed by the Third Hokage. But his attempts to reach out were blocked at every turn.
Andrew made certain of that.
Whether it was through subtly deflecting envoys or erecting clan security measures, Andrew ensured that no one from the Hokage's circle could get close to Tsunade.
"If she reconnects with the old man, she might get swayed," he thought. "That woman's strength is monstrous—and the last thing we need is for her to side with the Hokage's faction again."
Even if Tsunade had no plans to directly oppose the Uchiha, Andrew couldn't take the risk.
He knew her return to the Fire Daimyo's mansion was inevitable—after all, she carried the weight of her Senju blood and her connection to Konoha's legacy. But Andrew was determined to delay any reconciliation between her and the village as long as possible.
The Uchiha's grudge against Konoha ran too deep.
Whereas the Senju had been gradually absorbed into the village's institutions, Uchiha had been betrayed. The loss, the marginalization, the surveillance by the Root division under Danzo—it was something that could not be forgotten, let alone forgiven.
Still, Andrew played the long game. If he couldn't change Tsunade's loyalty, he could at least ensure her neutrality.
If she didn't oppose Konoha, fine. But if she chose not to act when conflict came, that too was a victory.
While Andrew wandered through these thoughts, a familiar voice interrupted him.
"Hey, kid! You spacing out like that in the middle of clan territory? Aren't you afraid someone might stab you in the back?"
Tsunade's tone was half-joking, but her eyes were sharp.
Andrew smirked and gestured toward the bustling Uchiha compound. "In this place? If anyone tries, they won't even get within ten feet of me before they're taken down."
Tsunade didn't argue. She merely nodded and reached into her pouch, pulling out a thick scroll.
"Listen. If you're serious about building a proper medical corps, you'll need equipment. High-grade stuff. The kind even Konoha Hospital can barely afford. This list covers everything. But I'm warning you—it's not cheap."
Andrew took the scroll and barely skimmed it before handing it to a nearby aide. "Go give this to Fugaku. Tell him we need ten sets."
Tsunade choked on air. "Ten?! Are you kidding me?!"
Her face twitched. "You Uchiha bastards really are rich. Can't you not flex in front of me for once? I'm starting to feel like I should mug you all and retire to an island."
Andrew laughed. "You're the one who said these are essential. We don't do anything halfway."
She rolled her eyes. "The entire Konoha Hospital only has one set of this stuff. One. And you just ordered ten like they're office chairs."
Before Andrew could reply, he changed the subject. "Three separate envoys came by today. From the Hokage's office."
Tsunade tensed. "Let them wait. I'm not interested in playing that game. Didn't you say Shisui was going to replace Itachi in terms of representing the village? Let him handle it."
She turned and began walking off, her sandals kicking up small puffs of dust.
"I've screened the trainees. Once the gear arrives, I'll begin advanced training. And when I'm done here, I'll head to the daimyo's court myself."
Andrew watched her go with a wry smile.
"Tsunade is arrogant as hell. But at least she admits it."
Once she disappeared from view, Andrew sighed and turned to the shadowy corner near the wall.
"She's not doing this because we asked her to. She's doing it because she wants to."
From the shade, Jiraiya stepped out, arms folded and a resigned smile on his face.
"I noticed," he said. "If she was just mad at us, I'd be less worried. But she's working through something bigger. She still needs time to decide what her return to Konoha really means."
Andrew nodded. "Let her take her time. Just make sure she doesn't swing back the other way."
Jiraiya chuckled weakly. "She already punched me twice. I'm not pushing my luck."
Then his face turned serious. "Come on. Naruto's hit a wall with his ninjutsu training. I think it might be tied to the Nine Tails."
Andrew's expression sharpened. "Let's go. If it's Kurama acting up, we need to handle it quickly."
Without another word, the two sprinted off toward the training grounds—united, if only for a moment, in their shared concern for the boy who carried the heaviest burden in the village.
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