Chapter 96 – Tsunade's Worry
Uchiha Fugaku's eyes flickered, but he didn't haggle.
"Alright—add another three percent. Let's go."
Tsunade was slightly surprised. She hadn't expected Fugaku to be so straightforward. Three percent wasn't a small number.
With the original five percent of Kumogakure's total assets that he had promised her, that now made it eight.
In recent years, Kumogakure had reaped massive profits from war, relying on its accumulated wealth to rise as the strongest village on the surface, leading the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
And part of that was because of Konoha. Otherwise, why would Kumogakure keep coming to extort them? Why would her teacher, the Third Hokage, humble himself and agree to such heavy compensations?
If only sensei had been more like Fugaku… daring enough to take the initiative—maybe Kumogakure wouldn't be so arrogant.
Tsunade shook her head, clearing away the jumbled thoughts, and caught up with Fugaku's pace.
---
Returning to the crowd, Tsunade's eyes swept over many familiar faces—people she had once healed with her medical ninjutsu.
When they noticed her, surprise lit their expressions, followed by warmth.
"Lady Tsunade!"
"It's been so long, Lady Tsunade!"
"Seven years already… how's your health?"
Tsunade felt a bit uncomfortable under the flood of greetings but managed a polite nod.
Fugaku coughed lightly, interrupting them. Drawing their attention, he clapped his hands and said,
"This is Tsunade. I'm sure you all recognize her. Let's skip the pleasantries. From here on, she'll accompany us as our medical support. You have one minute to check your equipment."
The words sparked a fresh wave of surprise. But alongside it came relief—because everyone knew Tsunade's skills. Her medical ninjutsu was unrivaled. With her on the battlefield, even serious wounds might be healed in days.
The atmosphere brightened instantly. Fugaku allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
That was exactly why he had invited Tsunade—to reassure these shinobi before the battle even began. He didn't want doubts festering. If paying eight percent of Kumogakure's assets bought that assurance, it was worth it.
"Depart!"
Fugaku raised his arm and surged forward, Konoha's shinobi falling into step behind him.
Tsunade drew a deep breath and followed.
This time, she had not brought Shizune. The battlefield against Kumogakure would be far too dangerous, and her hemophobia remained unresolved. If she faltered, she might not protect Shizune—in fact, she might even drag her down.
So she hadn't told Shizune the truth. She had simply said she had matters to handle and left.
Shizune hadn't pressed, and for that, Tsunade was quietly grateful.
Her gaze shifted to the front, where Fugaku led the charge beneath a banner marked in bold, golden characters: Fifth Hokage.
Tsunade's expression grew heavy.
You had better truly have the strength to carry that title. If not, all of Konoha will be buried with you.
These sixty-plus shinobi at her side were Konoha's elite jōnin—the village's most formidable forces. If they failed here, the disaster would be absolute.
Konohagakure would be annexed by Kumogakure.
And Konoha… Konoha was her grandfather's dream, his life's work. She couldn't stand the thought of seeing it destroyed. That was why she agreed to come, not just for payment.
But deep down, her doubts gnawed at her. Could they truly defeat the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails' jinchūriki?
Wasn't this nothing more than blind faith? Like a man asking you to dig a dam in the fields because he was sure it would rain tomorrow.
Do you really know the future, Fugaku? Or are you just arrogantly confident you can win?
Tsunade clenched her fists. Since childhood, she had grown up hearing her granduncle Tobirama's warnings about "the cursed Uchiha." His words had bred prejudice in her heart, though her grandfather Hashirama's compassion had softened it.
So she had always kept her distance, never interfering with the Uchiha Clan.
But now, she was following their leader into war—her thoughts a storm of worry.
---
Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy, classes had ended for the day.
Walking past Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto wrinkled his nose at the delicious aroma and nearly drooled on the spot.
Sasuke tugged him by the strap of his schoolbag. "Come on."
Naruto whined, "But ramen smells so good! Don't you want some, Sasuke? We could go home, and maybe Auntie will let us—"
"No," Sasuke cut him off, face dark. "I don't want ramen."
Naruto sighed dramatically. "What a pity…"
Sasuke scowled. "Forget ramen. Hurry up. After dinner, we're training. Or do you not want to get stronger?"
At that, Naruto instantly sobered, wiping the drool from his chin.
"Right! Of course I want to!"
He slipped free from Sasuke's grip and dashed ahead. "Hurry up, Sasuke! You're too slow!"
A few veins bulged on Sasuke's forehead, but he simply quickened his pace in silence.
The two turned into the Uchiha clan district. Night had fallen, lanterns glowing softly along the paths.
Passing the training ground, Sasuke glanced inside. Empty. He quietly exhaled in relief, hoping it would stay that way later.
Naruto bounded into their home first, shouting, "Auntie! We're home!"
Mikoto Uchiha peeked out from the kitchen with a smile. "Welcome back! Are you hungry? Dinner will be ready when your uncle returns. If you're starving, grab some fruit to tide you over."
"Okay!" Naruto tossed his bag onto the sofa and hurried to the table for an apple, munching happily.
Sasuke, slower to change his shoes, stepped into the kitchen with a thoughtful look.
Strange… didn't Father leave earlier with a group of people? Does Kasan not know yet?
"Kasan," he said carefully, "Father probably won't be coming back right away."
And then he explained what he had seen after school.
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