"What do you mean by that, you imbecile?"
"Have you heard? The results of the negotiations between Konoha and Sunagakure are out."
"What did Sunagakure compensate us with?"
"Well, that…"
On their way back, Aoyama Ryuyun and Tsunade overheard the chatter.
Sunagakure, the defeated village, had finally concluded peace talks with Konoha. Yet the outcome shocked everyone—Konoha hadn't asked for a single thing.
Part of it was simple reality: Sunagakure was poor, nearly bled dry by the war. But the larger reason was even simpler—Konoha's higher-ups had deliberately chosen to demand nothing.
Instead, they had proposed an alliance.
"That's exactly the sort of nonsense those old fools would pull," Ryuyun said with a faint smirk.
An alliance agreement? What good was that?
From Ryuyun's understanding of history—during the Third Shinobi World War, and even during Orochimaru's "Konoha Crush"—Konoha and Sunagakure had also been "allies." Yet what had that amounted to?
Such treaties only meant something when both sides honored them. Once one side didn't, it became nothing but worthless paper.
"Those bastards!" Tsunade's voice flared with fury. "Then what the hell did we fight for on the front lines?!"
Her words echoed through the quiet path. Fortunately, no one else was nearby.
Anyone who saw the furious Tsunade in that state would've turned and fled on instinct.
She had led the campaign, driven the victory, and spilled blood to break Sunagakure's lines—only for Konoha's elders to throw away the spoils of war and act as if they had lost.
"It seems Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu were in charge of the talks," Ryuyun said mildly.
"Those dog-faced fossils! Not one of them is worth a damn!"
Her anger deepened, her thoughts turning bitter.
How could her grand-uncle—the First Hokage's brother, Tobirama Senju—have chosen Hiruzen Sarutobi as his successor? That decision had paved the way for men like Homura and Koharu to rule by committee, clinging to power and slowing the village's pulse.
Aside from making trouble for others, what use were they?
"When this old woman becomes Hokage, not one of them will get away with it!" she growled.
It was the final push she needed.
Tsunade had long been reluctant to consider the Hokage's burden—but now, watching her village rot from within, her hesitation burned away. If these same people remained in charge, the Konoha her ancestors had built would eventually destroy itself.
"Liu Yun… help me."
Her voice was quiet but heavy. For once, there was no pride—just conviction.
Ryuyun turned toward her. Seeing the fire in her eyes, he smiled faintly and reached out, tapping her forehead with a gentle flick.
"Haven't I always been helping you?"
Tsunade's anger melted slightly. She nodded earnestly. "Mm-hmm."
"Then keep training. Push yourself. Before the next Great War begins, reach Kage-level strength—and I'll make you Hokage when it ends."
Ryuyun's tone carried no jest, only certainty.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's leadership was corrupt, stagnant. For Konoha's future—and for his own plans—Tsunade as Hokage was the right move.
As for Minato Namikaze, who was supposed to take that seat? Ryuyun scoffed inwardly.
If he wants it, let him come take it from me.
"Mm! I'll train hard!" Tsunade replied seriously.
Though confused by Ryuyun's mention of another war—after all, the Second Shinobi War had barely ended—she didn't question him. She simply trusted him.
In any case, training was the right answer.
---
That evening, as the sun dipped below the rooftops, Kurenai Yuhi returned from the Academy. Ryuyun had just finished his daily training.
When he saw her, he smiled faintly.
"You come running to me every day," he teased. "Your father, Shinku Yuhi, will probably try to kill me one of these days."
Coming over on weekends was one thing—but even after school? It was only natural for her father to be furious.
"Brother Liu Yun…"
Normally, Kurenai would answer playfully, full of spirit. But today, her expression was clouded.
Ryuyun immediately noticed. His smile faded.
"What happened?"
He cared deeply for the girl. If anyone dared to bully her, his Ku Mu and Sakura Ju would taste blood before the day was over.
"It's like this…"
Kurenai lowered her head and explained what had happened in class.
At first, Ryuyun thought it might be something serious. But as the story went on, his interest waned.
When she finished, Kurenai looked up anxiously. "Brother Liu Yun… am I causing you trouble?"
Ryuyun chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "Trouble? Hardly. Even if it were Hiruzen Sarutobi himself standing before me, I wouldn't flinch."
He leaned back, tone turning colder. "As for that brat Asuma you mentioned… an idiot like that should watch his step. I'll find the right time to deal with him."
Of course, Ryuyun wasn't foolish enough to move openly against Hiruzen's son—not yet. Such things required planning.
Kurenai still looked unsure. "Are you really okay?"
"Of course I am," he said with a grin. "Who do you think I am? I'm the Golden Lion."
That confident smile—bright and unshakable—gradually washed away Kurenai's lingering fear.
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