As the sun set in the west, the entire Konoha bathed in the golden glow of dusk, presenting a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Yoru and Tsunade walked side by side along Konoha's streets, illuminated by the setting sun. The villagers they passed couldn't help but smile warmly at the sight of such a perfect pair, like a golden couple blessed by fate.
Tsunade had been lowering her head ever since earlier, a complicated expression flickering in her eyes. Finally, the two arrived at a quiet, deserted alley.
"Yoru…" Tsunade suddenly stopped and softly called out.
Hearing her voice, Yoru turned to look at her. Her expression was conflicted, and after a brief hesitation, she continued, "Yoru… did you really take on the burden of the Senju clan… just for me?"
Tsunade was extremely intelligent. From her performance as the Fifth Hokage in the original story, and later as the chief strategist of the Allied Shinobi Forces during the Fourth Great Ninja War, it was clear how sharp her mind was. Her emotions had shifted from initial gratitude and sweetness to doubt after deeper reflection.
She was afraid… afraid that Yoru had only said those things to use her.
"Silly woman."
Just as Tsunade's thoughts spiraled, Yoru's gentle voice interrupted her.
Tsunade looked up. There wasn't the slightest trace of anger on his face. Instead, he wore the same warm smile as always, his gaze as tender as ever.
"You don't need to think so much. As long as you want it, from now on, you only need to stand behind me."
Looking at him in that moment, Tsunade felt as if her entire heart had been wrapped in warmth.
Even if you are using me… then use me for the rest of my life.
That thought quietly surfaced in her heart.
"But…" Yoru looked at her, deciding to reveal some of his true thoughts. ""This world… is broken". It's not just Konoha… the entire shinobi world is suffering from a serious illness. And because of it, there can never be true peace."
"I want to change this world."
Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Yoru appeared dazzling in Tsunade's eyes.
"…Then do you think… my grandfather was wrong?"
Tsunade hesitated before asking cautiously.
She had heard too many voices lately. Many clans within Konoha had begun blaming her grandfather—the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
Why did he distribute the Tailed Beasts among the other villages to maintain so-called balance? If Konoha had kept all of them, how powerful would it be?
Why didn't he use his overwhelming strength to unify the shinobi world? If Konoha ruled everything, their power and influence would be even greater!
These voices seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, growing louder with time. Tsunade was furious whenever she heard them, wishing she could drag those old fools underground to repent.
But…
Was her grandfather—who stood like a mountain in her heart—really wrong?
Sometimes, late at night, as she gazed at his photograph, tears would uncontrollably stream down her face.
"No. He wasn't wrong."
Just as Tsunade fell into confusion, Yoru's firm voice rang out.
"On the contrary—the First Hokage was truly great."
Tsunade froze. It had been a long time since she heard anyone say that.
"A man with power unrivaled in the world could simply live as he pleased, forcing everyone to submit. That would be the easiest thing in the world."
A trace of admiration flashed in Yoru's eyes.
"But the First Hokage was different. He truly longed for genuine peace. He was great… and selfless."
"He set aside his invincible strength, hoping people could coexist in harmony. Because of his kindness, he couldn't bear to plunge the world into war again by unifying it through force. Instead, he believed that one day, people would understand each other… and true peace would arrive."
At this point, Yoru paused, his gaze deep and resolute.
"But the ambitions of some people shattered his dream."
"The one at fault isn't him… it's this world."
"I'll use my own way… to bring real peace to this world."
Every word struck deeply into Tsunade's heart. As she looked at Yoru now, she even felt that one day… he might surpass her grandfather.
Yoru was no saint.
But he was furious—furious at how this world worked.
Politicians manipulated everything behind the scenes. What were ninjas to them? Mere tools.
And the women he cared about—in the original story—most of them met tragic fates because of these corrupt systems.
Yoru would never allow that.
He would unify the shinobi world—and make those filthy politicians kneel at his feet.
He—Yoru—would become the ruler of this world.
Senju Hashirama was indeed great. His selflessness earned Yoru's respect.
But he had overestimated human nature.
Not everyone shared such noble ideals. Ambition would never disappear.
In every era, countless schemers would emerge like bamboo shoots after rain.
If true peace was to be achieved—
Then this world needed only one voice.
Unity.
Only through unity… could there be peace.
"Yoru…"
Tsunade suddenly rushed forward and threw herself into his arms.
Mmm!
Yoru's eyes widened slightly as a soft warmth pressed against his lips, a lingering sweetness spreading through his mouth.
"Hmph… you've got some nerve, Yoru. With Mikoto and the others around, you still dare to flirt with me."
Tsunade snorted lightly before turning and walking away, her graceful figure gradually disappearing into the distance.
Yoru watched her leave, rubbing his lips with a wry smile, still feeling a faint sting.
It seemed Tsunade had truly fallen for him.
Although his body suffered a bit… compared to what he gained, it was nothing worth mentioning.
A hint of joy flashed through Yoru's eyes.
The Senju clan… was finally secured.
His gaze flickered.
Next—
Yoru turned his eyes toward the direction of the Uchiha clan… and then toward the Hokage Tower.
Those…
Were his next targets.
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