Uchiha Cn Grounds

  On this day, nearly all the elite members of the Uchiha cn gathered at the residence of their elders. Inside the house, the arrival of Uchiha Shirou was met with approving gazes from both the cn leader and Fugaku.

  "Shirou-kun!"

  Upon entering, Shirou's eyes fell on Elder Setsuna, who y weakly on his sickbed. Though his expression remained calm, there was a subtle trace of sorrow in his gaze.

  "Elder Setsuna!"

  After Shirou spoke, Elder Setsuna, lying on the tatami mat, forced himself to speak through his frail and hoarse voice:

  "Uchiha Shirou, everything you've done... the cn has taken note. In the future, Mikoto will still need your support. I've already discussed this with the cn leader..."

  The elder's weak, rasping words echoed as the cn leader solemnly nodded. Shirou, however, understood the underlying meaning of those words. To put it pinly, the old man was leaving the authority to Mikoto. After all, she was the true bloodline heir, and more importantly, her talents were undeniable.

  "For the sake of the cn, Shirou! You must understand—this matter with Tsunade of the Senju cn... Mikoto shares the same intentions for the good of the cn..."

  Hearing the elder's final wishes, Shirou was left speechless.

  What kind of message was this?

  Essentially, it was a decration that Mikoto would inherit his authority. At the same time, he shouldn't worry about their retionship being questioned; for the sake of the cn, Mikoto would understand and ensure their retionship wouldn't interfere with Shirou and Tsunade. (Harem Approval.)

  Mikoto, standing nearby, nodded earnestly. She looked at Shirou and said in a firm voice, "Shirou, don't worry. This will always be your home."

  Mikoto's words left Elder Setsuna feeling a mix of helplessness and frustration.

  Could these two not wait until he was gone before dividing the power?

  As for Shirou's supposed cim that there was nothing between him and Tsunade—who would believe that?

  If nothing was going on, why would Tsunade teach him the Slug Summoning Technique or risk his life to save her in solo missions filled with danger and explosive tags?

  "Shirou, the cn will never forget your contributions!"

  Both the cn leader and Fugaku nodded solemnly. Though the sacrifices were significant, they were all for the cn's benefit.

  Shirou took a deep breath and then spoke in a serious tone,

  "Cn Leader, Elder, I have already taught the seal-less A-rank jutsu I developed to Captain Tsunade. Additionally, she has agreed to pass it on to Kushina."

  As a member of the Uchiha cn, how could Shirou not highlight actions beneficial to the cn?

  After all, it's often the crying child who gets the milk. This was his merit.

  Upon hearing Shirou's words, Elder Setsuna, who had been on the verge of death, suddenly flushed with excitement, as if invigorated by a final burst of energy.

  "Is this true?"

  "It is true!"

  Shirou affirmed seriously.

  Hearing this, Elder Setsuna let out a hoarse ugh. The cn leader, too, couldn't hide his excitement.

  "Good! Good! Excellent!"

  Elder Setsuna ughed heartily, his face glowing with vigor. The cn leader nodded repeatedly, brimming with emotion.

  "Shirou-kun, your contributions to the cn will not be forgotten!"

  The value of an A-rank seal-less jutsu was indisputable. Yet its significance extended far beyond its technical merits. This wasn't merely about the jutsu anymore.

  Even Mikoto, upon hearing this, showed not a hint of jealousy. Instead, she wore a proud expression, as if to say, This is the person I chose.

  Though external rumors and prejudices still isoted the Uchiha, this time it would be different.

  With Tsunade and Kushina's influence, who would dare cim that the Uchiha were ostracized?

  The alliance between the Senju and Uchiha cns marked a historic shift. The subconscious bias of the major cns would inevitably begin to change.

  "The cn's long-cherished wish..."

  Elder Setsuna, his face still glowing with vitality, looked at Shirou with a gratified and eted smile. He had chosen correctly. What the cn had struggled for over decades, Shirou had achieved single-handedly.

  If the Uchiha could truly step into Konoha's political center, they would one day regain their ability to vie for the Hokage position.

  Inside the house, Elder Setsuna—once bold enough to rebel during the Second Hokage's reign—closed his eyes for the st time. Yet he passed away with a smile, having witnessed the realization of the Uchiha's long-held dream.

  Outside the house, the elite of the Uchiha cn stood solemnly, paying their respects as they bid farewell to their elder.

  ...

  Senju Cn Grounds

  As one of the two founding cns of Konoha, the Senju occupied the most prosperous district in the vilge's center. The somber atmosphere from the Uchiha compound did not escape the perceptive eyes of nearby shinobi.

  "So, that old geezer finally passed away."

  From her window, Tsunade gnced toward the Uchiha grounds with a smirk, her tone dripping with disinterest. Yet, in stark contrast to the mood, her table was den with dishes and a birthday cake. It just so happened that the elder's death coincided with her birthday—a truly ironic twist of fate.

  "Sister Tsunade, you seem quite happy," remarked Kushina, who was grinning as she helped celebrate Tsunade's birthday.

  Sipping lightly from her cup, Tsunade's expression was one of pure satisfaction.

  "Kushina, you wouldn't understand yet. When someone you dislike dies on your birthday, isn't that the best kind of celebration?"

  Tsunade's warped reasoning drew a ugh and a scolding from Mito Uzumaki, who was just coming downstairs.

  "Tsunade, you should still show proper respect for the Uchiha in public."

  Smiling, Tsunade nodded.

  "Don't worry, I'm not foolish."

  Mito shook her head with a helpless smile. At her age, she couldn't concern herself too much. Tsunade, her granddaughter, had matured quite a bit recently. Though Mito had been worried before, believing Tsunade's understanding of political schemes was limited, it seemed she was learning fast.

  "Happy birthday!"

  With a broad smile, Kushina pulled out a gift from her ninja pouch, handing it to Tsunade. The tter accepted it graciously.

  "Thank you, Kushina."

  But then Tsunade grinned mischievously, pulling out a scroll and handing it to Kushina.

  "Kushina, I have a gift for you too."

  Kushina took the scroll eagerly, assuming it was a new jutsu, and thanked Tsunade with delight.

  However, Tsunade shook her head with a teasing smile.

  "You owe thanks to someone else. This jutsu is a seal-less A-rank creation by Konoha's youngest genius Jonin."

  Kushina froze, stunned.

  Why was it this jutsu?

  Mito, however, raised her head upon hearing this. She looked at Tsunade with a solemn expression.

  "Tsunade, are you sure about this?"

  Tsunade nodded seriously, dropping her pyful tone.

  "Grandmother, the Senju need an ally now. This also gives Kushina an option."

  As Kushina stared at the scroll in confusion, Tsunade and Mito discussed matters she couldn't yet understand.