Chapter 26

After Yusuke left, Danzo's frustration boiled over, shouting, "How can you agree to his request? You're to weak!"

"Do you really think Konoha is so desperate that we need to rely on this kid?" Danzo's voice was filled with indignation. Although Danzo was already a seasoned veteran, he was not yet the coward he would later become, as depicted in the original plot.

Granting Yusuke the entire Senju Clan's land was not only a significant financial loss for Konoha, but Yusuke's audacity to demand such a thing felt like he was taking advantage of Konoha's vulnerability.

"We're only facing threats from the Hidden Sand and Hidden Stone right now, but what if the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Mist get involved as well?" Sarutobi Hiruzen countered, his voice calm but firm.

Hiruzen clasped his hands behind his back, speaking in a deep voice, "I understand that Yusuke is exploiting our situation, but in the grand scheme of things, letting him take advantage is a small price to pay compared to the survival of Konoha." He paused, gazing out into the distance. "Besides, we can always take it back later."

The three advisors exchanged uneasy glances.

After a few seconds, Koharu spoke up, "If you're sure about this, we won't argue further. But with all due respect, your strength is waning with age, while Yusuke is still in his prime."

Homura added with a grim expression, "In the future, we'll struggle to keep him in check. We need to think about choosing a strong enough successor who embodies the Will of Fire."

The mention of a "Fourth Hokage" made Danzo's eyes flicker with interest, though he managed to conceal it from the others.

"The Fourth Hokage…" Sarutobi Hiruzen fell into deep thought. He had once considered the Sannin as his successors, but now…

Tsunade had severed ties with him. Jiraiya had no interest in the position. Orochimaru had grown increasingly distant and sinister. And while Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang, had once seemed a strong candidate, circumstances had changed.

"Let's take it one step at a time," Sarutobi finally said, taking several deep drags from his pipe, feeling the weight of the situation press down on him.

In the Senju Clan's compound, the remaining members—mostly elders, women, and children—had been summoned by Yusuke. When they saw the thick stack of land ownership documents in his hands, they were stunned.

"There's no need to worry about Konoha seizing your homes or relocating you to the outskirts of the village anymore," Yusuke announced, his tone firm. "From now on, I have the final say over the Senju Clan's land. Do you understand?"

The words left the hundred or so Senju members in a state of shock. They had long feared that Konoha would eventually confiscate their land, given that the Senju name no longer held the power it once did.

But Yusuke's declaration brought them a mixture of relief and confusion. After a few moments, cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Lord Yusuke, you've done so much for the Senju Clan. We're at your service!"

"Forgive us, Lord Yusuke, for believing the rumors that painted you as a villain."

"Though our clan has diminished, we still have influence in Konoha. Please don't hesitate to call on us."

The gratitude of the Senju clan members was palpable.

Yusuke smiled, "No need to thank me. After all, I plan to marry Tsunade someday, and when that happens, you'll all be family. Right?"

The Senju members quickly agreed, praising Yusuke and Tsunade as a perfect match. They were eager to align themselves with him, seeing him as their new protector.

"Alright then," Yusuke continued, "from now on, this place will carry a new name. The Senju emblem can stay, but the family name will change."

With that, the Senju clan members set to work, replacing the "Senju" name on signs and buildings with "Yusuke," symbolizing the shift in power and allegiance within the compound. Konoha would now see that the Senju clan had a new master.