Chapter 48

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But Tsunade was an exception.

She was the sister of his old friend, Nawaki. That's right—Toki was in the same class as Nawaki. As someone reborn with the advantage of foresight, Toki hadn't hesitated to use his connection to Nawaki to develop a good relationship with Tsunade, who would later become one of the Legendary Sannin.

At the time, Hiruzen Sarutobi was busy undermining the high status of the Senju and Uzumaki clans. The Uchiha clan's situation was not as dire as it would become, so Toki could still interact freely with people in the village. He would often visit Tsunade's home under the pretense of being Nawaki's classmate.

Initially, Toki's approach to Nawaki was strategic. But over time, he came to genuinely see him as a friend. Nawaki's straightforward, fiercely loyal nature was the kind anyone would want in a companion. Toki began trying to prevent Nawaki's tragic fate. He used Nawaki's stubborn personality to push him into training with him and even taught him about trap techniques, hoping it would help him survive. He risked exposure by warning both Nawaki and Tsunade about Konoha's hidden agendas and helped Nawaki hone his skills.

Despite his efforts, Toki and Tsunade, as younger shinobi, were no match for Konoha's powerful elite. Nawaki survived the explosive trap that should have been fatal but was eventually assassinated, his body left mutilated. Witnessing this triggered Toki's Sharingan, which quickly evolved to the three-tomoe stage due to his mental strength from his previous life. This earned him the reputation of a "genius" in Konoha, second only to Kakashi in the future.

Nawaki's death was a defining moment for Toki. If it hadn't happened, he might not have awakened his Sharingan early or survived the Shinobi World Wars. Driven by guilt and anger, Toki started looking after Tsunade using his knowledge of future events, knowing that she would come to see him as a younger brother—a source of comfort.

But Toki knew that Tsunade was also on Sarutobi's elimination list. If not for Jiraiya and Orochimaru's protection, she would have been targeted. Fearing that his actions might trigger an unintended consequence, he used his knowledge of future events to shield her from several life-threatening crises in the wars.

As Toki grew older, his body developed, and his relationship with Tsunade began to shift. Her deep sibling-like love for him transformed into something more, especially after he saved her life multiple times. Then, after the Second Shinobi War, during a night of remembrance for Nawaki, the two, drunk and grieving, crossed the line, spending five intense hours together.

When morning came, Toki dressed and left quietly. He had no intention of settling for "the grass near his nest." Besides, at the time, he was young and uninterested in sacrificing his freedom for one person. Tsunade was a revered figure—one of the Legendary Sannin and the "Medical Princess" of Konoha. Toki, who was well aware of Konoha's darker sides, knew that if she were to become "Uchiha Tsunade," she would inevitably become a target for Konoha's ruling elite.

Lacking a system and with limited talents, Toki had only reached the jōnin level, far from enough to take on Konoha's elite. To protect himself and his ambitions, he avoided Tsunade, going through a series of relationships to build a reputation as a playboy. Secretly, he began working to strengthen his forces, undermining Fugaku and laying plans to challenge Konoha's corrupt core.

In hindsight, Toki's approach proved effective. Heartbroken, Tsunade turned away from the Hokage role. Sakumo Hatake, the renowned White Fang, was then driven to suicide by Danzo's manipulations. Sarutobi began grooming Minato Namikaze, consolidating his hold on Konoha, and systematically weakening the major clans to elevate the Sarutobi clan.

During the Third Shinobi War, Toki's interventions prevented Sarutobi's clan from fully ascending. As events unfolded, Minato was chosen as the Fourth Hokage, and Tsunade, now the last of her clan, finally believed Toki's warning about Konoha's betrayal of the Senju. Disillusioned, she left the village, beginning her journey as a gambler.

When Toki later took power in Uchiha, he chose to support Tsunade as Hokage, rather than pushing Danzo into the role, sparing her from Konoha's internal conflict. After all, first loves have a special place in one's heart.

Yet, despite his lingering feelings, Toki often avoided Tsunade, knowing the vastness of the world beyond Konoha.

At this moment, Tsunade shifted uncomfortably in his arms, her loose yukata slipping down, giving Toki a reminder of her beauty. He suddenly felt a pang of desire, having been single for three months.

Sensing his gaze, Tsunade opened her eyes slightly, catching sight of him and, with a sly smile, leaned closer.

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