Chapter 103: Tsunade's Other Side

With a refreshed expression, Tsunade finally let go of Shinho Aburame's head. Her smile faded, replaced by a calmer demeanor. 

The reluctance she had felt before was now gone, and in its place was the composed demeanor of a legendary Sannin, someone who had weathered countless storms.

Though Tsunade feared her hemophobia, she couldn't afford to show weakness in front of her students. Not when she was one of the famed Sannin, an inspiration to many.

"How do we proceed?" Tsunade asked, now fully resigned to letting Shinho guide the process.

Shinho, having observed Tsunade's efforts over the past month, felt encouraged. 

He had thoroughly studied systematic desensitization therapy during this time, not just to put on a show but with the real intent of finding a way to help her overcome her fear.

"We'll take it in two stages," Shinho explained, holding up two fingers.

Tsunade listened attentively. Her decision to place herself under Shinho's care had come from observing his persistent efforts. If she'd already agreed to this, there was no point in being half-hearted.

"Initially, once every three days. Once you get used to it, we'll increase the frequency."

Shinho wished the world of shinobi had some medicinal aids to assist with psychological therapies. But in a war-torn place like this, few people had time to worry about mental health. 

The fact that there were even medical ninja to treat physical wounds was already a blessing.

"Alright," Tsunade agreed, feeling somewhat reassured. Three days didn't sound too overwhelming. She figured she could endure it without embarrassing herself too much.

"One month," Tsunade added, raising a finger. "If there's no noticeable improvement within one month, we stop."

Shinho hesitated but then nodded in agreement. A month should be enough to see some progress. 

If not, there was no point in forcing Tsunade through more unnecessary suffering. He had a backup plan, one reminiscent of how Naruto accidentally helped cure her hemophobia in the original storyline.

But to pull off something like that, Shinho would need an accomplice—a rare find in a world where someone like Orochimaru had conveniently provided the scenario. 

Finding the right person for the job would be difficult, and if Tsunade were to suspect anything, it could ruin both the plan and their relationship.

He had to trust the system's achievement mechanism and take it one step at a time.

"Before we begin, you need to be in a completely relaxed environment," Shinho said, recalling his studies from the last few days.

"Let's do it in my room," Tsunade suggested, getting up and leading the way to her room.

Without bothering to change clothes, Tsunade lay down on her bed, staring at the familiar ceiling as she worked to relax her body.

Standing beside her, Shinho couldn't help but notice his perfect view—right at the highest peak, so to speak.

"I need a drink," Tsunade suddenly said, cutting into his thoughts.

This feels like a last meal before execution, why are you making it so weird, Shinho thought, shaking the notion from his head as he retrieved a bottle of honey wine.

Though Tsunade's phobia was psychological and not physical, the alcohol might help calm her nerves. But he had to be careful not to let her get too drunk.

"Just don't get drunk," Shinho said, handing her the wine.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Tsunade grumbled, snatching the bottle. "Since when did you get so bossy? Who's the teacher here?"

"You're the teacher, but right now, you're the patient," Shinho replied confidently. "So you need to listen to me."

Tsunade shot him an irritated glare but didn't argue. Instead, she took a large gulp of the honey wine, the liquid trickling down her neck and disappearing into the alabaster whiteness of her skin. She didn't care about the mess.

After a deep breath, she handed the bottle back to Shinho. "Let's get this over with."

Her face slightly flushed, she exuded an air of defiant courage. 

Shinho couldn't help but recall the confident version of Tsunade from the Naruto mobile game, but in this context, her confidence only reminded him more of someone facing an impending execution.

"Are you ready?" Shinho asked, setting the bottle aside as he sat beside her, pulling out a kunai.

Tsunade hesitated for a moment before nodding, though her expression betrayed her reluctance.

"I'll go through a little pain to help my teacher," Shinho said calmly as he made a shallow cut on his palm, just deep enough to draw a thin line of blood.

Tsunade's body stiffened instantly. Her pupils dilated as her mind registered the sight of the blood. A few seconds later, she began trembling uncontrollably, her hands wrapping around herself as her long legs curled up in a fetal position.

Shizune, watching from the side, felt a pang in her chest and hurried forward. Even though she had seen this reaction before, it never became any easier to witness.

Shinho frowned. Seeing it happen in person was far more intense than watching it in an anime. He could almost feel the weight of Tsunade's overwhelming fear bearing down on her.

"Sensei," Shinho reached out, taking hold of her wrist, his voice firm. "Think of something that makes you happy."

Right now, Tsunade was trapped in the painful memories triggered by the sight of blood. If she could replace those memories with happier ones, it could speed up the healing process.

But Tsunade didn't respond. Her eyes were vacant, lost in the dark recesses of her mind.

"Sensei!" Shinho called out louder.

After several attempts, Tsunade finally turned her head to look at him, her focus shaky.

"Think of happy memories!" Shinho urged.

Tsunade's mind struggled to grasp the words.

Happy memories? Most of her joyful recollections were tied to her younger brother, Nawaki, but the moment she thought of him, the image of his bloody, lifeless body surged to the forefront of her mind.

It wasn't working.

She glanced at Shinho, who was looking at her with concern. Her lips moved slightly.

"What?" Shinho leaned in closer, trying to hear her.

Suddenly, Tsunade pulled him into a tight embrace.

Shinho found himself enveloped in soft warmth, her body pressing against his. It didn't hurt, but the sensation was overwhelming.

Before he could say anything, Tsunade's long, pale legs locked him in place as well.

"You… brat... just you wait!" Tsunade muttered through gritted teeth, still trembling.

...?? Shinho blinked in confusion. Is this the happy memory you're thinking of? Even now, you're planning to teach me a lesson?

The air was thick with her faint, alluring scent. Without thinking, Shinho took a deep breath, realizing it was Tsunade's fragrance that filled the space around him.

"Shinho, are you okay?" Shizune asked, hesitating to intervene.

"I'm fine," Shinho replied calmly.

Since there was no escaping this, he might as well go along with it. After all, this was part of the healing process.

He found himself resting against Tsunade's soft skin. Her trembling gradually subsided, and with each passing second, she became more still.

Looking up, he noticed the elegant curve of her back, her hips swaying slightly. Despite the situation, the sight was undeniably captivating.

Shinho suppressed the stirrings of his own emotions and turned his gaze to Tsunade. Her beautiful face was pale, her expression still haunted by fear.

"Don't… don't look," Tsunade murmured, realizing he was watching her.

She didn't want Shinho to remember her in such a vulnerable state. It was embarrassing.

Shinho respectfully turned his eyes away.

The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the faint sounds of their breathing and the soft beating of their hearts, a rhythm only the two of them could hear.

Shizune bit her lip. Why does it feel like I'm the third wheel again? No, this had to be a misunderstanding. Surely she had played a role here.

Watching the two of them, Shizune found the situation oddly touching. Though it seemed like Tsunade was the one in control, in truth, it was Shinho who was guiding the moment. 

The dynamic was strangely reversed—Tsunade, who was always strong and imposing, now appeared vulnerable and reliant.

It was a rare sight indeed.

Time passed, and Tsunade's trembling gradually ceased. Her body relaxed, her breathing steadying. Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, adding a healthy glow to her complexion.

"Sensei?" Shinho called softly.

Tsunade opened her eyes, her voice tired but steady. "I'm fine now."

Shizune finally let out the breath she had been holding. "You did great, Shinho."

Tsunade loosened her grip and smiled weakly. "Thanks, kid."

"It was nothing," Shinho said, standing up. "Sensei, you should rest now."

Tsunade watched as he left the room, then closed her eyes again. Right now, all she wanted was to lie in silence and not think about anything.

After finishing dinner and completing his schoolwork, Sasuke Uchiha retreated to his room. 

Once his homework was done, he pulled out the training manual Kakashi Hatake had given him before leaving on his mission.

The manual detailed Kakashi's insights and experiences with Lightning Release chakra nature transformation. It wasn't exactly a new jutsu, but the wisdom contained in the notes was far more valuable than any single technique.

The experience of a seasoned Jonin, captured in writing, was worth its weight in gold.

Uchiha Sasuke didn't have to follow Kakashi Hatake's training regimen to the letter, but Kakashi's experience could help him greatly, offering insights that could make his own training more effective. 

For example, Sasuke now understood why his Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique wasn't as large as his brother Uchiha Itachi's.

The problem was twofold: insufficient chakra and inefficient transformation.

While Itachi could convert a portion of his chakra into a fireball the size of a basketball, Sasuke's attempt with the same amount of chakra resulted in a fireball no bigger than a ping pong ball. Too much chakra was being lost during the transformation process.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

Sasuke's eyes lit up—people rarely knocked, and when they did, it was usually his older brother, Itachi. He hurried to open the door, excitement clear in his voice.

"Brother!"

"What are you reading?" Itachi asked, patting Sasuke's head and glancing at the manual on his desk.

"It's Kakashi-sensei's training notes," Sasuke replied eagerly. "Do you want to take a look?"

"It's something Kakashi-senpai gave you, so I shouldn't," Itachi said kindly.

"Got it," Sasuke nodded, pulling Itachi to sit down. But then, something else came to his mind. "Brother, who is Uchiha Madara?"

Itachi's expression stiffened slightly as he asked, "Where did you hear that name?"

"Shinho mentioned it," Sasuke said, confusion clear in his voice. "Is something wrong?"

Itachi's mind raced. How could Shinho know about Madara? Madara's story was not something openly discussed in either Konoha or within the Uchiha clan due to the tainted history he left behind. 

Though Madara was once the strongest Uchiha, a founder of Konoha alongside the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, his eventual betrayal and death at the Valley of the End had marred his legacy.

As the son of the Uchiha clan leader, Itachi knew more of the darker truths behind the clan's past. Madara had tried to convince the Uchiha clan to follow him, but they had refused. 

Itachi couldn't help but marvel at how times had changed things. The Uchiha, once fiercely loyal to Konoha, now found themselves at odds with the village.

"It was Shinho who told me," Sasuke repeated, sensing his brother's unease. "Is it a problem?"

Itachi's heart skipped a beat. Shinho should not have known about Madara. The only explanation was that Tsunade had relayed this information through him, likely intending to send Itachi a message.

Given the precarious state of the Uchiha clan's relationship with Konoha's leadership, Itachi had no choice but to consider the possibility that Tsunade—one of the Sannin and a major influence in the village—was trying to communicate something important through Shinho.

Itachi's thoughts spiraled. His current situation mirrored Madara's in many ways. 

The Uchiha were divided into two factions: the hawks, who wanted to rebel, and the doves, who sought peace. Was Tsunade subtly suggesting that Itachi take the hawks and leave the village?

Itachi grew increasingly convinced that this was a solution—a way to prevent bloodshed.

"Brother!" Sasuke's impatient voice cut through Itachi's thoughts.

"My apologies, Sasuke," Itachi said, flicking his brother's forehead gently. "I have something I need to take care of."

Before Sasuke could respond, Itachi was already gone.

As he walked through the quiet streets of Konoha, Itachi reconsidered his original plan to visit the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. They had spoken several times already, and each conversation had led to no real solution. 

Sarutobi had offered no concrete plans, and after Danzō's betrayal—stealing Shisui's eye—Itachi's trust in Konoha's leadership was shattered.

Changing his course, Itachi decided to visit the Senju compound instead. Tsunade had kept a low profile since returning to the village, but was that truly the case? 

She had been at the Hokage's office the night Shisui died, and now she seemed to be sending a message through Shinho.

It was worth looking into.

Itachi knocked on the door of the Senju compound. A moment later, it opened.

"Shinho," Itachi greeted. "I need to speak with Lady Tsunade."

"She's already asleep," Shinho replied, pausing before asking, "Is there something I can help with?"

Itachi blinked in surprise. For the first time, he took a good, long look at Shinho. He had already known Shinho was a prodigy, but now he realized the maturity in the boy's demeanor was far beyond his years.

"Why did you tell Sasuke about Uchiha Madara?" Itachi asked directly.

Ah, he's sharp, Shinho thought, unsurprised by the question. But with Tsunade backing him, Shinho wasn't worried.

"Why do you think I did?" Shinho countered with a question of his own.

Itachi hesitated, then spoke slowly. "To solve the conflict between Konoha and the Uchiha, a group will have to leave."

He was prepared for the worst. If Shinho wasn't aware of the full situation, Itachi would use his Mangekyō Sharingan to erase the conversation from his memory.

"That's a good idea," Shinho said calmly. "But how do you plan to take them away?"

"By force, if necessary," Itachi replied without hesitation.

"That won't be enough," Shinho shook his head. "Even if you leave, how will the remaining Uchiha earn Konoha's trust?"

Itachi's eyes widened slightly. The boy's insight was unexpected, but he was right. For peace to truly last, the remaining Uchiha needed to be reintegrated into the village without suspicion.

"Then what should we do?" Itachi asked, his expression now deadly serious.

"How would you feel about my teacher becoming the Hokage?" Shinho asked.

So that's what this is about, Itachi thought. Tsunade clearly had a plan in mind. He pondered the possibility—if Tsunade became Hokage, it could indeed offer the Uchiha a path back into Konoha's good graces. 

His allegiance was to the Hokage, not to Sarutobi Hiruzen personally.

"What does Lady Tsunade want?" Itachi asked, getting straight to the point.

"Konoha's current Hokage needs to make a mistake," Shinho said, his tone steady. "You should investigate Root."

"Root?" Itachi repeated, puzzled.

"Once you start digging, you'll understand why," Shinho said.

Root was where all of Konoha's darkest secrets were buried, and what Itachi uncovered would likely be enough to shake him to his core.

"And after that?" Itachi pressed on.

"Once you've dealt with Root, stage a coup within their ranks and then leave the village," Shinho said. "Tsunade-sensei isn't fond of Root, and this plan will keep the rest of the Uchiha safe."

"And what will Tsunade give us in return?" Itachi asked, his eyes narrowing.

"You'll be branded as missing-nin, but the remaining Uchiha will be protected," Shinho explained. "And Sasuke... will have a chance to run for Hokage one day."

Itachi's breath hitched slightly at the thought. The Uchiha would finally have a chance at redemption, and Sasuke... could become Hokage. It was an ideal solution, one that minimized casualties and gave the clan a future.

"Why does Tsunade want to eliminate Root?" Itachi asked, his voice cautious. He didn't know much about Root, and part of him wondered if Tsunade had her own agenda.

"Just investigate, and you'll understand," Shinho said earnestly. "Tsunade-sensei is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. She would never do anything to harm Konoha."

"I believe that," Itachi said thoughtfully. It seemed he had no choice but to look into Root. If nothing else, it would help him settle accounts for what happened to Shisui.

"I'll give you a small hint," Shinho added. "Look for someone named Tenzo, or as Root calls him, 'Kinoe.'"

Shinho was referring to Yamato, the sole survivor of the First Hokage's cell experiments. 

Yamato's involvement was another key to convincing Tsunade to take action—once she knew that the experimentations on Hashirama's cells had resumed, her disappointment with Konoha's leadership would likely reach its peak.

"I'll investigate," Itachi said, his voice resolute. Before he left, he glanced at Shinho one last time. In the blink of an eye, he vanished into a flock of crows, disappearing into the night.

Shinho watched him go, and a system message appeared in his mind: 

[Achievement unlocked: "I Am the Puppet Master"—Reward:Jade Wind Wheel Gu.]

[Jade Wind Wheel Gu: A second-tier Gu that creates a verdant whirlwind around the user's arms, increasing the speed of their strikes.]

A smile tugged at Shinho's lips. Fantastic! Paired with his innate strength, this new Gu would make him even more dangerous in combat.

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