Naruto: I Am Uchiha Shirou [66]

"Orochimaru, you're surprisingly generous to give away the Kusanagi Sword you acquired last time in the Land of Grass," Tsunade remarked, fully aware of the legendary weapon's immense value—something nearly impossible to obtain, even for someone of her status.

Orochimaru, however, displayed no trace of reluctance. Instead, he let out his signature raspy chuckle and said, "This Kusanagi Sword doesn't suit me. Besides, compared to it, the power of the Cursed Seal is far more valuable to me."

His blunt honesty reflected his peculiar personality—an eccentricity Tsunade was used to but which would likely alienate anyone else. "You're giving it away just because you don't use it? Do you have to say it so plainly?" she thought. But this was simply how Orochimaru was.

This exchange was more than just a gesture; it was an unspoken transaction. The exchange of the Cursed Seal's power, the implicit rules of Konoha, and the obligations tied to family and alliances required both parties to tread carefully.

"Shirou-kun, beyond the power of the Cursed Seal, your creativity in ninjutsu is nothing short of genius. I would welcome closer collaboration between us in the future," Orochimaru remarked, his gaze lingering intently on Shirou.

Shirou, hearing this, responded with a modest smile.

"Hardly. When it comes to innovation in ninjutsu, Lord Orochimaru is a true genius. I've merely had some luck."

During Orochimaru's tutelage, Shirou offered valuable insights that inspired new concepts for serpent-based jutsu, ideas that Orochimaru had yet to fully develop. After all, the current Orochimaru had not yet reached the monstrous resilience and ingenuity of his later years.

"Alright, alright, enough of the mutual flattery. You're both geniuses—happy now?"

Tsunade interjected with an exasperated wave of her hand. Though she often prided herself on being a prodigy, being around the likes of Orochimaru and Shirou occasionally left her feeling inadequate.

Orochimaru's serpent-based jutsu was entirely self-developed—practical, though not yet overwhelmingly powerful. As for Shirou, he had already created an A-rank, seal-less jutsu at the tender age of thirteen. In contrast, Tsunade found herself lamenting her lack of original contributions to ninjutsu.

"Shirou, you'll be deployed as part of the vanguard soon. Use this time to familiarize yourself with your new weapon. Also, make sure to thank Kushina when you have the chance," Tsunade said casually, reclining in her chair and waving him off. Yet her tone—particularly the last remark—carried a hint of deeper meaning.

"Thank you, Sister Tsunade," Shirou replied respectfully, bowing before leaving the research lab.

As Shirou's figure disappeared, Orochimaru chuckled darkly.

"Heh, it seems the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki won't necessarily be heading to the battlefield this time."

Tsunade scoffed coldly, her eyes betraying a mix of disdain and irritation. Something about the situation troubled her, and her earlier comment had been a veiled warning to Shirou. Yet, it seemed Shirou had not picked up on it.

...

Hokage's Office.

"Lord Hokage."

As the evening sun bathed the room in golden light, Namikaze Minato knelt on one knee, his blond hair catching the glow and radiating brilliance.

"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. The fire's shadow will continue to illuminate the village and help new leaves grow," the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, murmured, exhaling a plume of smoke. His words carried a sense of wistful pride, followed by a heavier tone.

"Minato, you are not only Jiraiya's disciple but also someone I believe embodies the Will of Fire. You understand the importance of this mission for the village, don't you?"

Kneeling before him, Minato studied the green intelligence scroll in his hand. His gaze sharpened as it fell on the photo of a red-haired girl within.

"I trust Uzumaki Kushina will not disappoint you, Lord Hokage."

Seeing Minato's resolute expression, Hiruzen allowed himself a faint smile.

"Good. Minato, I have faith in you and Kushina. However, for the sake of the village, we must proceed with caution."

"The test is set for three days from now. Be prepared."

"Understood, Lord Hokage!"

Minato replied firmly before vanishing from the office.

As the setting sun cast its warm hues over the room, Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep drag from his pipe, his brow furrowed in thought. It was a long while before he exhaled, releasing the tension pent up in his chest.

...

Senju Compound, Nightfall.

The sprawling Senju estate was eerily quiet. From the second floor of the once-bustling home of the First Hokage, a dim light flickered.

"Grandma, the test is in three days, right?"

Tsunade's expression was conflicted. She seemed on the verge of saying something but ultimately held back.

Uzumaki Mito, seated on a sofa with her usual gentle demeanor, looked tired but calm.

"Tsunade, you must understand that while the Third may have personal motives, this decision is for the village's benefit. Konoha cannot afford any more losses right now. Under such circumstances, certain measures are necessary."

Tsunade's face darkened, and she let out a mocking laugh. "Necessary? Was what happened to Nawaki necessary? And that Jonin? An accidental explosive tag trap? Or the suspiciously timed death of the Jonin's sister? How many coincidences does it take before they stop being coincidences?"

Her tone dripped with sarcasm and bitterness. The series of events had left her highly suspicious. Even the danger she faced in the Land of Grass seemed suspiciously convenient. Yet, she kept some of her thoughts to herself, unwilling to burden her aging grandmother further.

For the first time, Tsunade truly understood Shirou's burden. To protect those he cared about—and the village—he was willing to endure tremendous pressure and bury certain truths. She wondered how much more he was hiding.

"Tsunade!"

Mito's sharp voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Ninjas pursue strength, yes, but I've noticed that lately, you've been too fixated on it. Don't lose sight of yourself in your quest for power," Mito warned, her concern evident.

Tsunade's recent behavior—intense training, a newfound interest in sealing techniques, and delving into clan jutsu—was uncharacteristic, signaling a change that worried her grandmother.

Tsunade forced a carefree smile.

"Grandma, I'm just trying to protect Kushina and you."

Yet, beneath her facade, Tsunade's thoughts lingered on Shirou. Only now did she understand the weight behind his seemingly easygoing demeanor. Like her, he sought strength to shoulder immense responsibility.

Mito observed her granddaughter in silence. Though Tsunade was clearly hiding something, Mito felt no resentment—only a bittersweet pride.

Her own time was running out, and seeing Tsunade grow stronger gave her comfort. At the same time, she regretted that her granddaughter's youthful joy had been overshadowed by the burdens of the shinobi world.