Konoha Notes

Chapter 103 Influence
Shuji still had more than a month left on his vacation, and he didn't really want to go back so early. Being able to wander around freely was such a pleasant thing.

I've already tried all the restaurants in Konoha, and I've also tried some in the Land of Fire and surrounding areas during breaks from missions. But I haven't had a chance to explore more distant areas, such as those outside Konoha's regular mission zones.

Having learned magic and the Flying Thunder God Technique, I can escape danger. Now, I should make the most of the remaining time to take a good look around.

However, he had just given Tsunade a pep talk and personally pushed her back onto the path of escape. If he were to slack off now, Tsunade would probably give him a painful kick.

Therefore, he had no choice but to resign himself to checking his belongings and returning with them.

The three walked at a moderate pace, and a few days later, the familiar gates of Konoha came into view.

Ignoring the ninja guarding the gate, Tsunade strode straight through.

As an active Jonin, Shuuji went to explain the current situation to the ninja registering at the entrance, while Shizune stayed behind and handed over her identification.

"Have you heard? It's Lady Tsunade! Lady Tsunade is back!"

"Really? Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin?"

"It's true, we just entered the village!"

The news of Tsunade's return quickly spread throughout the streets and alleys, and the villagers' faces were filled with a mixture of surprise and barely suppressed excitement.

The legendary Sannin, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, her return is a powerful boost to Konoha, which has been through many turmoil and desperately needs confidence.

Fugaku Uchiha, who was in charge of the Konoha Police Force, also heard the news.

Although his face showed no emotion, a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes.

After Itachi brought back Shuji's plan, he patiently waited for Shuji's measures.

At the end of Konoha 54, the Hyuga clan quelled the Kumogakure's questioning by exchanging one life for another. This move once again provoked the radical faction within the clan, and their complaints about the village's weakness and the current state of the Uchiha clan grew stronger.

On Shuji's side, although he was frequently meeting with those connected to the Senju clan, there had been no real progress, which inevitably made him somewhat waver.

Tsunade's return to the village is undoubtedly a very clear signal.

Shuji has begun to fulfill his promise. Moreover, he's taking such a significant step right from the start. This has genuinely made him look forward to future cooperation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's desk was very clean, with only a crystal ball placed to the side.

The door was pushed open roughly, and when Tsunade's figure came into view, a hint of relief flashed in his eyes.

"Tsunade, you've finally decided to come back."

As he spoke, the Third Hokage's gaze passed over Tsunade and landed on Shuji, who was standing a step behind her, with a hint of inquiry on his face.

Shuji nodded.

Tsunade glanced around the familiar office, her gaze finally settling on Hiruzen Sarutobi's deeply lined and weary face.

"Come back and see if your teacher is going to die."

Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi forced a smile: "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you. Although it's not very useful, it can still hold on for the time being."

"Is that so?" Tsunade walked to the desk, placed her hands on the surface, and looked directly at Hiruzen Sarutobi. "But that's not what I heard. Old man, when did you become so weak?"

The smile on the Third Hokage's face slowly faded. He subconsciously avoided Tsunade's piercing gaze, his tone tinged with weakness: "You've just returned, get some rest first. We'll deal with these things later..."

“Shizune has already gone to the Ministry of State Affairs to complete the relevant procedures.” Tsunade interrupted him without any politeness, straightening up. “From today onwards, I will be stationed at Konoha Hospital.”

After saying that, she didn't look at Hiruzen Sarutobi again, turned around and left the office swiftly, the door making a soft sound behind her.

A brief silence fell over the office.

“Well done, Shuji.” The Third Hokage confirmed with Shuji again, “Tsunade’s problem is completely resolved, isn’t it?” “Yes.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze to the window, looking at the crowds on the street below, which were faintly surging because of some news.

"You must be tired from your journey. You should go back and rest first."

He didn't mention the matter of who would become Hokage, and before speaking with Tsunade in private, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't intend to reveal any more to Shuji.

Shuji didn't take it to heart. Once Tsunade returned, certain processes would be wound up like a spring and move forward on their own. He bowed and took his leave.

The first to come knocking was Hayami Shigeru. The day after Shuji returned to his old house in the western suburbs, he arrived together with Kachi Atsuki.

Senju Momoka simply sat quietly under the veranda, drinking tea. Bathed in warm sunlight, she seemed lost in her own world, showing no interest in the conversation that was about to begin.

"Shuji, is what's being said outside true? Lady Tsunade has really returned?" Hayami Shigeru asked directly, his tone filled with barely suppressed urgency.

"Yes." Xiu Si took the teapot and poured tea for the two of them, his movements unhurried.

"Why did she come back this time?" Kachi Onju asked tentatively.

"Lady Tsunade has just returned to the village. What happens next depends on the outcome of her discussions with the Third Hokage." Shuji pushed the teacup in front of the two of them, his tone flat and revealing little emotion.

Hayami Shigeru was somewhat disappointed, but quickly cheered up again: "In any case, her return is a good thing!"

While Shuji possesses immense potential, he is ultimately young, and his reputation and experience are insufficient to immediately shoulder the responsibility. Tsunade, on the other hand, has a floor of advisory and eldership upon returning to the village, and a ceiling of Hokage.

The strong support they craved, which could effectively protect the interests of their group, seemed to have been found in an instant.

Kachi Onju appeared much calmer: "Shuji, what do we need to do?"

"Wait." Shuji put down the teapot. "I will let you know when it is necessary to speak."

The two people in front of him straightened up, then nodded solemnly.

At the same time, Danzo Shimura entered the Hokage's office.

He had to come.

In the past, Tsunade would have simply returned to the village, but things are different now.

Shuji has consistently failed to give a clear response to his previous expressions of interest in cooperation, maintaining an ambiguous attitude.

Now, the fact that Tsunade has been brought back from the center of power for many years speaks volumes.

Danzo Shimura always believed that Hiruzen Sarutobi's rule was too weak and incompetent, making him far from a qualified Hokage. But if he truly had to choose between Tsunade and Hiruzen Sarutobi—

He will still choose to support Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The Fourth Hokage has already demonstrated once what others would do in the position of Hokage.

This time will probably be no exception.

"Hiruzen, Tsunade's sudden return at this time is probably not for a simple purpose."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from the document, his expression calm: "What are you referring to?"

“You know perfectly well.” Danzo’s one eye stared sharply at his old friend. “She’s back for the Hokage position. You and I both know her character all too well.”

He slammed his cane on the ground, making a soft thud.

"She is absolutely unsuitable to become Hokage."

(End of this chapter)