NARUTO- CH-128. Do you know who is Uchiha Madara

There was nothing wrong with this sentence.

It's just that the way he grew up is a little unique.

You probably don't want to know.

Shiki fell into deep thought.

Normally, for a change of Hokage to occur, certain conditions must be met.

One is the death of the Hokage.

The second is the Hokage giving up their position.

Because there is no age limit for Hokage, theoretically, you can work yourself to death.

This is why Danzo has not given up on his dream of becoming Hokage until now.

As long as he can outlive Hiruzen, he would indeed have a chance to ascend to the throne—though the odds are slim.

In the original timeline, the first time Hiruzen gave up his position was due to the heavy losses from the Third Ninja World War, requiring someone to take responsibility.

There was also pressure from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and Konoha's high-ranking officials, especially Danzo.

However, Danzo's goal was for either himself or his ally Orochimaru to become the Fourth Hokage.

Instead, Minato landed the position—only to die young. With Konoha short on talent, Hiruzen temporarily resumed the role of Hokage.

It wouldn't be difficult for Tsunade to become Hokage now.

According to Konoha's rules, the process involves three steps: villagers' votes, a jonin vote, and final approval from the Daimyo.

Shiki couldn't think of any reason Tsunade would lose.

But rules were rules.

The biggest obstacle, however, was Hiruzen.

If he refused to step down, it would be troublesome.

That left only one solution: force him into making a major mistake.


"Sasuke," Shiki asked, "Do you know Uchiha Madara?"

"Uchiha Madara?" Sasuke tilted his head, thought for a moment, and replied, "I don't know."

"Then go ask your brother."

Shiki waved dismissively. "See you next time."

"Huh?" Sasuke was confused.

He had come seeking answers, but after their conversation, he only had more questions.

Still, it wasn't a complete waste—he now had a reason to talk to his brother.

Itachi had been getting busier lately, rarely seen at home. Sasuke didn't often disturb him, but this was important.

Sasuke returned home.

"Sasuke," Mikoto greeted warmly as she heard the door open. "Welcome home."

"Where's my brother?"

Sasuke removed his shoes and asked immediately.

"He's not home," Mikoto said with a sigh.

Normally, she would tease Sasuke about always asking for Itachi first, but her heart wasn't in it today.

She had noticed the growing rift between Fugaku and Itachi, and the tension was affecting the entire clan. The Uchiha were like a pot of boiling oil—any spark could ignite it.

"Will he come back today?" Sasuke asked, unsurprised by the answer. It would be unusual if Itachi was home.

"Maybe." Mikoto forced a smile.

"Mom, hold me," Sasuke said suddenly, looking up at her.

___

Outside the Senju residence:

"Sister Shizune," Shiki said seriously, "Success or failure depends on this one move."

"I understand." Shizune nodded, equally serious.

She was familiar with Shiki's plan.

To be honest, it seemed far-fetched, but not entirely hopeless. For Tsunade's sake, it was worth trying.

It was better to attempt and fail than to do nothing at all.

"I'm back, teacher," Shiki announced, opening the door.

Tsunade glanced at him but didn't respond. She sat on the sofa, watching TV, with a glass of milk on the table in front of her.

"Teacher, that's my milk," Shiki said, setting his bag down and sitting next to her.

"I was thirsty, so I drank it," Tsunade replied with a roll of her eyes. "Do you have a problem with your teacher drinking your milk?"

"Of course not." Shiki shook his head.

"Aren't you going to read today?" Tsunade asked, confused. For the past month, Shiki had diligently read medical books after returning home.

"I found a way," Shiki said, pulling a medical book from his bag and holding it up.

Tsunade's gaze fell on the book's cover, which read Reshape the Mind. She remembered it was about treating mental illness.

"What solution?" She asked skeptically. "Don't lie to me—this book doesn't mention hemophobia."

"That's true," Shiki admitted. He flipped to a specific page and handed it to her. "But I believe this treatment method works for hemophobia too."

"Systematic Desensitization Therapy."

Tsunade frowned. As a medical ninja, she was familiar with the concept.

It involved gradually exposing the patient to anxiety-inducing stimuli to reduce fear. Variants, like emotional desensitization, replaced fear with positive emotions.

Her instincts resisted.

Every time her hemophobia was triggered, painful memories surfaced. For years, she had avoided confronting them.

And now Shiki wanted her to revisit those memories repeatedly?

It was absurd.

And she didn't want to.

"No," Tsunade said, tightening her grip on the book.

"Teacher, don't forget your bet with me," Shiki warned.

Though he understood her hesitation, he had no choice but to push. Treating hemophobia required mental healing, not just medication.

"...Are you scared?" Shiki asked.

"Brat!" Tsunade snapped. "What nonsense! Why would I be afraid?"

"That's the teacher I know," Shiki said earnestly. "As one of Konoha's legendary Sannin, you're a role model for all ninjas—completely fearless."

"Of course!" Tsunade huffed, pride flashing across her face.

But then she froze.

Something felt off.

She realized she had fallen into a trap—provocation followed by flattery.

"You little brat, don't think I don't know your tricks," She said, glaring.

"Of course, I can't fool you, teacher," Shiki said with a smile. "But unfortunately, I've won the bet."

Tsunade blinked, anger surging again.

This kid was too bold. Did he really think he had her figured out?

"How have you won? The bet hasn't even started yet."

__________

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