Chapter 137: Adding Fuel to Tsunade’s Fire

Chapter 137: Adding Fuel to Tsunade’s Fire

Senju Clan Residence

“Tsunade-sama, the experiment has been going on for two years now. We’ve heard it’s reached a critical stage!”

“That’s right, Tsunade-sama. No power comes without risk.”

The clan meeting hall was filled with over thirty members of the Senju Clan, most of whom were seasoned shinobi. Nearly half of them looked visibly impatient, as if they could no longer bear the waiting.

Seated at the head of the hall, Tsunade regarded them coldly, her expression indifferent.

“The experiment has hit a bottleneck,” she said flatly. “We’ve even resorted to using enemy shinobi and spies for human trials, yet without exception, all of them have failed.”

Her words sent ripples of shock through the crowd, but there were still a few overly zealous individuals who refused to back down.

“Tsunade-sama, how could outsiders succeed? This is the bloodline of the Senju Clan! If we inject the First Hokage’s cells into ourselves, the success rate will be much higher!”

“Exactly! To restore the glory of the Senju Clan, taking risks is inevitable!”

The voices of these zealous clan members grew louder and louder, their excitement contagious enough to sway others.

Tsunade’s eyes glinted with cold light as she listened. How do they know this much? she wondered.

The timing of their outburst couldn’t be more suspicious. It was obvious—there was someone within the Senju Clan feeding information to the upper echelons of Konoha.

Recalling her teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi’s typical manipulative tactics, Tsunade’s heart filled with icy disdain. Using others to stir the pot without lifting a finger—it’s just like him.

Just as the fervor among the clan members reached a fever pitch, a soft cough silenced the entire room.

“Mito-sama!”

“Grandmother!”

The crowd turned respectfully to Uzumaki Mito, who sat calmly to the side. She slowly opened her eyes and gazed at them with a serene expression.

“Tsunade has already reported the progress of the Wood Release experiment,” Mito began. Her tone was calm yet commanding, carrying a weight that instantly quelled the tension in the room.

“Despite two years of substantial financial investment, there has been no meaningful progress. With the shinobi world in its current state of turmoil, Konoha’s leadership is already considering halting this wasteful project.

“I don’t know where you’ve heard these rumors, but you all need to calm down.”

Her words struck like a hammer. The real reason behind their restlessness was now clear—the looming cancellation of the Wood Release project.

“Mito-sama, only by reviving the Wood Release can the Senju Clan reclaim its former glory!”

“Yes, Mito-sama! The Wood Release project cannot stop! If Konoha lacks the funds, the Senju Clan can provide them!”

Every clan had its share of radicals, those blinded by the allure of power. Among these voices, the mention of funding particularly enraged Tsunade.

How calculating, she thought bitterly. First, they want to use Senju cells for research. Then they manipulate Senju clan members into volunteering for human trials. And now, they’re even eyeing our funds? How shameless!

Mito, however, remained unperturbed. Her expression didn’t change as she let out a faint snort, silencing the room once again.

“Tsunade,” she said, turning her gaze to her granddaughter, “tell me the current progress of the Wood Release project. If these fearless individuals wish to volunteer for the experiments, what are the chances of success?”

Mito’s words seemed to validate the radicals’ stance, igniting a glimmer of hope in their eyes. They were more than willing to risk their lives for the experiment now that Mito appeared to support them.

Tsunade glanced at her grandmother, immediately understanding her intentions. Mito wasn’t siding with them—she was using this opportunity to expose the risks and calm the situation.

“Grandmother,” Tsunade began, her tone steady, “as I mentioned earlier, the Wood Release project has reached a bottleneck. While we’ve conducted numerous human trials, none have succeeded.

“However, we’ve discovered one thing: the stronger a subject’s willpower, the longer they can endure. In rare cases, some individuals exhibited signs of Wood Release before succumbing to death.”

The radicals latched onto the first part of her statement, their excitement evident. In contrast, the more cautious clan members focused on the latter, their expressions growing increasingly grave.

“This project has consumed more resources than any in Konoha’s history,” Tsunade continued. “The leadership is preparing to end it. Their plan is to conduct one final experiment, selecting loyal and strong-willed volunteers from within the village to undergo the procedure.”

Tsunade’s words sent a chill through the room. Mito nodded slightly, then turned to address the clan members.

“Now you’ve all heard the truth,” she said. “The choice is yours. As Tsunade stated, participation is voluntary. While it’s possible that those with Senju blood may have a slightly higher chance of success, you must weigh the risks carefully.

“Failure means your wives will lose their husbands, and your children will grow up without fathers.”

Mito’s calm yet cutting words struck a nerve. Those who had been tempted moments ago now hesitated, their thoughts turning to their families. The realization sank in: was this risk truly worth it?

The atmosphere shifted. The once feverish energy gave way to murmurs of doubt.

“I’ll volunteer!”

“I will too! For the chance to wield Wood Release, I’m willing to take the risk!”

“For the glory of the Senju Clan and the Will of Fire!”

Despite the warnings, seven individuals ultimately stepped forward. Among them was a man whose eyes gleamed with desperation.

“My son will also participate!” he declared. “His blood is purer than mine—he has a better chance of succeeding!”

“Are you insane? Your son is only sixteen!”

“Bah! You cowards don’t deserve the name Senju!”

The argument grew heated until Tsunade’s voice cut through like a blade.

“Enough!”

A terrifying surge of chakra radiated from her, silencing the room instantly.

In the past two years, Tsunade had pushed herself harder than ever before, sharpening her skills and strengthening her resolve. Once merely at the threshold of Kage-level power, she now stood firmly in its ranks.

“Tsunade-sama!”

The clan members stared at her in awe. For the first time, many realized that the Senju Clan had a true pillar to rely on.

Tsunade’s gaze swept across the room, cold and commanding. “The Wood Release project will remain voluntary. No one—no one—is allowed to force their children or family members to participate.

“If I find anyone breaking this rule, you will be expelled from the Senju Clan. Your surname will be stripped.”

Her icy glare landed squarely on the man who had spoken earlier. He clenched his fists, his face red with anger, but he didn’t dare speak again.

“Submit your applications if you wish to participate,” Tsunade continued. “Until the experiment begins, you still have time to reconsider. Spend it with your families and think carefully about whether this risk is worth taking.”

Her decisive tone left no room for argument. In that moment, it was clear that a new era for the Senju Clan had begun—one led by Tsunade.

Mito watched with quiet satisfaction. Tsunade’s strength, decisiveness, and resolve had surpassed her expectations. Under her leadership, the Senju Clan’s future was in capable hands.

---

While Tsunade and Mito brought order to the clan, in the shadows of Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi began selecting candidates for the final experiment. Unsurprisingly, his choices leaned toward those without families to leave behind.

…

At the same time, Uchiha Yosuke arrived at Tsunade’s laboratory.

“Tsunade-nee, you’ve been so busy lately.”

Yosuke’s tone was light and teasing, but inwardly, he was unsettled. After absorbing White Zetsu’s chakra, he could sense a familiar energy permeating the lab—Wood Release cells.

How many of these cells is Tsunade cultivating? he wondered.

Looking at the tall, golden-haired kunoichi before him, Yosuke forced a smile despite his unease.

“Tch, you brat,” Tsunade retorted with mock annoyance. “Just because you’ve grown up doesn’t mean you can meddle in my business.”

Though her words were sharp, there was a rare softness in her expression. For a moment, the weight of her responsibilities seemed to lift.

Their bond was complicated, unspoken but deeply understood.

“Tsunade-nee,” Yosuke said softly, “don’t overwork yourself. Even researchers need to rest.”

He stepped forward, his hands glowing with a faint green light as he began massaging her temples.

“Pfft, this technique might work on girls like Kushina and Mikoto, but it’s wasted on me.”

Despite her dismissive tone, Tsunade closed her eyes and allowed herself to relax, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

As Yosuke stood behind her, his expression grew serious. 'Tsunade is pushing herself too hard.' Even he couldn't help but sigh at it.