Chapter 128

Chapter 128

**Chapter 128: Noble Flower = Beauty, Resources, Connections, Status**

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**Inside the Secret Chamber**

“Tsunade-nee, I really don’t know much. Ever since Elder Setsuna disappeared, that trail went cold. Based on my secret investigations, it seems that Elder Setsuna’s influence was cut off even earlier...

What I do know is that the current leadership, lacking sufficient strength, has grown wary of the great clans like the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga,” Uchiha Yosuke spoke in a subdued tone, carefully piecing together his words.

Tsunade, however, let out a mocking laugh.

“Lacking strength, yet blaming others? Instead of looking inward, they focus on weakening the major clans. If they can’t do their jobs properly, they should step aside and let someone competent take over!”

Her disdain for the current Hokage leadership was palpable. To her, the system had rotted to its core.

Uchiha Yosuke silently agreed. His observations weren’t baseless; under the leadership of the Third Hokage, policies had clearly aimed at eroding the power of the major clans.

It made sense from their perspective—uncontrollable strength poses a threat. But for someone like Yosuke, a scion of one of those clans, such measures were intolerable. The events of the original story confirmed it: the Uchiha were annihilated, the Senju had faded into obscurity, and even the once-mighty Hyuga had been subdued into mediocrity.

In the end, Konoha’s leadership consolidated their power over a village dominated by smaller clans and obedient pawns.

“Enough of this deflection! What about the Wood Release? Don’t think I’ve forgotten!”

Tsunade crossed her arms, exasperated. She knew this game all too well: obedient in front of her, defiant the moment her back was turned.

Yosuke scratched his head sheepishly. “Tsunade-nee, I’ve only recently uncovered some leads—it’s nowhere near as detailed as what you’ve found...”

His feigned innocence didn’t fool Tsunade for a second.

Clearly, the enigmatic Uchiha Madara had been orchestrating events from the shadows. The recent incident with Uzumaki Kushina wasn’t just about accelerating Yosuke’s growth—it also involved Tsunade.

The "coincidence" of Yosuke acquiring a technique to fuse his ninjutsu, taijutsu, and kenjutsu was too convenient to ignore. Similarly, the fact that Tsunade herself uncovered traces of the Wood Release hinted at a calculated ploy to draw her deeper into the village’s murky politics.

“Really?” Tsunade arched an eyebrow, her gaze sharp as a blade.

Yosuke nodded vigorously. “Really! I swear, Tsunade-nee, that’s the truth. You have to believe me.”

She gave him a skeptical glance but decided to let it slide—this time.

“Hmph! I’ll let you off for now, but hear this.”

Yosuke nodded obediently, but before he could respond, Tsunade enveloped him in a warm embrace.

“You’re not alone in this. The darkness of the village isn’t yours to bear alone.”

Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she clung to the boy who had grown taller than her. Memories of their first meeting flashed through her mind—a brash, naive child who had taken on far more responsibility than he should have.

“Mm.”

Yosuke replied with equal gentleness, though he could feel her grip tighten, leaving him momentarily flustered.

Tsunade laughed suddenly, stepping back to look him over. “Hah! Don’t get any ideas, kid. I’m not that easy to win over.”

“You’re healing well,” she added, changing the subject. “Your bloodline fusion is progressing smoothly, and that hereditary illness of yours should be gone in about a year. But what’s with this insane chakra growth lately? It’s almost unnatural.”

She paused thoughtfully. “It must be a side effect of your bloodline fusion. Take this time to train hard. Once the medical division stabilizes, don’t waste your energy on petty political games. In the ninja world, strength is what matters most.”

Her words were tinged with determination. Having studied countless secret scrolls recently, Tsunade had come to a harsh realization: at a certain level of power, most problems become irrelevant.

If she awakened the Wood Release—if she had even half of her grandfather’s strength, or perhaps just a fraction of her second uncle’s power—she’d sweep aside the so-called leadership without a second thought.

“Yes, Tsunade-nee. I understand,” Yosuke replied dutifully, though his gaze betrayed his curiosity.

He noticed a shift in Tsunade’s demeanor—her unwavering determination and the gleam of ambition in her eyes. 'Madara’s schemes are working. Tsunade’s desire for strength is growing stronger,' he thought, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

A powerful Tsunade, armed with the full legacy of the Senju, was an ally even Konoha’s corrupt leadership would fear.

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**Outside the Chamber**

The group reconvened around the open scroll of forbidden jutsu. Uzumaki Kushina’s excitement was palpable.

“Tsunade-nee! I’m choosing this one—*Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags*! It even ties into sealing techniques, and I have plenty of explosive tags to spare!”

Her grin was wide as she pointed to the jutsu on the scroll.

Tsunade frowned, cautioning her. “This jutsu is ranked A for difficulty, but it’s forbidden for a reason. The user is often caught in the blast.

“If your opponent realizes what you’re doing, they’ll likely choose a suicide attack to stop you.”

Kushina dismissed the warning with a wave. “Tsunade-nee, you’re forgetting—I have an enormous chakra reserve and excel at shadow clones. With Nine-Tails’ power, I’ll be fine!”

Tsunade sighed but eventually nodded. Kushina had a point. If someone forced her to use this jutsu, it would already be a life-or-death situation. Better to be prepared than helpless.

“Fine. I’ll provide the full scroll later.”

“Thank you, Tsunade-nee!” Kushina practically jumped into her arms like an excited kangaroo. Tsunade couldn’t help but smile at her infectious energy.

“And you two?” she asked, glancing at Yosuke and Mikoto.

Before Mikoto could answer, Kushina blurted out, “Mikoto chose *Genjutsu: Darkness Illusion Technique*! She’ll be amazing at it.”

Mikoto nodded demurely. “Thank you, Lady Tsunade.”

Tsunade appreciated Mikoto’s modesty—she had chosen a technique within her capabilities, demonstrating both ambition and restraint.

As Yosuke approached the scroll, Kushina gave him a sly wink and pointed at *Flying Thunder God Technique*. “Tsunade-nee! It’s only fair Yosuke learns this jutsu too. Minato got to learn it just for completing a few A-rank missions. Let’s see who masters it first!”

Tsunade’s brow furrowed. “Flying Thunder God is highly specialized. If you lack a natural affinity for space-time ninjutsu, don’t waste your time.”

Despite her warning, she handed Yosuke the introductory portion of the scroll. Oddly, she felt no hesitation in sharing such a powerful technique with him.

“Fine. If you have the talent, prove it. Just don’t overreach, kid.”

Yosuke bowed gratefully.

“Tsunade-nee, thank you. Kushina, you too.”

Kushina flushed slightly but masked it with a cheerful grin. “Don’t mention it, Yosuke. Just stay safe, okay?”

Looking at the three women—Tsunade, Mikoto, and Kushina—Yosuke had a sudden epiphany.

'Noble flowers aren’t just beautiful—they bring resources, connections, and status. With these three by my side, Konoha’s future is within reach.'

His lips curved into a faint smile.

“Thank you, all of you.”

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**Later That Evening**

In the Uzumaki household, Mito sat beside Kushina, stroking her hair.

“Tsunade, I never thought you’d let an Uchiha learn techniques designed to counter their own clan,” Mito mused.

Tsunade smirked. “Those days are long gone, Grandma. Let the current leadership deal with the Uchiha if they want. We’ve done enough.”

Mito chuckled. “You’re so much like your grandfather, Hashirama. Yet you have a shrewdness even Tobirama would admire. Perhaps these bonds with Yosuke, Mikoto, and Kushina are exactly what Konoha needs.”

As the room settled into silence, one thought lingered in Mito’s mind: 'Yosuke is a rare Uchiha—perhaps the best of them.'

Meanwhile, Kushina blushed, her mind racing. 'I’m just helping Yosuke... right?'

Three women, three hearts, and a tangle of unspoken feelings.

(Chapter End)