After Dan Katō and Sarutobi Asuma landed, Tsunade immediately rushed forward!
Seeing this, Akimichi Chōza quickly stepped in front of her and said firmly, "Hokage-sama, please take command here. I'll handle them!"
Dan looked surprised. "Hokage-sama? Just now, they mentioned that the Hokage had arrived… they meant you, Tsunade?"
Tsunade nodded. "Ah. Yes, Dan."
Asuma looked at her with mixed emotions and sighed, "So Princess Tsunade has become Hokage. That's wonderful… Chōza, long time no see!"
Chōza gripped his staff and said calmly, "Yes, Asuma."
Dan stared at Chōza for a moment before realization hit him. "I see… you've grown up, Chōza!"
Chōza gritted his teeth and said, "Brother Dan… facing you, I have no choice but to grow bigger!"
Tsunade intervened, "Chōza, go deal with Asuma. Leave Dan to me."
Chōza glanced back at her, then nodded.
He knew Dan was stronger than him, and forcing himself to confront Dan would only lead to unnecessary risk. More importantly, he was aware that Hokage-sama and Dan had… a past. Perhaps it was better for them to settle it between themselves.
With a firm grip on his massive staff, Chōza growled, "Asuma, I'm coming!"
Asuma's body moved forward instinctively, and he shouted, "Alright! Chōza, how's Shikamaru doing?"
The two clashed as they spoke, weapons colliding with explosive force. Chōza answered, "Shikamaru was devastated after your death. But with Shikaku's encouragement, he pulled himself together. He inherited your will and became an excellent shinobi!"
"In this Fourth Great Ninja War, he's acting captain of the Fourth Division. He's currently leading half the unit to reinforce this battlefield! Oh—and Chōji and Ino are coming too!"
Asuma's eyes welled up with tears. He was filled with joy. Shikamaru had grown strong and independent. That was all he had ever wanted.
"To hear that they're coming here… maybe, just maybe… I'll get to see them again."
For a brief moment, Asuma didn't resent the Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei) technique. Instead, he felt grateful—grateful to see his students and his comrades again.
"Chōza… I can't control myself anymore. Please… stop me!"
Chōza roared, shifting into his Human Bullet Tank Mode, chakra surging through his body. "I know! I'm coming, Asuma!"
Elsewhere, more than twenty shinobi were surrounding a reanimated ninja. It was none other than the former head of the Hyūga Clan's Branch House, Hyūga Hizashi!
"Everyone, attack with full force! Throw everything you've got—leave no blind spots!" the squad leader shouted.
Weapons flew in all directions, an overwhelming assault from all sides.
But Hizashi remained calm, forming a hand seal.
"Rotation (Hakkeshō Kaiten)!"
He spun rapidly, releasing a dome of chakra that deflected all incoming attacks, scattering the kunai and shuriken into the trees and rocks around him.
As soon as the dust settled, a figure appeared before him. It was Hyūga Hiashi, the current clan head of the Hyūga.
Though Hizashi had been brought back via Edo Tensei, the Caged Bird Seal still burned on his forehead—a cruel reminder of his position in life.
He looked at Hiashi with sorrow and guilt in his eyes.
"Brother… I'm sorry. As a Branch House member, I was meant to protect the Main House. But now, I stand against you. Maybe this is my punishment… for resenting the Main Family."
"I can't control this body. Even the will that let me die for the village has been overridden. Please… tell Neji… I didn't die for the Main House. I died to protect him—his comrades, his future, and the village. That was my choice."
"…Perhaps this is the fate I could never escape as a Branch House member."
Hiashi's face grew stern. He raised both arms and shouted, "There is no such fate! Your son has fought against that idea all his life—and so has my daughter!"
Hizashi's eyes widened. "Neji? Lady Hinata? They…?"
Hiashi nodded firmly. "They are fighting side by side now, facing this war and defying fate together. They're en route with the rest of the unit—they'll be here soon!"
Hearing that Neji was coming, Hizashi's heart quivered.
So… I can see my son again?
Back on the frontline.
Dan and Tsunade stood across from each other, their eyes locked.
In that moment, time seemed to rewind, carrying them back to their youth, before war and loss and sacrifice.
Dan looked at her, smiling softly. "Tsunade… you've fulfilled my dream."
Tears formed in Tsunade's eyes.
Yes, Dan—the man she had once loved deeply. The man she'd never had a chance to confess to, not properly. His dream had always been to become Hokage… to protect the village… to save lives. But that dream had taken his life on the battlefield.
Tsunade wiped her eyes and said gently, "Dan… there's something I always wanted to say but never did. Now that you've returned, I don't want to carry this regret any longer."
She took a deep breath.
"I've always loved you."
Dan smiled, nodding slowly. "I know. I always knew. But I ignored it, because I was chasing my dream. I'm sorry, Tsunade."
Tsunade smiled back, calm and composed. "It's alright. You'll always remain in the memories of my youth… standing at that crossroads when I was eighteen."
"Oh, and by the way…" she added with a small smirk. "I have good news. I found someone who truly loves me."
Dan blinked. "…Is it Jiraiya?"
Tsunade was surprised. "How… how did you know?"
Dan chuckled. "That guy's been following you around since we were kids. Always chasing after you, always confessing his love. Even a fool could see it. If it's him… I'm relieved."
Dan felt truly at peace. He had died before he could protect the one he loved. That was why he hadn't accepted her love then—he feared he couldn't shield it. But now, knowing she had found someone loyal, someone strong… he was content.
He knew who Jiraiya was—a pervert, yes, but also one of the most loyal and brave men in Konoha. If anyone could make Tsunade happy, it was him.
Tsunade's smile deepened. Ever since Naruto had saved Jiraiya from Amegakure, she realized who she truly cherished.
Jiraiya had once made a ridiculous bet: if he survived his mission to Amegakure, she had to accept his love.
At the time, she'd laughed it off. But now, she knew—if Naruto hadn't intervened, Jiraiya would've died there.
Her gambling luck had always been terrible, but this time… losing had never felt so good.
One night, she gave herself to him. Let him see the side of her he'd only dreamed of for years.
Thinking about Jiraiya's reaction made her laugh. The so-called Pervy Sage, always boasting about his experiences, turned out to be a total amateur in love.
Turns out, all his bravado was just an act. He had never truly known a woman—and certainly not one like her.
Looking at Tsunade's genuine smile, Dan felt warmth in his chest. It was good. So good.
But suddenly, a grim expression overtook his face. His chakra flared violently.
"No! I can't control my body—Tsunade, be careful!"
Tsunade's expression turned serious as she assumed her stance. "I know, Dan. I'll stop you… myself!"
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