Tsunade shot Ryoma a disdainful glance.
"Judging by your greed for life and fear of death, even if the administration assigned missions here, they wouldn't put them in your hands!"
Uzumaki Mito gave Tsunade a sharp look.
"Tsunade-hime, don't talk like that. If the administration doesn't assign Ryoma a mission, then leave it at that. But don't say more than necessary in the future."
Tsunade frowned.
"Grandma, you actually want Ryoma going on missions? I don't agree. Even if he wants to, at least wait until Kushina has a child first!"
Ryoma froze. Huh? Did she just say that out loud?
Why does it sound like I've become some kind of… breeding stallion?
Wait, I can't go on missions until Kushina has a child?
The strangest part was that Tsunade's words… were exactly what Ryoma wanted to hear.
Kushina's face flushed crimson, her fingers twisting nervously as she glared at Ryoma.
How could Tsunade-senpai say such a thing?!
Uzumaki Mito's voice cut through the awkward air.
"Tsunade, if you speak like this, what will others think of the Senju clan?
Konoha's foundation is that the village comes first. Everyone is a shinobi of the village—there are no exceptions.
Besides, Ryoma is a future Hokage candidate. He may say he doesn't want the position, that he'd rather support Kushina becoming Hokage—but if he retreats from missions like this, how could anyone respect him as Hokage?"
Tsunade pouted.
"Hmph. It's better than dying."
"You still think Nawaki's death and Dan's death were just accidents," Mito said quietly.
"I don't know if they were accidents," Tsunade snapped, her voice heavy with pain, "but I don't want another tragedy. Ryoma is the only remaining male of the Senju line."
Ryoma blinked, stunned. Wasn't Tsunade always criticizing me? When did she suddenly start standing on my side?
Tsunade wasn't done.
"Besides, with Ryoma's strength, once our teacher retires, and with the support of me and Grandma, he'll definitely become Hokage!"
"Foolish girl," Mito scolded.
"Do you really think strength and family backing are enough? You're still too naïve!"
Ryoma tilted his head slightly, thoughtful at her words.
Mito continued, her tone calm but firm.
"The Hokage is chosen by all the shinobi of the village, not by force alone. It isn't about who is strongest—it's about who the entire village acknowledges in their hearts.
Tsunade, think back. Uchiha Madara once sought the Hokage's seat. Was he not strong? His strength rivaled Hashirama's, yet why did your grandfather become Hokage instead?
It wasn't the Senju clan's manipulation—it was the will of the entire village. Even the Uchiha themselves doubted Madara.
So tell me again, is it really just about being the strongest?"
Ryoma's eyes sharpened, realization dawning.
So that's how it is… No wonder so many questions never made sense before.
Why hadn't Orochimaru become Hokage? Was it really because the Third Hokage handpicked Minato? No—most of Konoha would never accept someone like Orochimaru as their leader.
The Hokage isn't chosen by strength alone—it's chosen by the hearts of the people.
Subtle, but profound.
Tsunade folded her arms, pouting.
"Grandma, I understand all that. But what does it have to do with what I said? If Ryoma refuses missions, what will the village think of him? What will they think of the Senju? And then you still expect him to compete for Hokage?"
Mito softened slightly.
"Of course it's too early to speak of that now. Ryoma, you should first accumulate battle merits and build connections with the jōnin of the village."
Too early? Ryoma thought. No—it's not early at all.
Everyone assumed peace would last, but war was on the horizon. Soon, a new shinobi world war would break out. After that battle, Hiruzen would step down, and the Fourth Hokage would be chosen.
That would be the time for Ryoma… and for Kushina's chance at Hokage.
"Grandma, you arrange it as you see fit. I don't care to bother," Tsunade said at last, though her tone was sour.
Then, turning to Kushina, she smirked mischievously.
"And you, Kushina… really now, Ryoma daring to propose to you? Like some shameless flower trying to marry into our family!"
"T-Tsunade-senpai!" Kushina yelped, her face burning bright red.
At that moment, Jiraiya arrived.
His face was still wrapped in bandages—the result of his last unfortunate run-in.
"Ryoma…"
Hearing Jiraiya call his name, Ryoma's eyes narrowed slightly. A premonition welled up inside him.
Am I about to be sent to war?
He didn't feel fear—if anything, a faint anticipation stirred in his chest.
But before Jiraiya could continue, Tsunade cut him off.
"Jiraiya! You be the judge! Ryoma actually proposed to my little sister, Kushina. Tell me—is one flower enough to deserve her?"
Jiraiya scratched his cheek awkwardly, wincing at the bandages.
"Well… I think it's fine…"
He never finished the thought.
Bang!
Tsunade's fist slammed into his face, sending him flying straight out of the courtyard.
A heavy crash echoed outside.
Ten minutes later, Jiraiya sat in front of Ryoma again, his face now completely covered in fresh bandages. His cheeks were swollen so badly he was nearly unrecognizable.
"Ryoma," Jiraiya wheezed, "I actually came here because there's a mission for you."
Ryoma leaned forward slightly.
"Is it something to do with Kirigakure?"
Jiraiya gave a slow nod.
"Yeah. Seems you're pretty well informed. The turmoil in the Hidden Mist has caused a lot of civilian shinobi to flee the village.
The Bloody Mist's Seven Ninja Swordsmen have been conducting ruthless purges, and now life for civilian-born ninja there has become unbearable."
Ryoma frowned.
"So our mission is to rescue them?"
Jiraiya shook his head.
"No… we don't have the manpower to save everyone. This mission is to secure one person. Just one."
His expression grew serious.
"She's a young girl—but already, she possesses two kekkei genkai."
Ryoma's eyes widened.
Two bloodline limits?
He immediately understood who this girl must be.
...
TN:
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