Chapter 63 – Feeling of Dissociation
"Hmph, kid, you're not even a Ninja. Don't talk big here!"
Naruto's words struck a nerve in Tsunade. Memories of her younger brother, Nawaki, and his tragic end flashed before her eyes, and she instinctively scoffed.
Naruto, however, didn't flinch. He looked at the big-chested woman beside Shizune who had spoken, rubbed the goggles on his head, and chuckled.
"I'm studying at the Ninja Academy. Once I graduate, I'll become a Ninja. Even if I'm not one yet, I'll work hard to become Hokage!"
Beside him, Sasuke spoke quietly, "Naruto, let's go home."
Though he disliked Naruto, Sasuke couldn't allow others to mock his dream. Naruto had become, whether he wanted to admit it or not, a part of his family.
"Oh!" Naruto thanked Shizune again before running off, but Shizune quickly called him back.
She handed him a few dango, stolen from Tsunade, smiling.
"Study hard at the Academy, okay? I look forward to the day you become Hokage."
Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Shizune! I will!"
Sasuke called again, "Naruto!"
"Coming!" Naruto waved vigorously at Shizune, then dashed after Sasuke.
Shizune chuckled, poked Tonton, and noticed Tsunade glaring at her. Quickly, she gave an awkward laugh and ordered more dango: "Owner, four more skewers… no, ten more skewers!"
Finally satisfied, Tsunade allowed it. Using my dango to get favors—quite capable! she thought.
"Let's go," Tsunade said, munching on a skewer.
Shizune picked up Tonton nervously.
"Lady Tsunade, are we going home?"
"No, the Hokage Building first." Tsunade's tone was indifferent.
Shizune's heart sank. Lady Tsunade was about to stir trouble again.
After walking a while, Shizune whispered, "Lady Tsunade… I think we're being watched."
Tsunade glanced casually, amused.
You just noticed?
She thought back to the blond kid from earlier—Naruto. Astonishing chakra, almost certainly the new Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki.
Strange… would the Village really allow a Jinchuriki to wander freely?
The old man—Minato—would have controlled him strictly. But now, it was the Uchiha Clan in charge. With those eyes, control was unnecessary.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed. Uchiha Fugaku had probably activated his Mangekyō Sharingan to eliminate the old Hokage. Only sending observers to monitor her now meant he intended no harm.
Her confidence stemmed from her background: granddaughter of the First Hokage, princess of the Senju, Tsunade-hime, and a Konoha Sannin. Though the Senju clan no longer existed, her influence remained. Many villagers had benefited from her medical ninjutsu, and she knew Uchiha Fugaku wouldn't dare defy public opinion.
So, instead of rushing to the Hokage Building, Tsunade leisurely toured the village with Shizune.
The villagers they passed smiled warmly, unaware of the political tension. Opinions about the new Hokage? Positive. For them, peace mattered more than titles.
Tsunade paused, stunned. She let out a deep sigh. "Forget it, Shizune. Let's go."
Shizune, nervous, asked, "Are we still going to the Hokage Building?"
"No. We're leaving the Village." Tsunade's glare left no room for argument.
"Ah?" Shizune hesitated. "It's late… why not stay one night and leave tomorrow? We could… visit my uncle's grave."
The image of the blond kid confidently declaring he would become Hokage flashed through Tsunade's mind. Her heart skipped a beat. She softened.
"Alright, one night then."
Shizune's face brightened. "Yay! So… are we going home now?"
Tsunade wandered Asakusa Street, her attention caught by a pink glowing sign.
Pansi Cave?
Curiosity sparked. "Come on, Shizune, let's take a look."
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