The setting sun cast its amber glow through the window, illuminating the solemn and commanding face of Sarutobi Hiruzen. The Third Hokage sat at his desk, eyes fixed on the document before him, yet his mind was adrift in contemplation. His pupils, flickering with shifting thoughts, concealed the weight of his responsibilities.
At this time, Sarutobi Hiruzen was in his prime far from the aging, wearied man he would become in later years. His body radiated restrained yet undeniable power, a testament to his title as the "Professor" of Ninjutsu and the ruler of the most formidable ninja village in the world. If there was a single individual who could claim to be the most powerful in the Shinobi world at this moment, it was undoubtedly him.
Suddenly
"Boom! Boom! Boom!!"
A series of loud, forceful knocks echoed through the office, shaking the doorframe. Sarutobi Hiruzen briefly wondered if the door would withstand such an assault. It was rare for anyone to knock so unceremoniously at the Hokage's office, yet here it was, as if the person outside had little regard for propriety.
"Come in."
Despite the rudeness, the Third Hokage was not angry. In fact, his expression held a touch of helplessness. No matter how structured a system was, there were always one or two individuals who defied authority without fear.
"Bang!"
The door swung open violently, slamming against the wall. The sheer force of the impact suggested that the visitor wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. A figure exuding frustration strode in, taking a seat on the sofa opposite the Hokage without even sparing him a glance.
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned slightly at the audacious behavior but, upon seeing the vexed yet youthful face before him, his expression softened.
"Still brooding over what happened?"
He spoke in a rare, gentle tone, attempting to soothe the person before him. However, the recipient of his words showed no appreciation.
"If you want someone to get married, marry yourself!"
"I refuse to be part of a marriage arrangement decided by the village!"
The voice was both fierce and melodious, filled with the vigor of youth. One could easily picture a strong-willed, energetic girl just from the way she spoke.
Hearing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed inwardly and finally turned his full attention to the young woman before him.
The setting sun bathed her fair, jade-like face in golden light, giving her an almost divine radiance. The diamond-shaped Strength of a Hundred Seal on her forehead only enhanced her regal appearance, adding a sense of nobility and mystery to her beauty.
Her long, golden-blonde hair cascaded like a waterfall, shimmering with brilliance, a stark contrast to the fire in her piercing blue eyes. She possessed a stunning, graceful yet powerful physique, with a striking hourglass figure that seemed to embody both feminine charm and warrior strength. Every aspect of her presence was captivating, making it apparent why she was hailed as the greatest beauty of her generation.
At this moment, Senju Tsunade, the granddaughter of the First Hokage and the only remaining Senju of her generation, was staring at Sarutobi Hiruzen with unfiltered defiance.
"Tsunade, you must understand… this isn't just about the village's decision."
"The Senju Clan is dwindling. You, as its last remaining heir, have a duty to secure its future. Both Hashirama and Tobirama would be relieved if you "
Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could finish, Tsunade slammed her hands on the desk, the force of her superhuman strength causing the wooden surface to creak.
"No! I'm still young! Let Nawaki inherit the clan if you care so much about the Senju legacy!"
Her declaration was fierce and unwavering, like a queen refusing an unwanted suitor. She stood tall, her powerful aura making it clear that she had no intention of backing down.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled slowly, shaking his head.
For all his authority as Hokage, there was little he could do against Tsunade's stubbornness. She wasn't just another shinobi; she was the Senju princess, the last living proof of Hashirama Senju's bloodline, and one of his own direct disciples. He had watched her grow up, trained her, and deep down, he held a soft spot for her perhaps too soft.
"Tsunade, I won't force you… but you must acknowledge the responsibility your lineage carries."
"You don't represent only yourself. You are the last of Senju's glory."
His words struck deep. Tsunade's fierce expression faltered, and for a moment, a look of frustration and conflict crossed her face.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was right. She enjoyed the prestige of being a Senju, but that same name also came with a burden she could never fully escape.
Her fists clenched at her sides.
"…Damn it," she muttered under her breath, her fiery energy dimming slightly.
Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen decided not to press her further. Instead, he changed the subject.
"You don't need to make a decision now. The village won't rush you. Dan Kato is a talented ninja with a good heart. You should at least meet him."
Tsunade's brows furrowed at the mention of Dan Kato, but before she could protest, Sarutobi Hiruzen shifted gears entirely.
"That being said, I didn't call you here just to talk about this. I have a mission for you."
Tsunade's gaze sharpened.
A high-level mission?
That piqued her interest.
"The details are in this scroll."
"Since it's classified, you must go alone."
"I have full confidence in your strength, but be cautious."
Sarutobi Hiruzen tossed a sealed scroll to her, which she caught effortlessly. Without hesitation, Tsunade opened it and scanned the contents. Once she finished reading, she burned the scroll, leaving no trace of its existence.
"…Understood."
She turned to leave without another word, her mood subdued yet resolute.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched as she strode out, her once rebellious aura replaced by contemplative silence.
As the office door closed behind her, his eyes darkened with concern.
The life of a shinobi is never free.
Even someone as brilliant and strong-willed as Tsunade couldn't escape the chains of fate.
With a weary sigh, he turned back to the intelligence reports on his desk.
The latest updates from Anbu operatives in Amegakure were deeply troubling.
In recent days, a disturbing number of Konoha's informants within Rain Country had gone silent. Given the recent unusual movements of Hanzō the Salamander and his forces, it was clear that something was brewing.
Three days ago, Konoha's last remaining spy in Amegakure managed to send one final report before disappearing without a trace.
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a chill creep up his spine.
Something dangerous was happening in Rain Country.
It was imperative to send someone capable and trusted to investigate.
And for this task, he had chosen Tsunade the Ace of Konoha.
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