Late at night—
Inside Tsunade's room—
She sat across from Hoshino Yoru.
Yoru stared at her—
Without moving.
"…Didn't you come to talk about something?"
Tsunade finally broke the silence, unable to endure his gaze.
"Hurry up and say it."
She added with deliberate irritation,
"Or I'll throw you out."
Yoru withdrew his gaze—
His expression turning serious.
"Tsunade-nee… what is the Senju clan's stance on this war?"
"…Stance?"
Her brows furrowed.
"Of course we fully support the village."
"…But you understand," Yoru said slowly,
"This war… isn't really the village's decision."
"…What are you implying?"
Her frown deepened.
"You're smart. You already know."
Yoru smiled faintly.
"I leave for the frontlines tomorrow with the supply unit."
"I heard the commander there is Senra."
"I want you to write me a personal letter."
"…What kind of letter?"
Tsunade asked, puzzled.
Yoru's gaze sharpened.
"Don't let the Senju clan become the main force of the war."
Silence.
The Senju clan—
The undisputed strongest clan in Konoha at present.
Even the rising Uchiha—
Were still suppressed beneath them.
Countless elite shinobi.
And yet—
In the future—
They would be wiped out in war.
The founding clan of Konoha—
No one loved the village more than they did.
During the war—
While others hesitated—
The Senju charged forward.
Elite ninja died—
Then ordinary ninja—
Then even gifted children.
One by one.
Until nothing remained.
Even the heir—
Would fall on the battlefield.
And in the end—
The clan would fade from history.
…
Tsunade's pupils contracted sharply.
"Do you understand what kind of uproar your words would cause in the Senju clan?"
Her voice turned calm—
But heavy.
"The Senju founded Konoha."
"The First Hokage. The Second Hokage."
"All from our clan."
"Even the Third Hokage is my grand-uncle's disciple."
"We are the core of this village."
"When war comes—"
"How can we not give everything?!"
Her eyes locked onto Yoru's—
Firm.
Resolute.
At this point in time—
She had not yet lost faith in Konoha.
She still loved this village deeply.
Yoru's words—
Were almost unthinkable to her.
"This war—"
"Is a game between daimyo."
Yoru met her gaze without fear.
"Do you want the blood of the Senju—"
"To pay for the ambitions of politicians?!"
"They exploit your love for the village!"
"They send you to die meaningless deaths!"
"When you're all gone—what's left?"
"A memorial filled with Senju names?!"
His words—
Struck like needles.
"I'm not telling you to abandon the village."
"But if the Senju throw everything into this war—"
"Other clans will just watch."
"They'll preserve their own strength."
"Not everyone loves Konoha like the Senju do."
"They care about their own interests."
"Love… doesn't mean stupidity."
Every sentence—
Pierced Tsunade's heart.
These thoughts—
Had crossed the clan's mind before.
But their love for the village—
Always pushed them forward.
Again and again—
Into death.
"…I need to think."
Her face had gone pale.
"Slap!"
Her eyes widened—
As Yoru suddenly stepped forward—
And hugged her.
"Konoha isn't yours alone."
"All those clans should bear responsibility too."
"You idiot woman."
"Stop carrying everything on your shoulders."
His voice—
Soft.
Yet firm.
That pressure—
The expectations placed on her—
Since the death of Tobirama Senju—
Had always weighed her down.
This strong yet fragile woman—
Had been enduring it alone.
"…Then tell me."
She suddenly pushed him away—
Staring into his eyes.
"If not me—"
"Who will carry that burden?"
"I will."
Yoru didn't hesitate.
"I'll carry it with you."
Silence.
She looked at him—
Long and hard.
Then—
Suddenly stood—
And pushed him out the door.
"Hey! I'm serious!"
"Don't go too far! I have dignity too!"
Bang!
The door slammed shut.
"Tsunade-nee! What about what I said?!"
Yoru knocked on the door.
Rustling sounds came from inside.
After a moment—
A pale arm extended out—
Holding a scroll.
"Take it and leave!"
Her voice carried a hint of embarrassment and anger.
"If you want to act like a man—"
"You're a hundred years too early!"
"Hahaha!"
Yoru grabbed the scroll.
"Tsunade-nee—wait for me!"
"When I can truly carry that burden!"
Bang! Bang!
A pile of objects was thrown out at him.
Yoru quickly fled.
…
Inside the room—
Tsunade leaned against the door.
Her eyes slightly misty.
Yoru's words—
Had reminded her—
Of a man who once stood before her—
Like a mountain.
"…Brat."
Her soft murmur lingered—
Echoing in the quiet room.
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