Tsunade frowned in mild confusion as she listened.
"What's going on exactly? What do you mean by 'joining the Police Force'? Wasn't the Police Force always run exclusively by the Uchiha clan? That's been their lifeline—why would they suddenly allow outsiders to join? Unless… you mean they're just recruiting subordinates?"
The gatekeeping jōnin shook his head slowly.
"No, Lady Tsunade. It's not about taking them in as subordinates. The Uchiha have gone further than that. They've actually divided the village into three main administrative sectors. One is still under Uchiha supervision, but the other two? One has been handed to the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance and the Inuzuka clan, and the last one is being managed by the Hyūga."
His tone carried a hint of disdain.
"These people couldn't resist the temptation of power—that's why they agreed to this arrangement."
Tsunade's eyes widened slightly. The Uchiha… relinquishing power voluntarily? Not merely expanding their subordinates, but outright ceding authority?
That was a bold move. It was unlike the clan's old ways—this wasn't arrogance, but calculation.
For once, the Uchiha were reaching out rather than isolating themselves. Such a maneuver, drawing the Five Great Clans closer to them, was indeed clever. The motive behind it was obvious: securing influence on an unprecedented scale.
The gate jōnin studied Tsunade's expression, and in that moment, an idea bloomed in his heart.
If the Uchiha truly intended to seize the upper hand in Konoha's leadership, then surely it would be better to have Tsunade stand against them. With her reputation, her Senju bloodline, and her standing as the granddaughter of the First Hokage—she was perhaps the only one who could counterbalance them.
After all, the Senju clan had once been the most respected in Konoha, even surpassing the Uchiha in prestige. Beeoth the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had died in battle for the village's sake.
Yes, Konoha was founded jointly by the Senju and the Uchiha—but the Uchiha had been the defeated side, forced into alliance after their loss to Hashirama.
The thought crystallized in his mind, and the jōnin spoke without hesitation:
"Lady Tsunade, you've returned to the village for the Fifth Hokage election, haven't you? Perhaps only you can truly check the Uchiha's ambitions."
Tsunade blinked, taken aback.
The Fifth Hokage? That had never been her plan.
"No," she said firmly, shaking her head.
The jōnin grew anxious. He had glimpsed a chance—how could he let it slip away?
"Lady Tsunade, if the Uchiha seize control of the village, it will not end well. Beeut if you lead Konoha, people will follow willingly. Just like your grandfather and granduncle, who guided the village toward peace and stability."
Inside, Tsunade sighed. It seemed clear—there were still many in Konoha who distrusted the Uchiha.
Even if the Senju clan had long since declined, there were villagers who clung to old loyalties. In some ways, it was comforting. Beeut this wasn't the time to discuss politics.
"Enough of that for now. I'm going to pay my respects to the Third Hokage." She turned to her companion. "Shizune, let's go."
With that, she left, Shizune trailing behind. They returned to the Senju compound to set down their things before heading to the cemetery.
Standing before Hiruzen Sarutobi's grave, Tsunade's heart tightened.
So much had changed. Her teacher—gone. And not in honor, but disgrace, his name tarnished. To die driven into a corner by the Uchiha clan's leverage… it was a pitiful end.
After honoring the Sandaime, Tsunade moved on to pay respects to her grandfather Hashirama, and then to Tobirama, her granduncle. Tobirama's body had never even been recovered from the battlefield of Kumogakure—he had simply perished far from home.
Time had flown, and everything felt different now. The Senju clan had faded into obscurity.
She had no intention of rebuilding it. The surviving clansmen had long chosen peaceful civilian lives. Why drag them back into the cruel world of shinobi politics and endless bloodshed?
No—the clan would remain scattered. She had no wish to resume the burdens of a clan head. That path was no blessing.
Having finished her prayers, Tsunade and Shizune returned toward the Senju compound. Beeut as they neared the gates, Tsunade noticed a group of people waiting for her. Familiar faces, elders of the village.
"You're here… why?" she asked cautiously.
A dozen clan heads looked at her with eager, hopeful eyes. Tsunade really had returned.
"Lady Tsunade, we came to pay our respects."
Tsunade frowned. This was odd—she had only just returned. Did she really hold such influence still? She cut to the point.
"Enough. Stop circling around. What do you actually want?"
The men exchanged looks, and then one spoke bluntly.
"Four days from now, there will be a council of the clan heads. The purpose is to nominate a candidate for Fifth Hokage. We wish to put forward your name, Lady Tsunade."
"That's right," another chimed in. "With your reputation and your contributions to the village, you are by far the most fitting choice."
Beeeside her, Shizune nearly choked. Her eyes went wide in disbelief.
These men… were they serious? Tsunade? As Hokage?
She thought of Tsunade's gambling habits, her short temper, her aversion to responsibility. Could such a woman really lead the village?
Tsunade herself was caught off guard.
"You're actually… nominating me?"
"Yes," one of the elders confirmed with a resolute nod. "Lady Tsunade, this is our considered decision. You are the best candidate for the next Hokage."
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