Tsunade frowned slightly as the discussion turned to her.
"Tsunade, what's your opinion?" Hiruzen asked.
"Hmph! Understood."
She had initially wanted to refuse, but Aoyama Ryūun's earlier words echoed in her mind — "Becoming Hokage isn't just about power; you need achievements to prove your worth."
This war would be a perfect chance to earn those merits.
"Hmph!"
Koharu Utatane, still bitter from their earlier exchange, let out a sharp snort.
Most people would have ignored it, but Tsunade wasn't most people.
Her eyes narrowed. "What are you snorting at? Got a problem? If you're so capable, why don't you lead a squad yourself and fight Sunagakure?"
"You—!"
Koharu's face went pale. A battlefield? That was the last place she'd ever go. Sitting in Konoha drinking tea was much safer.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi preferred to stay in the village when possible.
"Alright, alright, both of you calm down," Hiruzen said helplessly.
If he weren't present, Tsunade might have actually punched an Elder through the wall.
Tsunade shot Koharu a final disdainful glance but held her tongue out of restraint.
Koharu, trembling from anger or fear—perhaps both—couldn't find the words to respond.
"Ahem. Tsunade, you'll be leading the medical and assault unit," Hiruzen said, shifting the topic. "You can choose the shinobi you wish to bring with you."
Other villages still needed protection, so not every ninja could be dispatched to the Suna front.
"Hmm. The usual—Ino–Shika–Chō," Tsunade replied without hesitation.
She had worked with the trio before; their coordination was impeccable.
"Lady Tsunade," said Nara Shikaku, stepping forward with a calm smile. Beside him, Inoichi Yamanaka and Chōza Akimichi both nodded in agreement.
Hiruzen gave a small approving nod. "Good choice. Anyone else?"
"Me! Tsunade, me!" Jiraiya blurted out immediately before she could respond.
Orochimaru said nothing, but his serpentine eyes flicked toward Tsunade as if silently volunteering.
Tsunade only sighed and rolled her eyes at Jiraiya's enthusiasm. Then, turning slightly, she looked at Aoyama Ryūun.
"Ryūun?" she asked quietly.
She didn't insist—she knew how dangerous the frontlines were. If he didn't want to go, she wouldn't force him.
But the way she looked at him… was unmistakable.
That pleading expression made Aoyama Ryūun smirk slightly.
"Let's go together. Besides, I wouldn't feel at ease if you went alone."
"D-Don't say such stupid things!" she snapped, though her tone carried no anger—only embarrassment.
Her cheeks were faintly red, her posture awkwardly defensive.
The entire room fell silent.
The clan heads exchanged bewildered glances.
Since when did the Princess of Konoha act like this?
Even Jiraiya stood frozen, eyes wide with disbelief.
Kato Dan's gone… and now there's Aoyama Ryūun? Kami, why is my love life cursed?
Even Hiruzen's expression flickered in confusion, his gaze shifting between Tsunade and Ryūun.
Realizing all the eyes on her, Tsunade immediately barked, "What are you all staring at, huh?!"
That familiar fire was back.
Everyone wisely looked away.
"Then it's settled," she said briskly. "Ino–Shika–Chō, Ryūun, and I will head to the Suna front."
Hiruzen nodded, satisfied. "Alright. Approved."
When it came to war, he wasn't one to argue.
---
Later, after everyone had left, silence returned to the Hokage's office.
Only Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado remained.
"That Tsunade is simply outrageous!" Koharu burst out, her voice trembling with fury. "Hiruzen, is this the student you raised?!"
She hadn't dared confront Tsunade directly, but she had no problem venting to Hiruzen. After all, unlike Tsunade, he wouldn't punch her.
Hiruzen said nothing, quietly lighting a cigarette. His mind was elsewhere.
"Tch," Danzo muttered, his expression full of disdain.
You didn't dare open your mouth while she was here, he thought coldly. Now you're yelling? Pathetic.
Danzo had long since lost respect for Koharu and Homura. In his eyes, they were weaklings who only knew how to talk.
"Hiruzen," Danzo said at last, "you noticed it too, didn't you?"
"Mm."
Hiruzen's expression turned grim as he exhaled smoke.
Koharu, still fuming, blinked in confusion. "Noticed what?"
Danzo's tone grew sharp. "Tsunade definitely knows something about Sakumo Hatake's death."
Otherwise, she wouldn't have spoken that way—openly blaming Konoha's higher-ups.
"This… that shouldn't be possible," Koharu said uncertainly. "That incident was classified. She couldn't have found out."
Danzo smirked faintly. "Heh. Don't underestimate her. Even if she doesn't know the full story about Sakumo… if she ever learns the truth behind the Senju Clan's decline—"
He didn't finish.
But everyone in the room understood what he meant.
If Tsunade—fiery, impulsive, and proud—ever discovered that the Senju's downfall had been orchestrated from within…
Then the entire balance of Konoha's power could crumble overnight.