"Of course not!"
Tsunade shook her head decisively.
Tsunade definitely trusted Aoyama Ryuyun, but if the Hidden Mist Village truly declared war on Konoha, then Konoha would find itself in a situation of one against four.
Tsunade even doubted whether Konoha could withstand the combined power of the other Shinobi Villages.
"Don't worry."
Seeing Tsunade's concern, Aoyama Ryuyun smiled faintly. He fastened Kureki and Sakuraju at his waist and spoke with quiet confidence.
"Trust me. No matter who the enemy is, as long as I'm here, Konoha will not lose. I'll use this war to show the entire Ninja World—"
He paused, his gaze sharp and determined.
"—that this era belongs to the Golden Lion!"
"..."
Tsunade looked at Aoyama Ryuyun in silence, her eyes briefly filled with infatuation.
It was that confident smile — the same one that had captured her heart from the very beginning.
"I believe you. I've believed in you from the very start."
Facing such sincerity, Aoyama Ryuyun smiled and gently tapped Tsunade's forehead.
"Brother Liu Yun!"
"Lord Liu Yun! Lady Tsunade!"
Just as the two exchanged smiles, unwilling to break the rare tranquility, the familiar voices of Kurenai Yuhi and Shizune came from outside the courtyard.
Kurenai, looking slightly flustered, jogged over. Shizune followed behind, calmer by comparison, though a faint worry still lingered between her brows.
"What's wrong?"
Aoyama Ryuyun looked toward them curiously.
"It's the village — it suddenly seems to have fallen into chaos!"
Kurenai and Shizune both turned to Aoyama Ryuyun, their faces tense.
Having just graduated and been assigned to D-rank missions with their teams, they were confused when their assignments were abruptly canceled.
Their squad leaders had suddenly gathered elsewhere, and the entire Academy's new squads were being recalled. The atmosphere in the village had shifted — tense, almost foreboding.
That was why Kurenai and Shizune had hurried back.
"The village isn't in chaos," Aoyama Ryuyun said calmly. "The village is entering a state of readiness for war."
"Readiness for war?"
The words made both Kurenai and Shizune fall silent, their youthful faces turning pale.
"So… does that mean war is coming?"
Though they were newly minted Genin, they weren't ignorant. But this would be their first time facing a real battlefield — and the weight of that realization left them stunned.
Seeing Kurenai's dazed expression, Tsunade smirked teasingly.
"Oh? Aren't you usually the brave one? Why are you scared now? If you go out like this, don't tell anyone you're Senju Tsunade's disciple — I'd be embarrassed!"
"You—!"
Though her words weren't exactly comforting, they did the job.
Kurenai no longer looked so frightened; instead, she puffed out her cheeks indignantly.
"Hmph! I'm not scared! I'll get stronger, and then I'll be the one protecting Brother Liu Yun!"
Her tone was firm — clearly, that was her genuine belief.
Tch. That's going to be difficult for you, Tsunade thought silently.
It was good to have ambition, but surpassing Aoyama Ryuyun was another matter entirely.
Aoyama Ryuyun, however, didn't discourage her. He only smiled faintly.
"As for protecting me — we'll talk about that when you're stronger. For now, just stay by my side during this war."
"Eh?! I can be with Brother Liu Yun?"
Kurenai's eyes widened in surprise. She hadn't expected to join the war alongside him.
"Of course. If I let you go to the battlefield alone, I wouldn't be at ease."
War wasn't a game — one mistake could mean death.
"Hehe!"
Kurenai couldn't hide her joy. Her earlier fear melted away completely.
If she could fight beside Aoyama Ryuyun, she felt she had nothing to fear.
"Oh, by the way!" she suddenly said, turning to Shizune. "What about her? Will Shizune be with us too?"
Shizune, quieter and more reserved than Kurenai, had also become a Genin and was expected to join the battlefield.
Aoyama Ryuyun glanced at her kindly.
"Of course. You're both my people — I'll take care of you."
"Eh!"
Shizune blinked, caught off guard. She had assumed Aoyama Ryuyun only had eyes for Kurenai.
Just as she was about to respond, Tsunade interjected.
"Hold it right there! You can take Yuhi, but Shizune stays with me!"
"Hmm?"
Aoyama Ryuyun looked at her in mild surprise.
"What? I'm a Kage-level shinobi — can't I protect one Genin on the battlefield?"
"Honestly."
He wasn't convinced. Tsunade clearly had other motives.
Meeting his gaze, Tsunade held firm for a moment before sighing in defeat.
"Alright, fine! The truth is, I just need someone to handle my daily needs, okay?!"
On the battlefield, there wouldn't be much time for personal care. Bringing Shizune along — someone she trusted — was only practical.
Kurenai made a face at her.
"Ew! So lazy, still needs someone to look after her!"
"Tch!"
Tsunade shot her a disdainful look. Just a little brat. She didn't even bother replying.
Shizune, hearing their exchange, only smiled softly.
"It's alright. I'll do my best to take care of Lady Tsunade."
"Hmm!"
Tsunade nodded approvingly, quite satisfied with Shizune's earnest attitude.
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