The experiences from his life simulations had settled one matter for Yuta: the Senju clan members weren't dead, nor had they been spirited away by Danzo for some dark experiments, as some wild conspiracy theories suggested.
They had simply… faded into the background.
Most members of the once-great clan had shed their famous name, quietly blending into the fabric of Konoha itself.
Aikawa Isshi, the father from his previous simulation, stood as living proof of this.
Otherwise, how could one explain it?
How could the mighty Senju—the most noble clan of Konoha, legends of the entire shinobi world—dwindle to near obscurity in just over a decade following the deaths of the First and Second Hokage?
"You look like you're puzzling over something," Tsunade remarked.
She had been subtly watching Yuta's reactions and caught the thoughtful look on his face. She could guess what was on his mind.
Hearing her question, Yuta felt a flicker of understanding. "I was just thinking how quiet the Senju compound is. It's… unexpected."
"They're mostly gone," Tsunade said, her tone matter-of-fact. Then she added, "It was something my great-grand-uncle and grandmother pushed for. It was my grandfather's final wish, too."
"Hardly anyone carries the Senju name anymore—just a few of the elders, I think."
'So the First Hokage wanted his entire clan to dissolve into Konoha that early on?' Yuta mused.
It made a strange kind of sense. Neither Tsunade nor her little brother Nawaki used the Senju surname. Even Hashirama's own grandchildren didn't bear the name. That spoke volumes about the man's conviction.
Hearing it confirmed directly from Tsunade was still a shock, though.
—
"We're home."
Tsunade pushed the door open with familiar ease, jogged a couple of steps into the courtyard, and announced loudly, "I'm back!"
She then turned and beckoned to him impatiently. "What are you standing around for? Get in here!"
Yuta glanced around as he stepped inside.
Tsunade's house wasn't particularly grand—it looked only slightly more spacious than the home his own parents had left him,
distinguished mainly by a few more potted plants.
It bore no resemblance to the residence one might imagine for the family of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama.
"Oh? We have a guest. Tsunade, aren't you going to introduce us?"
A deep, male voice echoed from the doorway, its resonant tone making Yuta pause.
"That's my father," Tsunade whispered as a quick aside to Yuta. She then hurried over to the man, grabbing his arm enthusiastically. "This is Yuta, the one I've told you about. I invited him over today…"
'Tsunade's father?'
Yuta studied him. The original story had never depicted this man—the only son of the God of Shinobi and the first Nine-Tails jinchuriki, Uzumaki Mito. He was a ghost, his existence attested to only by Tsunade and Nawaki.
He had always assumed the man died young, perhaps on a mission or during the First Great Shinobi War.
Another possibility had crossed his mind: 'maybe Tsunade's parents weren't shinobi at all, but ordinary civilians. That would explain the total lack of mention.'
But the son of the God of Shinobi not being a ninja? The idea was almost absurd.
Yuta quickly dismissed the thought.
He could feel it now—the immense chakra radiating from Tsunade's father. This chakra reserve was vaster than his own, and his had been amplified by countless life simulations through the years!
Then again, it made perfect sense. The man carried the bloodlines of both the Senju and Uzumaki clans, two lineages famous throughout the shinobi world for their monstrous chakra reserves. Such power was only natural.
Noticing the man's evaluating gaze, Yuta's focus sharpened. He offered a respectful bow.
Tsunade's father laughed, a hearty, genuine sound, and reached out to ruffle his daughter's hair. The force of the affectionate gesture made Tsunade scrunch up her nose in mock protest.
He wore simple white clothes, but the embroidered pattern on it wasn't the Senju clan's crest—it was the distinctive spiral of the Uzumaki. His face bore a definite resemblance to the First Hokage, though his features were more rugged.
"Since you're a friend of Tsunade's, come on in," he said warmly, stepping aside from the doorway. His eyes held a glint of scrutiny, but it was overshadowed by open curiosity. "You know, this is actually the first time Tsunade has ever brought a friend home."
—
'Yuta.' The name was familiar to him. Even though the Senju had faded into Konoha's backdrop and he himself preferred to remain out of the limelight, that didn't mean he was ignorant of the village's affairs.
Danzo's student. The genius who'd developed an A-rank ninjutsu on his own at age six. The twelve-year-old who had already soloed an A-rank mission, outperforming even the famed students of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
—
"No need to stand in ceremony. I've just brewed some fresh tea," the man continued. "Just try not to disturb Mother. She's resting."
"Grandma is resting?" Tsunade's face fell slightly. "But I wanted her to meet my friend!"
No sooner had the words left her mouth than a soft sound came from inside, followed by the steady rhythm of approaching footsteps.
Yuta's gaze was drawn to the doorway, where he found himself looking directly into the eyes of Uzumaki Mito.
Time seemed to have been gentle with Uzumaki Mito; she retained a striking, ageless beauty. Standing beside Tsunade's father, no one would guess she was his mother.
With that single glance, Yuta's heart stuttered.
For a fleeting, terrifying instant, he didn't see a woman—he saw a colossal fox with burning red eyes glaring directly into his soul.
The Nine-Tails. This was Uzumaki Mito, the perfect jinchuriki!
The sheer pressure emanating from her was palpable, an invisible weight that pressed down on him.
Yuta instinctively took two steps back, his body reacting before his mind could fully process the sensation.
Noticing his reaction, Uzumaki Mito's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, a flicker of surprise passing through their calm depths.
"Grandma!"
"Greetings, Lady Mito."
Yuta and Tsunade spoke almost in unison, though Tsunade's voice was filled with familial affection while Yuta's was layered with deep respect.
"There's no need for formalities here."
Uzumaki Mito's smile was gentle and disarming. She opened her arms, and Tsunade readily stepped into the embrace. "I've heard Tsunade speak of her friends many times. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Grandma!" Tsunade buried her face in Mito's shoulder, her voice a mixture of genuine embarrassment and deep affection.
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