"Hmph, now you know what it feels like to be under pressure. What were you doing earlier?" The Great Elder rolled his eyes at his son, then called someone over to notify the clan members.
"This is great, Isamu! Once the clan members are moved, we won't have any more worries. As for Tsunade…" Zhan's voice trailed off as he mentioned her.
Although Tsunade was Isamu's wife, she was also a princess of the Land of Fire and the granddaughter of Konoha's founder, Senju Hashirama. Getting her to withdraw could only be handled by Isamu himself.
Isamu understood what Zhan meant. "Don't worry about Tsunade. She'll be fine. As long as we leave, Konoha won't dare do anything to her."
"Isamu, if you've already made your decision…" the Great Elder added.
"That's right, Isamu. Tsunade is your wife—we can't just abandon her," Zhan said.
"…For now, I can only apologize to her," Isamu sighed. "We have no way back. I'm not abandoning her. Once we win this war, I'll definitely come back for her."
"That's the only option." The Great Elder nodded. "Zhan, let's go pack our things."
"Yes, Father."
The two of them left, leaving Isamu alone in the backyard.
---
After two days of packing, Konoha finally noticed something was off.
In the Hokage's office, an ANBU knelt and reported to Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Hokage-sama, the Uchiha Martial Faction has been packing for two days. Their behavior is very unusual."
"Still packing?" Hiruzen frowned. "What exactly is the Uchiha Great Elder planning?"
Someone had reported it on the first day, but he hadn't paid much attention. Packing belongings wasn't unusual. But now, two full days had passed—it was clearly abnormal.
Before he could think further, another ANBU rushed in.
"The Uchiha Martial Faction has gathered their belongings and is heading toward the Great Elder's residence!"
"What?! What are they up to?" Hiruzen stood up immediately. "ANBU, with me!"
---
At the same time, Tsunade stood outside her house, watching a steady stream of Uchiha carrying bags toward the Great Elder's home.
Confused, she stopped a slightly older woman.
"Sister, where are you all going?"
"Oh, Young Madam," the woman said respectfully. "The Great Elder told us to pack our valuables and gather at his house. I don't know the exact reason. Don't you know?"
"I see…" Tsunade smiled faintly. "Go ahead."
After the woman left, Tsunade's smile vanished, replaced by a deep frown.
"What is the Great Elder planning… and why wasn't I informed?"
Without hesitation, she headed toward his residence.
---
Inside the courtyard, Isamu stood hidden in the shadows, watching the clan members arrive one after another, deep in thought.
"With everyone carrying bags like this, Konoha has definitely noticed. Hiruzen is probably already on his way… I just hope everyone gathers before he gets here."
Just then, he saw a blonde figure dressed in white entering the courtyard.
"…Damn it. What is Tsunade doing here?"
Isamu's expression tightened.
"Great Elder, don't slip up…"
---
Tsunade stepped into the courtyard, her eyes sweeping over the piled belongings, the elderly, the children, and the gathered clan members. Her brows furrowed tightly.
The Great Elder noticed her and forced a smile.
"Tsunade, what brings you here?"
"What is the meaning of this?" she asked directly, pointing at the scene.
"Oh, this?" the Great Elder chuckled awkwardly. "Life has improved lately, so I decided to rebuild some housing for everyone."
"Really?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "Then why have everyone pack their valuables and gather here instead of informing them properly?"
The clan members remained silent, simply watching. Though they didn't fully understand what was happening, they trusted the Great Elder completely.
"Aiya, Tsunade," the Great Elder waved it off. "I gathered everyone to announce it together—wanted to give them a surprise."
"…Fine." Tsunade didn't fully believe him, but she had no proof. "As long as that's true. The clan head isn't here, so don't act recklessly."
"Don't worry," the Great Elder said with a laugh. "We won't cause trouble. It's just normal reconstruction."
"In that case, I'll leave."
She turned and walked toward the exit.
---
But in her heart, she was certain something was wrong.
The moment I leave, I'll report this to Sensei…
---
"Take care, Tsunade. Visit more often when you have time," the Great Elder said, finally letting out a breath of relief.
From the shadows, Isamu shook his head.
She definitely noticed… Someone like Tsunade wouldn't be fooled that easily.
"…I'm sorry, Tsunade."
Isamu formed a hand seal.
A genjutsu activated instantly.
---
At the gate, Tsunade suddenly stopped.
The Great Elder froze.
Was she discovered?!
He quickly approached her.
"Tsunade? Why did you stop? Is there something else?"
No response.
She stood completely still.
"Tsunade? Tsunade!"
---
At that moment, Isamu appeared beside him in a blur using the Body Flicker Technique.
"No need to call her," he said calmly. "She can't hear you right now."
"Isamu?! Why did you come out?" the Great Elder whispered urgently. "Aren't you afraid she'll see you?"
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