Hearing this, Nara Shikaku had no choice but to head alone toward the pavilion where Tsunade was staying. Upon reaching the pavilion and seeing the current Tsunade, Shikaku bowed slightly in greeting.
"Tsunade-sama, what brings you back to the village?"
A wave of nostalgia washed over him. 'Tsunade-sama's charm hasn't faded a bit since the old days.' Back then, she was the heartthrob of the entire Leaf Village, and now she had become even more feminine. Her figure was as striking as ever.
'It is just a pity she gave her heart to Dan Kato so long ago.'
However, Dan Kato had died on the battlefield. Ever since then, Tsunade had carried that emotional scar, unable to accept another man into her life. It seemed likely that no other man would ever be able to conquer a woman like her.
Tsunade replied, "I heard the news that the Third Hokage committed suicide out of guilt, so I rushed back to pay my respects."
Hearing the mention of the Third Hokage, a look of distraction crossed Shikaku's face. Tsunade clearly noticed his expression and inquired further.
"When the Third Hokage was still alive, why did your Ino-Shika-Cho trio and the Inuzuka Clan betray him to join the Uchiha Clan's Military Police Force? Was it truly out of a lust for power? I would think a man of your character wouldn't be so superficial."
Shikaku snapped out of his thoughts and said, "As expected, Tsunade-sama understands. Although some believe we joined the Police Force for power, we were actually forced into it by circumstances."
Back then, Uchiha Ryosuke had shown him a vision of a monster that the Third could not possibly resist. Only the Uchiha Clan stood a chance of opposing it. For the sake of the village, they had no choice but to join the Police Force. Fortunately, the Uchiha Clan had not made any unreasonable demands.
Tsunade looked at Shikaku and asked, "Why do you say that? Does the Uchiha Clan hold some sort of leverage over you?"
Shikaku shook his head. "That is not it. It is just that the information they shared with me was... quite appalling."
Hearing this, Tsunade's interest was piqued. What kind of shocking news could compel three clans and the Inuzuka Clan to betray their internal sense of justice?
"Can you tell me about it?"
Shikaku pondered for a moment. There was no harm in it now. He had kept it secret before only to prevent chaos within the village.
"Very well, I will explain the situation to you, Tsunade-sama. However, I ask that you do not spread this information, so as to avoid causing a panic in the village."
Tsunade nodded and agreed. She wanted to see exactly what he had to say.
Seeing her agreement, Shikaku began to slowly describe the scenes he had witnessed when Uchiha Ryosuke cast a Genjutsu on him. After listening, Tsunade's pupils contracted, and her face was filled with shock.
"What was that? All the ninjas of the Five Great Nations joining forces and still being no match for a single monster? How could such a terrifying creature exist in the shinobi world?"
Even her grandfather, the Ninja God Senju Hashirama, could never have achieved such a feat. A battle of attrition against over a hundred thousand ninjas from the Five Great Nations would have eventually exhausted him. Without physical strength or chakra, a ninja was no different from an ordinary person.
Moreover, what kind of thing could destroy the entire Leaf Village with a single blast? And it could produce another one every few dozen seconds.
"Do you believe this is real?"
Shikaku spoke helplessly. "Based on my analysis, it is most likely true. I saw the children of the future, including the future daughter of the Yamanaka Clan. Furthermore, Tsunade-sama, don't you think that monster resembles a Tailed Beast? It is simply a much more powerful version. Since Tailed Beasts exist, it isn't impossible for a more powerful Ten-Tails to be real. Perhaps it simply hasn't appeared in the current shinobi world yet."
Tsunade fell silent after hearing Shikaku's words. It made perfect sense. If it was indeed true, her expression could not help but turn solemn. A monster that could destroy the Leaf Village in one shot... the safety of the village was truly hanging by a thread.
Tsunade asked, "Shikaku, is this the reason you joined the Uchiha Military Police Force?"
Shikaku explained, "Yes. Although I joined the Police Force, I never had any intention of moving against the Third Hokage. And while the Uchiha Clan's methods are extreme, their reasoning is sound. Most importantly, only that man has a way to save the Leaf Village, and indeed, the entire shinobi world."
Tsunade was startled. A monster so powerful that the Five Great Nations combined could not defeat it, something far exceeding the Nine-Tails. Her face grew increasingly grave.
"Such a terrifying opponent, and you actually think a brat from the Uchiha Clan can handle it?"
Her grandfather, Senju Hashirama, was undoubtedly stronger than Uchiha Madara. And Madara was naturally the strongest person the Uchiha Clan had ever produced. Now, someone was claiming there was someone even stronger.
Shikaku clarified, "In truth, Uchiha Ryosuke is very young. His future strength is likely to increase even further. He knows this information yet remains incredibly composed. It is obvious that he has a method to deal with that monster."
Tsunade was astonished. "Young? How young?"
Shikaku replied, "About sixteen or seventeen."
Tsunade was stunned. 'Isn't that just a kid who's barely grown up? How could he be that strong?' Still, that meant he had a promising future with plenty of room to grow. She was starting to get curious about this fellow.
A young man with such immense combat power... but he might not necessarily be able to manage the village well, especially being an Uchiha. Youthful impulsiveness is a good thing in some ways, but for someone from the Uchiha Clan, it might not be.
Furthermore, with a great disaster approaching, she—as a member of the Senju Clan—could absolutely not stand by and watch. This was not just for the village, but for herself as well.
"Shikaku, what do you think of me running for the position of Fifth Hokage?"
Shikaku was internally shocked. Perhaps in the eyes of others, Tsunade wasn't suitable for the position because of her explosive temper. But Tsunade-sama was extremely responsible. Her gambling habit was a minor issue, and her rough temperament was actually suited for leadership. As the Fifth Hokage, one needed to be strong.
Most importantly, Tsunade was the granddaughter of Hashirama-sama. Naturally, she had the pedigree for the title. It would even be easier for her to take the position than someone from the Uchiha Clan.
"I believe Tsunade-sama is very well-suited for the position of Fifth Hokage."