"Hahaha! It's not without reason that the Ino–Shika–Chō Trio have stood out since the Warring States period!"
Aoyama Ryuyun burst into hearty laughter.
The Nara Clan's insight and adaptability exceeded even his expectations.
Knowing which side to stand on was, in itself, a form of survival.
Nara Shikaku smiled faintly and waved a hand, not dwelling on it.
"Then, Liu Yun," he asked, "do you have a plan to deal with the current Third Hokage?"
"Hiruzen Sarutobi values power above all," Ryuyun replied. "He won't agree to step down — not now, and not in the future."
Don't let that gentle smile of his fool you. Once his authority was involved, Hiruzen Sarutobi would never yield an inch.
After all, even when Minato Namikaze became the Fourth Hokage, Hiruzen still refused to truly retire, choosing instead to manage Konoha alongside him. That alone spoke volumes.
Two Hokage leading one village — what a farce.
If Hiruzen hadn't made so many mistakes during the Third Shinobi World War, he would have never relinquished power.
"There's no opportunity in the short term," Ryuyun said calmly. "Only when the next Shinobi World War breaks out will there be a chance for Hiruzen Sarutobi to stumble — forcing him to step down."
"The next Shinobi World War?"
Although Ryuyun's unhurried tone reassured Shikaku, the strategist still frowned slightly.
Smart men understood that impatience led only to ruin.
But another war? Who knew when that would come?
Unlike Shikaku, Aoyama Ryuyun was a transmigrator.
He knew that only a few short years separated the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars.
"Don't worry," Ryuyun said. "I already have a concrete plan. The Ino–Shika–Chō Trio just need to wait patiently."
"This… alright."
Shikaku hesitated but didn't press further.
Ryuyun couldn't very well tell him outright, 'Relax, I know the future timeline.'
"Whether it succeeds or not," Ryuyun continued, "the Ino–Shika–Chō Trio will remain safe. You have my word."
Their alliance with Tsunade wasn't blind loyalty — it was an investment in a safer future for their clans.
Risking their lives for him would be foolish.
"Understood."
Shikaku smiled and nodded. "Then, I'll head back."
"Mm."
With that, their meeting ended. Ryuyun didn't stop him.
After Nara Shikaku left, the desert night grew still, leaving only Aoyama Ryuyun and Tsunade beneath the moonlight.
At last, Tsunade spoke, unable to suppress the question burning in her chest.
"Isn't the Ino–Shika–Chō Trio loyal to the Hokage faction? Why would they come to support me?"
Everyone in Konoha knew the trio had always served under the Hokage's banner.
Ryuyun smiled faintly.
"You said it yourself — they're loyal to the Hokage faction, not the Hiruzen Sarutobi faction."
They were devoted to the institution of the Hokage, not necessarily the man currently holding the title.
"Is that so?" Tsunade muttered, half understanding.
Ryuyun didn't elaborate further. It was still too early to reveal everything.
"For now," he said, "focus on training. Push your strength to true Kage-level."
At present, Tsunade's power was close to that level — but not quite there. She was, by all measures, an elite jōnin.
Her ability to fight Chiyo of the Sand was due not just to skill, but to circumstance. Their encounter was a containment battle, not one that demanded total victory.
Moreover, Tsunade's monstrous strength was a perfect counter to Chiyo's puppet techniques.
"Don't worry!" Tsunade grinned, flexing a fist. "I'm a genius, remember?"
Kage-level? With her talent, she believed it was only a matter of time — a few years of focused training, at most.
Ryuyun chuckled at her confidence. Without another word, he turned and led her back to camp.
The night was silent, as if a fragile peace had finally settled over the world.
---
"Lady Tsunade! Lady Tsunade!"
The next day, as Tsunade led her forces back into Konoha, the entire village erupted in cheers.
Word had already spread — the Second Shinobi World War was over.
The Ninja World had finally found peace.
And the one who ended it was none other than Senju Tsunade.
Even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Danzo Shimura came out to greet her.
After all, how could Hiruzen miss such a perfect opportunity to bolster his own prestige?
"Tsunade," Hiruzen said warmly, "on behalf of all of Konoha, I thank you."
She was, after all, his disciple.
Seeing her return victorious and independent filled him with pride — or at least, that's what he showed on the surface.
Danzo Shimura, however, observed her quietly.
With the halo of the Senju name and her newfound fame, Tsunade's prestige now rivaled even that of Sakumo Hatake before his fall.
Another one who could threaten the Hokage's seat, Danzo thought grimly.
But Tsunade was no Sakumo. Her fiery temper made her unpredictable — and Danzo knew she was not the type to crumble under guilt or take her own life.
He would need subtler methods.
Tsunade, meanwhile, forced herself to keep a straight face as she looked at Hiruzen's kindly smile.
Disgusting, she thought. I want to punch him so badly.
But the difference in strength — and the political reality — forced her to swallow the impulse.
"This is all for Konoha," she said flatly.
"Indeed," Hiruzen replied with a proud nod. "All for Konoha."
Her answer pleased him greatly.
As they led the procession toward the Hokage Tower, villagers along the street began whispering about the young man walking beside Tsunade.
"Is that Lord Aoyama Ryuyun? The Golden Lion of Konoha?"
"He's so young!"
"I heard he's the one who defeated the One-Tail, Shukaku!"
"What's Shukaku?"
"You idiot, it's a Tailed Beast! Don't we have the Nine-Tails here in Konoha?"
"That's incredible!"
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