Naruto: Uchiha's Resolve

(Updated Till Ch-23 In Patreon).

At dusk, Tsunade walked dejectedly through the streets of Konoha, followed by two young boys. Her usually sleek, high ponytail was now messy, and her eyes were red and swollen from crying. The "Little Princess" of Konoha was clearly in a terrible state.

Behind her, Jiraiya watched helplessly, his head hung low. He wanted to comfort her, to be the supportive friend she needed, but fear held him back. All he could do was follow her, hoping his silent presence conveyed his care.

Orochimaru, paler than usual, understood Tsunade's sorrow. He, too, had lost his parents to the cruelty of war. Though words of comfort were not his strength, Orochimaru knew that sometimes, simply being there was enough. Yet as he glanced at Jiraiya, who seemed frozen with indecision, he couldn't help but feel frustrated. If only Jiraiya would step up and say something, anything, to ease Tsunade's pain.

As if reading their thoughts, Tsunade suddenly turned around and forced a smile, though her eyes were brimming with unshed tears. The sight of her fragile attempt at a brave face was heartbreaking.

Unable to hold back any longer, Jiraiya stepped forward, his voice unsteady but filled with earnestness. "Tsunade, you know… sometimes people say things they don't understand. The villagers… they're just spreading rumors. I mean, Hokage-sama is so strong; he couldn't really… you know…"

Before he could say the word "die," Tsunade interrupted him, her voice tight with pain. "My grand-uncle is the Hokage. Even my grandfather used to say he was one of the strongest. He knows forbidden techniques, he mastered water and fire jutsu, and…"

She rambled on, grasping at anything to convince herself that her grand-uncle, the mighty Tobirama, couldn't be gone. But her strength quickly crumbled, and tears spilled over as she choked out, "See you tomorrow." With that, she turned and fled, unable to bear her emotions in front of her friends any longer.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru watched her disappear, her proud shoulders shaking as she ran. Orochimaru, his voice heavy with frustration, turned to Jiraiya. "Why didn't you say something sooner?"

"I… I…" Jiraiya stammered, words failing him. In that moment, he felt as if his soul had been taken, leaving him a hollow shell, powerless to help the person he cared about.

"Pathetic." Orochimaru sneered, sparing Jiraiya a withering glance before turning and heading home.

Left alone in the street, Jiraiya stood motionless as the sun set behind him, casting a long shadow that seemed to echo his sense of failure. Eventually, he began walking back, replaying countless comforting words in his head, but it was too late; they were useless now.

---

Meanwhile, Tsunade sped through the gates of the Senju compound, tears streaming down her face. All she wanted was to find her grandmother, Uzumaki Mito. Only Mito could give her the answers she needed.

Burdened with dread, she entered the house and immediately spotted the familiar red hair of Mito sitting at a table set with food. "Grandma…" Tsunade's voice broke, tears spilling over as she stumbled into her grandmother's embrace.

"People in the village… they're saying that Second Grandfather…" She couldn't finish, sobs wracking her body as she clung to Mito.

Uzumaki Mito held Tsunade close, gently patting her back, her own heart heavy with grief. Tears glistened in her eyes as she considered how quickly news of Tobirama's death had spread through Konoha. Who could have leaked it so soon? Her mind sifted through possible suspects—Hiruzen, Danzo, Kagami… or perhaps someone else.

But most of all, Mito's heart ached for Tsunade, her brave granddaughter.

"Is Second Grandfather really gone?" Tsunade's tear-streaked face turned up toward Mito, her eyes pleading for reassurance.

Mito's instinct was to tell her it was all just a rumor, to shield her from the truth. But she knew that such a lie wouldn't last, and it would only deepen Tsunade's pain later. No, it was better to face the truth, even if it hurt.

"Tsunade," Mito began softly, brushing a tear from her granddaughter's cheek. "You are the granddaughter of the Hokage. Do you remember what your grandfather and Second Grandfather taught you?"

"To be strong," Tsunade murmured, the words trembling on her lips.

"Exactly. Stay strong, my dear. And know that Grandma will always be with you."

Hearing these words, Tsunade's fragile resolve shattered, and she cried harder, clinging to Mito as if the strength of her embrace could bring Tobirama back. Mito held her close, whispering words of comfort as the young girl poured out her grief.

---

As night settled over Konoha, the village lay in a hushed stillness. The streets, usually vibrant with life even after dark, were eerily quiet, the weight of Tobirama's death hanging heavily over every household. In just a few hours, rumors had spread like wildfire, fueled by the Uchiha's strategic efforts. The news of Tobirama's death had reached every corner of Konoha, filling the hearts of villagers with grief, confusion, and uncertainty.

Doors were closed, families gathered inside, and conversations were muted as they wrestled with the implications of losing their Hokage. The future of Konoha felt suddenly uncertain, and no one could predict what lay ahead.

---

In the Senju household, hours passed as Tsunade cried herself to exhaustion. When her sobs finally ceased, she drifted into a troubled sleep, her tear-streaked face a reminder of the pain she carried. Mito watched her slumber, brushing a hand gently over her granddaughter's hair before tucking the blankets more securely around her.

"Tsunade," Mito murmured softly, a bittersweet smile on her lips. "You must become stronger."

She rose and quietly left the room, moving with the light steps of a seasoned ninja. Though her heart was heavy, Mito knew she couldn't afford to dwell in sorrow. The future of Konoha was now in her hands, and the decisions she made in the coming days would shape that future.

---

"Senju Momoki!" Mito's voice was calm, yet it carried an authority that left no room for hesitation.

Senju Momoki, who had been waiting nearby, quickly entered. She had remained on alert, listening to the sounds of Tsunade's tears through the evening. Now, as she stood before Mito, she felt a chill run down her spine. She knew Mito would have orders.

"Gather the others," Mito commanded, her expression unreadable. "I need to speak with them."

Momoki nodded, her resolve firm. "Yes, Mito-sama."

End of the Chapter.

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