Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

Inside the secret chamber.

"After Elder Setsuna disappeared, this lead was cut off. Based on my investigations in secret, it seems that Elder Setsuna's trail was severed long ago...

All I know is that the current higher-ups, due to their lack of strength, have grown wary of powerful clans like the Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga."

Shirou carefully organized his words, bowing his head and hesitantly explaining these matters in the confined chamber.

However, after listening, Tsunade scoffed dismissively.

"Lack of strength, yet instead of reflecting on their shortcomings, they focus on weakening the major clans? If they don't have what it takes, they should step down and make way for someone more capable!"

With a bitter laugh, Tsunade expressed her utter disappointment with the higher-ups of Konoha. In her heart, they were already rotten to the core.

Shirou nodded silently, agreeing with her sentiment. His words were not a mere exaggeration. From the time the Third Hokage took power until the narrative of the main story began, the policies of Konoha's leadership had indeed revolved around weakening the power of the major clans.

After all, they couldn't control excessively powerful forces, which made them inherently unstable elements. If it were him in such a position, he might understand their reasoning—but he himself was part of a major clan! How could he tolerate this?

When the story unfolded, the Uchiha would face annihilation, the Senju would nearly vanish, and even the remaining Hyuga clan would be suppressed into submission. What would remain were small, inconsequential clans, leaving Konoha entirely under their control.

"Wait, what about Wood Release? Shirou, are you trying to change the subject!"

Tsunade was slightly annoyed, but it seemed she had become accustomed to Shirou's behavior—very obedient in front of her, yet turning into a rebellious behind her back.

He would say what she wanted to hear, his attitude of admitting fault was impeccable, but when it came time to act, he would still do as he pleased.

This left Tsunade rubbing her temples in exasperation, utterly speechless.

Hearing her mention Wood Release and recalling the information she had just revealed, Shirou, feeling guilty, timidly responded:

"Sister Tsunade, I've only just made some discoveries, but they're not as deep as yours..."

The manipulative old schemer Madara Uchiha had been pulling strings from the shadows. The incident with Uzumaki Kushina earlier had not only pushed him to grow rapidly but had also involved Tsunade.

Otherwise, how could it have been such a coincidence that it perfectly compensated for his weaknesses in Ninjutsu and Taijutsu? The secret technique of the Kumogakure that he obtained could seamlessly integrate his Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and swordsmanship.

Similarly, the fact Tsunade had discovered this issue was a result of Madara's subtle manipulations.

"Really?"

Tsunade narrowed her eyes at Shirou's obedient, apologetic demeanor, her tone growing sharper as she pressed him once again for confirmation.

Shirou nodded repeatedly, looking as innocent as possible while assuring her, "Really! It's true, Sister Tsunade. You have to believe me."

Tsunade, though still skeptical, reluctantly accepted his response. After all, she was hiding something too.

"Hmph! I'll let you off for now. But I have one more warning for you!"

Her tone became sterner, and just as Shirou obediently nodded, she pulled him into a warm embrace.

"You are not alone. The darkness in the village is not something you need to bear on your own."

Her gentle voice resonated in his ears as Tsunade hugged him tightly. Looking at the young man, who had once been shorter than her but had now grown taller, her gaze became distant.

Scenes from the past surfaced in her mind. She had once indulged her whims, leaving someone much younger than herself to shoulder such heavy burdens.

"Mm."

Responding softly, Shirou's reply was equally gentle. Tsunade suddenly burst into laughter, as if allowing Shirou a little advantage was no big deal. After all, she wasn't so easily conquered.

"Your body's Kekkei Genkai fusion seems to be going quite well. In about a year, the Kekkei Genkai disease should be mostly cured. But recently, the rate at which your chakra is growing is a bit absurd.

Perhaps it's a side effect of the Kekkei Genkai fusion. Take advantage of this time to train properly. Once the medical division is on the right track, don't waste your energy on petty power struggles. In the ninja world, strength is what truly matters!"

Tsunade's hearty laughter filled the room as she leaned back confidently in her chair, crossing her elegant legs and advising Shirou.

She had been studying countless secret scrolls recently, coming to understand that if a ninja became strong enough, they could solve most of their troubles. The few remaining problems would simply mean they weren't strong enough yet.

If she could awaken Wood Release and gain even half—no, even a fraction—of the strength of her grandfather, or even her granduncle, she would have no qualms about kicking the current leadership out of power.

"Understood, Sister Tsunade."

Shirou nodded obediently, though his eyes slyly glanced at her.

While her appearance hadn't changed, the heroic aura between her brows and the determination in her gaze were clear signs. It seemed that Madara's manipulations had succeeded.

Tsunade had recognized the darkness within Konoha, and her desire to seek greater strength was growing stronger. This realization eased the burden on Shirou's shoulders.

The pressure he had felt lessened significantly. A Tsunade who pursued strength and possessed the full legacy of the Senju clan would undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with.

As the two left the secret chamber, they saw Kushina smiling excitedly over an open scroll on the table. Tsunade couldn't help but smile as well.

Although Kushina usually avoided learning dangerous techniques for fear of harming herself, the repeated dangers she had faced recently had taught her one thing: it was better to risk injury while fighting back than to die outright.

"Which jutsu did you choose?"

Tsunade asked casually. Kushina excitedly pointed to a forbidden technique on the sealing scroll and exclaimed:

"Sister Tsunade, I want to learn this Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags! This forbidden technique involves sealing techniques, and I already have plenty of explosive tags."

With a beaming smile, Kushina explained her choice. This forbidden technique was not only technically challenging but also extremely costly. Fortunately, she wasn't lacking in resources.

Upon seeing the forbidden jutsu Kushina had chosen, Tsunade frowned slightly. After hesitating for a moment, she spoke in a serious tone:

"This jutsu has an A-rank learning difficulty, but the reason it's classified as forbidden is that the caster is highly likely to get caught up in it themselves...

To execute this jutsu, you need to get up close. Once opponents realize what you're doing, most of them, in their final moments, will choose to take you down with them. It's extremely dangerous."

Hearing Tsunade's explanation, Kushina, who seemed to have already prepared for this, smiled and replied:

"Sister Tsunade, you've forgotten that I have a massive chakra reserve and am most skilled at the Shadow Clone Technique. I can completely confuse the opponent when the time comes. Plus, I have the power of the Nine-Tails!"

This reasoning left Tsunade momentarily speechless. She then nodded solemnly. If it had been her former self, there's no way she would have allowed Kushina to learn such a dangerous jutsu.

But now, if circumstances had pushed someone to the point where they might need to use a forbidden jutsu, their life was already at risk. Learning it might be their only chance to survive.

"Alright. Since you've chosen this forbidden jutsu, I'll provide you with the detailed scroll later."

Tsunade spoke calmly. Forbidden jutsu aren't always S-rank; they are classified as forbidden for two reasons: one, because performing them endangers the caster's own life, and two because their power is so great that it defies the natural order.

"Thanks, Sister Tsunade!"

Kushina jumped up excitedly, clinging to Tsunade's neck like a kangaroo, which brought a touch of warmth to Tsunade's eyes.

There weren't many people left whom she cherished deeply.

"And what about you two?"

Tsunade asked with a smile, but Kushina quickly interrupted before Mikoto could speak:

"Mikoto chose the Genjutsu: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique."

After Kushina blurted it out, Mikoto gave a modest smile and bowed slightly to Tsunade.

"Lady Tsunade."

The way Mikoto addressed her was entirely different from Kushina, as Kushina and Tsunade were practically family.

Hearing this, Tsunade nodded lightly. At the very least, Mikoto had proper judgment and didn't choose an overly outrageous forbidden jutsu.

Allowing them to choose was a privilege, but if someone didn't know their limits and took advantage of it, that privilege would be revoked.

Just as Shirou was about to look at the Scroll of Seals, Kushina proudly pointed to a forbidden jutsu and gave him a knowing wink. Then, she turned to Tsunade and put on a pouty, dissatisfied look.

"Sister Tsunade, I heard that Namikaze Minato was promoted to join after completing just a few A-rank missions. Not only that, the Third Hokage called him the inheritor of the Will of Fire and even rewarded him by letting him learn the Flying Thunder God Technique. That's the Second Hokage's jutsu! It's so unfair. I think Shirou should learn this jutsu too. Let's see who masters it first and who ends up embarrassing themselves!"

Tsunade could see through Kushina's little scheme with her eyes closed. This girl was already learning how to make excuses.

"Sister Tsunade, don't you think it's unfair?"

While Kushina played coy and pleaded, she caught Tsunade's strange smile. Embarrassed, her face turned redder and redder until she finally waved her hands and said:

"Sister Tsunade... I admit defeat! I admit I want to learn it too. This Jutsu requires a strong foundation in sealing techniques, so while Shirou is learning, I can learn it alongside him.

After all, I'm going to be the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki in the future. If I ever face a situation like last time and can't win, at least I'll be able to escape with you, Sister Tsunade!"

Kushina pretended to concede but ended up finding a perfectly reasonable excuse for herself. This made Tsunade laugh even more.

On the side, Shirou gave Kushina a discreet thumbs-up. Among the forbidden jutsu in Konoha, the one that could most quickly increase his power was indeed the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Namikaze Minato had relied on this jutsu to become one of the village's top-tier fighters in no time.

"The Flying Thunder God Technique, huh?"

Tsunade frowned slightly, then turned to Shirou and gave him a stern warning:

"This forbidden jutsu is extremely demanding. Either you have the talent for spatial techniques, or you don't. There's no in-between. Even within the Senju Clan, including myself, many have tried and failed. You can imagine the results.

I'll give you the basics to start with. If you don't have the talent, don't waste your time."

Spatial jutsu was something Tsunade would never have passed on to a Uchiha in the past. Even now, she wouldn't easily teach it to outsiders.

But when it came to Shirou, for some reason, she didn't feel any reluctance. Instead, she even felt a hint of expectation.

If Shirou mastered the jutsu, she wouldn't have to worry about him constantly causing trouble. She'd already had enough of his frequent loud proclamations about understanding the meaning of life.

The thought of him stepping in front of her time and time again made her suffocate in sadness.

"Fine. At least this way, I won't have to deal with you throwing your life away so recklessly!"

Her words carried a trace of emotion, leaving Shirou awkwardly lowering his head, not daring to retort.

You're using someone's resources and learning their techniques—how could you argue back? That's just basic manners.

But as he glanced at Kushina, who was winking at him, and Mikoto, whose eyes were filled with admiration, and then at Tsunade, who was glaring at him, Shirou suddenly understood something.

With three precious flowers by his side, he held the future of Konoha in his hands. If he added a few more, he could control the entire ninja world.

What's wrong with holding onto precious flowers? They come with resources, connections, status, and beauty—all in one package.

Living off these resources while working hard to improve himself? He was all for it!

With this thought, Shirou smiled as he looked at Kushina and Tsunade.

"Thank you, Sister Tsunade. Thank you, Kushina!"

Tsunade grunted dismissively, while Kushina, standing nearby, blushed slightly as she glanced at Mikoto after hearing the gratitude.

She thought to herself that if Shirou could master this ninjutsu, he wouldn't have to fall into such dangerous situations again—especially like the last time! Just recalling that rainy night, the blood-soaked ground, and the nightmare-inducing images, Kushina silently made a firm decision.

Shirou! I will become very strong. When that time comes, you won't need to stand in front of me anymore. I will protect you!

After Shirou and Mikoto expressed their respectful thanks, they bid farewell under the night sky.

...

Inside the house.

Uzumaki Mito sat on the sofa with a kind expression, gently stroking Kushina's red hair as she looked at Tsunade and laughed:

"Tsunade, I didn't expect you to agree to pass these two ninjutsu techniques to the Uchiha. You know, these two techniques were created to counter the Sharingan."

Genjutsu: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, which seals away vision, rendering the powerful Sharingan of the Uchiha useless.

The flying Thunder God Technique, developed by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, was specifically designed to counter the even more powerful Mangekyo Sharingan. This spatial ninjutsu was something even the Mangekyo couldn't see through.

Sitting on the opposite sofa, Tsunade chuckled derisively after hearing her grandmother's remarks.

"Grandma, you've already said it—dealing with the Uchiha is ancient history. Besides, does the current Konoha still need us to deal with the Uchiha? Let those old geezers handle it themselves."

As she thought about this, Tsunade even felt a bit gleeful.

Why should we deal with the Uchiha? Even if it were necessary, the Senju Clan is so weak now. Besides, this is no longer a Senju matter. Whoever is Hokage can deal with it themselves.

Seeing Tsunade's attitude, Uzumaki Mito chuckled and shook her head. The hatred between the Senju and Uchiha—who could truly unravel it? But all of that was in the past.

"Tsunade, you are a lot like your grandfather, Hashirama. And your heart is much broader than Tobirama's. The Uchiha's power, like these forbidden techniques, always comes with danger.

But I see that you and Kushina seem capable of handling this power."

At this, Uzumaki Mito's face lit up with a rare kind smile.

An Uchiha who repeatedly risked his life to protect Tsunade and Kushina was indeed reassuring. And the Uchiha Clan's pride? They would rather die than let these two techniques remain with the Uchiha. After all, this was merely the Senju teaching them, not passing them down as a legacy.

"Grandma Mito…"

Faced with Uzumaki Mito's teasing, Kushina, who was lying on the sofa, immediately blushed furiously and pouted in a playful protest.

However, Uzumaki Mito merely squinted her eyes. Tsunade remained calm, but the bonds between her, Kushina, and Shirou had already been forged.

She believed that Uchiha Shirou, this young man, was an even more outstanding Uchiha than Kagami.

More importantly, tonight, she had secretly observed Mikoto. The girl's eyes were full of affection for Uchiha Shirou. Kushina, while having some affection for him, would stop at that.

With these bonds in place, the three of them were in a good position.

Tsunade, for her part, understood her grandmother's intentions without showing it. However, her mind was entirely preoccupied with her secret research on Wood Release cells.

Meanwhile, Kushina, lying on the sofa with her flushed cheeks, was secretly thinking: I'm not even competing with Mikoto. I just like him. So what?

Besides, Mikoto already said she didn't mind. At most, I'll just like him secretly. That's right! It's not like I'm stealing someone's man. Anyway, as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, I can't openly express it.

In a house with three people, their thoughts were all different.

Uzumaki Mito was indeed wise and experienced, but she overlooked one thing: people change. Kushina's personality and status might prevent her from openly competing with someone for the same man.

But if she acts subtly, in secret, who could stop her?

If not for the sensitive status of being the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, she might have suppressed these feelings. But this status also gave her an excuse to keep her affection hidden.

So, as they say, a woman's heart is a deep ocean of secrets. And when it's three women? Their thoughts are an absolute mess.