Chapter 30 Planting Trees During the Ninja Village Period (10) Standard Equipment for Wood Release Users: ...
After learning about the Wood Release users from his students, Jiraiya spent a great deal of time and effort to find Tsunade, who was completely engrossed in gambling. He also had to go to great lengths to pull her out of her gambling addiction.
The two sat together in an izakaya. Tsunade, who had been dragged out of the casino, looked dejected. Clearly, though she was in the izakaya, her mind was still on the casino. She listlessly picked up her glass, took a sip of her drink, and said languidly, "What do you need me for?"
"Did you know about the news that a Wood Release user appeared in the Land of Fire a few days ago?" Jiraiya got straight to the point. He was reliable when it came to serious matters. Seeing Tsunade like this, he was worried for her.
"What?!" Tsunade was immediately jolted awake, her eyes widening in surprise.
"The person has been brought back to Konoha immediately. It's a boy named Senju Takeya. Minato said he's a good boy," Jiraiya said.
Tsunade nearly dropped her wine glass. "Is the news true?"
"Really, the Hokage had that kid try out Wood Release. The plants in the Hokage's office haven't been cleared yet; it looks like a house of vines." Jiraiya chuckled as he recalled the scene. "Now the old man's potted plants are thriving; Orochimaru can't even move them to do his experiments... Do you want to go back and check on that kid?"
Tsunade fell silent, and it was clear that she was still hesitant.
"Although he's only been in Konoha for a few days, that kid has already made friends with the Uchiha clan, especially that little devil Ogima. He really has the demeanor of the First Hokage." Jiraiya wasn't in a hurry to find the person now, and just told Tsunade everything he knew.
"What?! You mean Uchiha Osaka?!" Tsunade slammed her hand on the table and stood up abruptly. "What kind of twisted fate is this?!"
Tsunade had only met Uchiha Osaka once, but she had already sensed a dangerous feeling from that boy that made her extremely uncomfortable. The boy's eyes were full of aggression, and at such a young age, he had already begun to show his sharpness, making no attempt to hide the sharp thorns all over his body.
There is no doubt that he will show his aggression towards anyone who poses a threat.
And that kind of aloofness, as if they were born superior to others... it's unpleasant.
Having lived in a socialist country in his previous life and grown up bathed in the glory of the Party, Uchiha Ogima, who believed that the working class, peasantry, and the common people were the foundation of the nation: *Violent Uchiha profanities* I really can't stand this damned ninja world where the economy and food are completely controlled by noble daimyo. Sooner or later, we'll rebel, we'll all rebel! First we'll rebel against Konoha, then against the Land of Fire, and then we'll create a peaceful world where children are cared for, students are educated, workers are paid, the sick are treated, the elderly are supported, everyone has a place to live, and the weak are helped. I have nothing to say to you stupid and numb ninjas. *Swearing* The Hokage slapped him twice, and Shimura Danzo even used the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms!
"So you want to go back and take a look?" Jiraiya asked.
This time, Tsunade seemed to have found a reason and gave an affirmative answer without hesitation. She was determined not to let that brat from the Uchiha clan corrupt her family's last remaining heir!
So Tsunade took her apprentice Shizune to Konoha.
She had gone too far and didn't rush back; she traveled and stopped along the way. As a result, it was a week later before Tsunade and Shizune arrived in Konoha.
Tsunade harbored resentment towards the upper echelons of Konoha, even though those people were her great-uncle's students. Naturally, she would never see them unless necessary, and would avoid them as much as possible. In addition, the reason for her return was the young Wood Release user who had just been found. Therefore, this time, Tsunade went directly to the Senju clan's territory.
Tsunade rarely returns to the Senju clan's territory, fearing that the sight of it will trigger painful memories. This place holds too many of her past memories. When her great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather were still alive, those were the most carefree and happiest days of her life.
Upon returning this time, Tsunade stood motionless outside the clan's territory, staring blankly at the vibrant scene of blooming flowers before her. The colors, some deep and some light, intertwined and blended, creating an unparalleled, dreamlike, and harmonious picture.
Coming to her senses, Tsunade led Shizune into the clan's territory.
The empty houses are now filled with vibrant flowers, plants, and trees. The bright, dazzling, and lively colors have replaced the departed people and remain in each house. The once desolate and lonely tribal land has been given a new lease on life because of them. It is still quiet, quiet in a tranquil way, yet it feels 'lively'.
Unbeknownst to her, the tribe's territory had already been reborn.
Tsunade knew in her heart that all the changes here originated from the child who was found.
This made Tsunade feel guilty. She had always felt powerless about the Senju clan's situation and felt powerless to change it. But this could not be a reason for her not to do anything for the Senju clan, which was heading towards its end. All she had been doing was... living, living in escapism.
What she couldn't do, or rather, never even thought she could do, was accomplished by a child who had just returned, and done almost flawlessly.
"It's so beautiful..." Jingyin couldn't help but exclaim, feeling refreshed. "It must be so comfortable to live here."
Tsunade agreed. The desolation and loneliness that once existed here had been transformed into a tranquil and healing place unique to nature, making it an ideal place for healing and recuperation.
A crisp bicycle bell rang, attracting their attention.
"Hey—old lady in front—make way, make way—" A blue-eyed boy dressed in Uchiha clan clothing rode over on a tricycle.
"What?!" Tsunade was furious when she heard the other party's address. Not only did an Uchiha swagger into the Senju clan's territory, but he was also so arrogant!
Shizune quickly comforted Tsunade.
Who else could this extremely arrogant Uchiha be but Uchiha Osaka?
After the tricycle came along, Tsunade and the other girl saw the little boy sitting properly on the small stool behind the tricycle. The little boy's hands were placed neatly on his bent knees. The little boy was curled up in a small ball, holding a bunch of lotus pods in his arms and a large lotus leaf on his head.
The tricycle was crammed with all sorts of fresh fruits and vegetables: plump and juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumbers, sweet and lovely pumpkins, juicy grapes, and watermelons bigger than an adult's head... It was so tempting that it made your mouth water.
Noticing their gazes, the boy raised his head, and the large lotus leaf was also raised, revealing his emotionless face underneath. With his short, dark hair and black eyes, the boy looked at Tsunade and the other girl who were staring at him, and tilted his head slightly.
"That blonde old woman could be considered your relative, but she doesn't have the surname Senju, so there's no need to mention her name. After all, she's ashamed to return to her clan's territory and prefers to hide in casinos. The one next to her is her student; his name isn't important either." Uchiha Senma stopped his bicycle and, seeing that Senju Take was also confused, offered an introduction, though his method infuriated the person in question.
Even the quiet and reserved Jingyin felt a vein throb on her forehead.
"You little brat, your mouth is so poisonous it could kill you with a single lick." In front of her own child, Tsunade suppressed her anger, maintaining the last shred of reason and composure. Her tone softened as she addressed Senju Takeya, "I am Tsunade, and she is my student, Shizune. And you?"
“Senju-tsuke also.” Senju-tsuke also answered obediently.
Perhaps because of the filter, Tsunade felt that the child's dark eyes were as warm and beautiful as black jade.
Before Tsunade could say more to her child, a sudden acceleration caused Senju Take to disappear from her sight.
"We don't have time to chat like you do in your retirement, we're very busy!" Uchiha Senma pedaled the tricycle like a whirlwind, no longer in his previous leisurely state, and disappeared in a flash.
Tsunade's fist hardened fiercely.
She had never thought the Uchiha were so deserving of a beating, and some of her stereotypes about the Uchiha being unlikable were greatly amplified!
"Tsunade, you're back." An aged voice came from behind.
Tsunade turned her head to look at the person who had come in, and her voice trembled as she said, "Uncle Aoki."
Grandpa Aoki nodded. "What are your plans for the future? That child has extraordinary talent; his future may even surpass that of the First Generation."
The remaining Senju members now call Hashirama Senju "First Hokage" because they know that he is now just the First Hokage of Konoha, no longer the head of the Senju clan. They have watched things change and their hearts have grown cold. The Second Hokage was the First Hokage's most loyal assistant and executor. The First Hokage decided the future of the Senju, and the Second Hokage followed the First Hokage's will without hesitation.
Tobirama Senju had deep feelings for the Senju clan, but this could not change the fact that he devoted most of his energy and attention to Konoha. The Senju clan was inevitably neglected and intentionally or unintentionally excluded from the center of power. Since the Third Hokage took office, there have been no Senju members in Konoha's upper echelons.
The old Senju understood Tsunade's thoughts and feelings, but now that they had this child, Senju Takeya, they felt that even if it meant death, they had to risk their old lives to leave something for their last Wood Release user.
They are old and won't live much longer, but Tsunade is different; she has a long time ahead of her.
“Uncle Aoki, I…” Tsunade understood what Grandpa Aoki meant and lowered her eyes. “I don’t like fighting. I don’t understand or can learn about power struggles. All I can teach that child is my own skill.”
"Alright then, just rest well now that you're back. We won't ask anything more of you." Grandpa Aoki waved his hand dismissively. "Takeya's strength is far greater than yours, and his use of Wood Release is second nature to him. This child will definitely not follow the path of a medical ninja in the future. With his own self-healing ability and his current level of medical ninjutsu, he is more than capable. All the secret techniques and ninjutsu of the Senju clan are his—yes, and the Second Hokage's Book of Seals. We old bones have to find a way to get it back for Takeya."
Tsunade was greatly shocked, which was both expected and unexpected. She guessed that the old people would love Senju Takeya, but she did not expect that the old Senju would like and favor Senju Takeya so much.
"Since you don't intend to compete for the position of Fourth Hokage, I only have one request left: if anyone tries to harm Tsunade, you must protect him. He is the last remaining member of the Senju clan." Grandpa Aoki didn't force Tsunade and frankly stated his request.
"Yes!" Tsunade nodded. "I would have done it even if you hadn't told me, Uncle Aoki!"
"Very well, then I can rest assured." Grandpa Aoki's brows relaxed, and without saying another word, he turned and left.
How Senju Takeya ended up abroad, whose child he was, and why he suddenly appeared without warning—none of these matters. The old Senju have already wholeheartedly recognized Senju Takeya's legitimacy. Therefore, Senju Takeya is the most legitimate descendant of the Senju clan. If this child is destined to become the Great Demon King and rule the world, then they must praise him as worthy of being their child.
Of course, given the current situation, their children just want to live a peaceful life planting flowers and trees, managing the clan's land, and taking care of them in their old age.
Hmm, that gentle and kind nature is definitely from their family. It's just that their tastes are a bit like the first generation's, which isn't so good. They've all been captivated by a beautiful, thorny rose.
What a despicable Uchiha! Of all people to choose from, they all had to take a liking to their Wood Release user and insist on becoming his close friend... Hmph, damn it, they really have good taste, much better than that stinky Uchiha who elbowed him in the waist back then!
In fact, these old fogies who are barely clinging to life and stubbornly upholding the Senju name are all staunch Senju hawks. They are most at odds with the Uchiha, but similarly, the only enemies they can truly see and treat as equals are the Uchiha.
In this situation where both sides are declining... it seems not unacceptable to band together with the old rival who once knew and respected them the most. The flames that were once irreconcilable are gradually weakening, weakening to the point that they can be held in the palm of one's hand for warmth. What a sad and ridiculous situation this is.
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Author's Note: The main text has only been updated to Chapter 30, but my mind has already drifted to the future where Senma and Takeya are in a parallel world to the original story.
My brain: I think...
But my hands cried out: No! I can't!!!
Once Senma finishes this busy period, I'll add more interaction content between Senma, Takeya, and Indra, and the main story will be entirely slice-of-life, since Senma's mind is currently filled with—
Uchiha Osaka: Men must fight! Men must fight!!!
Senju Takeya: Let the tears in my heart drown the entire universe~
Uchiha Osaka: Men fight! Life is a battle!
Thousand Hands Bamboo: I've traveled to the ends of the earth and will never look back~
Uchiha Osaka: Men must fight~ Men must fight—wait, why did I suddenly start singing?
Senju Takeya: Conquer all the right and wrong, all the chaos and confusion—Hmm? Didn't you want to sing?
Uchiha Ogima: ...
Thousand Hands Bamboo: ?
Uchiha Osaka: Men fight! Life is a battle!
Thousand Hands Bamboo: He burned himself to illuminate the martial world~
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