Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

"Sister Tsunade!"

Looking at Tsunade, who was constantly tugging at his cheeks, Shirou was speechless. Finally, he pretended to put on a serious face, but Tsunade burst into laughter.

"I guess I can't call you a brat anymore. You're a big man now."

Teasing him, Tsunade stood in front of Shirou, tiptoed, and used her hand to measure their height difference, smiling as she joked:

"You've grown up. Back when you first arrived, you barely reached my chest."

Faced with Tsunade's teasing, Shirou raised an eyebrow and spoke more firmly:

"Sister Tsunade, are you even listening to me?"

Seeing Shirou's serious expression, Tsunade stretched lazily, then casually turned and sat on the sofa, smiling as she closed her eyes:

"Come on, keep massaging my head. Let's continue."

With no other choice, Shirou resumed his medical ninjutsu, gently massaging the sides of Tsunade's forehead. Tsunade, half-closing her eyes, spoke in a calm tone:

"The White Fang's strength isn't inferior to those old geezers. More importantly, he's a hero. That's why all the major clans are supporting him. Even your Uchiha clan recognizes White Fang. That alone speaks volumes about his character.

As for those old geezers making their move, isn't that to be expected? Ever since we, the great clans, started pushing White Fang forward, we've already made it clear who we support for the Fourth Hokage. It's a stance, plain and simple."

Tsunade's calm voice echoed in the room, laying bare the dissatisfaction of the major clans. The Third Hokage could do whatever he wanted during his term, but when it came to the Fourth Hokage, the major clans would no longer tolerate being targeted.

White Fang was their chosen candidate.

"Even if we didn't push him forward, White Fang's rise was inevitable. Besides, those old geezers—how old are they now?"

At this point, Tsunade's expression turned to amusement. "They're almost fifty years old, practically halfway to the grave, yet they haven't even considered preparing for the next generation. Do they plan to cling to power until they die?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was 49 this year, and the current higher-ups were all about the same age. In the ninja world, 50 was indeed considered old.

It was only natural to begin selecting a new Hokage.

However, seeing Tsunade's confident demeanor, Shirou was speechless. He wanted to say, "Sister Tsunade, even though you've matured a lot, you still underestimate human nature."

"Sister Tsunade, I've heard rumors that someone is planning to target White Fang…"

"What's the point?" Tsunade interrupted Shirou, raising her eyelids slightly to glance at him as if questioning his reasoning.

This question left Shirou stunned. What's the point? Did there even need to be a point?

Seeing the confusion in Shirou's expression, Tsunade shook her head and said, "White Fang's rise benefits everyone. The Sarutobi clan's growth in recent years, along with the clans of the other advisors—this is the best outcome."

"If it were me competing for the position of Fourth Hokage, they might have concerns. But Hatake doesn't warrant such worries. Once he takes office, his focus will be on balancing the various clans in Konoha. Maintaining the status quo is the best solution."

Ah, now Shirou finally understood where Tsunade's confidence came from.

It turned out that Tsunade's entire stance was based on the old geezers' age. Who would have guessed that 50-year-olds could still be so obsessed with power?

Unfortunately, Tsunade underestimated the greed of human nature. Forget 50; the Third Hokage clung to power until he was 69, literally working himself to death.

Danzo, at 73, also met his end. Otherwise, he probably would've followed the other two elders, clinging to power until his last breath.

Noticing that her words might have been too heavy, Tsunade smiled as she saw Shirou frowning and teased:

"So, my big man, tell me what you've found out. Maybe I can help you figure out where the real problem lies."

Stretching lazily, Tsunade lay down on the sofa. Shirou, already accustomed to this casual dynamic, sat beside her and began massaging her again.

"Sister Tsunade, the information I've gathered isn't complete. It seems someone is planning to target Hatake during a mission to discredit him. There might be a deeper plan, but I'm not sure yet."

Shirou hesitated, organizing his thoughts before carefully sharing what he knew.

Tsunade, enjoying this rare moment of relaxation, replied softly:

"A mission? Every ninja has failed a mission or two. If they want to sabotage him on a mission, they'd need to set up an ambush using Kage-level forces.

Setting aside White Fang's strength, which village would dare make the first move? The ninja world may be unstable, and everyone covets the Land of Fire's territory, but whoever moves first will face the wrath of the strongest ninja village."

Shirou couldn't help but sigh at Tsunade's confidence. Indeed, even though she had matured significantly, she was still somewhat naive.

Or perhaps it was because of the environment she grew up in. Tsunade had never truly witnessed the depths of human depravity.

She might be trying to emulate the Second Hokage's calm demeanor, but their experiences were vastly different. Similar personalities couldn't make up for the gap in experience.

Tsunade would always be Tsunade. She would never become the Second Hokage.

"I see," Shirou nodded lightly, suppressing his concerns. It seemed there was more he wanted to say, but he held back.

Seeing this, Tsunade simply smiled. She didn't believe those old geezers, all over 50, would shamelessly cling to power.

After all, with so many outstanding young talents waiting, wasn't it about time for the younger generation to take over?

However, Shirou narrowed his eyes. If something happens, it can be called an accident. But if you know about it beforehand, then it's no accident!

This time, let this incident serve as an unforgettable lesson for Tsunade. Let her understand the darkness of human nature! There's no limit to what people are capable of!

At that moment, Shirou's expression changed slightly. He glanced at Tsunade without being obvious. Tsunade, half-lying down, shifted her position, resting her legs on his lap.

"Keep massaging."

Lowering his head, Shirou smirked inwardly at the temptation. Oh, Tsunade, playing this trick again?

If one wants to achieve great things, one must resist such petty temptations.

Tsunade, lying casually on the sofa, half-opened her eyes and gazed at Shirou before her. Her eyes lingered on the shining necklace around his neck and collarbone.

If she weren't a Senju, and he wasn't a Uchiha, perhaps Shirou could truly belong to her.

A hint of longing flashed in her eyes. Tsunade was well aware of her emotions. After everything he had done for her, even risking his life multiple times, she had already fallen for him.

But a union between the Senju and the Uchiha would shake the village to its core—unless one of them became Hokage first!

For now, with the ninja world in turmoil, Tsunade could only suppress her feelings.

"Sister Tsunade! That's enough!"

Shirou spoke calmly. However, Tsunade smiled teasingly and asked, "Well? Are my legs softer than Kushina's?"

Taking a deep breath, Shirou thought to himself that the subtle relationship between him and Tsunade needed a spark to ignite.

And he had that spark ready!

All he needed was the right wind to fan the flames!

...

Hokage's Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, and Koharu Utatane sat gravely reviewing intelligence reports. Outside, the ANBU and Root operatives maintained heightened vigilance.

It was clear they were discussing critical decisions that would shape the ninja world's future.

"For years, the Kumogakure has been steadily strengthening its military. If war breaks out, they'll be a formidable opponent. Instead of waiting for the four major villages to unite against the Land of Fire, we should act first and divide them…"

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, spoke solemnly. Homura and Koharu exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.

"I support Sarutobi's proposal. Among the Five Great Hidden Villages, the Kumo and Iwa have the strongest militaries. If we can sow discord between them or even provoke a war, that would be ideal."

No one was foolish enough to sit back and wait for the enemy to strike. Even Hiruzen understood this.

"However, provoking a war between the Kumo and Iwa is a long-term plan with many uncertainties. Danzo's plan this time is excellent—attacking on multiple fronts."

When Sarutobi Hiruzen reached this point, he rarely showed an expression of approval, turning to Shimura Danzo with praise. However, being praised by the monkey for once, Shimura Danzo simply snorted coldly.

"Don't get complacent. If a plan can be formulated, it can naturally fail. From the beginning, I prepared two plans. One was for Orochimaru to infiltrate the Kumogakure and orchestrate an incident where the Kumogakure's Jinchuriki goes berserk.

The other was a long-term plan to provoke a war between the Iwagakure and Kumogakure. But now, this latest addition comes from the evil Uchiha."

"Uchiha!"

The moment the name "Uchiha" was mentioned, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other two present, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, all revealed solemn expressions. Having inherited the Second Hokage's distrust of the Uchiha, this sentiment was deeply ingrained in their bones.

Shimura Danzo placed a red book on the table.

"Uchiha Shirou! The most brilliant genius of the Uchiha clan today. I believe this book has appeared several times in your intelligence reports, but I doubt you've carefully examined the latest issue.

This evil Uchiha has gone to great lengths to manipulate the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, writing a story in the book that carries significant implications."

Under the puzzled gazes of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu, Shimura Danzo explained:

"A problem that has existed in the Kumogakure since ancient times, and yet all of us have overlooked it. The Daimyo of the Land of Lightning, the nobles, and the Raikage—those in power from top to bottom—have always had deep brown skin.

This is a racial problem! And this evill Uchiha discovered it. Do you know what this means!?"

Upon hearing Danzo's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen was the first to react, showing a trace of shock.

"Danzo! Are you suggesting that by inciting a racial faction, we could plunge the Kumogakure and even the Land of Lightning into civil war?"

Seeing that Sarutobi Hiruzen instantly understood his intent, the two exchanged a knowing look, a mutual understanding passing between them.

"The monkey understands me!"

"Danzo understands me!"

"Exactly. Let's not even mention Uzumaki Kushina, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Her hatred, especially towards the Kumogakure ninjas... We can use this opportunity to fuel the division between two racial factions in the Kumogakue..."

In the Hokage meeting room, Shimura Danzo excitedly pounded the table as he explained his plan.

By reading Shirou's book, Shimura Danzo saw an opportunity to ignite internal strife in the Land of Lightning. This realization filled him with pride.

After a lengthy discussion, the four of them came to a unanimous decision.

"Indeed. Using this book, and even other means, we will spread this ideology throughout the Kumogakure, the Land of Lightning, and even the entire ninja world. Once the idea takes root, we'll ignite the flames of war..."

When the four finished their discussion, they all displayed satisfied smiles. The Kumogakure, one of the strongest forces in the ninja world, was riddled with vulnerabilities in their eyes, unable to withstand a single blow.

It was clear to them that they were the true future of Konoha.

As long as they were present, Konoha would remain stable.

"However, Danzo is right. The Uchiha's ideology is truly terrifying!"

After dealing with the Kumogakure matter, Utatane Koharu frowned and brought up this ideology.

Mitokado Homura, sitting nearby, also frowned and agreed, "No wonder the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Uzumaki Kushina, was so easily manipulated by that person."

At this point, Sarutobi Hiruzen also frowned. Finally, he spoke in a deep voice, "We can't move against the Uchiha just yet."

However, the same thought lingered in the minds of all four:

The evil Uchiha!

In their eyes, all of this was just a scheme by the Uchiha to manipulate the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. The Uchiha had written a story in the book to flatter the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

...

Wood Release Laboratory.

"Thirty-seven Jonin, sixty-eight Chunin, and even Special Jonin—what an extravagant list."

Looking at the thick stack of names, Orochimaru let out a raspy laugh. His golden snake-like eyes were filled with mockery and indifference.

Across from him, Tsunade glared at the list in frustration but eventually sighed in resignation. "Is this the allure of Wood Release?"

To Tsunade, these people were merely sacrificial lambs.

"For those in power, they're willing to gamble on even the smallest chance. After all, the only thing they're losing is a batch of tools. The Ninja Academy produces more tools every year.

Compared to the destruction of tools, the enormous resource wastage on experiments that yield no results is the real problem."

Orochimaru's cold, detached voice echoed in the room. If it had been the old Tsunade, she would have raised her eyebrows and glared at him. But now, she remained silent.

To those in power, ninjas were cheap tools, and the seemingly endless resources poured into Wood Release research had yet to yield any results. That was the real issue.

"Orochimaru, I heard your base was sealed off?"

 Orochimaru shook his head slightly and said calmly, "A pity, so many children wasted."

At the crisp sound of a fist slamming down, Orochimaru looked at Tsunade in surprise. He saw her clenching her fist tightly after hearing those words, which brought a smile to his face.

"Tsunade, it seems you haven't changed. You're just suppressing your true nature. Deep down, you're still the same as before.

But what's the use of getting angry? Without you or me, someone else would carry out this mission. To those in power, you and I are nothing more than slightly more advanced tools."

Suppressing her anger, Tsunade snorted coldly and said, "This time, you're going on a secret mission to the Kumogakure. Don't die out there."

The Root was Konoha's darkest division. For Orochimaru to personally undertake a mission, it had to be incredibly difficult.

As they parted ways, Orochimaru let out a hoarse laugh.

"Hehe, Uchiha Shirou... he's grown to an entirely different level now. Over the past two years, Shirou-kun has given me plenty of inspiration, and together we've developed quite a few interesting jutsu."

As the two spoke indifferently, the first batch of volunteers for the experiments entered the laboratory.

Seeing them, Orochimaru nodded silently and prepared to leave.

"I'll send you a copy of the report."

As he heard Tsunade's words before leaving, Orochimaru flashed an evil smile.

Tsunade, it seems you've become tempted by Wood Release as well!

PS: There are racism guys. I tone it down but it's the main topic so it was still heavily implied. I apologize in advance.