Comeback of Senju Clan

Chapter 20: Search for Tsunade

Tetsuya and Itachi had been traveling across the Land of Fire for a week, the landscape changing from lush forests to sprawling plains and bustling towns. The journey had given them ample time to talk and bond, discussing everything from shinobi tactics to the future of the Village.

One evening, as the sun began to set and the shadows grew long, Itachi broke the silence. "Tetsuya-sensei, how exactly do you plan to find Tsunade? The Land of Fire is vast, and she could be anywhere."

Tetsuya chuckled. "Tsunade has certain... habits that make her easier to track. She has a fondness for alcohol and gambling, and she's known to frequent gambling dens and bars. She also has a young apprentice named Shizune and a small pig named Tonton. If we keep our ears open, we'll find her."

Itachi nodded, absorbing the information. "I see. And what do you plan to say to her once we find her?"

Tetsuya's expression grew serious. "I'll remind her of her duty to Konoha. The village needs her strength and medical expertise. Convincing her won't be easy, but it's necessary."

As they approached another city, Tetsuya felt a strange sensation, a subtle tingling at the edge of his senses. He paused, scanning the area.

"What's wrong, Tetsuya-sensei?" Itachi asked, noticing his mentor's change in demeanor.

"I have a feeling," Tetsuya replied, his eyes narrowing. "Let's head to the inn and see if we can find some information."

They made their way to the city's inn, a bustling establishment filled with travelers and locals alike. The smell of food and the sound of laughter filled the air. As they entered, Tetsuya's eyes were immediately drawn to a corner table. There, sitting with a mug of sake, was Tsunade. Beside her sat a pretty young woman with dark hair and a small pig on her lap.

Tetsuya and Shizune locked eyes for a moment, a silent understanding passing between them. She seemed to recognize him, or at least sense that he was not an ordinary traveler.

"Itachi, that's Tsunade," Tetsuya whispered. "Let's go talk to her."

They approached the table, and as they got closer, Tsunade looked up, her eyes widening in shock as she recognized Tetsuya. "Well, well, if it isn't Tetsuya Senju," she said, her voice a mix of surprise and disbelief. "What brings you here?"

Tetsuya smiled, but there was a steely edge to his voice. "Tsunade, it's good to see you. We need to talk."

Tsunade blinked, as if trying to process the sight before her. "You're... alive? After all these years?"

"It's a long story," Tetsuya replied. "But right now, I need you to come back to Konoha."

Before Tsunade could respond, Shizune leaned over and whispered, "Tsunade-sama, this guy looks like your uncle, the Second Hokage!"

Tsunade turned to Shizune. "Shizune, that's because he is my uncle's son. This is Tetsuya Senju, my cousin."

Shizune gasped, looking at Tetsuya with newfound awe. "I had no idea..."

Tsunade composed herself, setting her mug down. "Alright, Tetsuya. You've got my attention. What do you want?"

"I've come to ask you to return to Konoha. The village needs you now more than ever," Tetsuya stated firmly.

Tsunade's expression hardened. "I've left that life behind, Tetsuya. Konoha can manage without me."

"It's not just about Konoha managing," Tetsuya countered, his tone growing firmer. "It's about the future of the village. Hiruzen is stepping down, and I'll be taking over as Hokage. We need your medical expertise and your strength. The people need hope, and you can provide that."

Tsunade looked away, her eyes distant. "You know why I left. I've lost too much already."

Tetsuya leaned in, his voice lowering to a dangerous whisper. "And you'll lose even more if you don't come back. This isn't a request, Tsunade. It's a demand. The village cannot afford to lose you."

Tsunade's eyes widened in shock and anger. "Are you threatening me, Tetsuya?"

"I'm stating facts," Tetsuya replied coldly. "You owe it to Konoha. To the memory of those we've lost. You can't run forever."

For a moment, there was silence, the tension between them palpable. Then, Tsunade sighed heavily. "You're as stubborn as ever, Tetsuya. Fine. I'll come back. But don't think for a second that I agree with your methods."

Tetsuya nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his face. "That's all I ask. We'll be in town for a while. Prepare yourself."

As Tetsuya and Itachi left the inn, the weight of their conversation lingered. Itachi looked up at his mentor, admiration and curiosity in his eyes. "Do you think she'll really come back?"

Tetsuya sighed, a mix of hope and determination in his expression. "She will, Itachi. She has to but probably not wihout a fight."

They walked in silence, the night air cool against their faces. Tetsuya's mind was already turning to the next steps of their journey, while Itachi reflected on the strength and resolve he saw in his mentor. Whatever the future held, they would face it.