Comeback of Senju Clan

Chapter 21: A Test of Strength

Tetsuya and Itachi returned to the inn the next morning, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. The streets were still quiet, the early hour lending an air of calm to the bustling city. Tetsuya had a feeling that Tsunade might try to run, and he was determined not to let her escape.

As they approached Tsunade's room, they found Shizune standing outside, looking worried. "Tetsuya-san, Itachi-kun," she greeted them with a deep bow. "Tsunade-sama is preparing to leave. She didn't tell me much, but I can see that she's planning to run again."

Tetsuya nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Thank you for the warning, Shizune. We'll handle it from here."

Inside the room, Tsunade was hastily packing her things, her movements quick and determined. She looked up in surprise as Tetsuya and Itachi entered.

"Tsunade," Tetsuya said firmly but gently. "You're not going anywhere."

Tsunade's eyes flashed with anger. "I told you, Tetsuya. I'm done with Konoha. I won't be dragged back."

Tetsuya stepped forward, his presence commanding but his tone softer. "You're coming back, whether you like it or not. If you want to leave, you'll have to go through me."

Tsunade glared at him, her fists clenching. "Fine. If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get."

They moved outside to a street in front of the inn. Shizune and Itachi followed, both watching with a mix of anticipation and concern. The air was thick with tension as Tetsuya and Tsunade faced off, the sun rising higher and casting long shadows.

Without warning, Tsunade charged, her fist aimed directly at Tetsuya's face. "Show me this Hokage strength of yours!" taunted Tsunade. He dodged with ease, his movements fluid and precise. She followed with a series of powerful strikes, each one narrowly missing as Tetsuya expertly evaded.

"Is this all you've got?" Tetsuya taunted back, his voice calm and composed.

Tsunade growled in frustration, her attacks becoming more ferocious. "Don't underestimate me, Tetsuya!"

She aimed a powerful punch at his midsection, the ground cracking under the force of her blow. Tetsuya blocked it with his forearm, the impact sending shockwaves through the air. He countered with a swift kick to her side, sending her stumbling back.

"Impressive," Tetsuya admitted, "but not enough."

They clashed again, their taijutsu skills on full display. Tsunade's strength was legendary, but Tetsuya's agility and precision kept him a step ahead. With each exchange, it became clear that Tetsuya was not just matching her strength but surpassing it.

Tsunade launched herself at him, her fists glowing with chakra-enhanced power. "Heaven Kick of Pain!" she shouted, aiming to bring Tetsuya down with a devastating blow.

Tetsuya caught her fist in mid-air, the force of the attack causing the ground beneath them to shatter. He twisted her arm and swept her legs out from under her, slamming her into the ground. Tsunade gasped in pain, her body refusing to move under Tetsuya's unyielding grip.

"Give up, Tsunade," Tetsuya said, his voice a mix of authority and compassion. "You're strong, but you're not invincible. And you know that Konoha needs you."

Tsunade struggled for a moment longer before finally going limp, her eyes filling with tears of frustration and defeat. "Damn you, Tetsuya," she whispered. "Why won't you just let me go?"

Tetsuya's expression softened, and he released her arm, helping her to her feet. "Because I care about you," he replied softly. "And because the village needs you more than ever."

He gently brushed the dust off her clothes and looked into her eyes with genuine concern. "I know you're hurting, Tsunade. I know you've been through a lot. But running away won't solve anything. Let me help you."

Tsunade looked at him, her anger fading as she saw the sincerity in his eyes. "You don't understand, Tetsuya. I can't go back. I can't face all those memories."

Tetsuya placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to face them alone. We're here for you. I'm here for you."

Itachi and Shizune watched in stunned silence. Itachi had never heard about anyone who could match Tsunade's strength, let alone overpower her so decisively. Shizune's eyes were wide with shock and awe, seeing her mentor defeated in such a way.

Tetsuya helped Tsunade to her feet, his grip gentle but firm. "Come on, Tsunade. Let's go home."

She nodded reluctantly, her spirit broken but not entirely defeated. "Alright, Tetsuya. You win. I'll come back to Konoha."

As they made their way back to the inn, Shizune and Itachi followed quietly, still processing what they had witnessed. Itachi's respect for Tetsuya had grown even deeper, and Shizune felt a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Tetsuya had proven his strength, not just in battle but in his unwavering determination to bring Tsunade back. And with her return, Konoha would be stronger than ever.