Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

The Senju Clan

In the brightly lit study, Tsunade, who carried a bold and carefree persona outside, transformed into a quiet and obedient girl once she returned home, sitting properly to one side.

"Tsunade, you were far too impulsive this time."

Uzumaki Mito, though aged and aware of the Senju Clan's decline, was not blind to her granddaughter's actions. The Senju may have weakened, but they were far from extinct.

When Tsunade returned home, Mito's expression had turned grave as she fixed her gaze on her granddaughter.

However, Tsunade lifted her head with rare defiance and said, "Grandma Mito, those old fools have gone too far—first Nawaki, and now me!"

Facing Tsunade's outburst, Mito sighed softly and shook her head. "What's done is done. But have you considered the consequences of dragging the Uchiha Clan into this?"

What kind of people were the Uchiha? Mito knew all too well. While they might seem agreeable most of the time, their extremist tendencies could easily lead to trouble if pushed too far.

Tsunade, however, disagreed with Mito's caution. Her voice grew firm and resolute.

"Grandma Mito, those Uchiha elders have already provided critical intelligence on two occasions. It's clear as day—they want to return to the center of power after years of isolation."

"And tonight, my actions were a warning to everyone in Konoha: The Senju are still here! If pushed too far, we'll ally with the Uchiha!"

Tsunade's declaration was fierce. In her youth and pride, she could not tolerate repeated schemes against her. This was her retaliation.

"Grandma, this is also what the Uchiha want."

Tsunade looked deeply at her grandmother and continued in a measured tone, "This wasn't a rash decision. I thought it through carefully. As for Uchiha Shirou, let's not discuss him for now. During the war, I observed the young clan leader, Uchiha Fugaku, in secret. He's loyal to the village.

"While I don't know much about the current Uchiha elders, I do know Fugaku is nearing his twenties, with a maturity of mind and character to match."

Her gaze bore into Mito's, her seriousness unmistakable.

"Moreover, involving the Uchiha will ease much of the pressure on the Senju!"

It was clear what Tsunade intended: to use the Uchiha to share the burden of the scrutiny and hostility directed at the Senju.

Mito, astute as ever, immediately grasped the implications. While she had her reservations about the Uchiha's past, she recognized Tsunade's faith in Fugaku's loyalty to the village.

"And what about that boy, Shirou?"

Mito asked with a wry smile, realizing Tsunade had made up her mind.

"Oh, Shirou!"

Tsunade's lips curled into a smile as she teased, "Isn't he perfect? His actions will kill off any disloyal thoughts in the village. Besides, he has a personality that wouldn't betray Konoha. We need the Uchiha's voice to be heard anyway."

Tsunade understood Shirou's staunch commitment to the Will of Fire and his usefulness in keeping her informed of the Uchiha's plans.

Seeing her granddaughter's resolve, Mito frowned. Though she felt Tsunade's approach was impulsive, a part of her, still simmering with suppressed anger and resentment over what had happened to her grandchildren, couldn't disagree.

First Nawaki, then Tsunade. Who could tolerate such affronts? If not for her advanced age, she would have unleashed the power of the Nine-Tails long ago to deter these schemers.

"So be it," Mito finally said.

"The battlefield in the Land of Rain is treacherous, but the Uchiha Clan's fire techniques, while somewhat limited, remain formidable. When you go to the frontlines, you can rest assured that the Uchiha ninja will cooperate."

Mito was certain the Uchiha Clan would follow orders to ensure their reintegration into Konoha's trust.

...

The Next Day

The news that Princess Tsunade had taken a liking to a young Uchiha spread like wildfire through Konoha.

It became the talk of the town.

The flower of Konoha, the pride of the Land of Fire—even the shinobi world's most prominent beauty—had been "plucked"!

Bang!

The laboratory doors burst open as a flushed and furious Uzumaki Kushina stormed in. Glaring at Tsunade, she shouted, "Sister Tsunade, did Uchiha Shirou seduce you?!"

Seeing Kushina's protective outrage, Tsunade couldn't help but laugh.

"Ara? Is my Kushina-chan jealous?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Kushina, however, gritted her teeth and snapped, "I knew it! Those evil Uchiha! Pretending to approach me when their real target was you all along!"

Fuming, Kushina felt utterly deceived. The evil Uchiha—even Sister Tsunade—had been duped.

Tsunade put down her tools, hands on her hips as she laughed heartily. "Kushina, this isn't very ninja-like of you. Shinobi must always remain calm!"

Sitting down, she looked at Kushina with a hint of worry.

First Nawaki. Then herself.

Would Kushina be next?

If Shirou had heard Tsunade's thoughts, he would have chuckled, Exactly right! That's the order!

"Kushina, Nawaki's incident is in the past, but during the Jonin council last night, someone…"

Seeing the innocence in Kushina's eyes, Tsunade rarely showed such a serious expression as she recounted the events of the previous night.

Though Kushina didn't yet understand, Tsunade subtly mentioned Nawaki's fate, planting seeds of caution.

"What?!"

Kushina's eyes widened in shock, disbelief written all over her face.

"Sister Tsunade, how could shinobi in the village stoop so low as to scheme against you?!"

Kato Dan's words from the previous night seemed too coincidental to Tsunade, who couldn't shake her suspicions.

Coincidence after coincidence, with no tangible evidence—it was too perfect. And that was the problem.

"Kushina, you must be careful. Not everyone in this village is trustworthy," Tsunade said solemnly, looking at her with deep concern. (PS: Poor Minato.)

"You know what my position represents. Despite that, there are still those who dare to act against me. Your situation is no different. If even the Uchiha are involved, who knows what others might do?"

Kushina's alarm grew, and she nodded fervently.

"Don't worry, Sister Tsunade! I'll be careful from now on."

As a foreigner from the Land of Whirlpools, Kushina had always felt somewhat out of place. Tsunade's warning only heightened her awareness.

Meanwhile, Shirou's strategic leaks had achieved their desired effect. Tsunade and the Senju Clan were now on guard against Konoha itself.

When it came to exploiting others for personal gain, Shirou was a master.

Don't call me Shirou. I am Aizen.