Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

At noon, Kawakaze stayed at the Senju home for dinner.

Mito sat at the head of the table, with Kawakaze, Tsunade, Nawaki, and Misaki seated around her. If Kushina hadn't been at school, Minato would have joined them too. These days, the boy had grown brazen enough to treat coming over for food as no big deal. He even kept calling her "Grandma Mito," much to her delight.

"Brother-in-law, can I go to your shop and get something?" Nawaki asked, no longer shy about addressing Kawakaze as such in front of Mito.

"What do you need?" Kawakaze replied, casually taking a bite of the shrimp Tsunade had peeled for him. It tasted exceptionally good.

"Misaki has just started her training, so I want to get her some kunai or something. Everyone in Konoha knows that Hatake Arms Workshop makes the best weapons. Look…" Nawaki said, getting straight to the point as he tried to take advantage of the connection.

"Just go get it. Tell them I told you to go," Kawakaze said without hesitation, as if a few pieces of ninja gear were nothing to him.

"I knew you were the best brother-in-law in the world," Nawaki said, grinning widely before turning to Misaki. "After we eat, I'll take you to pick out some ninja gear."

Anyone watching might've thought Nawaki was paying out of his own pocket. His nerve in trying to impress Misaki with Kawakaze's resources was audacious.

"Thank you, Brother Kawakaze," Misaki said politely, ignoring Nawaki entirely.

Mito watched with satisfaction. This is how a young lady from a respectable family should act, she thought. Someone in this household needs to set a good example, or they'll all end up as reckless as that deadbeat Hashirama.

"You're welcome. Take whatever you like," Kawakaze said, showing even more generosity toward Misaki than Nawaki.

"You can practice with Nawaki first," Tsunade added, already planning ahead. "And later, I'll teach you. If you've got what it takes to be a Medical-nin, I'll make sure you're trained properly."

"Yes, I know," Misaki replied obediently, nodding as she slowly resumed eating her meal.

"What are your plans for this afternoon?" Mito asked casually, without implying anything deeper.

"We plan to visit the Uchihas," Kawakaze replied straightforwardly. There was nothing to hide—it wasn't something to be ashamed of. As for what Hiruzen Sarutobi might think, Kawakaze didn't particularly care.

"I heard they contributed a lot on the battlefield," Mito remarked. "It's good to go and take a look."

She paused briefly, likely reflecting on the complex relationship of love and rivalry between Hashirama and Madara, before continuing.

"Hm," Kawakaze responded simply. He knew Mito wasn't the kind to involve herself in unnecessary conflicts.

After finishing their meal, Nawaki eagerly led Misaki out the door, excited about their trip to the workshop. Kawakaze and Tsunade stayed a little longer to chat with Mito before leaving.

Once they stepped outside, they headed toward the Uchiha Clan's territory. Kawakaze naturally took Tsunade's hand, and the sight of the two walking together quickly drew the attention of passers-by.

They made a striking couple, and every so often, acquaintances from the ninja world would stop to greet them. Their relationship was no secret; in fact, it was as well-known as any other notable pairing in Konoha.

After crossing several streets and entering a quieter alley, Kawakaze sensed something unusual.

"Someone's following us," he noted calmly.

"Anbu?" Tsunade asked, quickly piecing the situation together.

"They're not comfortable with you anymore," Kawakaze said, unsurprised. No matter how much Hiruzen admired Tsunade, he would never let her gain full control. That wasn't his way.

"What should we do?" Tsunade asked, though the thought of harming her Sensei had never crossed her mind.

"If they want to follow, let them," Kawakaze said, a faint smirk forming on his lips. Just let them watch. What can they really do about it?

The two continued at a steady walking pace, eventually reaching the boundaries of the Uchiha clan's territory.

"Lady Tsunade, Lord Kawakaze," two Uchiha ninja greeted, stepping forward to block their path. Their tone was polite and respectful, recognizing who stood before them.

"Is Fugaku here? We've come to see him," Kawakaze said calmly, showing no displeasure. He understood this was simply part of their duty.

"Please wait a moment. I will go and inform him."

"Go ahead."

The Uchiha ninja quickly disappeared and soon returned, guiding the two toward Fugaku Uchiha's residence. Behind them, the Anbu who had been shadowing Tsunade and Kawakaze quietly turned to report back.

Hokage's Office.

"Lord Third, Lord Kawakaze Hatake and Lady Tsunade have entered Uchiha territory," the Anbu reported, kneeling on one knee before the desk.

"Yes, I know," Hiruzen replied, setting down his pipe. The Anbu promptly left the room.

"Hiruzen, Kawakaze is in the spotlight right now. We must tread carefully," Homura said, breaking the silence. Surprisingly, Koharu was absent from this discussion.

"Heh…" Hiruzen chuckled dryly. "With the Demi-God Hanzō killed, Third Kazekage destroyed, and the Tsuchikage defeated—he's far beyond merely being 'in the spotlight.' He doesn't even see me as worthy of respect anymore."

Hiruzen slammed his hand down on the desk, causing Homura to flinch.

"Tsunade was supposed to take over after your time was up, decades from now. But now, it seems they're unwilling to wait that long."

Homura's comment hit a nerve, drawing a scowl from Hiruzen.

"I'll see what they can do," Hiruzen said, rubbing his temples as if to stave off the mounting pressure. The Hatake Clan was an undeniable thorn in his side—powerful yet with a sparse population, making them an unpredictable element.

To complicate matters, the Hatake brothers had returned from the battlefield as celebrated heroes. Taking action against them openly was out of the question. Any such move would exact a heavy price, one he dared not contemplate. The thought of other great powers mocking their downfall only made the situation more unbearable.

In that moment, Hiruzen couldn't help but recall the days of Danzo. Back then, such matters weren't his to worry about.

"Alas, you may go. I want to be alone."

Hiruzen sent Homura away, uncertain of his own thoughts. The smoke in the office thickened, curling heavily in the air.

Meanwhile, Kawakaze and Tsunade were escorted directly to Fugaku's residence, a house that had originally belonged to his uncle. Now inherited by Fugaku, the house had become a quiet refuge.

Fugaku had deliberately chosen a different room from the one Kawakaze had stayed in during his last visit. He wanted to avoid stirring any unpleasant memories.

The three of them sat down together. Fugaku, his face still pale, poured tea for Kawakaze and Tsunade with his own hands. Yet, as he opened his mouth, no words came out.

Fugaku found himself at a loss. Suddenly thrust into the role of Clan Head, he wasn't prepared for such responsibility. There was so much to learn, and the person who had shielded him from life's storms was gone.

As Fugaku's gaze grew vacant, Kawakaze broke the silence.

"Your Sharingan has evolved?"

Just that one sentence pulled Fugaku back to reality.

"Mm," Fugaku nodded, not hiding the truth. How much he wished he could trade those eyes to bring his uncle back.

The desire to fight Kawakaze had vanished entirely. Circumstances had changed, and so had his perspective.

"Do you need me to take a look?" Tsunade asked. On their way over, he had already explained some of the drawbacks of the Mangekyō to Tsunade.

"No, I know my own body well enough. There's no longer any danger," Fugaku replied, smiling politely as he declined Tsunade's unspoken offer.

He knew his weakness wasn't physical. Only time could mend the wounds he carried.