shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 12: Senju Tsunade

Uchiha Tsukiko was slightly taken aback. "Revive the Senju Clan? But… the Senju have already integrated into the village. The clan members are scattered everywhere—it would be incredibly difficult to bring them together again."

Elder Mokukaze's eyes flickered with complex emotions as he gripped his staff tightly. His voice carried a hint of resentment. "It is precisely because of that decision that my heart has remained unsettled for years. Back then, Senju Hashirama and Tobirama decided to disband the Senju Clan and merge into the village for the sake of unity. But they never realized how much damage this decision would cause to the clan."

Mokukaze continued, his tone laced with pain and disappointment. "Hashirama and Tobirama's original intention was peace, but they underestimated the importance of maintaining a strong clan presence in the village. Once the Senju scattered, our strength was divided, our leadership vanished, and many of the younger generation lost their heritage. Some of them don't even know where their roots lie."

He paused, his voice growing heavier. "The Senju were once one of the most powerful clans in the ninja world, home to countless strong shinobi and invaluable knowledge. But after our dissolution, much of our unique techniques and traditions were forgotten. The Senju gradually faded from Konoha's core leadership. Today, while the name Senju still exists, our influence is but a shadow of its former self."

Tsukiko listened in silence, deeply shaken by Mokukaze's words. He had never considered how profound the consequences of the Senju's disbandment had been.

Mokukaze's voice grew softer but more urgent. "Tsukiko, I know you may have doubts, but you must understand—the Senju blood flows in your veins. If you let it wither away, it would not just be a betrayal of the clan, but a rejection of your very own lineage."

Mokukaze's gaze locked onto Tsukiko, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and determination. "You are the last hope of the Senju. Though you are still young, you carry the blood of both the Senju and Uchiha—two of the greatest clans in history. You might very well be the key to the Senju's resurgence. Can you shoulder this responsibility?"

Tsukiko could feel the elder's urgency and expectations weighing upon him.

He knew that reviving the Senju Clan wouldn't be easy. It would require immense strength, resources, and influence. Moreover, he would have to navigate the village's politics and external threats.

"Elder, reviving the Senju is indeed an ambitious goal, but I will need more power and support," Tsukiko said cautiously. "Will you assist me in this endeavor?"

Mokukaze nodded firmly. "As long as you have the determination, I will give you my full support. The Senju's legacy cannot be allowed to die out. I will ensure that every remaining resource, technique, and loyal clansman is at your disposal."

Tsukiko remained silent for a moment before finally nodding, his eyes gleaming with newfound resolve. "Elder, I will do my best to restore the Senju. But this is a long path, one that must be taken step by step. I will need your continued guidance."

Mokukaze's face softened into a smile. "Tsukiko, as long as you do not give up, I have faith that the Senju will once again rise to greatness."

Having accepted the elder's request to revive the Senju, Tsukiko knew that increasing his strength was crucial to achieving this goal.

Though he had already awakened Wood Release, he had yet to master it.

Understanding his own limitations, he requested to learn Wood Release techniques from Mokukaze.

"Elder, I understand your expectations. But to revive the Senju, I need greater power," Tsukiko said respectfully. "I wish to study the Wood Release techniques of Lord Hashirama to further hone my abilities."

Mokukaze nodded, acknowledging the validity of Tsukiko's request.

He knew that Wood Release was the greatest strength of the Senju Clan, and mastering it would be essential for Tsukiko's growth.

However, Mokukaze himself was not a Wood Release user. But he knew that Senju Hashirama's wife, Uzumaki Mito, had records of Hashirama's Wood Release techniques.

"Tsukiko, your request is granted," Mokukaze said slowly. "I cannot personally teach you, but I know that Lady Uzumaki Mito holds detailed records of Hashirama's techniques. She is not only Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchūriki but also a master of sealing jutsu. If she agrees to guide you, you will gain invaluable knowledge."

To facilitate this, Mokukaze summoned an eighteen-year-old Tsunade.

Tsunade was in the prime of her youth, her bold and straightforward personality already taking shape. Though she had begun refining her Lightning Release, she still held deep pride for her Senju lineage.

Despite not awakening Wood Release herself, she had always longed to wield its legendary power.

Upon hearing Mokukaze's request, Tsunade's eyes flickered with curiosity and excitement. "Mokukaze, are you saying this guy really awakened Wood Release?"

Mokukaze nodded. "Yes, Tsunade. Not only does he possess Senju blood, but he also carries the Uchiha bloodline. His Wood Release has already manifested, but he still requires proper training. As the granddaughter of Lady Mito, you are the best person to take him to her."

Tsunade smirked as she turned to Tsukiko. "Well then, let's go. I want to see for myself how you managed to awaken Wood Release."

Though slightly nervous, Tsukiko felt a stronger sense of anticipation.

Following Tsunade's lead, he embarked on the journey to meet Uzumaki Mito.

As they traveled, Tsunade's curiosity only grew stronger. She constantly bombarded Tsukiko with questions.

"So, Tsukiko, how exactly did you awaken Wood Release?" she asked, her golden eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Was it because of your chakra nature? Or was there a special training method?"

Tsukiko felt slightly awkward under her questioning.

In truth, his Wood Release awakening was largely due to the Heaven's Mandate System. Even he didn't fully understand the mechanics behind it.

He hesitated before responding vaguely.

"Tsunade-nee, to be honest, my awakening seemed to be a mix of luck and instinct," he said with a small smile. "I wasn't doing any special training. During a battle, I suddenly felt a shift in my chakra, and then Wood Release just… activated."

Tsunade frowned, clearly dissatisfied with his answer. "Luck? That's it? No specific training or bloodline activation?"

Tsukiko gave a helpless shrug. "I guess it's a combination of my physical constitution and chakra nature, but I'm still figuring it out myself."

Though skeptical, Tsunade didn't press further.

She knew some things in the ninja world defied logical explanation.

Still, she found herself growing fond of Tsukiko.

Unlike many Uchiha she had encountered, he wasn't arrogant or boastful. Instead, he seemed humble and genuine.

Her tone softened. "Well, I've been searching for a way to awaken Wood Release myself. If you ever figure out a training method, you better tell me."

Tsukiko nodded. "Of course, Tsunade-nee. I'll do everything I can to master it, and if I discover anything useful, I'll share it with you."

As they continued toward Uzumaki Mito's residence, Tsunade found herself looking forward to what lay ahead.

For the first time in a while, she felt genuinely intrigued by someone new.