Naruto: The Opportunity Plunderer

Gojo and the group strolled down the heart of Konoha, where the streets shimmered in full bloom of celebration. The dazzling decorations gave the town a surreal beauty, with colorful streamers dancing above them and glowing lanterns reflecting off every polished window and roof tile.

Each corner of the road was filled with bustling energy. Families laughed. Children ran about with paper fans and festival masks. Music echoed in the background, and the faint smell of grilled snacks filled the air. Every breath was filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts, sweet mochi, and simmering dango, making even the most reserved villagers smile.

Everywhere they passed, villagers paused their festivities to greet Tsunade and Gojo.

The name Tsunade brought awe.

She was not just any ninja. She was the granddaughter of the First Hokage and Second Hokage. Born of the noble Senju lineage, she carried their legacy in her very blood. Her name was etched in the history of Konoha.

With her unmatched strength, her unrivaled healing techniques, and her royal lineage, Tsunade stood tall among shinobi and civilians alike. People whispered her titles with reverence—the Princess of the Senju Clan, the Healer Queen of Konoha, the Mightiest Woman of the Village.

Adding to her grandeur was her connection to the Fire Daimyo, her grandfather from her mother's side. A royal descendant on both paternal and maternal lines, Tsunade was a queen in every sense.

Untouchable. Revered.

Admired by all. Envied by none, for her status was beyond competition.

Beside her, Gojo walked calmly.

His sharp features, radiant kimono with black and gold elegance, and confident posture made him stand out effortlessly. The fabric shimmered subtly under the lantern light, woven from fine silk and embroidered with faint, elegant symbols of the Senju legacy.

He wasn't just handsome.

He was respected.

The prince of the Senju clan.

A direct descendant of the Second Hokage, blessed with relation to the First Hokage. His grandfather held a key position as an elder in the Fire Nation, making his family an anchor of power even beyond Konoha.

And Gojo himself?

The undisputed king of the Ninja Academy. First place, all three years. No one even came close.

Feared for his strength. Respected for his composure.

Loved for his presence. Whispers echoed around him as people caught sight of him.

"Look, it's Gojo Senju!"

"He looks like a future Hokage, doesn't he?"

"Even the Uchiha kids can't beat him in the Academy."

Gojo paid no attention to the attention. He calmly enjoyed the sweet aroma of the streets, occasionally glancing at shops or laughing lightly at a passing puppet performance.

They visited candy stalls, admired traditional plays, and even saw Tsunade relax and laugh like a young girl enjoying a rare moment of freedom. She tossed aside her usual dignity to play ring toss and watch fire jugglers with a wide, youthful grin on her face.

Children passed by and bowed respectfully to her. Vendors gave her free mochi just to hear her praise it.

Even Shizune, who usually nagged, was unusually cheerful.

Suddenly, a small figure leapt from the crowd and latched onto Gojo's back, hugging him tightly.

A burst of blonde hair and innocent joy.

It was Ino.

Wearing a stylish kimono with light floral designs, her youthful energy made her look like a noble festival princess. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and her cheeks glowed pink from the cold and from her bold action.

She hugged him tightly, unabashed.

Behind her were her parents.

Her mother looked delighted.

Gojo was truly handsome. Refined. So much better than her own sloppy husband. She couldn't help but compare their elegance.

Her disdain for her husband grew stronger as she admired the harmony between Gojo and Ino. Her eyes narrowed at her husband's wrinkled robe and dull expression.

Inoichi, meanwhile, looked heartbroken.

His daughter—his little cotton pad—was now clinging onto another man.

Why? Why did she never hug me like this?

He felt like his precious cabbage had been served to some wild pig, chewed without care.

His eyes widened in disbelief. The pain was unbearable.

Seeing his wife's growing disdain only added salt to his wound. He sighed.

Why are both my daughter and wife against me?

Is there no justice?

Trying not to collapse from heartbreak, he silently followed, his feet dragging on the ground.

Ino's parents greeted Tsunade.

Tsunade smiled and responded. She knew them well.

The Yamanaka clan was one of the three noble families loyal to the Hokage, along with the Nara and Akimichi clans. She respected them.

Ino, still hugging Gojo, slowly rubbed her head on his back, like a spoiled child claiming her territory.

Her heart thumped with excitement.

He's so warm. So perfect. I want to stay like this forever, she thought.

Karin's face turned dark.

Like a kitten whose favorite toy had been stolen, she marched forward, pulled Gojo back, and yanked him away from Ino.

Her grip was firm. Her eyes burned.

Fuming with dissatisfaction.

Her eyes locked with Ino's.

Mine, her gaze declared fiercely.

Ino glared back without flinching.

Back off, her silence replied, confident and prideful.

Sparks flew.

They glared. They didn't speak.

But their silent war was visible to all.

Gojo, meanwhile, peacefully munched on snacks, blinking slowly. His eyes wandered to a taiyaki stand.

This was clearly girl stuff.

Not his concern.

Tsunade, pretending not to see the fire between the girls, kept chatting about festival snacks and trivial topics. She whistled casually.

They reached a nearby restaurant and took a break.

As they settled, Ino's mother struck.

"Tsunade-sama," she said with graceful calm. "How about engaging Ino to Gojo?"

Ino's cheeks exploded red. Her eyes widened. Her lips sealed with embarrassment.

But inside?

YES! DO IT! CONTINUE! she shouted internally. She trembled slightly, her hands clenching the side of her kimono.

Tsunade paused.

She smiled.

"Ino is cute and beautiful. She'd be perfect for Gojo. We can make it official when they're older."

Ino's mother looked thrilled. She nodded with satisfaction, proud of her forwardness.

Ino blushed even deeper. Her heart sang.

Yes! I did it! He's mine!

She turned to Karin with an arrogant, victorious smirk.

Karin coldly snorted back, refusing to retreat.

Gojo blinked.

Wait, what?

I'm getting engaged?! Where is my opinion?! This is abuse!

He wanted to scream. To protest.

But no.

Tsunade was sitting right there.

He imagined her Iron Fist of Justice.

He saw stars already.

He stayed quiet.

Shizune sighed deeply.

"There she goes again... treating Gojo like a breeding pig in her mind..."

Karin's mother, however, didn't flinch. Her face remained calm.

She accepted reality.

Gojo was talented and strong. Of course others would want him.

Still, she was satisfied with her current standing. Konoha was safe, her daughter was secure, and Gojo's future was bright.

Tsunade and Ino's mother continued talking about plans and possibilities. Dresses, birthdays, future training.

Inoichi? He just kept drinking.

Trying to numb the pain.

My daughter... my cabbage...

He sighed again. His face darkened.

Ino and Karin began their next silent battle.

Both were trying to feed Gojo from their plates. They shoved chopsticks toward his mouth.

Their hands clashed occasionally. Sparks flew again.

Gojo sat quietly, letting them duel it out while he sipped warm tea.

While the streets of Konoha bustled with joy and light, another scene unfolded at the Haruno residence.

Inside her room, Sakura stood before the mirror, carefully adjusting her new kimono. The fabric shimmered gently with pale pink and lavender patterns, floral designs blooming from the hem.

She twirled slowly, admiring the fit.

Her cheeks flushed slightly with excitement. In her mind, she imagined Gojo seeing her.

He will definitely like my kimono today...

A smile tugged at her lips. Her eyes sparkled with hopeful delight.

I will surely be the cutest girl among them...

Suddenly, her mother's voice echoed from downstairs.

"Sakura! Come faster! The festival fireworks are about to start!"

"Coming, Mom!" Sakura responded, quickly grabbing her shawl and small purse.

With a last glance in the mirror, she stepped out, ready to join the festival with a heart full of anticipation.

Meanwhile, at the Uchiha residence, a different atmosphere lingered.

Fugaku sat silently in the main hall, his eyes gazing through the open shoji doors where the moonlight cast long shadows across the floor.

He had just watched his son Sasuke and daughter Shizuka leave together.

There was a hint of a smile on his usually stern face.

At least now... they are happy, he thought.

But beneath the surface, sorrow still festered.

The defection of his eldest son, Itachi, still haunted him. The betrayal, the bloodshed, and the darkness it cast over the clan had not faded.

Still, tonight was different.

Tonight, the village celebrated.

And for this one evening, he allowed himself a brief moment of peace.

Mikoto entered quietly and sat beside him.

She gently held his hand, offering silent comfort.

"Husband..." she said softly, her voice like a soothing breeze. "You don't need to carry this pressure alone."

Fugaku didn't speak but turned to look at her.

Her presence was calming.

"We will bring a good outcome out of this. Just wait until the festival is over," Mikoto continued.

Her voice grew firmer with resolve.

"We will go talk with Tsunade-sama. With her support, even the Third Hokage and Danzo cannot do anything to us."

Fugaku felt his heartbeat steady.

His wife's strength gave him reassurance.

She wasn't just a homemaker. She was a proud Uchiha.

And her support mattered more than anything else at this moment.

He exhaled slowly.

"You're right," he said, voice deep but calmer now.

He reached for the wine placed on the side table.

Mikoto poured for both of them.

The two clinked their cups softly and drank.

For this night—at least this night—they allowed themselves to enjoy the rare peace under the fireworks, away from politics, power, and pain.

In the glowing heart of Konoha, amid celebration and rivalry, peace held its breath.

But the fire in everyone's hearts burned ever so brightly.

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End of Chapter

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