Uchiha Ascendant: Rewriting the Ninja World

Under the dim streetlights outside the Hokage building, a surprising scene left many shinobi murmuring to themselves.

Could it be? Has Tsunade-hime, the princess of the Land of Fire, really taken an Uchiha for herself?

The speculation ran wild, turning what seemed like an ordinary moment into an explosion of gossip.

"Lady… Lady Tsunade."

Kato Dan walked up with his usual sunny smile. Ignoring Uchiha Yo entirely, he respectfully greeted Jiraiya and Orochimaru.

"Do you need something?"

Tsunade's tone was cold, her expression distant, exuding the arrogance befitting her station as the famed Senju princess.

Still smiling, Kato Dan pressed on, his eyes brimming with sincerity.

"Lady Tsunade, I think your proposal for the medical system was absolutely correct."

Tsunade merely nodded at his compliment, her demeanor uninterested. Sensing the moment slipping away, Kato Dan gritted his teeth and decided to go for broke.

"A year ago, during the enemy raid on the village, my sister was killed. That's why I wholeheartedly support your medical system. I was wondering if we could discuss it further?"

His words were heartfelt—or at least appeared so. Kato Dan was banking on their shared loss, believing it would resonate with Tsunade.

He lost his sister, and Tsunade lost her brother. Surely, they must share a connection.

Uchiha Yo, observing from the sidelines, couldn't help but feel exasperated.

There he goes, playing the "tragic backstory" card. Just like in the original story.

Unfortunately for Kato Dan, this was a different Tsunade.

Having already discovered that someone was scheming against her, Tsunade's fury simmered beneath the surface.

They're relentless, she thought. First Nawaki, now this persistent act.

Suppressing her anger, Tsunade put on a lazy smile and waved dismissively.

"There's no need. I've already said my piece. The Third Hokage made a valid point—winning this war takes precedence over everything else right now."

Without giving Kato Dan a chance to respond, Tsunade turned to Uchiha Yo, her expression softening into a smile.

"Yo, let's go. It's a good time to check on your health."

As she spoke, she leaned against him, forcing Yo's stiff arm to wrap around her slender waist. Together, they disappeared into the shadows of the streetlights, leaving a trail of stunned onlookers.

Many jonin exiting the Hokage building froze mid-step, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"Did Tsunade-hime just leave with an Uchiha?"

The implications were staggering. This wasn't just gossip—it was dynamite.

Even Jiraiya stood dumbfounded, his jaw hanging open. After a long pause, he exclaimed dramatically:

"So this is why Tsunade never picked anyone all these years—she likes them young!"

Though his tone was joking, Orochimaru's hoarse laugh indicated he'd noticed something deeper. The two exchanged a knowing glance, their suspicions confirmed.

Both had a keen understanding of Tsunade's character. They didn't believe for a moment that she'd fallen for Yo, but Kato Dan's overeagerness had exposed his intentions.

"He's pushing too hard," Orochimaru rasped. "Bringing up his dead sister like that? He's obviously trying to get close to her."

Kato Dan's awkward smile faltered as he realized he'd failed. Muttering an excuse, he quickly retreated into the night.

---

Inside the Hokage's office,

The atmosphere was tense as Sarutobi Hiruzen listened to an ANBU's report.

"Lord Third, the jonin meeting has ended. As for Lady Tsunade…"

Before the ANBU could finish, Koharu Utatane frowned in disapproval.

"Hiruzen, what is Tsunade doing? Does she understand the danger posed by the Uchiha?"

Her voice grew sharper with each question, her face tight with concern. Homura Mitokado adjusted his glasses, his expression equally grim but more measured.

"Hiruzen, could this mean Tsunade has discovered something?"

Sarutobi inhaled deeply, the end of his pipe glowing as he processed the situation. Exhaling a puff of smoke, he answered calmly:

"It's likely Kato Dan's earlier actions irritated her. During the meeting, she summoned her slug, perhaps as a form of protest. What we saw outside… is her way of striking back."

His even tone belied the ripple his words sent through the room.

Koharu's brows furrowed in alarm.

"Hiruzen, you know what this could mean. Konoha has worked tirelessly to maintain peace. Tsunade is going too far. She needs to understand her actions—especially involving the Uchiha—could destabilize everything we've built!"

Her voice rose with each word, the weight of her concerns clear.

"She represents the Senju Clan. Any association between her and the Uchiha, or any other major family, will only bring chaos to the village," Koharu continued.

Homura nodded in agreement, though his tone was more subdued.

"This is why Kato Dan was permitted to approach her. A lone jonin with no substantial backing poses no threat. But the Uchiha? That's a different story entirely."

The mention of the Uchiha brought a dark edge to the conversation.

Sarutobi tapped his pipe against the ashtray, shaking his head.

"Perhaps Tsunade overstepped, but the war in the Rain Country is far more pressing."

Koharu and Homura exchanged a glance, their expressions heavy.

"Hiruzen, the Rain Country is important, but White Fang's growing influence within the village is also a concern. Perhaps it's time for Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade to shoulder more responsibilities," Homura suggested.

Sarutobi nodded slowly, his expression hardening.

"You're right. With the Great War looming, Konoha must not waver. I'll have Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade lead separate ninja forces into the Grass Country to reinforce White Fang's troops. Together, they'll form a pincer against the Rain and Sand forces. If the situation escalates, they'll be ready to join the main battlefield."

As Sarutobi spoke, the heavy door to the office burst open.

Bang!

Danzo Shimura stormed in, his face twisted with rage.

"Hiruzen! How could you allow such a thing? A union between the Senju and Uchiha—do you have any idea what you've done?"

His accusatory tone filled the room.

Sarutobi's eyes narrowed dangerously. He stood, his voice thunderous.

"Danzo! Remember your place—I am the Hokage!"

Danzo glared back, his anger unabated.

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!" he snapped, storming out of the room.

Koharu sighed heavily, exchanging a look with Homura.

"Danzo, calm yourself," Koharu called after him, but it was no use.

As the door slammed shut

, Sarutobi exhaled deeply, his tone softening.

"Let him go. The Rain Country demands our focus. This… distraction will sort itself out."