Chapter 32
Everyone stared in shock at the towering trees that had completely engulfed the Hokage Tower. The sudden eruption of wood release had thrown the entire village into chaos, forcing shinobi to act immediately.
Jonin and chunin rushed to evacuate civilians, guiding them to safer areas, while clan heads gathered near the tower to assess the situation. The atmosphere was tense, filled with uncertainty and unease.
Shikaku Nara stood with a frown, his sharp eyes analyzing the situation. "Hiashi, can you see what's happening inside?" he asked calmly.
Hiashi activated his Byakugan, veins bulging around his eyes as he tried to peer through the massive wooden structure. After a few seconds, he shook his head. "No… the trees are infused with chakra and fuinjutsu. They're interfering with my vision," he said seriously.
Inoichi Yamanaka stepped forward, focusing his senses. After a moment, he exhaled slowly. "There's too much chakra density. I can't accurately sense what's happening either," he added, his tone grim.
Tsume Inuzuka frowned deeply as her ninken whimpered beside her. "My dogs are restless… they're scared," she muttered.
Shibi Aburame adjusted his glasses slightly. "My insects are reacting the same way," he said quietly.
Nearby, Kakashi and several jonin secured the perimeter, ensuring no one got too close. The sheer pressure radiating from the structure made even experienced shinobi uneasy.
Just then, the massive trees began to shift. The branches slowly parted, and the overwhelming chakra pressure started to calm as a single figure walked forward.
Tsunade emerged from the forest of wood, her expression cold and composed.
"The show is over," she said firmly. "Return to your duties and calm the civilians."
The trees began to retract gradually, leaving behind a heavily damaged Hokage Tower. Broken walls and cracked foundations were all that remained of the once-stable structure.
Shikaku sighed under his breath. "Troublesome…" he muttered, understanding the deeper implication. This wasn't just anger—it was a deliberate display of overwhelming power.
Without another word, Tsunade turned and walked toward the Senju compound, leaving the shinobi behind to deal with the aftermath.
---
Inside the Hokage Tower, the situation was far from stable.
Hiruzen carefully supported Jiraiya, whose chakra had been nearly drained by the restraining trees. His body trembled slightly from exhaustion as he leaned against the wall.
"You really know how to poke a hornet's nest," Hiruzen said, his tone tired but firm. "Was there really a need to bring Ren into this?"
Jiraiya remained silent, his usual playful nature completely gone.
"He is the reason the prophecy changed," Jiraiya finally said quietly.
Hiruzen sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment. "How many times have I told you to stop chasing those prophecies?" he replied. "Just like Tsunade said—the future is a possibility, not a certainty. It changes with our actions."
Jiraiya said nothing more.
Hiruzen signaled for anbu to take Jiraiya to the hospital before turning his attention to the growing political mess. Tsunade's display would not go unnoticed, especially by other villages.
"To think she has already awakened Wood Release…" Hiruzen murmured, looking out toward the Hokage Monument. "And that level of control… far beyond Yamato. This is a natural awakening… just like Hashirama."
---
Far away, in Amegakure, the Akatsuki gathered for their routine meeting.
After the others finished their reports, Zetsu spoke up. "There was a disturbance in Konoha," he said.
Konan raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't Konoha's barrier upgraded? You shouldn't be able to enter," she pointed out.
Zetsu nodded slightly. "I still can't enter. But I received information from a clone stationed near Kumogakure."
Pain's gaze sharpened. "What happened?" he asked.
Zetsu continued, "Tsunade Senju has awakened true Wood Release. Not an artificial version—the real thing. The Hokage Tower was covered within seconds. Multiple ninja attempted to break it, but the structure was far too durable."
Kakuzu went silent, an old memory resurfacing in his mind. A man standing against the Nine-Tails and Madara, towering over the battlefield with a thousand-armed Buddha… the God of Shinobi.
Pain dismissed it coldly. "I bear the eyes of a god. Mere Wood Release means nothing to me," he said, his Rinnegan glowing faintly.
---
Later, Black Zetsu met with Obito in secrecy.
"Tsunade Senju has awakened Wood Release," Zetsu reported calmly, though his mind raced with concern.
Obito scoffed dismissively. "So what? Even if Hashirama Senju came back to life, you think I'd fear him?" he said arrogantly.
With Kamui, Obito believed himself untouchable.
Zetsu said nothing, though inwardly, he was irritated. Variables like this were dangerous… especially when they threatened his long-awaited plan.
---
Back in the Senju compound, Ren watched Tsunade carefully as she tried to act normal.
"So… what was that outburst earlier?" he asked casually, though his eyes were sharp.
Tsunade ignored him completely, focusing on something else.
Ren frowned slightly. "You're not going to tell me?" he asked again, this time softer. When she still didn't respond, his expression dimmed slightly.
"Fine… don't tell me," he said quietly before turning away and walking toward his room.
Tsunade glanced at him from the corner of her eye. She relaxed slightly when she saw him enter his room, thinking the matter was over.
The next moment—
Ren appeared behind her using Flying Thunder God and immediately started tickling her.
"Hahaha—Ren, stop!" Tsunade burst into laughter, completely caught off guard. Before she could react, he placed sealing tags on her, restricting her movement.
"Now… are you going to tell me?" he asked with a grin, continuing his assault.
"Fine—fine! Stop!" Tsunade laughed helplessly.
Ren finally stopped, though he remained on her, watching her carefully.
Tsunade sighed before speaking. "Jiraiya called me to talk about that stupid prophecy of his," she said. "And when I was leaving… he brought up Nawaki."
She deliberately left out the part about Ren.
Ren nodded quietly before pulling her into a hug. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere," he said softly. "Not now, not in the future… never."
Tsunade paused, then hugged him back tightly, pulling his face into her chest. "You brat… do you think I'd let you?" she said with a small smile as she watched his red face. Than she pulled him closer and kissed his forehead.
Ren smiled with red face. "Well… next time, try not to destroy an entire building," he joked. He could still feel the softness on his cheeks. Even though he had beed suffocated in her chest more time than he could remember. he still couldn't get used to the softness.
Evertime thay felt so good. Ren shook the thaught away. 'damn it what am I thinking. I'm just a 12 yr old kid. ' he calmed down.
Tsunade stuck out her tongue slightly. "I'll… try."
Ren laughed before heading toward the kitchen, where Shizune and Akari were already preparing food.
"Hey, Akari-nee, Shizune-nee… want some help?" he called out cheerfully.
They smiled warmly as he joined them, the three working together in a familiar rhythm.
From a distance, Tsunade watched them quietly, her expression softening as Ren laughed and teased the two women.
'No one can touch you,' she thought firmly. 'Your past doesn't matter. You are my brother. And anyone who tries to harm you… will pay the price.'
With that, she turned and walked toward Karin's room.
It was time for training.
Karin had officially become her student now, alongside Hinata and Sakura. All three were talented, hardworking, and—most importantly—important to Ren.
Tsunade smiled faintly.
After all, they would play a role in rebuilding the legacy of the Senju clan.