Chapter 31: FarewellUchiha Fugaku looked at Uchiha Itachi, and after a while, he spoke: "Danzo? It seems that the other party is already impatient to deal with us!""Alright, everyone quiet down. The death of Shisuiis a huge blow to us. Furthermore, since the other party chose to act against Shisui so unscrupulously, they must have already made other preparations. In that case, the rebellion may have to be postponed."At this moment, Uchiha Itachi spoke: "Father, I was wondering if we could communicate with Hiruzen. Before Shisui died, he told me that Hiruzen had promised him that he would definitely make the Village change its attitude toward us. Moreover, this operation was only Danzo and his subordinates, perhaps..."However, before he could finish, Uchiha Fugakuinterrupted him and said decisively: "Absolutely not!""Shisui could be considered Hiruzen's right-hand man and held a pivotal position within the Anbu. Since Danzo dared to act against him so blatantly, it means he must have received support from the Village. Even if Hiruzen did not deceive him, don't forget that he is not the only one who makes decisions among the high-ranking officials of Konoha. Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharuare definitely on Danzo's side. We must absolutely not take such a risk."Uchiha Itachi still attempted to say something to change Uchiha Fugaku's mind: "Father, but...""Enough, this matter is settled. Today's meeting ends here. Everyone, disperse!" Uchiha Fugakuinterrupted him rudely again.Helpless, Uchiha Itachi walked out with his clansmen. He did not go home, but instead came once again to the place by the Naka River where Shisui had jumped off the cliff. He stood there silently, quietly gazing at the night sky.After a long while, he muttered to himself: "Shisui, was your death... really meaningful? What should I do to fulfill the entrustment you gave me before you died?"The next day, Tsunade went to the Hokage Officeto find Hiruzen. She appeared somewhat impolite, pushing open the door and walking in without knocking, giving Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was concentrating on his work, a big fright.After seeing who it was, he took out his pipe, took a puff, and then asked: "Tsunade, you aren't young anymore. Can you please knock before coming in next time? My old heart can't handle such shocks anymore! Tell me, what business do you have coming to see me today? Don't tell me you are just purely here to see your teacher, after all, you have been back for such a long time and haven't specifically come to see me."Tsunade ignored him, found a place, sat down, and then unceremoniously picked up the teacup on the table and drank it in one gulp. After wiping her mouth, she finally spoke: "Hey, old man, I'm here to say goodbye. I'm leaving in a few days. I'm telling you in advance so you don't need to come see me off."Upon hearing this, Hiruzen was clearly taken aback. He sighed, took another puff of his pipe, and said slowly: "You are leaving already? Well, it is true, you have stayed for quite a long time since you came back this time. Thinking about it, it really surprises me; I thought you were prepared to just stay in the Village like this.""Tsunade, I am getting older and older, and originally I should have retired a long time ago. If it weren't for the Fourth Hokage's incident during the Nine-Tailed incident back then, I would probably be living a very relaxed life every day right now! I have a total of three disciples; Orochimaru has already defected, and you know Jiraiya's personality—he definitely won't take over the position of Hokage.""The only one left is you. Speaking of which, given your status, if you were to become the Fifth Generation Hokage of the Village, that would be the most suitable. How about it? Why don't you stay? After a period of time, I will find an opportunity to propose to the Feudal Lord that you take over the position of Hokage."Upon hearing this, Tsunade waved her hand and said: "Old man, forget it! I see that your health is perfectly fine; at the very least, another eight or ten years won't be a problem. Besides, I don't want to live that kind of boring life every day."Hiruzen sighed after hearing this and said: "Sigh, I knew you would say that. My old bones can't hold on for too long either. My current strength can only barely maintain a Kage-level standard. Speaking of which, if you and Jiraiya are not around, the top combat power in the Village is still too scarce.""Just like the Nine-Tailed incident five years ago, if you and Jiraiya had both been there, surely so many things wouldn't have happened. Besides, this Village was built by your grandfather with great effort, and your granduncle also gave his life for it. Can you really bear to watch me, an old man, struggling to hold on here?"Originally, Tsunade was not very interested in Hiruzen's words, but who would have thought that in the end, he would play the emotional card? This was something she couldn't stand, and she said impatiently: "Alright, alright, I get it. Stop nagging me here.""But it won't work now. Wait until I come back; I will consider this matter. But come to think of it, the time I will be away will probably be about one or two years. You need to help me build a bigger house. You've seen it; I've been living in Naruto's house since I returned, and that one is too small. It will be even more crowded when these little ones grow up."Seeing that Tsunade had softened her stance, Hiruzen immediately put on a smiling face and readily agreed: "No problem, no problem. Leave this matter to me. When you return, I will definitely make you satisfied."After speaking, Tsunade got up and prepared to leave. When she reached the door, she did not look back and said to Hiruzen with her back turned: "By the way, I plan to take Naruto with me when I leave this time. Please help me handle the matters regarding his school!"Hiruzen did not agree directly, but said: "Heh heh, you really do care about this little guy, don't you!"Tsunade did not stop and just left like that.The time for their departure was set for three days later. During this period, Naruto told his little friends in advance. Although they were very reluctant to part and expressed a strong desire to go outside the Village with Naruto to take a look, not to mention whether Tsunade would agree to take them, even their elders at home would likely not agree.The most reluctant to part were Hinata and Sasuke. Hinata was still very shy; she stammered for a long time before she intermittently said: "Na, Naruto-kun, you, please come back early."After saying this, she blushed and left as if fleeing. In fact, she was hiding in a corner, secretly watching Naruto.And Sasuke said: "You must train properly with Lady Tsunade, and absolutely cannot slack off. Otherwise, when you come back, I will leave you behind!"Sasuke was still as confident as ever.
