"You took advantage of me, ruined my reputation, and now you say it's not what I think? Do I really look like someone that casual to you?" Tsunade's tone was dangerously sweet, but the fire behind her eyes was unmistakable.

"If you don't give me a damn good reason, I swear I'll bite you—literally take a piece of flesh!" she snapped, stretching her fingers and cracking her knuckles with a sweet but murderous smile.

Ayanami Kaito sighed.

He knew it—if he didn't give her something solid, Tsunade was going to explode. Maybe spanking her back then had been a mistake…

"Fine. Come here. I'll show you something," he said, waving her over with one hand.

He stepped toward a nearby wildflower, half-withered and drooping under the sun.

"What are you up to now?" Tsunade asked, visibly annoyed but curious.

"Just watch."

Kaito pointed his index finger at the flower. A soft green glow emerged from his fingertip as he channeled life energy into the plant.

Within seconds, the dying flower perked up. It bloomed with vibrant color, petals unfolding in full brilliance as though it had just been born.

Tsunade's eyes widened in shock. "That vitality… Are you from the Senju clan?"

"I suppose you could say that," Kaito replied casually.

Tsunade stared at him, stunned. She didn't even hesitate—she lunged forward and shoved him into her chest with excitement.

Kaito: [...]

Past or future, why do I always end up face-first in cleavage?

After a moment, she stepped back, smiling for the first time in a while. This time, it wasn't her usual forced grin—it came from the heart.

"You're an estranged Senju, right? One of the lost branches?"

"No, not exactly," Kaito said slowly. "It's a little more complicated. Just know that I'm tied to the Senju... deeply."

(Buddy, it's literally just 1% though (⁠ᗒ⁠ᗩ⁠ᗕ⁠))

"I knew it," Tsunade said, nodding. "I could feel that vitality in your chakra. I thought I was imagining it, but it's real. If you'd told me from the start you were one of us, I'd have agreed to your request immediately."

"It doesn't matter now," Kaito said, expression turning serious. "But I need you to keep this to yourself. Don't tell anyone—not even Hiruzen."

"Why not? You might not know this, but the Senju clan is barely holding on. After the Second Great War, our numbers dropped drastically. There aren't even twenty of us left. Most are elderly, and the children… just a handful under five."

"If you returned, you could restore our clan's glory."

"And do what? Challenge Hiruzen for leadership?" Kaito scoffed. "Don't be naive."

Tsunade blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"Come on. You've already thought about it—you just didn't want to admit it," Kaito said, his tone calm but piercing. "Why do you think the Senju clan disappeared? Because they were too respected. Too powerful."

"You know it's true. In Konoha, people might not even remember the Hokage's name, but they all know the Senju compound."

He paused. "And Hiruzen-sama? He's the Hokage. What happens if the Senju rebel? What if the people choose them over him?"

Tsunade's body trembled. Silent tears began to fall down her cheeks.

She had known. Deep inside, she'd always known. But hearing it said aloud hurt far more than she expected.

Kaito continued, not holding back. "If I'm right, then after Konoha signs the treaty with the Sand, the few remaining Senju men will die—'accidents', maybe an attack by 'enemy spies'. But it won't be an accident. Not really."

"No... no!" Tsunade shouted, shaking her head in denial. "Hiruzen-sensei would never—he's not that kind of person!"

"He might not," Kaito said, "but Danzo will."

He leaned forward. "All he has to do is send a few Root agents dressed like enemy spies. Then ANBU can 'intervene' and eliminate them. A handful of disposable pawns for the end of the Senju bloodline? That's a trade Danzo would make any day."

Kaito's words cut deeper than any blade. Tsunade clutched her chest, gasping through her tears.

"Stop! Please stop!" she screamed, her voice cracking.

Kaito said nothing more. Instead, he stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms.

He held her trembling body and whispered, "I know it hurts. But you already knew. You just didn't want to admit it."

After a long pause, he pulled back slightly and changed the subject. "By the way, what happened with the Sand battlefield? They had two Kage-level shinobi. Why were you the only one Konoha sent? In your condition—your hemophobia—you shouldn't even be near a battlefield."

Tsunade wiped her eyes, calming down. "Konoha actually sent Orochimaru and me originally. He was in charge. But three days ago, Hiruzen-sensei recalled him. Said Kumogakure was acting suspiciously near the border and ordered Orochimaru to go there."

"He promised that strong reinforcements would be sent with the supply route. If I'm right, it's probably Minato."

Kaito chuckled darkly. "Minato, huh? With his Flying Thunder God, he can go toe-to-toe with any Kage. Once he masters it, he'll surpass even them."

Then his expression darkened. "But do you really believe Hiruzen-sensei sent Orochimaru away to stop a potential Kumogakure invasion?"

Tsunade blinked. "You think it's something else?"

Kaito's gaze turned cold. "The Third Raikage just died in a fight with Ōnoki. The Fourth hasn't even taken office yet. Kumogakure's in no position to invade anyone."

"Then… what are you saying?"

"I'm saying that the order probably didn't come from Hiruzen" Kaito replied. "It came from Danzo. And Hiruzen… just didn't stop it."

He narrowed his eyes. "With Orochimaru gone, Chiyo would face off against you. Ebizo could be held off by Minato. But when your hemophobia kicks in... you die."

Tsunade said nothing. Her breath caught.

"Hiruzen… he's ruthless. If removing you secures his power, he'll let it happen."

Kaito's hands clenched. He wasn't going to forgive that. No matter what.

"When I leave Konoha… I'll make sure Hiruzen gets the gift he deserves."

---