Konoha: Reforge the glory of Uchiha!

**Dusk**

Tsunade walked down the streets of Konoha with her head lowered, followed by two young boys. The usually smooth and shiny high ponytail of the girl was messy and dull today. Tears brimmed in her eyes, and her occasional sobs revealed that the little princess of Konoha was in a bad mood.

Jiraiya hung his head, distressed by his crush's sorrowful appearance, but he didn't dare to approach her. He could only follow Tsunade silently to show his support.

Orochimaru's face was paler than usual. He understood Tsunade's feelings at this moment since his parents had also perished in this cruel war. More sensitive than most, Orochimaru realized that Tsunade needed not just comfort but companionship. However, his repertoire of comforting words was limited, far less eloquent than Jiraiya's.

Unfortunately, Jiraiya seemed paralyzed by fear, unable to step forward and comfort her, despite having previously begged Orochimaru to play the villain so he could be the hero. Now, when it was crucial, he was as silent as a statue. Orochimaru decided to simply follow Tsunade, offering silent support.

Suddenly, Tsunade turned around and forced a smile. Tears were about to spill from her eyes as she struggled to contain her grief, making her expression even more heartrending.

Seeing Tsunade's smile, uglier than her tears, Jiraiya finally stepped forward to comfort her:

"Tsunade, you know how villagers love to gossip. Lord Hokage is so powerful, he can't possibly be..."

Before Jiraiya could finish the word "dead," Tsunade interrupted him, unable to bear hearing it.

"Second Grandpa is the Hokage, even Grandpa feared him. He's so powerful, he will be fine."

"He knows so many forbidden techniques, Water Release, Fire Release..."

Tsunade rattled off, as if trying to convince herself. But soon, she couldn't hold it in anymore. Tears flowed like a breached dam. She quickly said, "See you tomorrow," and ran home without looking back.

The girl's pride wouldn't allow her to show weakness in front of her friends. After all, she was the granddaughter of the Hokage.

In no time, Tsunade vanished from Jiraiya's and Orochimaru's sight.

"Jiraiya, why didn't you speak up earlier?" Orochimaru asked, frustrated with his friend's lack of action. Jiraiya, who usually begged him to play the villain for his heroic acts, had become as inert as a log at such a critical moment.

"I, I, I..." Jiraiya stammered, unable to articulate his thoughts. He wanted to say something, to do something, but felt as if he were under a spell.

"Tsk, useless," Orochimaru sneered, cursing inwardly, and walked away, ignoring Jiraiya as he headed home.

Left alone on the street, Jiraiya's shadow stretched long in the fading light. He stood there, processing his failure, before finally heading home. Along the way, comforting words came to mind, but it was too late.

**Senju Clan Land**

Tsunade ran into the Senju Clan compound, eager to find comfort in Grandma Uzumaki Mito.

Surely, Grandma Mito would know about Second Grandpa.

As soon as Tsunade entered, she saw the familiar sight of red. Mito was sitting at the table, surrounded by food.

"Grandma, Grandma..."

"The villagers are saying that Second Grandpa..."

Tsunade's tears flowed freely as she threw herself into Mito's arms.

Mito embraced Tsunade, gently patting her back. A wave of sadness overwhelmed her, tears glistening in her eyes as she pondered the situation.

How had the news of Tobirama's death leaked so quickly? Who was responsible—Sarutobi Hiruzen, Shimura Danzo, Uchiha Kagami?

Several faces flashed through Mito's mind, but her main concern was her granddaughter's suffering.

"Is Second Grandpa really dead?" Tsunade asked, her tear-streaked face searching Mito's for answers.

Mito looked at Tsunade, wanting to assure her that Tobirama Senju was fine, that it was all rumors.

But she couldn't. The truth was a fire, and lies were but paper. How could paper cover a flame? Lies would only hurt Tsunade more in the long run.

Better a short pain than a long one.

Mito, filled with compassion for her granddaughter, sifted through her thoughts before speaking slowly:

"Tsunade, you are the granddaughter of the Hokage. Do you remember what Grandpa and Second Grandpa told you?"

"Be strong, always!"

"Grandma will always be with you."

Mito's words caused Tsunade to widen her eyes in disbelief, but her heart finally accepted the truth. She cried even harder, her tears unstoppable.

Mito had no choice but to comfort her softly.

As the sun set and the moon rose over Konoha, its light shimmering on the streets, Tsunade's cries gradually subsided. Exhausted from crying, she fell into a restless sleep, her dreams shadowed by sorrow.

Mito tucked Tsunade into bed, moving cautiously so as not to wake her.

Gazing at Tsunade's sleeping form, Mito sighed. As a ninja, the cycle of life and death was normal, but life continued, just like the sun rising each day.

"Tsunade, you must become stronger," Mito murmured softly, then left the room to wash her tear-stained face. She had cried long enough.

Now, she had more important matters to address.

The future of Konoha rested on her shoulders.

"Senju Taomu!" Mito called, summoning Senju Momoki with a calm but firm demeanor.

Senju Momoki, already nearby, was poised to receive Mito's orders. The house had echoed with cries all night, but he dared not let his guard down.

"Go gather the others!"

"Yes!" Senju Momoki replied, quickly moving to carry out her command.