Naruto: A New Life with Tsunade

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Kurama Yakumo.

No wonder.

Natsume finally recalled the Kurama clan—a ninja family renowned for their unique and potent kekkei genkai, centered around genjutsu.

The Kurama clan.

Once, their reputation rivaled even that of the Uchiha. Their bloodline limit was nothing short of extraordinary.

First, the ability to manipulate the five senses of others.

Second, the power to create an illusory world and, if the user so desired, make those illusions real.

For instance, damage inflicted within a genjutsu could manifest in the real world, impacting objects and even the human body.

Aside from the Mangekyō Sharingan, the Kurama clan's potential could easily surpass the Uchiha.

But with such immense power came a monumental challenge in awakening it. Over the years, the Kurama clan dwindled into a small, ordinary ninja family. Almost no one awakened their terrifying bloodline limit.

Except for Kurama Yakumo—the last, and by far, the strongest of her clan.

So powerful that a sinister entity, Ido, was born from the depths of her heart.

In the original story, with the help of Kurenai Yūhi, Naruto Uzumaki, and others, Kurama Yakumo was able to defeat Ido and reclaim her sense of self.

"Are you a student at the Academy? Why aren't you in class?" Natsume asked, his Mangekyō Sharingan subtly flickering as he studied her. If it weren't for the circumstances, he might have considered using it to glimpse Ido's form.

"I'm not," Yakumo responded, her voice tinged with sadness. A bitter smile crossed her lips. "I've been sick since I was little. It's hard for me to become a ninja."

Natsume nodded thoughtfully. That explained a lot.

Ido had consumed so much of Yakumo's chakra and vitality that her body became frail—a blessing and a curse.

But handled properly, Kurama Yakumo's potential was immense.

Natsume felt a flicker of interest in recruiting her but hesitated. Too young, he thought. My group is starting to feel like a refuge for problem children.

Still, such talent couldn't be ignored.

"Anything is possible," Natsume said, kneeling to her eye level. "My teacher is Tsunade. Would you let her examine you?"

After all, Yakumo was a Konoha ninja. He couldn't simply whisk her away to the Land of Waves. Keeping her close, under Tsunade's care, seemed the best option. Once Tsunade understood the problem, Natsume could decide whether to take Yakumo on as a disciple and deal with Ido himself.

And Ido... Ido was an opportunity.

Such strong Yin Release chakra would be invaluable to his Mangekyō Sharingan.

"Tsunade-sama?" Yakumo's eyes lit up with hope, her despair fading. The Legendary Sannin's reputation as the greatest medical ninja was unparalleled.

"Exactly," Natsume confirmed with a nod. "If you trust me, how about coming with me now?"

"Of course!" Yakumo agreed without hesitation. Becoming a ninja was her dream, and this might be her only chance.

Natsume led her to his home.

"Natsume, who's this?" Shizune, lounging on the sofa, glanced up tiredly.

She had likely just returned from a long day at the hospital and was unwinding in front of the TV.

"Kurama Yakumo," Natsume introduced, then paused. "Shizune-nee, could you give her a check-up?"

"Check-up? Is something wrong with her?" Shizune perked up, her curiosity piqued. "Come here, let me take a look."

Yakumo hesitated, glancing nervously at Natsume.

"Go ahead," Natsume reassured her gently.

Reluctantly, Yakumo stepped forward.

Shizune smirked. My little brother sure has a knack for drawing in talented girls, she thought.

Placing her hand on Yakumo's shoulder, Shizune began her examination.

Her smile quickly faded. Though Yakumo appeared normal on the outside, her body was frail, her chakra pathways weak. And deep within her... a cold, dark energy radiated—a chilling presence that made Shizune shudder.

"Are you unable to control your power?" Shizune asked after stepping back.

Yakumo's eyes widened, startled by how quickly Shizune had pinpointed her problem. She nodded vigorously.

"Is it tied to your kekkei genkai?" Shizune inquired, her voice a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Yes," Yakumo admitted, feeling understood for the first time.

"It's rare to see a kekkei genkai so powerful that the body can't contain it," Shizune murmured, shaking her head.

"Can it be cured?" Yakumo asked desperately, her voice trembling.

"I can't say for certain," Shizune replied honestly, watching the hope drain from Yakumo's face. She quickly added, "But when Tsunade-sama returns, I'm confident we'll find a solution. There's definitely hope."

Yakumo's face brightened, and she exhaled in relief.

"Shizune-nee, watch over her for now. I'm heading out to train," Natsume said. He knew Tsunade wouldn't be back until evening, so there was no point in waiting.

With that, Natsume vanished, reappearing in the Land of Waves.

At the Daimyo's mansion, Uzumaki Ena held a vibrant red rose, inspecting it closely.

"Karin, do you like this flower?" she asked softly.

"It's pretty," Karin replied, glancing up from her book. She frowned. "But isn't a rose a symbol of love? Why did you get it?"

Ena stiffened. "I-I just thought it looked nice! Why does it have to mean something?" she stammered, her face flushing.

Karin shrugged and returned to her book, sparing Ena further embarrassment.

Ena sighed in relief—only to tense again when she felt familiar warmth behind her.

"It's me," Natsume whispered, his voice low and reassuring.

Ena froze, glancing nervously at Karin, who was still engrossed in her reading, seated a short distance away.

"Karin..." Ena muttered, feeling flustered.

Natsume's gaze flickered toward Karin, confirming she wasn't paying attention. Smirking, he pulled Ena closer. The faint scent of roses lingered in the air.

"Smells nice," he murmured.

"It's... the roses," Ena replied shakily.

"Doesn't smell like roses," Natsume countered, leaning in closer.

Ena's knees buckled, and she melted against him, her thoughts slipping away.

---

Hokage Building

The atmosphere in the room was tense, thick with the weight of looming decisions.

Tsunade slammed her fist down on the desk. Though she held back her full strength, cracks still formed on its surface, and the air stirred as her cloak fluttered from the impact.

"Enough of this nonsense, Koharu! Either agree or disagree, but stop dragging this out!" Tsunade snapped, her glare locking on Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane.

"Tsunade! Is this any way to speak to your elders?" Koharu retorted, her face set in a disapproving frown.

"Tsunade, Koharu is only trying to help. Let's keep this civil and discuss it rationally," Homura said, attempting to mediate. His tone then hardened. "You really need to get your temper under control."

"I'm not in the mood for a lecture," Tsunade replied coldly, her expression unyielding. "In this room, there are no elders or juniors—only advisors."

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, their patience clearly wearing thin.

Tsunade's defiance had become a thorn in their side. In the past, they could subtly steer the village's decisions to suit their own interests, cultivating alliances with powerful clans. But Tsunade's relentless pursuit of fairness had undercut their influence. Her leadership was proving to be as formidable as her temper.

A thought surfaced in both their minds—Danzo Shimura's recent visit. He had sought their backing in his bid for Hokage, though they had dismissed him at the time. With Orochimaru in the shadows, Danzo's ambitions seemed precarious. But now, with Tsunade eroding their control, they might reconsider. At least Danzo was predictable.

A knock on the door broke their thoughts.

"The Hokage requests your presence, elders," an ANBU operative announced, bowing.

Homura and Koharu exchanged a quick glance before rising.

Tsunade sighed, her irritation evident, but followed them out.

---

Hokage's Office

Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at his desk, his expression clouded with concern. Beside him stood Danzo, his face unreadable, though his calculating eyes gleamed with subtle malice.

However, Tsunade's gaze quickly shifted to the third figure in the room—Uchiha Itachi.

The young shinobi knelt on the floor, his head bowed.

Tsunade's instincts screamed trouble.

"The Uchiha clan is planning a coup," Itachi said, his voice calm but laden with tension. "They intend to act tonight."

The room fell into heavy silence as Itachi outlined the plan. Fugaku Uchiha aimed to use the Konoha Police Force and the clan's elite to seize power. The strategy involved cornering the Hokage and his advisors, forcing a change in leadership. With Fugaku as Hokage, they hoped for minimal bloodshed.

But without Uchiha Shisui's Kotoamatsukami to manipulate minds, the plan was fragile at best. Shisui's death had forced Itachi into an impossible position—to choose between his family and the village.

Tsunade crossed her arms, frowning deeply. The gravity of the situation was undeniable. Not even her grandfather, Senju Hashirama, could resolve this without overwhelming force.

Koharu and Homura exchanged glances, their lack of concern evident. The survival of the Uchiha clan held little significance to them.

Danzo, however, couldn't hide his glee.

Finally, the moment he had awaited—a chance to eliminate the Uchiha clan and harvest their Sharingan. With Orochimaru's backing, his ambitions extended far beyond mere power.

"Hiruzen," Danzo said, his tone measured but his eyes gleaming with ambition. "The Uchiha have chosen rebellion. We must strike first and eliminate them before they destroy the village."

"No!" Hiruzen raised his hand, his expression resolute. "The Uchiha are one of Konoha's founding clans. They've sacrificed much for this village. I will not abandon them over temporary grievances."

Itachi's body tensed. Even now, the Third Hokage clung to the ideals of the Will of Fire, seeking harmony. If only Fugaku could share the same vision, this rebellion wouldn't exist.

"Hiruzen, if you delay any further, Konoha will fall into chaos!" Danzo's voice grew sharper. "As Hokage, you cannot place a single clan's interests above the entire village!"

"Enough, Danzo!" Hiruzen's voice was firm, cutting through the tension. "I am the Hokage. I will not allow this village to destroy itself from within."

Danzo clenched his jaw, his frustration palpable. Once again, Hiruzen was forcing him to bear the burden of Konoha's darker choices.

Ignoring Danzo's glare, Hiruzen turned to Itachi.

"Itachi, return to your clan and delay them as long as possible. I will speak with Fugaku personally tonight."

Itachi nodded, though his heart felt heavy. "Understood, Lord Hokage. I will do my best to stall them."

Hiruzen gave a solemn nod. "Go."

As Itachi left, Hiruzen looked around the room. "We must prepare for the worst."

"You'll regret this, Hiruzen," Danzo muttered, his voice low as he turned and left the office.

---

Outside the Hokage Building

Danzo strode quickly down the hallway, his mind racing.

Beside him, Orochimaru emerged from the shadows, his serpentine grin in place.

"The old man's softness will be his undoing," Orochimaru mused, his voice laced with mockery.

Danzo glanced at the snake-like shinobi but said nothing. His focus shifted as he spotted Itachi ahead.

"I will handle the Uchiha," Itachi said coldly, stopping in his tracks. His Sharingan glinted as he locked eyes with Danzo. "But you will ensure Sasuke's safety. If anything happens to him, I will come for you."

Danzo felt a chill run down his spine at the sight of Itachi's Mangekyō Sharingan but maintained his composure.

"Of course," Danzo replied, forcing a small smile. "Sasuke will be well cared for."

Itachi's piercing gaze lingered for a moment before he turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Danzo watched him go, his thoughts dark. "For now," he murmured to himself.

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