Naruto: Uchiha's Resolve

Tsunade sat cross-legged, a thick book resting on her lap as she flipped through its pages with intense focus. The cover displayed an intricate illustration of human anatomy, a prized medical textbook from the Senju family archives.

In Konoha, knowledge was a privilege monopolized by the great ninja clans. Civilian ninjas graduated from the academy equipped with only the most basic techniques: Transformation Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and Substitution Jutsu.

If a civilian ninja wished to advance, they had limited paths: pledge their loyalty to a prominent clan, earn battlefield merits in exchange for knowledge, or rely on the generosity of a jōnin instructor—an occurrence as rare as it was fleeting.

Among these coveted fields of study, medical ninjutsu stood as one of the most tightly guarded secrets. The wealthiest clans, such as the Senju and Uzumaki, dominated its teachings, citing their natural affinity for Yang Release and their vast chakra reserves as justification for their exclusivity.

Uzumaki Mito sat serenely on the wooden threshold, basking in the late morning sun. At nearly fifty, her silver hair shone in the sunlight, a testament to her longevity in a world where life expectancy was measured by battles survived. Watching her granddaughter bury herself in a book filled Mito's heart with quiet joy.

Tsunade's newfound passion for medical ninjutsu puzzled Mito. Once an aspiring warrior who had no patience for healing arts, Tsunade now pored over her studies with a determination that both surprised and delighted her grandmother.

Though she didn't understand the shift, Uzumaki Mito was content. With proper guidance, she was confident Tsunade would one day surpass even the most skilled healers of their age.

Tsunade's focus faltered as she frowned at the dense, jargon-filled text. "Why does this have to be so complicated?" she muttered under her breath, gripping the pages tightly.

Observing this, Mito chuckled. "My dear, are you stuck?"

Reluctantly, Tsunade looked up. "Grandma, I don't understand half of these terms. And how does chakra factor into healing someone's body?"

Mito stood, brushing imaginary dust from her robes as she walked over. Her kind eyes scanned the passage Tsunade had been struggling with. The section in question delved into the relationship between Yang Release and the human body's natural energy, a topic advanced even for seasoned medical practitioners.

"Yang Release is about stimulating life energy," Mito began, her tone patient and encouraging. "It's the foundation of all medical ninjutsu. By combining chakra with this innate life force, we can repair injuries, accelerate cell regeneration, and..."

Mito paused, gesturing for Tsunade to finish the thought.

"...and reverse damage to the body," Tsunade concluded hesitantly.

"Exactly!" Mito said, smiling. "You've grasped the essence. Now, draw parallels from your studies of chakra flow to understand the practical application."

Tsunade's brow furrowed as she worked through the concept. Slowly, her eyes lit up with comprehension. "So, it's not just about pouring chakra into a wound. You have to understand the body's energy flow and use chakra to enhance it!"

Mito nodded approvingly. "You're learning quickly, my dear. Keep at it, and you'll master these techniques before you know it."

Energized by her success, Tsunade declared boldly, "I'll become the strongest medical ninja Konoha has ever seen!"

Mito's smile faltered briefly. "Tsunade," she said gently, "what made you so interested in medical ninjutsu all of a sudden? Not long ago, you couldn't be bothered with it."

Tsunade froze, her hands gripping the book tightly. Sadness flickered across her face before she forced a smile. "I...I just want to help," she said hesitantly. "The other day, I saw so many injured shinobi at the hospital. Some of them didn't make it because there weren't enough skilled medics. If I become stronger, I can save them."

Her voice wavered as she added softly, "And maybe...if I were better at healing, I could've helped Second Grandpa when he needed it."

Mito's heart ached at her granddaughter's earnest words. The battlefield's harsh reality wasn't something Tsunade fully understood yet, but her intentions were pure.

"Tsunade, even the strongest healer can't save everyone," Mito said gently. "But your desire to try is what will make you great."

Before the conversation could grow heavier, Mito redirected the discussion to a lighter topic, continuing her lesson with renewed vigor.

---

Meanwhile, outside the Senju compound, Senju Haruto approached the gate. The sight of the closed doors deepened the unease that had been gnawing at him since he received his summons.

In all his years, the compound's gates had always been open—a welcoming symbol of the clan's strength and unity. Now, their closure felt ominous.

He knocked firmly. "Open the gate!"

A clan member peeked through the crack, immediately recognizing Haruto. "The young patriarch has returned!"

The gate swung open, and Haruto stepped through, his sharp gaze sweeping the compound. "Why are the gates shut? What's going on?"

The guard hesitated, then stammered, "Mito-sama's orders. She's waiting for you inside."

Haruto frowned but said nothing. He made his way to the family's main hall, where Uzumaki Mito waited, her posture as regal as ever despite the weariness in her eyes.

"Mother," Haruto greeted, bowing slightly. "I've returned as you asked. What's happened?"

Mito rose to meet him, her expression bittersweet. "My boy, you've grown strong in your time away. Come, let's talk in private."

Before they could retreat to another room, Tsunade barreled into the hall. "Uncle Haruto!" she cried, throwing her arms around him.

Haruto hugged her tightly, a rare smile breaking across his face. "Tsunade, you've been behaving yourself, right? No gambling while I was away?"

"No, Uncle!" Tsunade protested, pouting.

"Good," he chuckled, ruffling her hair. But his lighthearted demeanor shifted when he asked, "Where's Tobirama-Uncle? Is he in the Hokage office?"

At the mention of her great-uncle, Tsunade's face crumpled. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she wailed, "Second Grandpa...he's gone! He's dead!"

Her sobs filled the room, and Haruto froze, his arms slack around her trembling frame.

Mito placed a hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with quiet sorrow. "Come with me," she said softly. "There's much to discuss."

As she led her son away, Mito silently cursed the cruel hand fate had dealt her family once again.

End of the Chapter.

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