What's disappointing is that, although Itachi's talent is exceptional, the rewards for copying him remain underwhelming.
Not to mention Jiraiya—Yan had tried once and immediately dismissed him into cold storage.
"Copy!"
Since Itachi's unavailable, you'll do, Tsunade!
"Copy successful. Gained partial chakra signature. Fuse?"
"…"
Nothing more to say—Yan was in a mental abyss! At this moment, he found himself missing his little follower, his diligent little secretary.
What was the meaning of this?
Tsunade, who had stayed up all night deep in thought, awoke to find Yan staring at her. And yet, the look in his eyes was filled not with surprise or admiration—but disappointment.
This brat!
She had an overwhelming urge to knock him into the wall.
"Hey! Uchiha Hiko!"
Her anger spilled over the moment the sun rose. Gritting her teeth, Tsunade managed to restrain herself.
"I've thought things through. I can't agree to your ridiculous proposal last night. But I will return to the village with you. When I'm back, I'll conduct my own investigation.
If everything is truly as serious as you say, then fine—I'll help. I just hope that when the time comes, you Uchihas don't come demanding repayment with interest."
"Oh."
Yan's response was shockingly flat—no excitement, no emotion. The disappointment in his expression came not from Tsunade's decision, but from the rewards—meager, unsatisfying rewards that left his system unimpressed.
For him, the system rewards were everything. They dictated his strength, his future height, his potential.
In comparison, the conflict between Uchiha and the village could be shoved to the back burner.
What does this mean?
Tsunade frowned. That indifference... could this brat be regretting returning?
The veins on her forehead bulged. She couldn't count how many times she had wanted to punch him across the face.
But she never got the chance.
Because Yan knew that this tiger-woman had a violent streak, and he dared not provoke her too far. So, with a few short words and an uptick in speed, he left her behind, heading for Konoha at a brisk pace.
All Tsunade could do was grit her teeth and follow, thoroughly frustrated.
"We're back."
From a distance, the iconic gates of Konoha came into view. Yan stretched lazily, his muscles aching after a long journey.
What he craved most now was a hot bath, clean clothes, and a meal fit for a Hokage.
Report to the Police Department? That could wait until tomorrow.
Compared to Yan's ease, Tsunade felt a storm inside. This was her long-lost home, and yet returning felt surreal.
Even she couldn't believe she was back under such circumstances.
Tsunade-sama is back.
The hidden Anbu ninja at the gate disappeared instantly, heading toward the Hokage's office.
"Well then, this is where we part. If you decide to help, come find me at the Police Department. Just mention my name."
With that casual gesture and wave, Yan disappeared into the crowd.
Where Tsunade went next wasn't his concern.
"Lord Hokage, Tsunade-sama has returned to the village."
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up, eyes wide in joy.
He wasn't even sure if Tsunade would return. The wounds from the past still ran deep. He understood why she had kept her distance all these years.
"It's good she's back. It's very good."
Pacing around with joy, he turned to the Anbu agent.
"Go inform Tsunade and Jiraiya. I need to see them both immediately."
The matter of the Daimyō's mansion could not be delayed. If things continued like this, feudal lords from all over the Land of Fire would come knocking.
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
But then—the Anbu hesitated. He froze in place.
"What's wrong?" Hiruzen's brows furrowed. "Didn't I ask you to bring them here?"
"Lord Hokage…"
The Anbu was silent for a few seconds, bowing his head.
"I did not see Jiraiya-sama. Tsunade-sama returned to the village accompanied only by Captain Uchiha Hiko of the Police Department."
"…"
No wonder you were stalling.
But—why was it Uchiha Hiko?
Jiraiya was the one on the mission. He was the one meant to bring Tsunade back.
Could something have happened? A disagreement? A battle? A misstep?
And what about Shizune? Tsunade's devoted assistant—she was always by her side.
Regardless, Tsunade's return was the most important development. Everything else could be sorted out later.
"Go now. Inform Tsunade that I want her in my office immediately."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
The Anbu, relieved that he'd avoided a scolding, vanished from the office to deliver the message.
At that moment, Tsunade stood outside Konoha's gates, caught in hesitation.
Should she head to the Hokage's office or return to the Senju compound?
Though the Senju clan had faded into civilian life, their ancestral home still stood in Konoha. Unfortunately, Tsunade had long sold off most of its valuable belongings.
Her hands instinctively went to her forehead.
All those years of gambling...
"Tsunade-sama. Lord Hokage requests your presence."
The Anbu's timely arrival helped her avoid the difficult choice.
"Understood. I'll head there immediately."
With no more need for internal debate, Tsunade turned toward the Hokage Tower.
There was no knock. The door flew open—an act of casual rudeness that Hiruzen had long anticipated.
Among his three disciples, each had their quirks.
Tsunade always barged in with a heavy hand. Jiraiya was fond of windows. And Orochimaru—the only one polite enough to knock—was the most dangerous.
"Old man, you really look ancient."
She shut the door behind her and sighed at the smiling, cheerful face of the Third Hokage.
"Tsunade, everyone grows old. I'm just glad to see you young and well."
"Spare me. You've clearly aged."
Even the Sannin were already getting up in years. Only Tsunade's Yin Seal allowed her to retain the appearance of her twenties.
It had been the same with Uzumaki Mito. Only in her final days had she begun to show signs of aging.
"Let me be blunt. I didn't return because of Jiraiya or the Daimyō's affairs. In truth, I didn't want to get involved at all. I'm back to rest, gather some intel, and see for myself.
I hope I won't be too disappointed."
Before Hiruzen could open his mouth, Tsunade shut him down. She anticipated he'd mention the Daimyō's mansion soon enough.
"Ah…"
She didn't come back because of Jiraiya?
The Third Hokage was stunned. By the time he gathered his thoughts, Tsunade had already turned and exited.
Outside the tower, she fell back into indecision.
Where should she go now?
"Shizune, we should—"
She stopped mid-sentence.
There was no Shizune beside her.
It finally struck her—Shizune was still with Jiraiya.
She had returned to Konoha with Uchiha Hiko… alone.
Habits are a dangerous thing.
She laughed bitterly to herself. Then turned and walked away—not toward the Senju compound. She wasn't ready to face it yet.
But without going there, she didn't even have a place to sleep.
No money. No house.
Tsunade wandered aimlessly through the streets of Konoha. Yet with each step, she gathered information like a seasoned hawk.
The villagers' discussions were many, but three topics dominated the air:
Hokage assisting the assassination of the Daimyō
The Police Department clashing with the Shimura clan
A recent fight that disrupted the commercial district
Danzo.
That name surfaced in her mind immediately.
The man's still got time to stir up trouble while being accused of assassinating the Daimyō?
Of course, the so-called "fights and brawls" were likely provocations disguised to shift blame.
And the villagers… still believed it.
Her sharp instincts locked onto Danzo as the prime suspect.
Only he would stoop to such disgraceful tactics.
Only he would continue persecuting the Uchiha even in such dangerous times.
Danzo's hatred for Uchiha was reaching pathological levels.
Aside from that, chatter about the "fox demon" remained persistent.
And news about the Shimura clan's misfortunes...
With Yan on a mission, the Police Department had slowed down slightly, but their targeting of the Shimura clan hadn't stopped.
Even if most were released after questioning, it was enough to wear the clan down emotionally.
The entire Shimura family was in chaos—complaints, curses, and now… fear.
From hatred to terror.
They were terrified Uchiha would come knocking again. And judging from the Police Department's recent efficiency, that fear was justified.