Chapter 58 (S4)

Chapter 58

Chapter 58: You Are Not Darkness, You Are Light

Inside the room.

Upon hearing Uchiha Yosuke address her with more familiarity, Tsunade couldn’t help but smile.

"Yosuke, I assume you wouldn’t mind teaching this jutsu to Kushina Uzumaki as well, would you?"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Yosuke was momentarily stunned but then shook his head repeatedly, speaking quickly:

"Of course not! I don't mind at all. Thank you, Tsunade—sister."

Is an A-rank jutsu valuable? Of course, it’s something incredibly precious, even for a high-level ninja. However, there’s something even more important right now: establishing a solid bridge between the Uchiha and Senju clans.

After all, this A-rank, no-hand-sign jutsu was developed by Uchiha Yosuke himself. If Tsunade started using this jutsu openly, it would carry a very different significance.

No one would think that the Senju Clan was coveting an A-rank jutsu from the Uchiha. For most high-level ninjas, it would be considered a family treasure, but to the Uchiha and Senju, it was just an A-rank jutsu. Especially when the Senju clan has unknown numbers of S-rank forbidden techniques developed by the Second Hokage.

If Tsunade not only learns this jutsu but also passes it on to Kushina Uzumaki, the Nine-Tails’ jinchuriki, it would be even more meaningful. Uchiha Yosuke would be building friendships with both the Senju clan and the future jinchuriki.

All the effort that the Uchiha clan has put in over the years—what has it been for? Isn’t it to prove themselves and enter the heart of Konoha’s power?

Today, Uchiha Yosuke achieved that single-handedly with this signature A-rank jutsu. If the Uchiha clan found out, Elder Setsuna might even kneel in gratitude.

"Thank you, Tsunade…sister."

At this moment, Uchiha Yosuke bowed his head sincerely, his eyes filled with gratitude, as though he had finally proven himself on behalf of the Uchiha.

As Uchiha Yosuke expressed his gratitude, Tsunade flashed a beautiful smile.

"Although I appreciate the birthday gift this year, before I came, I heard that an elder of the Uchiha Clan isn’t doing well? You’re celebrating my birthday here while a clan elder is on the verge of passing—is that really appropriate?"

Hearing this, Uchiha Yosuke was taken aback, then he nodded awkwardly, replying:

"Tsunade…sister, I was actually planning to visit Elder Setsuna, but then you arrived."

He had just returned, and it seemed that Elder Setsuna’s health was failing. He had been planning to visit him.

Tsunade smiled as she squinted her eyes, clearly amused. That annoying old man, Setsuna, was finally nearing the end of his days. Given his past rebellion during the Second Hokage’s rule—which was, in effect, a rebellion against the Senju—there was no way she could feel fondly toward him.

Yosuke also let out a sigh of relief and spoke sincerely:

"It's alright. I believe that Elder Setsuna would be happy to know that I was celebrating your birthday. He would understand everything I’m doing."

Goodness! This is incredible!

Elder Setsuna dedicated his life to the clan, even sacrificing his granddaughter, only for you to skip his final days to celebrate Tsunade’s birthday?

Though it seemed a bit improper, Tsunade actually nodded approvingly, recognizing something of the Uchiha character in him.

"True enough. After all, that old man was once imprisoned for a time."

Tsunade then slowly stood up, beaming at Yosuke with a radiant smile.

"This birthday has been delightful, especially with an annoying old geezer on his way out. It’s a double celebration, so I’ll leave you to go report in."

An annoying old man about to pass on and her birthday falling on the same day—it was a joyous occasion for Tsunade.

And then there was this stubborn, self-assured boy, desperately trying to protect her and the village. She was truly happy.

Yosuke also stood up, and after watching Tsunade leave, he walked out of his home and headed in the direction of Elder Setsuna’s residence. The summer breeze of August, hot and stifling, brushed against his face, but despite the season’s irritations, Yosuke closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment.

Finally! His daring gamble had not been in vain.

The bridge was built, and his position within the Uchiha clan was now unshakable—unless the clan decided it no longer wanted a place in Konoha’s inner circles.

And with Elder Setsuna on the verge of passing, everything would go as Tsunade had envisioned, fading away with him. Does the truth even matter at this point? Whether or not it’s the real story is irrelevant. Even if some “Old Man” were to question it later, Elder Setsuna would be forced to admit it all as truth.

Even if it were revealed as a lie, there would be plenty of people in the ninja world to blame. Someone impersonating Elder Setsuna? That would be entirely plausible, wouldn’t it?

"Today really is a great day."

As sunlight broke through the clouds, showering the land, Uchiha Yosuke stood alone, a content smile gracing his face.

In the distance, Tsunade, who had just left the Uchiha compound, glanced back and saw this scene.

From her viewpoint, Uchiha Yosuke’s lonely silhouette stretched out a hand to the sunlight, reaching for it longingly as if it were forever out of reach.

Seeing this, Tsunade’s eyes grew resolute, though a gentle smile crossed her face.

"You’re not darkness; you’re the light."

In her eyes, Uchiha Yosuke had never truly understood himself. What he saw as his own darkness, she saw as a warmth that could light the way for others.

…

In the Uchiha compound.

Within the elder’s residence, the clan’s elite jonin had gathered, each wearing a solemn expression, the air thick with a hint of sorrow.

"Lord Yosuke."

When Uchiha Yosuke arrived, clad in black, the elite of the Uchiha Clan nodded in respect, acknowledging him one by one.

Perhaps once some of them had looked down on him, but ever since the news from the Grass Country battlefield, they had seen him differently.

Courage and pride in their Uchiha blood had shown in Yosuke. For the Uchiha, there was no fear of death, and now, no one dared to joke about his supposed reliance on Tsunade.

Whether it was for the clan, affection, or even love, he had risked everything to prove the honor of the Uchiha, a determination respected by all in the clan.

"Lord Yosuke!"

"Jonin Yosuke."

Under their respectful gazes, Yosuke nodded with a heavy expression, and from inside the room came the sound of Elder Setsuna’s cough.

While he had been able to smile outside, now that he was truly here, he knew that showing levity at such a time would be inappropriate.

The sliding wooden door opened, revealing Elder Setsuna lying on his tatami mat, his face sallow and showing clear signs of decline.

Beside him, Uchiha Mikoto wore a sorrowful expression. Though her childhood had been filled with rigorous training and frequent disagreements with Elder Setsuna, he was still her grandfather, and she had come to set aside past resentments in his final moments.

"Yosuke."

When Mikoto saw him enter, sadness flickered across her face. The clan leader and Captain Fugaku were also present, standing at his side.

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