Chapter 129: Meeting after Many Years
"Tsunade, you’re back."
Inside the Hokage’s office, Uchiha Fugaku stood alongside Nara Shikaku, both offering a courteous welcome. But Tsunade’s expression—grim and simmering with restrained fury—was impossible to miss.
"Hokage," Tsunade said sharply, arms crossed, "what exactly is Uchiha Itachi to you?"
Fugaku blinked, sensing the storm behind her question. "...He’s my son. Why?"
Tsunade’s eyes narrowed into thin slits. "Then, Fugaku, congratulations—you’ve raised a real piece of work."
Fugaku winced. Even without details, he could already picture what had happened. Given his son’s mission and Tsunade’s attitude, something had clearly gone sideways.
They were of the same generation, Tsunade and Fugaku. That made the sting worse—being dragged back by someone young enough to be her nephew, made to feel helpless at the hands of a child who wasn’t even born during the Second Great War.
"Tsunade," Fugaku began, voice calm, "you’ve heard what’s happening in Konoha. We wouldn’t have recalled you unless the situation was truly dire."
He didn’t attempt to dodge responsibility. If his son had offended her, then so had he—he would own up to it. Tsunade was not only a legendary Sannin, but the last living Senju. Respect was due.
"I still refuse—"
"Tsunade!"
The door slammed open.