Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 185: Can I Save Her?
"If not because of the mission, I would have killed Senju Tsunade and that Hatake brat," said the Raikage in frustration.
Just moments earlier, his subordinate had warned him to return immediately and not to kill the Senju princess. If she were to die, the preparations to attack Uzushiogakure would be completely halted.
Instead, it would be Konoha and Uzushiogakure that would turn against Kumogakure. Worst of all, the Daimyo might cease all funding to Kumogakure out of anger, and there was a chance he would redirect that funding to support Konoha and Uzushiogakure in their retaliation against the Hidden Cloud.
That was why his subordinate had warned him with urgency. Though he hated backing down, the Raikage reluctantly returned to his post, deciding to proceed with his original plan—to meet the Fire Daimyo and continue diplomatic games. His encounter with the Konoha shinobi had not been part of any official strategy. He merely intended to scare a few ants, not start a war.
---Jewel Of Truth---
"Congratulations. Your Jewel of Truth has been fully charged. You may now use it again," said the System.
Setsuna was taken aback by the sudden notification. It had been so long since he had used the Jewel of Truth that he had forgotten it even existed. The jewel was rare and powerful, with the ability to answer one question every ten years.
He went to his lab and opened a secure container. Inside lay the Jewel of Truth, now glowing softly—a sign that it was ready to be used.
"Please state your question," echoed the voice of the Jewel.
Setsuna thought for a moment, then spoke.
"Kaguya Otsutsuki was once an innocent woman before she devoured the chakra fruit. She become bloodthirsty and also didn't care with another human being. How can I help her regain that innocence—so that she can falls in love like a normal woman and is even willing to become pregnant with a human child?"
The jewel began to react immediately.
"Calculating… Identifying… Finding… Problem Found… Solving the Problem..."
The light grew brighter for a few seconds, and then the response came:
"According to the data, you must release Kaguya from her prison. She must be freed without the involvement of a Ten Tails Jinchuuriki. After her release, her body must be purified. It is highly recommended to remove her Rinnegan as part of this process. With the use of the Purifying Magic granted to the host, the residue of negativity can be cleansed. This will restore approximately 95 percent of her original innocence."
With that, the light within the jewel dimmed and eventually faded away.
He now had an answer, but it came with a new challenge—how to release Kaguya from her prison without using a Ten Tails Jinchuuriki.
He stared at the jewel, but knew it would not answer again for another ten years. It had given all it could for now.
So, he would wait and when the time came, he would be ready to save Kaguya.
Even though Kaguya had done something unforgivable, it was because she had been influenced by the chakra fruit. She, who was once an innocent woman who cared for others, had changed after consuming the chakra fruit and began to behave more like an Otsutsuki.
She was not like Urashiki or Momoshiki, who intentionally sought to harm and conquer humans.
"System, is that why you gave me Purifying Magic?" asked Setsuna.
"No, host. Purifying Magic was acquired through a random draw. It was not within my control to give it to you," replied the System.
---Marriage---
Jiraiya's face dropped. He was in disbelief. Just after returning from Mount Myoboku, he heard the news—his best friend was getting married to the girl he had always liked.
But then he remembered, he had never told Tsunade how he felt. He usually acted like a pervert around her, hiding his feelings behind jokes and inappropriate behavior. In truth, he was nothing more than a coward who had never taken the chance to confess.
Even though he felt devastated, he still chose to attend the wedding.
"Congratulations, Sakumo and Tsunade. May your marriage last until the end," said Jiraiya, forcing the words out with reluctance.
Sakumo and Tsunade noticed the sadness in Jiraiya's voice. But it was not only Jiraiya—many other men around their age looked equally disheartened during the ceremony. After asking around, they finally understood the reason behind the gloomy expressions.
It was Tsunade.
She was the Senju princess—beautiful, noble, and wealthy. Many had admired her from afar. Seeing her get married left a mark of disappoinment on more than one heart.
All Sakumo and Tsunade could do was smile awkwardly at those poor souls who had once harbored hopes.
One week after the wedding, Tsunade suddenly vomited. Concerned, she went to a medical check-up. The results surprised her.
"Congratulations, Tsunade-sama. You are pregnant," said the doctor with a smile.
"Really?" she whispered, eyes wide.
The one who appeared the happiest was Sakumo. He gently took her hand and smiled. "Thank you, Tsunade."
News of Tsunade's pregnancy did not stay quiet for long. Eventually, it reached the ears of Danzo and Hiruzen.
Danzo stormed into the Hokage's office.
"Hiruzen, we cannot allow the princess of the Senju to produce an heir," said Danzo, voice sharp.
"Danzo, do you even hear what you're saying?" Hiruzen replied coldly.
"I know, but..." Danzo began, but Hiruzen cut him off.
"If you truly didn't want the Senju to continue their lineage, why didn't you stop Sakumo and Tsunade's marriage?" Hiruzen asked.
"I... I... That is not the point. What matters now is that we cannot risk creating another wood-style user," Danzo said with urgency.
"Wood release is not a unique trait anymore. You seem to forget that our comrade now uses it as well," replied Hiruzen.
"But she is an Uchiha, and she no longer listens to us," Danzo fumed, unable to contain his frustration.
Somewhere else, the invisble form of Hashirama and Tobirama were seething. For once, Tobirama did not argue with his brother. Instead, he was the one who wanted to confront both Danzo and Hiruzen directly. Mikoto also looking fumed at both Danzo and Hiruzen.
How could they even consider targeting Tsunade? She was the granddaughter of the First Hokage—the pride of the Senju clan.
And now she was carrying the future of that legacy.