The pipe was raised to his mouth, and his tone remained calm.
"Those words were once spoken by the Senju clan themselves. So what harm is there in repeating them now, word for word, to the descendants of Senju?"
"You!"
Tsunade, who was already furious, was about to speak again, but Senju Yukika lightly tugged at her sleeve and shook his head.
Hiruzen's words were flawless, and at this critical time of war, Tsunade openly expressing discontent with the Hokage could lead to undesirable consequences.
But still—
Picking on Tsunade just because she's not good with words? That's nothing to be proud of.
"As long as I'm here, you don't need to worry."
"In this entire world, I'm the only one who has the right to talk back to you. Anyone else? Not qualified."
Giving Tsunade a reassuring look, Yukika turned to face Hiruzen Sarutobi.
It had to be said, the man had a thick skin.
But that didn't mean Yukika had no way to deal with him.
At the very least, he could make things awkward for him.
"Lord Third is absolutely right."
"Great-Grandfather did indeed say those very words."
Glancing at the photo of the First Hokage hanging on the wall with a nostalgic expression, Yukika continued.
"Those who carry the blood of the Senju should indeed lead by example and charge ahead."
"Likewise, Great-Grandfather once charged ahead on the battlefield for both Konoha and the Senju. My grandfather even gave his life covering your retreat, Lord Hokage."
"There's nothing wrong with those words."
Getting on the right track.
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.
But Yukika's next words slowly caused a subtle change in his expression.
"Yes, aside from the First and Second Hokage, to my knowledge, the other Kage of the great ninja villages also lead from the front."
"For example, right now, the Third Raikage A of the Hidden Cloud."
"The Third Tsuchikage Onoki of the Hidden Stone."
"The Third Kazekage of the Sand Village—all of them are currently on the front lines in the Land of Rain."
What are you trying to say?
Hiruzen's grip on his pipe tightened.
"So then, shouldn't you, too, lead by example and charge to the front lines?"
"With your formidable strength—after all, the first page of the Ninja Academy textbook lists you as the strongest Hokage in Konoha's history."
"If you were to appear on the battlefield, surely fewer Konoha shinobi would need to sacrifice their lives, right?"
"Because aside from what's written in the textbooks, I've never actually seen your legendary bravery."
"Lord Hokage, on behalf of Konoha's shinobi—"
"I request your presence on the battlefield!"
With a solemn look, Yukika pulled out his forehead protector from within his robe and pointed to it.
Please, go to war!
Look at Onoki, look at A, look at the Third Kazekage.
Now look at yourself, the so-called strongest Hokage!
Search your heart—do you truly deserve to speak of 'leading by example'?
The moment he finished speaking, both Orochimaru and Tsunade's expressions turned strange.
Huh?
Thinking back, it seemed the only notable battlefield appearance Lord Third had made was during the end of the First Great Ninja War, when he accompanied the Second Hokage on a diplomatic mission to the Land of Lightning…
Other than that, not much to boast about.
And ever since then…
He hadn't set foot on the battlefield.
Lead by example?
That's your phrase—not mine.
Yukika stood tall, meeting Hiruzen's gaze directly, his hand around Tsunade's slightly trembling but warm fingers.
Sorry, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
You shouldn't have used Great-Grandfather to pressure Tsunade.
And you certainly shouldn't have tried to bully a member of the Senju clan in front of its heir!
"As Hokage, I have many—"
Hiruzen seemed ready to give an excuse—something about official duties.
But—
"No matter how heavy the workload, Konoha is full of talented individuals. Even if you were to die on the battlefield, there would be nothing to worry about."
"Besides, Konoha still has two brilliant and sharp-minded 'elite' advisors. I believe, under the guidance of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, the village will flourish."
"You, Lord Hokage, can rest easy."
Yukika pressed forward aggressively, giving Hiruzen no chance to retreat.
You brat…
A flicker of anger passed through Hiruzen's eyes. He was just about to speak when—
The door to the Hokage's office swung open.
"The likes of Amegakure don't require the Hokage's intervention!"
"I, Danzo, will take the Land of Rain within three months!"
The one who entered… was none other than Danzo!