Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

The Senju Clan.

The moon hung high in the night sky, yet every member of the Senju Clan within the village was summoned back to the clan grounds.

Although the Senju had declined over the years, there were still close to a hundred shinobi, from jonin to chunin and genin alike. At this moment, they all exchanged puzzled glances, looking toward the platform above.

Even Uzumaki Mito, who was frail and unwell, had reappeared, shocking many of the Senju clan members. They couldn't help but wonder: What major event is about to occur?

Could it be...?

Everyone's uneasy and worried gazes turned toward Lady Mito, as most of them had already guessed the reason behind this gathering.

"Grandma Mito!"

At that moment, Kushina hurried into the clan grounds, her shock evident as she beheld the scale of this family meeting.

Normally, clan meetings only involved the jonin. This time, even chunin and genin were present. It was clear that this was an extraordinarily significant decision for the clan.

"Kushina, you're here just in time. Sit over here."

As Kushina took a seat at the head of the gathering, not a single member of the Senju Clan expressed dissatisfaction. After all, everyone understood that the Senju's survival had been sustained by Uzumaki Mito in recent years.

In the decades ahead, it would likely depend on this young Uzumaki to carry the weight.

"Lady Tsunade!"

When Tsunade finally arrived, the atmosphere instantly grew heavy. All eyes turned to the figure seated at the head of the gathering—Tsunade.

"Tsunade, have you made your decision?"

At the last moment, Uzumaki Mito looked at Tsunade, who sat resolutely at the head of the clan. Her cloudy eyes revealed a mix of relief and sorrow.

And this time, Tsunade's appearance shocked countless Senju shinobi. While younger chunin and genin failed to notice, the older jonin, especially the elderly ones, were instantly moved to tears. Their gazes trembled as they stared at Tsunade.

This was because Tsunade had appeared wearing a bright red suit of armor from the Warring States Period. Most striking of all was the clan emblem engraved on both sides of the armor—undeniably the mark of the Senju Clan.

Seated in her red armor, Tsunade's light brown eyes scanned the gathering, exuding unprecedented pressure. When her gaze finally rested on her grandmother and Kushina, she nodded calmly.

"Grandmother, I've made my decision."

"Good! Good! Good!"

Seeing Tsunade's resolve, Uzumaki Mito's eyes filled with tears as she nodded, her voice trembling. That bright red armor—it was so reminiscent of Hashirama.

"Everyone!"

With a single commanding shout from Tsunade, the remaining hundred or so members of the Senju Clan immediately straightened up, their expressions filled with respect and reverence.

"I won't waste words on the White Fang incident. You all know about it. But what I want to talk about now is the Senju Clan! The clan that once gave rise to the First and Second Hokage—my grandfather and grand-uncle, the founders of Konoha…

In just a few short decades, there is no longer any space for the Senju to thrive. Within the village, the great clans are viewed as greedy and irrelevant. They've forgotten who founded Konoha…

They've forgotten who created the Ninja Academy. They've even forgotten who provided and relinquished the resources they rely on…"

As Tsunade's steady voice echoed, countless Senju clan members were lost in memory. The elderly shinobi, their eyes moist, recalled the once-glorious era when the Senju were the greatest clan in the ninja world.

The younger shinobi, who had grown up hearing tales of their family's legendary past, gazed at Tsunade with admiration and longing.

"Now, the people sitting in positions of power—they have grown corrupt. They have forgotten who stood on the frontlines for them during the war with the Land of Lightning!"

Tsunade's increasingly bold words caused many Senju members to turn pale, but what she said next left them utterly stunned.

"When my grandfather, the First Hokage, devised the Senju Plan, part of the clan was sent to serve the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, while the rest remained in Konoha. During the First Great Ninja War, the clan suffered devastating losses…"

At this point, Tsunade's gaze swept across the crowd before she calmly retrieved a massive scroll from her back. She spread it open for all to see.

"My grandfather and grand-uncle once told me: if the Senju Clan ever reached the brink of extinction, the rule forbidding outsiders from inheriting the Senju name should be abolished!"

As Tsunade's words hung in the air, countless people's breathing grew heavy, and their eyes widened in disbelief.

Whether her claim was true no longer mattered—what mattered was that everyone now had to treat it as the truth!

"I, Tsunade, as the descendant of two former clan leaders—the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, and the granddaughter of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama—formally declare my intention to inherit the Senju name!"

At this declaration, Tsunade's cold gaze swept over the crowd as she spoke sharply:

"Now—who supports me? And who opposes me?"

As the massive scroll was unfurled, it revealed the names of every past leader of the Senju Clan. Most prominent were the last two names: Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama. Below them, the scroll remained blank.

Tsunade was declaring her intent to fill that space—to become the leader of the Senju Clan!

At that moment, countless Senju clan members were utterly stunned. If this wasn't shocking, then what was? Over the years, the decline of the Senju had left many discontented with the decisions made by their predecessors, who had also served as Hokage.

Why had the Senju sacrificed so much for the village, only to fall from grace as the most powerful clan?

But no one had dared voice these thoughts. They could only bury their grievances deep within their hearts. Now, however, they had finally found an outlet for those feelings.

"I support this!"

"Lady Tsunade as clan leader!"

"Clan leader!"

"The clan leader is the rightful descendant of the two former leaders—this is only proper!"

"The heavens are watching over the Senju Clan!"

In the clan meeting, the young Senju shinobi watched in stunned silence as the elders, many of whom were in tears, cheered and danced with joy.

The emotions were beyond what the younger generation could comprehend.

Only those who had personally experienced the fall of the once-greatest clan in the ninja world could understand the immense disparity.

The Senju Clan, after years of dormancy, seemed to awaken once more, infused with newfound vitality.

No one could deny Tsunade's qualifications—not her lineage, not her strength. Not only was she fit to lead the Senju, but even her potential as Hokage was unquestionable.

"Tsunade…"

Uzumaki Mito smiled with relief, her hands trembling as she nodded approvingly.

Seated at the head of the gathering, clad in her crimson armor, Tsunade's expression was solemn. She took the official clan scroll and inscribed her name upon it. Finally, she cut her finger and pressed her bloodied hand onto the scroll, leaving the mark that symbolized the new leader of the Senju Clan.

Senju Tsunade.

With those characters and her bold signature, the crowd exploded into cheers.

"From this day forward, I, Tsunade, inherit the Senju name as Senju Tsunade, leader of the Senju Clan."

"All hail the clan leader!"

"Long live the clan leader!"

"Lady Tsunade, long live!"

Amid countless ecstatic faces, Tsunade, clad in her red armor, allowed herself a small smile. Her mind, however, was filled with memories of the Senju Clan shedding blood for the village and the injustices they had suffered.

Her gaze turned toward the Hokage Rock, and her eyes reflected a steely resolve.

"Uchiha… You're not the only ones who love Konoha. The Senju are no less devoted than you. This time, let me stand before you. I will fulfill my grandfather's dream. Konoha owes the Uchiha a Hokage!"

Tsunade's determined gaze was accompanied by a murmur in her heart. She recalled the heavy sigh her grandfather, the First Hokage, had let out on his deathbed:

"Perhaps, if the Uchiha had been made Hokage back then, things would have turned out differently."

But during her grand-uncle's era, there simply hadn't been a suitable candidate.

Thinking of this, Tsunade's lips curved into a small, sweet smile.

"Grandfather, I've found the right Uchiha for the Hokage position. The feud between the Senju and the Uchiha will end in this generation. Rest in peace."

As Tsunade murmured to herself, she reflected on the small lie she had told about her grandfather and grand-uncle's words. But her ultimate goal was for the good of the village.

And to fulfill her grandfather's dying wish.

The commotion caused by the Senju Clan, combined with their complete lack of concealment, made it impossible to escape the notice of those paying attention.

Especially since the Senju Clan had just selected a new clan leader, and immediately after, they sent invitations to all the major clans. It was as if they were openly announcing it to everyone.

...

Hyūga Clan.

"What?! Senju Tsunade!"

At this moment, the elderly leader of the Hyūga Clan was utterly shocked. He wasn't surprised that Tsunade would inherit the position of clan leader.

After all, the Senju Clan had declined over the years, and there wasn't anyone powerful enough within the clan to take that position other than Tsunade. No one else could command the same authority.

But the problem was that the invitation bore two large characters: Senju Tsunade!

After his initial shock, the Hyūga elder suddenly burst into hearty laughter.

"Haha, good! Senju Tsunade, what a fine name! It should've been this way long ago. With Senju having a leader again, the other clans won't be left leaderless either."

"Hizashi, Hiashi, prepare a grand gift . I will personally visit the new Senju leader!"

"Yes!"

As he looked at Hyūga Hiashi and Hyūga Hizashi, the old clan leader's face was full of smiles. His expression then turned sly as he glanced in the direction of the Hokage's office building.

"Let's see how you handle this, now that the Senju have reclaimed their name. This is no simple obstacle like the White Fang—you won't break through this easily."

...

Uchiha Clan.

"Father, Lady Tsunade of the Senju Clan has become the clan leader!"

Fugaku was shocked as he read the news, while his father—the current Uchiha Clan leader, who had been bedridden for the past two years—was suddenly brimming with energy upon seeing the invitation.

"Good! Excellent! She didn't just do this to inherit the position of clan leader. She's sending a message to the Third Hokage and his administration, telling them that the Senju now have someone to succeed as Hokage!"

The Uchiha Clan leader couldn't suppress his excitement and burst into laughter. Only those who had lived through the reign of the Third Hokage could truly appreciate how good things were during the Senju era.

People always said the Senju Clan was wary of the Uchiha, but they were at least open and honorable about it. If you didn't agree, you'd fight—and even if the Uchiha lost, they'd accept it.

Unlike the Third Hokage and his elders, who were utterly vile, especially Danzo and his Root organization, which was downright disgusting.

And then there was the Third Hokage himself, with his hypocritical facade.

"This is satisfying! Hahaha, Fugaku, this is a rare opportunity. Prepare a grand gift!"

The previously pale and sickly Uchiha Clan leader was now glowing with vitality. To an outsider, it might even seem like his health had miraculously recovered.

"Oh, and tell Shirou to come see me."

As if remembering something, the Uchiha Clan leader gave this order, causing Fugaku's expression to change.

"Father, what are you planning!?"

Seeing his son's wary expression, the elder almost choked with anger before snapping, "You fool! But fine, that's not a bad thing either."

As if thinking of something, the elder let out a cold laugh and glared at Fugaku with disappointment.

"Shirou is better than you in the clan. But because of his entanglement with the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki Uzumaki girl, he has no chance of becoming clan leader. Neither the Senju Clan nor the Hokage would ever allow him to go further."

The elder's mood improved significantly at this thought. It was a double blessing.

First, having a Senju as Hokage would undoubtedly be better than dealing with the current group of elders. Even if the Uchiha were marginalized, things couldn't possibly get worse than they already were.

Second, Shirou's entanglement with the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki meant he couldn't become a clan leader.

Otherwise, if the Uchiha leader married the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, what would that imply?

Were they planning to take the Hokage position for themselves?

If Shirou wanted to become clan leader, he'd have to sever his bond with the Jinchūriki.

...

"Shirou, about Lady Tsunade!"

Mikoto rushed in excitedly. At this moment, Shirou was reading information passed down from Uchiha's eighth generation and smiled knowingly.

"Mikoto, I already know about it."

Seeing that Shirou was already informed, Mikoto couldn't help but marvel, "No wonder they were so eager to send Kushina back earlier—it turns out this was the reason. But if Lady Tsunade becomes Hokage, Shirou, you won't have to work so hard anymore."

As if realizing something, Mikoto's expression lit up with excitement as she looked at Shirou, almost as if she were saying, "Maybe you could be the first Uchiha Hokage."

However, noticing Mikoto's look, Shirou felt a bit exasperated. Why did it seem like she thought he was just relying on someone else's success?

"Mikoto, what exactly is going on in that little head of yours?"

Shirou lightly tapped Mikoto's forehead with affection, making her smile and shake her head.

"Nothing. I was just thinking that once Lady Tsunade becomes Hokage, you'll finally be able to pursue your ambitions without carrying such a heavy burden."

Seeing the love and trust in Mikoto's eyes, Shirou smiled fondly and gently embraced her. He spoke softly:

"But we can't let our guard down just yet. We've already seen the darkness in the village. We'll need to use the power of the Uchiha Clan to assist Sister Tsunade."

Shirou smiled as he spoke. If Tsunade could truly become the Fourth Hokage, it would be the best possible outcome.

But he understood that the current elders wouldn't give up so easily.

More importantly, taking power at this time was like shielding the Third Hokage and his cronies from blame—it wasn't a wise move.

...

That night, the entire Konoha Village was shocked.

The name Senju Tsunade had reawakened memories buried deep in everyone's minds.

At the same time, angry voices rang out from the Hokage's office building.

"Hiruzen! What is the Senju Clan trying to do?! A coup?! Do they think the village belongs to them?!"

Inside the office, Koharu Utatane was pale with anger, smashing her teacup into pieces. Fear flickered in her eyes.

Senju.

No one in their generation understood better what that name represented.

The era of the Warring States had ended, and the era of Konoha had begun. The First Hokage was a Senju. The Second Hokage was also a Senju.

Two consecutive Hokages came from the Senju Clan. Back then, they had absolute power, and the entire village was under their control.

At that time, the Senju Clan was synonymous with Konoha.

But the once-mighty clan that had dominated an era had dwindled, like a falling star.

Over the past two decades, they thought they'd forgotten that era. But now, a clan with fewer than a hundred members reclaim their name!