Mito's strategy was straightforward yet unconventional. Instead of recalling the Senju clan members who had integrated into civilian life, she dispersed them even further, leaving only Hashirama's sole bloodline—Tsunade—as the final hope.
On one hand, with Senju members spread throughout Konoha, they formed an intricate network, making it nearly impossible for ambitious individuals to act without detection (akin to an ancient secret police force).
On the other hand, this approach minimized risk. By blending the Senju clan seamlessly with the villagers, even if her plans failed and both she and Tsunade were killed by enemies, the Senju bloodline would persist.
In this way, the Senju would become the lifeblood nourishing Konoha's great tree, eternally protecting the village in a different form.
This plan was a high-stakes gamble, hinging entirely on Tsunade.
If Tsunade failed—falling victim to assassination, war, or missions—the Senju bloodline might survive, but the name "Senju" would vanish from history.
However, if Tsunade grew strong enough, everything would change.
She didn't need to reach the legendary levels of Hashirama or Tobirama; achieving the strength of an average Kage would suffice for the Senju to rise again through her.
Mito planned to find trustworthy companions for Tsunade during her growth to ensure her safety. Before her own death, she would also secure a new jinchūriki for Tsunade's use.
Additionally, she made a pact with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Until Hiruzen firmly established his position, Mito would fully support him, helping to eliminate obstacles.
In return, Hiruzen agreed to become Tsunade's teacher after her graduation, guiding her through the most perilous phase.
Once Tsunade reached a certain level of independence, Mito would officially retire, allowing the Third Hokage to fully assume his role.
If all went according to plan, Tsunade—backed by powerful ninja allies, wielding the power of a tailed beast, and possessing Kage-level strength—would be fully capable of succeeding Hiruzen as the Fourth Hokage.
At that point, as Hokage and head of the Senju clan, Tsunade's call would naturally bring back the dispersed clan members, leading to the Senju's revival.
This was a gamble on the entire Senju clan's fate, but Mito had no regrets. Win or lose, she would have protected Konoha, the village she and Hashirama loved dearly.
No matter what, she wouldn't allow Konoha to perish before her, even if it meant sacrificing the Senju clan and her own life.
Because this was Hashirama's lifelong dream—a peaceful land free from war.
To always support and protect the one she loved and his dream—that was Uzumaki Mito's ninja way.
Gently tucking the blanket around the sleeping Tsunade, Mito picked up the pencil Tsunade had left nearby.
As she twirled the pencil in her hand, her thoughts drifted to the interesting boy from that afternoon.
Gekkō Hoshiyomi—could this child become Tsunade's right-hand man in the future?
Over a month had passed since the start of the school term.
The students were gradually adapting to school life, making friends, and learning various ninja skills. Even Jiraiya had managed to produce a wobbly clone.
Examining the misshapen clone beside him, Jiraiya sighed in relief. At least it resembled a human now, unlike the bizarre forms he had created earlier.
Instructor Mitsui, while marking attendance, commented:
"Jiraiya, 50 points. Not bad. You've made significant progress since last week. Keep it up; I believe you can do even better."
Mitsui wasn't mocking Jiraiya; he genuinely admired this child from a civilian background.
Jiraiya's grades were average, but considering he lacked any pre-academy training, his performance was commendable.
A civilian child with no resources, keeping pace and even surpassing some clan heirs in Class A, was a notable achievement.
Jiraiya beamed at the praise, thanked the teacher, and returned to his seat beside Hoshiyomi.
Seeing Jiraiya's happiness, Hoshiyomi encouraged him:
"Great job, Jiraiya. You're already ahead of many clan kids in class."
Grateful, Jiraiya replied:
"It's all thanks to the notes you lent me. Without them, I'd still be struggling to keep up."
Hoshiyomi smiled:
"That's what brothers are for."
At that moment, Tsunade, sitting behind them, playfully smacked Jiraiya's shoulder:
"And what about me? I lent you my notes too. Why no thanks for me?"
Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade's expectant face and winced. Her notes? Really?
He had naively thought that Tsunade's proficiency in the Clone Technique meant she had some secret tips. Eagerly, he borrowed her notes, only to find:
Step one: Hand signs.
Step two: Channel chakra.
Step three: Poof! Clone appears.
The memory made Jiraiya's teeth ache. He forced a smile:
"Heh, thanks, you... brute."
At the word "brute," a vein popped on Tsunade's forehead. She cracked her knuckles and, smiling sweetly, asked:
"What did you just say?"
Jiraiya swallowed hard but couldn't resist:
"Come on, am I wrong? Look at you now—if that's not brute behavior, what is?"
Naturally, he received a thorough beating from Tsunade.
Hoshiyomi shook his head at the sight of Jiraiya's exaggerated grimaces. Why provoke Tsunade unnecessarily?
But then Tsunade turned her attention to him:
"Hoshiyomi, do you think Jiraiya's right?"
Cold sweat broke out on Hoshiyomi's forehead. Unlike Jiraiya, he couldn't take a beating. Yet, lying felt wrong.
As he pondered whether to sacrifice himself for honesty, Instructor Mitsui intervened:
"Alright, everyone, that concludes today's clone test. Before class ends, a reminder: next week is the bi-monthly combat assessment.
I hope you're all preparing, especially those with lower rankings. I'd like to continue seeing all your faces in class."
Tsunade, distracted by the announcement, turned her attention away, allowing Hoshiyomi to breathe a sigh of relief. His thoughts drifted to the upcoming combat assessment.
Perhaps that person would join their class next week.