The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, illuminating Gojo's room in golden hues.
He stirred awake, stretching his arms above his head and feeling the energy coursing through him.
The warmth of the sun hugged his body, making him feel alive and full of potential. Another day of adventure awaited him, and he was ready to embrace it.
As he blinked the sleep from his eyes, he noticed Tsunade nestled beside him, having fallen asleep after a long day of preparations the night before.
He felt a warmth spread through him at the sight. She had been so supportive, dedicated to their new mission of creating a safe haven for children.
Though he didn't want to disturb her peace, Gojo's bright energy was hard to contain. Carefully, he gently nudged her shoulder.
"Tsunade, wake up! It's morning!" he chimed enthusiastically.
Tsunade stirred, her eyes fluttering open. For a brief moment, she was entranced by Gojo's youthful exuberance and the soft rays painting his face. He looked surprisingly charming, his dark hair tousled and a small, endearing smile playing on his lips.
"Good morning, Gojo," she said, her voice still thick with sleep. She couldn't help but feel a blush creep onto her cheeks, a flutter of attraction surprising her.
"Morning!" he replied, beaming as he jumped out of bed. "We have to get ready to go to the Hokage office!"
"Right," Tsunade said, shaking off any lingering drowsiness. "Get dressed and meet me outside in ten minutes."
Gojo nodded eagerly, and as she got up to leave, the sight of him standing there, full of energy and determination, made her heart flutter in unexpectedly delightful ways.
"No time to waste!" she said, trying to dismiss her feelings as she turned to leave.
---
After a quick breakfast, Gojo and Tsunade made their way to the Hokage office. Tsunade approached the grand doors, her expression firm, determination filling the air around her. Without hesitation, she kicked the door open with a loud crash, forcing it to splinter into multiple shards.
Inside, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, nearly dropped the cup of tea he was holding, wide-eyed. He frantically tried to hide a scroll that had momentarily revealed itself, a hint of embarrassing flush creeping onto his face as a small trickle of blood escaped his nose.
"Old man! Seriously?" Tsunade shouted, her gaze sharp as she surveyed Hiruzen. The reality hit her; the old man was still caught up in perverted distractions.
"What kind of nonsense are you up to this time?"
Hiruzen quickly wiped his nose, flustered.
"I—I assure you, it's not what it looks like!" He stammered, looking severely embarrassed.
"Honestly! It's broad daylight, and you're wasting time in here?" Tsunade admonished, hands on her hips as she glared at him.
Realizing he had been caught, Hiruzen cleared his throat awkwardly.
"Ahem! What brings you here, Tsunade? Surely it's something important, yes?"
"Don't change the subject! We need to talk about what happened yesterday with Gojo," she snapped, then paused, remembering the overwhelming events that had unfolded.
As Tsunade's temper began to bubble over, Hiruzen's expression turned grave.
"I'll call Danzo in here right now," he said, heading for the communication stone.
With that, he summoned Danzo with urgency. Moments later, Danzo swaggered in with a casual confidence, seemingly unfazed by the previous tension in the air.
"Good of you to call for me, Hiruzen," Danzo said, his voice laced with smug satisfaction.
Before anyone could respond, Tsunade's temper flared again. She charged forward and punched Danzo hard enough that he went crashing into the wall, making the room shake.
"Don't you dare lay a hand on my Gojo!" she yelled, her voice vibrant with anger.
Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples as he assessed the damage.
"Tsunade… can we handle this without any more violence?"
Tsunade simply crossed her arms, glaring at Danzo as he picked himself up. He sneered at her, unfazed by the attack.
"Do you really think that's going to stop me? Gojo is a child with incredible potential. With the Sage Body, Wood Release, and Sharingan, he could become a phenomenal asset for Konoha."
"Is that all you see him as—a potential for war?" Tsunade shot back, her eyes narrowing.
"He's a child who deserves a childhood, not to be turned into some war machine at your command!"
Danzo shrugged, leaning against the wall.
"Every strong ninja has to learn how to defend themselves. Why not harness Gojo's power for the greater good?"
"Greater good?" Hiruzen raised his voice, stepping forward.
"If you dare continue with this line of thinking, I swear I will—"
"I will face the consequences," Danzo interrupted, a patronizing grin plastered on his face.
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen. After all, he's crucial for what's to come."
"I am the Hokage, Danzo! I will do everything in my power to protect the people of Konoha, especially our children!" Hiruzen's voice boomed through the office, emphasizing his authority.
Gojo, still lingering at the edges, took in the chaos and began to feel more certain of his own abilities. In his mind, the famous line echoed: "I am the Hokage."
He couldn't help but snicker internally at the back-and-forth occurring between the two older men.
"Why doesn't anyone listen to me?" he uttered quietly to himself, but Tsunade heard his words and turned to him.
"Gojo," she said softly, kneeling down to meet his gaze.
"You're not just a pawn in this game. You are strong and have the potential to make your own choices. We'll protect you, I promise."
Gojo nodded, feeling somewhat reassured by her words. But then his mood took a serious turn again.
"But I want to be strong to help everyone, Tsunade. I don't want to be a weapon for anyone."
Tsunade's heart swelled with pride.
"Exactly! That's your strength—wanting to help others. That's what makes you different and sets you apart from the likes of Danzo."
Danzo's sneering expression faltered slightly at Gojo's declaration.
"A child's dreams are nothing but illusions," he remarked, but his voice lacked conviction.
"Tell that to the children in the orphanage!" Tsunade snapped back, resolute.
"They deserve a future filled with love and compassion, not the visions of a world fueled by conflict."
"Those children need to be prepared for the harsh realities of the world," Danzo replied, his tone dripping with disdain.
"No! They need to be loved!" Gojo interjected, a fierce determination gleaming in his eyes.
"Please don't take that chance away from them, Danzo!"
Hiruzen, seeing the tension continue to spiral, decided to take control.
"Enough! I want a solution to this problem." He turned toward Gojo, who remained fixed on Tsunade's side.
"What do you want in return for all this?"
"Compensation?" Gojo pondered, scratching his head thoughtfully.
"I want Tsunade to be in charge of the orphanage! She can make sure it's a happy place where kids can stay."
"What?" Tsunade blinked in surprise, her brows arching upward.
Hiruzen, intrigued, nodded thoughtfully.
"That seems reasonable."
"Sure!" Tsunade said, feeling a mix of bewilderment and delight.
"If it's what you truly want, Gojo, then I'll accept it."
"Really?" Gojo exclaimed, his excitement bubbling.
"Thank you!"
"Just remember to hold me to it," Tsunade said, feeling a warm sense of responsibility wrap around her.
"We'll make that orphanage the best place for all the kids!"
Danzo's irritation intensified at the turn of events.
"You will regret this, Hiruzen! Underestimating children leads to nothing but weakness."
"I'll take my chances," Hiruzen replied, his voice steady with authority.
"As Hokage, my duty is to safeguard the villagers, young and old, against those who wield power irresponsibly."
As he exited the room, Danzo's bitter expression filled the air.
"You'll see. You won't last long. Kids don't need love—they need to learn that kindness is weakness."
Tsunade's fists clenched alongside Gojo's silent resolve.
"No, they need to know about kindness and compassion. That's their strength."
The intense exchange lingered in the air long after Danzo had departed, leaving Tsunade and Gojo standing together.
Together, they reminisced about the mission ahead. Gojo's dreams and aspirations, coupled with Tsunade's commitment to protect him, forged an unbreakable bond—their paths intertwined in a way that promised hope.
---
As the sun began to set across Konoha that evening, Tsunade and Gojo arrived back at the orphanage, a wave of warmth and laughter filling the air. Children ran and played, their joy radiating through the space that had blossomed under Tsunade's care.
"See, Gojo? This is what we're building together!" Tsunade said, beaming as she observed the little ones engaged with each other.
"Yes! Everyone's so happy!" Gojo agreed, rushing off to join a group of kids.
As the hours waned, they gathered the children together, announcing the special celebration they would be planning soon. The idea of creating an event to welcome new friends and neighbors filled them all with excitement.
"What games can we play?" one eager child shouted, raising their hand high.
"Let's have a treasure hunt!" Gojo suggested, invigorated with inspiration.
"We can set up clues around the yard leading to the prize!"
"A scavenger hunt! That sounds fun!" a girl exclaimed.
"Or we can have a talent show!" another child added.
"I'll sing!"
Tsunade watched, her heart heavy with joy at seeing them all join together in enthusiasm, basking in the idea of fun and friendship. It was what she always envisioned—a true sanctuary for children.
---
Nights drifted into days, and despite the looming tensions outside the orphanage walls, Tsunade worked tirelessly to promote love and kindness among them all. Each day, Gojo leaped ahead, embracing the role of a little leader that encouraged the other kids to participate in their new community.
Tsunade watched Gojo flourish with immense pride. His bright spirit became the centerpiece of their growing bond, a reminder of why they were fighting for this future together.
But behind their smiles, shadows loomed over Konoha, and very soon, the battle for Gojo's heart and destiny would take shape in ways they could never expect.
"Together," Tsunade whispered one night as they shared a quiet moment in the orphanage,
"we will make this place a beacon of hope. We'll show everyone that love is indeed the strongest power of all."
"I promise!" Gojo declared, an earnest determination gleaming in his eyes.
And for that moment, they both understood that no matter what challenges lay ahead, love and determination would guide them through.
---
Chapter 35 Ends.