Naruto: Growing Stronger Through Healing

After Tsunade finished speaking, everyone's gaze turned in unison toward Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Clearly, this was an issue that concerned everyone present.

Although Danzō had been branded a rogue ninja, the organizational framework of the Root still technically remained intact.

As long as a new leader were appointed, Root could easily be revived and continue operating in the shadows.

"What do you all think?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, his voice steady.

"I don't think the Root should continue to exist at all," Aoshi spoke up immediately, his tone firm and unhesitating. "It should be dissolved completely."

The moment his words fell, many of the clan heads nodded in agreement.

"That's right."

"The Root should be disbanded entirely."

"There's no reason for it to remain."

Listening to the unanimous sentiment, Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a long, weary sigh. Then he nodded slowly.

"Very well," he said gravely. "From this day onward, Root is officially dissolved."

The moment the decision was announced, the atmosphere in the room visibly lifted. Joy spread through the gathered clan heads like a sudden breeze.

Tsunade burst into laughter without restraint, slapping the table as she spoke.

"Old man, after all these years, you finally did something right!" Her excitement was obvious.

So much so that she completely forgot the formality of the occasion and directly called Sarutobi Hiruzen "old man."

At this moment, no one bothered to point it out. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen himself merely smiled faintly and said nothing.

The meeting soon came to an end.

After everyone else had departed, Sarutobi Hiruzen motioned for Aoshi to remain behind.

"Aoshi," he said quietly, his voice carrying a trace of fatigue, "I'm very old now. At most, I can hold on for only a few more years."

The meaning behind his words was unmistakable. In just a few years' time, Aoshi would succeed him as Hokage.

In truth, if Aoshi were not still relatively young—and if his achievements had matured just a little further—Sarutobi Hiruzen might have stepped down even today.

Danzō's defection, coupled with the deaths of two old friends, had dealt him a heavy blow.

Looking at Sarutobi Hiruzen, who seemed to have aged several years overnight, Aoshi nodded solemnly.

"I will do my best."

A look of satisfaction appeared on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face.

He reached out and patted Aoshi on the shoulder before turning and leaving the conference room, returning alone to his office.

---

Night fell.

Inside the Senju Clan compound, laughter and voices filled the air.

Kushina looked at the lively scene before her and felt no irritation at all—only happiness.

A celebration was being held to mark the promotions of Aoshi and the others.

The reason it was held here was obvious: Kushina's status prevented her from freely going out into the village.

"It really brings back memories," Tsunade said emotionally, draining her cup in one go. "It's been a very, very long time since this place was this lively."

Hearing that, Aoshi immediately pulled her into his embrace.

"With us here from now on," he said softly, "it can be this lively every single day."

Tsunade was deeply moved. Without thinking, she leaned forward and planted a kiss on Aoshi's lips right in front of everyone.

Though it was only a brief peck, it immediately drew cheers and teasing whistles from the crowd.

Fortunately, everyone present—aside from Aoshi's women—were all close friends.

Minato and Mai were there. So were Mikoto's students, Tomoki and Sasaki Ayame.

Incidentally, after several years had passed, the two of them had grown closer and were now officially a couple.

Watching Aoshi and Tsunade's intimacy, Tomoki subconsciously tightened his grip on Sasaki Ayame's hand.

"Aoshi, you can't play favorites," Kushina suddenly protested, pouting. "I want some too!"

"Me too!" Honoka chimed in immediately.

The two girls, clearly jealous, jumped into Aoshi's arms—one on each side—puffing their cheeks in dissatisfaction.

Seeing their adorable expressions, Aoshi naturally indulged them without hesitation.

Mikoto and Nonō simply smiled at the sight. They had already shared far more intimate moments with Aoshi and felt no jealousy over something like this.

"Brother Aoshi is truly amazing," Minato muttered unconsciously as he watched the harmonious scene.

The next second, a sharp pain exploded at his waist.

Mai. She had pinched the soft flesh at his side and twisted it a full one hundred and eighty degrees.

With a gentle smile on her face, she leaned close to Minato's ear.

"What's wrong?" she asked sweetly. "Do you want to start a harem too?"

Minato's face twisted in agony.

"N-No! You misunderstood!" he hurriedly pleaded. "I only love you for the rest of my life!"

Only then did Mai release him.

Rubbing his aching waist, Minato grimaced. He would rather face enemies on the battlefield than endure this kind of pain.

This was the true terror a man could not withstand.

Everyone present was a ninja, so naturally, none of these small movements escaped their notice.

Tomoki cast Minato a look filled with sympathy. Some thoughts really shouldn't be voiced aloud.

Aoshi, meanwhile, simply smiled at Minato. Maintaining a harem wasn't something just anyone could do.

"Come on—let's drink!"

"Cheers!"

Soon enough, the celebration came to an end. Since the night had grown late, everyone stayed behind to rest within the Senju compound.

With so many rooms available, each person could have their own without any trouble.

Late into the night, when everything had finally quieted down…

Kushina suddenly woke up.

Because it had been so long since the compound was this lively, she had been unusually happy—and had drunk quite a bit.

After using the restroom and preparing to return to her room, she noticed that the light in Aoshi's room was still on.

"It's already so late… is Aoshi still awake?"

She approached his door, about to knock—when she suddenly heard sounds coming from inside.

Her pretty face instantly flushed crimson. Even the tips of her ears turned bright red.

Though she had never personally experienced such things, Kushina understood exactly what those sounds meant.

Instinctively, she wanted to flee. Yet her body refused to move.

Instead, she quietly pushed the door open just a crack and peeked inside. Her pupils shrank.

Inside the room were Aoshi, Tsunade, Mikoto, and Nonō.

Though it was one against three, Aoshi was fierce and unstoppable, quickly overwhelming all of them.

Mikoto and Nonō soon raised the white flag in surrender.

Only Tsunade, relying on her vast chakra reserves, stubbornly insisted on a final battle, refusing to admit defeat.

Even so, Kushina could tell Tsunade was already at her limit.

"How is Aoshi this powerful…?" Kushina asked herself quietly. "If it were me… could I handle it?"

Her body grew hotter and hotter. Despite it being late in the year, with the cold already setting in, heat flooded her veins.

Drip. A sudden sound snapped her back to her senses.

Looking down at the small puddle on the floor, her face burned even hotter.

Without realizing it, she had already begun touching herself.

"I'm Aoshi's girlfriend too," she murmured. "Why should I be hiding here?"

Having convinced herself, Kushina pushed the door open and stepped inside.

At that very moment, Tsunade finally suffered a complete defeat and fell into a deep sleep.

"Aoshi," Kushina called out boldly, pouncing toward him, "I want some too!"

Aoshi wasn't surprised at all. In fact, he had noticed her presence the moment she began hiding by the door.

Lifting his head from Tsunade's ample chest, he gently moved her aside and picked Kushina up.

No extra words were needed. He lowered his head and captured her lips in a kiss.

Kushina responded fiercely, pouring all her emotion into it. Only when she began to run out of breath did Aoshi move to kiss her earlobe.

At the same time, Kushina's nightgown slipped to the floor. Her smooth, fair, and gracefully curved body was revealed.

Though her figure wasn't as overwhelming as Tsunade's, it was perfectly proportioned.

She looked like a priceless work of art.

Aoshi cherished her deeply.

"Aoshi," Kushina whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, "I'm really glad I met you after coming to Konoha. Let's be together forever."

With her words, Aoshi pressed forward. Tonight became one of the most satisfying battles he had experienced in a long time.

He was completely fulfilled.

In the end, Aoshi carried Kushina back to the large bed, wrapped his arms around her and Tsunade, and finally fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.