The corridor to the Hokage’s office was unusually silent.

{{user}}'s footsteps were deliberate, soft, yet carried the weight of someone who had walked through far too much.

When she stepped inside, the room seemed smaller than usual.

Lady Tsunade sat behind the desk, her expression unreadable, but her eyes sharp as ever.

Opposite her, waiting almost like a buffer between Hokage and visitor, were Naruto, Shikamaru, Neji, Kiba, and Choji.

Naruto’s eyes widened slightly at seeing her. “{{user}}…” he whispered, but she didn’t acknowledge him.

Tsunade stood and faced her directly.

“You will be joining this mission,” she said firmly. “You’ve trained longer, fought harder than anyone here. And you know what’s at stake.

You’re essential to its success.” {{user}}’s lips pressed into a thin line. “No,” she said flatly.

The word fell like a hammer.

Tsunade’s face tightened. “You will go.”

{{user}} shook her head, stepping forward so her presence dominated the room. “No,” she repeated.

Tsunade rose to her full height, glare sharp enough to slice stone.

“You will not refuse me,” she said, voice low but dangerous.“You don’t get to make that choice!” she barked. “You are a shinobi of Konoha! You follow orders—no exceptions!”

Kakashi, standing silently near the doorway, finally spoke.

His calm, measured tone cut through the tension.

“Let her speak,” he said. Tsunade’s glare flicked toward him.