Chapter Text
Chapter 157: Naive Kakashi
Two massive wooden dragons grew wildly from the forest on either side of the riverbank, soaring into the sky and reaching Kisame and Itachi in an instant.
"Boss, I'm one of you…"
Kisame wanted to shout, but that was just a fleeting thought.
Not to mention that he hadn't seen enough fun within Akatsuki and wasn't planning to expose himself just yet. Besides, when the wooden dragons surged toward him, Kisame actually felt eager to fight.
This was the legendary technique used by Senju Hashirama to bring peace to the shinobi world. For someone like Kisame, who longed to fight the strong, it was a pity that he had only heard of the Wood Release's reputation and never experienced it firsthand.
Then let's give it a try. The boss won't actually kill me anyway.
With that in mind, under Itachi's shocked gaze, Kisame raised Samehada and swung it excitedly.
Boom—!
Wood splinters flew.
Waves surged.
As expected, the "tailless Tailed Beast" was knocked back by the immense force. The wooden dragon's head had only lost a thin layer of bark.
Even Yami was surprised. He didn't expect Kisame to be so fierce, able to chop at the wooden dragon with just a blade. Wasn't that basically the same as stabbing Susanoo with a kunai?
Bang!
Kisame was then smacked by the wooden dragon's tail, spat out a mouthful of blood, and looked utterly horrified.
"This... is a dragon?"
Just now, Samehada tried to absorb chakra from the wooden dragon to boost Kisame's strength, but instead, the dragon exerted a suction force even stronger than Samehada's.
It drained a large amount of his chakra.
"Itachi-san, be careful. This wooden dragon absorbs chakra!" Kisame warned quickly. His enthusiasm to challenge it vanished completely.
"I know." Itachi nodded heavily.
Yami waved his palm again, and the two wooden dragons launched another attack. Itachi fired off Great Fireballs while retreating with Kisame, but found that they barely affected the dragons. Left with no choice, he activated his trump card.
"Amaterasu!"
The black flames engulfed the dragon's head, but the burning speed was still incredibly slow.
The wooden dragon didn't just absorb chakra—it also possessed terrifying resistance to ninjutsu. It was the ultimate nemesis for shinobi reliant on jutsu.
Even though Amaterasu scorched the dragon's head, it had no vital point. It wasn't a real living creature and kept advancing with the black flames still burning on it.
Yami clapped his hands again, and Itachi's heart stopped.
He was starting to fear Wood Release.
This technique was outrageous. No hand seals needed. Just clap and call out the name, and the jutsu activated instantly.
"Wood Release: Nativity of a World of Trees!"
Countless thick roots erupted from the ground, covering the entire area in an instant. They surged and spread, cutting off all possible escape routes for Itachi and Kisame.
The wooden dragons, fully regenerated, locked eyes with them and prepared to launch their final strike.
Yami loved Wood Release so much that he rarely used other techniques.
It had control, defense, offense, wide-range and precision attack capabilities—far exceeding the limits of other ninjutsu. So why bother using anything else?
Kakashi and the others watched in awe as the forest grew rapidly before their eyes.
During the Chūnin Exams, they'd all been busy with their own missions and hadn't had the chance to witness Wood Release's full power. But now, seeing it in action.
It was terrifying.
Finally, Itachi and Kisame were forced into a corner, completely surrounded. Kisame looked up at the wooden dragon looming above and despaired.
Boss, are you having too much fun and forgot about me?
I'm one of your people!
Itachi's expression was grim.
He really wants to kill us!
Realizing this, Itachi no longer held back and prepared to activate Susanoo to break through.
At that moment, Sasuke, supported by Kakashi, suddenly woke up. Seeing the scene in front of him, he struggled weakly and muttered, "Yami-sensei… don't kill him. I want… to take revenge myself…"
After saying that, he fainted again.
"Tch…"
Kakashi frowned. The hatred in this kid's heart was too strong. Being provoked by Itachi had driven him to delirium.
At that moment, Yami paused his attack. During that short delay, Itachi seized the chance and used Amaterasu to burn open a path. Kisame fused with Samehada, transforming into a shark-like form, and fled with blood dripping from Itachi's eyes.
Seeing this, Yami cut off his chakra flow. The massive forest withered and faded away, leaving the area a mess.
"They just got away like that?"
Kakashi looked a bit regretful. These were two S-rank rogue ninjas. If they continued lurking around Konoha, it would keep everyone on edge.
"What if we didn't let them go?"
The breeze blew Yami's hair as he looked at the unconscious Sasuke.
"Didn't you hear what Itachi said earlier? My reputation must not be ruined by Sasuke. He must be the one to kill Itachi. No one else."
"Guy, Naruto, take Sasuke to the hospital." Kakashi handed Sasuke to Naruto, who had just come to his senses. Guy picked him up, and they quickly left.
"Yami, are you planning to issue a bounty on those two?" Kurenai asked.
"No. If they're taken out by someone else, that's no good."
Yami shook his head. "Just alert the Konoha shinobi to keep their distance from anyone wearing black cloaks with red clouds."
Kurenai nodded, said a few more things to Yami, then left with Yugao. She could tell Kakashi had something to say to him.
After watching them leave, Kakashi turned back toward Yami. "Don't you think… this is a little much?"
"What?" Yami was confused by his tone.
"Life shouldn't be consumed by hatred."
Kakashi sighed, speaking quietly. "After this incident, Sasuke will definitely grow more extreme. To gain power, I'm afraid he might follow Orochimaru's old path. He's still a child. He should live a normal life…"
"Are you serious?"
Yami stared at Kakashi like he was crazy. He couldn't believe Kakashi would actually say something like that. "When did you ever think Sasuke was a normal person?"
"His brother killed their parents and slaughtered their entire clan. And you want Sasuke to walk around every day smiling like a fool?"
"Revenge must be taken. But that hatred shouldn't consume his whole life." Kakashi tried to reason with him again, but Yami remained unmoved.
"Then let him enjoy life after revenge."
Yami smirked. "Kakashi, you really are the Third Hokage's disciple. You're sounding more and more like him—so righteous and idealistic."
"What's wrong with pursuing strength? Why do you assume that gaining power will make someone fall into darkness?"
Kakashi felt helpless. He only wanted to remind Yami not to be too extreme with Naruto and Sasuke. How did this become his fault?
But the next moment, Kakashi's face changed.
Yami's words pierced right into his heart.
"Your two teammates died during the war, didn't they?"
"If you had your current strength back then, would Uchiha Obito still have been crushed under that boulder? Would Nohara Rin still have died on the battlefield and become the Three Tails' jinchūriki?"
"Most of the world's pain comes from a lack of strength. Think about it."
After saying that, Yami ignored the stunned Kakashi and vanished on the spot.
Konoha Hospital
Yami stopped by a tailor to pick up the cheongsam he had custom-made for Kurotsuchi, then turned a corner toward the hospital.
Itachi had still shown mercy toward Sasuke.
In the original timeline, Kakashi had collapsed after a single glance from Itachi and remained unconscious until Tsunade returned to heal him. Sasuke had been struck by Tsukuyomi, and the hospital recommended seven days of rest.
After that, he'd be fine. No lasting damage.
When Yami arrived, Sasuke was lying in bed, and Naruto was slumped in a chair, fast asleep.
Naruto had been exhausted lately. Yami's training for him required triggering the Nine Tails' chakra. Naruto had to keep pushing himself past his limits until the Nine Tails' chakra leaked out on its own and he grew accustomed to its corrosive effect.
That was why his clothes always looked like they'd been burned—just the chakra.
Yami wasn't pleased to hear Sasuke needed a full week of bedrest.
The current medical ninja in Konoha were basically useless. They couldn't handle severe injuries, and they were just as bad with minor ones. He needed to find Tsunade quickly and have her rebuild the medical system.
Without waking Naruto, Yami began treatment, using the Healing Jutsu to stimulate chakra in Sasuke's brain and accelerate his spiritual recovery. At this rate, he would be fully healed by tomorrow.
While Yami was treating Sasuke, someone quietly appeared beside him.
Uchiha Shisui.
After Yami stopped, Shisui asked softly, "Did Itachi return to the village?"
Yami nodded. "I chased him off. If you leave now, you might catch up."
"Why? You can't help it? You want to kill him?"
"No. Let Sasuke do it. And I'm not strong enough anyway."
Shisui shook his head, his gaze falling on Sasuke in the bed with a hint of admiration.
Compared to Itachi, Sasuke might not have the same level of talent, but his potential and determination weren't inferior.
More importantly, Sasuke was a normal person—he didn't have the extremist mindset so common in the Uchiha clan.
That alone made him rare.
"Tch."
Yami sneered. "You can fool others, but you can't fool me."
"Just open the Mangekyō already. That pupil power is about to burst out of your Three Tomoe. If you can awaken it, do it. You think I'll be afraid of you?"
Under the mask, Shisui was startled. He quickly lowered his head and bowed. "Yami, I'll never awaken the Mangekyō. I'll never become a threat to you."
"I wasn't being sarcastic."
Yami looked at Shisui helplessly. "I'm not my old man. I'm not scared of Uchiha."
His current pupil power was already at the peak of the Eternal Mangekyō. Even if Uchiha Madara were resurrected, he'd only be on equal footing. There was no way Yami would fear Shisui's dojutsu.
Seeing that Shisui still had his head lowered and said nothing, Yami continued, "I'll be the Fifth Hokage soon."
"You've seen Konoha's current state. There are barely any capable shinobi left. If you can awaken the Mangekyō soon, it'll help share some of the burden."
"Besides… I need your experience. Don't worry, Shisui."
Shisui saw Yami speak so sincerely and finally nodded, but made a solemn vow:
"Yami, you can take these eyes from me at any time. I swear in the name of hundreds of Uchiha souls—these eyes will only ever fight for you."
(To be continued.)
Chapter 158: A Massacre as a Gift to My Succession as Hokage
Uchiha Shisui was a true genius.
If Uchiha Madara hadn't died before he was born, it was likely that Indra would've chosen him for reincarnation.
Even after having his original eyes gouged out and replaced with another pair of Three Tomoe Sharingan, he still managed to awaken the Mangekyō again years later.
Such a miracle might be unprecedented in the thousand-year history of the Uchiha clan.
If not for Yami's sensory techniques and his deep understanding of Uchiha ocular powers, even he wouldn't have noticed Shisui had reached that level.
Yami had already sensed that Shisui's pair of Three Tomoe Sharingan had reached their limit six months ago. Yet over the past half year, Shisui had been forcibly suppressing his ocular power.
Yami understood Shisui's hesitation. Though his eyes weren't the root cause of the clan's destruction, they were the trigger.
But there was one thing Yami couldn't understand.
"Why are you so certain that the Mangekyō technique you'll awaken will still be Kotoamatsukami?" Yami asked directly.
Shisui gave his answer without hesitation.
"The essence of the Mangekyō Sharingan is the unique chakra secreted by the brain, which stimulates the special evolution of the eyes. My original eyes were taken, but that chakra still resides in my brain."
At this point, Shisui's voice took on a note of resignation. "It was fine in the first few years. I initially planned to use that chakra as a trump card, enough to barely activate Susanoo once. But starting two years ago, my body gradually adapted to this new pair of Three Tomoe, and that chakra began merging with my current eyes."
"I see…" Yami thought to himself.
The Mangekyōs possessed by Hikari and Izumi back home were just ordinary ones. Especially Hikari, who had lost significant vision due to overuse in battle.
Even if Yami completed his cell research and implanted them into Hikari, he could only restore vision and some pupil power. It wouldn't bring him to the level of an Eternal Mangekyō.
But if he used Shisui's method to nurture another perfectly matched pair of Mangekyō, then merged the two sets of pupil power—could it succeed?
With that thought in mind, Yami left the hospital, preparing to go home and discuss it with the two women to see if they were willing.
However, as soon as he arrived, Yami saw a pervy-looking white-haired man standing at his front door.
"What are you doing here?"
Seeing Jiraiya holding a scroll, Yami's expression turned unfriendly. He looked like he wanted to kick him on sight.
No one would feel comfortable seeing someone like this show up at their house.
Jiraiya saw that look and quickly explained, "I came to see you, Yami. You just fought with Uchiha Itachi, didn't you?"
"I did."
"Did he reveal anything about the organization he's part of?"
Yami shook his head decisively. "Itachi only said he came back for Naruto."
"So his target is Naruto... or rather, the Nine Tails…"
Jiraiya's expression turned serious. Noticing how indifferent Yami looked, he gave a stern warning. "Yami, I know you're strong, but don't underestimate the organization Itachi is part of."
"That organization is called Akatsuki, a mercenary group made up of dangerous rogue ninja from across the nations."
"Oh, and?"
Yami didn't react much. He simply gestured for Jiraiya to continue.
Jiraiya finally got to the point. "That's why I want to take Naruto away."
Yami chuckled. "You're going to find Tsunade, aren't you?"
Jiraiya looked a bit awkward.
After all, Yami and Tsunade were currently political rivals. Not only was he going to bring back a competitor, but he also wanted to take her opponent's disciple along. It was indeed a little underhanded.
For someone like Jiraiya, who always prided himself on being a heroic figure, this made him feel rather guilty.
But this concerned Konoha and the future of the entire shinobi world.
Jiraiya wasn't about to give up on recommending Tsunade for the position of Fifth Hokage.
So he had no choice but to push forward. "Yami, Naruto is in a dangerous situation right now. You can't protect him every moment of the day. It would be safer if he came with me."
"Sure."
Yami agreed so easily that Jiraiya couldn't believe it.
He asked again, just to be sure.
"Why wouldn't I agree to someone helping me with my student? I'll be really busy once I become Hokage."
With Jiraiya's face stiff, Yami gave a small laugh and turned back into the house, leaving one last message:
"Don't think bringing Tsunade back will change anything, Jiraiya. Treat it as your contribution to Konoha. Tell her I'll leave the position of Medical Director open for her."
Jiraiya stood still in silence for a few seconds before sighing and turning away.
Human nature was complicated. Being a good person didn't mean being a perfect person.
Aside from his flaws with women, Jiraiya was undoubtedly a hero, a good man.
But he was also stubborn. He only believed in what he thought was right. Naruto was the same. That's why he was always trying to change others, trying to shape the world to match his ideals.
Many people were like that—especially those with power and influence.
Yami was the same.
So his conflict with Jiraiya was inevitable. It was a matter of position, not personal grievance.
"Uchiha truly does produce extraordinary geniuses…"
Late that night.
Yami and Hikari spent several hours continuing the Shimura bloodline.
During their break, Yami also told Shisui about his situation and the plan he had for the two of them.
After listening, Yami couldn't help but sigh at Shisui's talent.
He had awakened two sets of Mangekyō Sharingan.
Something like this had never been recorded in Uchiha history for over a thousand years.
At least, there was nothing in the clan archives that Hikari had read.
Otherwise, the power-obsessed Uchiha would've already conducted similar experiments long ago. It would've been impossible for such a thing to go undocumented.
Yami hugged the petite girl in his arms, enjoying her soft skin, and asked casually, "I still have a few pairs of Three Tomoe. Want to give them a try? Izumi doesn't have the same level of understanding of Mangekyō as you do. She still has a lot of room to grow."
"I have no objections."
Hikari also wanted to become stronger. She wanted to use the Eight Thousand Spears freely, to slay anyone who dared defy Yami.
These two really were a perfect match.
The next day, Jiraiya successfully tricked Naruto.
After saying goodbye to Yami, the two left the village.
The succession ceremony was approaching. Konoha had already begun preparations, and with several days of delay, Jiraiya only had a little over half a month to bring Tsunade back.
Fortunately, he had received intel recently. A certain "fat sheep" had appeared in the Land of Fire—visiting gambling halls, distributing charity, and rescuing households on the verge of collapse.
Jiraiya was almost certain it was Tsunade.
He just hoped the persuasion wouldn't take too long. Ever since Nawaki's death, Tsunade had been deeply resistant to becoming Hokage.
On the other side, Sasuke, who had been unconscious for a full day and night, finally woke up.
Shisui took him out of the hospital. After suffering that mental blow, Sasuke became even more silent and trained even harder. Reliving the night of the massacre deepened his hatred for Itachi and made him realize the vast difference between their strength.
Fortunately, under Shisui's guidance, Sasuke had no thoughts of betraying the village, let alone seeking out Orochimaru.
Yami had no time to worry about his student's mental health—he was busy.
Suna and Iwa had finally made their move. Both villages sent formal apology letters, blaming everything on Orochimaru. They even sent evidence of the Fourth Kazekage's tragic death.
Their delegations would arrive soon to negotiate compensation and the return of captives with Konoha.
Although there was no official Hokage yet, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura tactfully handed the letter to Yami for him to decide.
After reading it, Yami only sneered.
"Even a three-year-old wouldn't believe this excuse. Should I say they're naïve, or that they think we're stupid?"
"This kind of shameless tone definitely reeks of Ōnoki."
Homura tried to analyze things for Yami. "The excuses are just to save face. Ōnoki wants a way out, not just for Suna and Iwa, but for Konoha as well."
Koharu followed up, "Thanks to you, Yami, we contained the situation without falling into a drawn-out war. But the village did suffer losses. If we pursue this too harshly, we don't have the resources or manpower."
"My suggestion is to negotiate and ask for higher compensation to help the village recover."
"That's a good suggestion. Don't suggest it again."
Yami's blunt response made the two elders blush, but they dared not argue.
Ignoring them, he turned to Danzō. "Old man, have Root ninjas monitor the envoys. Do it openly. If they try anything extreme, wipe them out. I want to see just how tolerant Ōnoki really is."
Danzō immediately understood Yami's intent, a satisfied smile appearing on his face. "I understand. Leave it to me."
Although Yami hadn't officially become Hokage yet, his iron-fisted approach reminded Danzō of himself. It made Danzō feel much more at ease.
"Yami, Konoha really can't afford to start another war," Koharu tried to persuade again.
Yami waved dismissively. "I never said I'd start a war."
The two elders let out a breath of relief, only to hear him continue:
"I just want to stage a massacre as a gift to commemorate my succession as Hokage."
Koharu and Homura were stunned speechless.
At the same time.
In an alley on…
The person Jiraiya was looking for, Tsunade—known as the "legendary sucker" of the gambling world—had just escaped from a group of creditors.
Shizune panted heavily, glaring at Tsunade, who was disguised as a loli. "Tsunade-sama, our debt keeps piling up. At this rate, we won't be welcome in any corner of the shinobi world!"
"Hahaha! A little debt is nothing!"
"You know, there's a saying in the gambling world—going all in is a form of wisdom!"
With a poof, Tsunade released her transformation and laughed heartily. "As long as I go all in on the right hand, I can pay off the debt and live in comfort again!"
Hearing that Tsunade was planning to go all in, Shizune's face turned green.
Just then, a cold chuckle came from the narrow alley entrance.
"Tsunade, you haven't changed at all over the years."
The two looked up. Shizune froze, but Tsunade's face instantly darkened.
"Orochimaru… You actually dare to show your face in front of me?"
(To be continued.)
Chapter 159: Nabekage Appears Again, Tsunade's Dilemma
Tsunade looked coldly at her former comrade, and soon noticed something abnormal.
Orochimaru's hands were mismatched—one was purple-black, the other pale. The pale one had clearly been transplanted recently, and his face carried a sickly blue tinge. He obviously hadn't rested well.
Indeed, the pain of soul-tearing tormented Orochimaru constantly. Each day, he relied on the secret medicine prepared by Kabuto to relieve the agony and move normally.
But it was only a temporary fix. Orochimaru had been searching for Tsunade's whereabouts and had finally intercepted her on Tansho Street.
"You just created chaos in Konoha, and now you dare to come to me. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you?"
Even if Tsunade hadn't actively looked into what happened in Konoha, rumors would still reach her ears.
Especially recently, with Suna and Iwa secretly fanning the flames, the blame had been placed entirely on Orochimaru.
Tsunade knew well that Orochimaru was the one who killed their teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"You're already old, but you still have such a temper."
Orochimaru's sharp words made Tsunade's forehead twitch with anger, but he just laughed even more, "You were the first among the three of us to leave Konoha, Tsunade. I didn't know you still had such deep feelings for the village."
Tsunade clenched her fists and said in a low voice, "Whether the Hokage lives or dies has nothing to do with me, but the old man Sarutobi was our teacher! You actually did something as unforgivable as killing your teacher... Orochimaru, are you even human?"
"What's so great about being human?"
Orochimaru stuck out his tongue nonchalantly and twisted it around. "I think this weak body has always held back my development. Now, I've even been harmed by that old thing."
At that, Orochimaru's smile faded and was replaced by hatred. "My hands were crippled by his Forbidden Technique."
"Tsunade, let's make a deal."
"As long as you help me heal my hands, I can let you see Nawaki again."
Orochimaru's voice was full of bewitchment. "Impure World Reincarnation, the Forbidden Technique developed by the Second Hokage that transcends the boundary between life and death. Not only have I mastered it, I've perfected it."
"It's no longer just a cold corpse. I can pull the soul of the dead back to the world."
"Our teacher, the First Hokage, and the Fourth Kazekage are all proof."
Tsunade's face changed dramatically, and she became furious. Her hair lifted without wind, forming twin ponytails that fluttered in the air.
"Orochimaru! How dare you desecrate Grandpa's soul!"
Boom!
Tsunade punched the ground. The earth cracked instantly, like a stone dragon bursting from the ground, rushing straight at Orochimaru.
"Earth Style: Earth Flow Wall!"
Kabuto, who had been silently standing behind Orochimaru, stepped forward and placed his hands on the ground, raising a solid earthen wall.
It lasted only two seconds before collapsing under Tsunade's monstrous strength, but it had done its job absorbing the brunt of the impact.
"What terrifying power..."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses to hide his shock. "Is this the level that can be reached with pure physical strength?"
"Haha, Kabuto, don't underestimate Tsunade."
Orochimaru laughed evilly. "Even if she's a woman, she's a Sannin just like me. In terms of pure power, even Shimura Yami probably wouldn't be her match."
Kabuto bowed respectfully. "Yes, Orochimaru-sama. I was too arrogant."
"It's fine."
Orochimaru shook his head and looked at Tsunade, who was about to raise her fist again. His body slowly turned into a puddle of mud. "Tsunade, it seems you're unwilling to accept my offer because you care too much about how others view you. But if you could really see Nawaki again, would public opinion even matter?"
"He's also my disciple. Tsunade, I hope you make the right choice."
As his voice faded, Orochimaru had already escaped using an earth escape technique, and Kabuto also politely excused himself, vanishing from the alley in an instant.
If there were no outsiders around, Orochimaru might have tried persuading her a few more times.
But they weren't the only ones in this town. A troublesome person was following him, and Tsunade had just made a scene, so it was certain they'd been noticed. Orochimaru had no choice but to leave, tossing out a baited hook for Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sama."
Shizune saw Tsunade's wavering expression and quickly advised, "Don't think too much about what Orochimaru said. He's dangerous and excels at manipulating people."
"Shizune, I know my old classmate better than you." Though Tsunade said this, her expression remained dazed, and Shizune grew even more worried.
Fortunately, at that moment, a familiar voice snapped Tsunade out of her thoughts.
"Still a step too late? That guy really is as slippery as a snake."
Tsunade and Shizune instinctively turned back. Jiraiya stood on a high wall behind them, gazing into the distance as if tracking Orochimaru's retreat.
"You too?"
Tsunade frowned. "What is this, a class reunion? Sorry, I don't want to attend."
"Don't be so cold, Tsunade."
Jiraiya withdrew his gaze and smiled at her. "By my count, it's been over ten years since we last met. Including Orochimaru, the last time all three of us were together was even longer ago."
"You haven't changed at all, and I've become a middle-aged man adored by thousands of women, hahaha." His rogue laugh drew a look of disgust from Tsunade.
"I don't want to waste time talking. Don't delay me from earning money."
"You must be here to chase Orochimaru. He probably hasn't gone far, and you still might catch up."
"Forget it, I have more urgent things to deal with."
Jiraiya shook his head slowly. "Hunting down Orochimaru can wait. Some matters can't be delayed."
Guuu~!
Just as he was about to speak, Shizune's stomach growled awkwardly, making her blush with embarrassment. Tsunade also turned away awkwardly.
Jiraiya leapt down from the wall, smiled at the two disheveled women, and said, "Looks like your gambling luck hasn't been great lately. Let's eat and talk. There's a little brat waiting for me."
Later, in a restaurant, Tsunade met the brat Jiraiya mentioned.
"Uzumaki Naruto."
Jiraiya rubbed Naruto's head and introduced him, "His sensei is busy lately, so I've taken him along for training."
Tsunade gave a perfunctory nod and devoured the food on the table like a whirlwind.
Naruto stared with wide eyes. "Pervy Sage, didn't you say you were looking for your old teammate? Why is she so young?"
"Hahaha, Naruto, don't be fooled by appearances."
Jiraiya laughed. "She's from the same generation as me. She only looks young thanks to a special ninjutsu. Her real age is..."
He stopped mid-sentence, because Tsunade was already glaring at him murderously. He could only laugh sheepishly and shut his mouth.
Finally, after eating her fill, Tsunade rubbed her stomach. "Alright, tell me. Who do you need me to treat? I'm warning you now, if the pay isn't good, I'm not going."
As one of Konoha's strongest shinobi, Tsunade could roam the ninja world freely. Her medical ninjutsu played a key role in that.
Nobles and daimyō often needed her help and would pay handsomely for her services. Naturally, they wouldn't allow their country's ninjas to offend her or her apprentice.
"No, Tsunade. This time, it's not just one person."
Jiraiya's expression turned serious. "We need you to become the Fifth Hokage and heal Konoha."
"Not interested."
Tsunade rejected him without hesitation. "I've never thought about being Hokage. Besides, hasn't that kid Yami already mastered Wood Release? He's the most suitable candidate."
"You know Yami too?" Jiraiya asked in surprise.
"We're related through the Senju line. I'm his sister, and we even bathed together in a hot spring a few years ago."
Tsunade sighed. She missed Yami—or more precisely, his wallet.
She still regretted it.
She regretted selling the Hundred Healings Mark for such a low price, which left her broke again.
But Yami didn't like any other ninjutsu, which really gave her a headache.
Jiraiya suddenly remembered—Yami's mother was from the Senju clan.
"Is Yami-nii going to be Hokage?" Naruto shouted excitedly. "Then I'll be the Hokage's student, and I'll definitely become Hokage someday!"
"Hokage is worthless."
Tsunade took a sip of wine and sneered. "Only fools want that job."
Naruto glared at her.
"What, did I say something wrong?"
Tsunade burped and ridiculed, "Every Hokage has died protecting the village. None of them had a good end. After the First Hokage died, the Ninja World Wars broke out one after another and have never stopped."
"What did they even protect?"
Naruto, who was about to explode in anger, suddenly lost his momentum. Jiraiya was surprised.
Wasn't Naruto the one most determined to become Hokage? Why didn't he get mad when Hokage was belittled?
"Naruto, go back and train for now."
Jiraiya dismissed Naruto, then brought up something the boy shouldn't hear.
He couldn't speak ill of the previous Hokage in front of a student.
"Tsunade, I won't lie to you. The old man's death this time may be related to Yami."
Tsunade's expression changed. "What proof do you have?"
"Yami mastered Orochimaru's summoning technique."
Jiraiya explained what he'd recently discovered. "He seemed to know about the Konoha Crush long before it happened. After the old man was trapped in the Four Violet Flames Formation, the Anbu loyal to him were suddenly reassigned."
"At the very least, Yami didn't stop it."
Tsunade took another sip of wine. "Go back. Don't say anything more. It's impossible for me and my brother to compete for the position of Hokage."
"Tsunade, this isn't about personal ties."
Jiraiya wasn't one to give up easily. He said solemnly, "Yami has the strength to be Hokage, no doubt about that. But his personality is paranoid and extreme. He especially prefers solving problems through absolute force."
"If he becomes Hokage, Konoha will inevitably go to war again, maybe even starting another Ninja World War."
Shizune was shocked by the speculation and interrupted, "Jiraiya-sama, aren't you overthinking it? I've met Yami-sama. He's actually a good person."
And very handsome.
Shizune added silently.
"Because you're one of us, you can't see his extremes."
Jiraiya understood Yami's character quite well. "Yami is easy to figure out. He treats his own people very well. Naruto is his student. For Naruto, he even asked me to teach him the Rasengan. Before we left Konoha, he also helped Naruto control the Nine Tails' power."
"Uchiha Sasuke has also improved significantly and respects Yami greatly."
"But that doesn't mean he'll make a good Hokage. Especially since, indirectly, he was involved in the old man's death. I suspect Danzō was behind this plan."
After so many years, Nabekage had returned and taken everything on his shoulders once again.
"Tsunade, no one but you can stop him from becoming Hokage. Think about it carefully."
After saying that, Jiraiya left, leaving Tsunade staring blankly at the table.
(To be continued.)
Chapter 160: Roasted
After Jiraiya left, Tsunade remained silent for a long time.
Eventually, Shizune couldn't help but ask, "Tsunade-sama, are we going back to Konoha?"
Shizune sincerely hoped they would. If Tsunade agreed to Jiraiya's request, then after all these years of wandering, Shizune would finally find peace. Following Tsunade had brought little happiness, only hardship.
Every time she saw a casino now, she wanted to charge in and destroy everything.
Returning to Konoha meant no longer being chased by debt collectors. It meant having a stable home. For Shizune, it would be paradise.
"Why go back?"
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, snatched the sake from in front of Shizune, downed it in one gulp, and staggered back to the bedroom.
That night, her head was heavy and muddled, but she couldn't fall asleep. Her thoughts were a mess.
Although she claimed to have no feelings for Konoha, deep down, it was more like she had been running away.
Konoha was the village founded by her grandfather, a place where countless members of the Senju clan had fought and bled. What she truly hated was the endless cycle of war, taking one loved one after another.
"Jiraiya's words can't be fully trusted."
Tsunade murmured to herself, "He wouldn't lie to me, but what he said is still just speculation. There's no real proof that Yami colluded with Orochimaru."
"But he was right about one thing. That old man Danzō is trouble. If Yami becomes Hokage, Danzō's influence will definitely skyrocket."
"In the past, when he had no power, he tried everything to start wars. Now that he has such a powerful grandson, he'll become even more arrogant."
Thinking of this, Tsunade began leaning toward agreeing with Jiraiya.
In terms of kinship, Yami was the son of Senju Saki, a direct descendant of the main Senju line, and her closest blood relative still alive.
In terms of ninjutsu, he had already mastered the Wood Release, something only her grandfather had done.
She couldn't let him go astray.
Having made up her mind, Tsunade slowly closed her eyes and soon fell asleep.
Over the next few days, Tsunade pretended she was still considering the offer. Jiraiya catered to her every need and often watched Naruto train when he was bored.
But in reality, Tsunade was waiting for Orochimaru to contact her.
Since she had decided to become Hokage, she would use this opportunity to eliminate a threat to the village.
Finally, over a week later, Orochimaru lost patience and reached out to Tsunade again. The two agreed to meet outside the city the next day.
The following day, Tsunade arrived at the designated spot alone.
Orochimaru relaxed and smiled. "Looks like you didn't inform Jiraiya. That means you've already made your choice."
"Orochimaru, I can try to treat you."
A gentle breeze blew through her golden hair, revealing Tsunade's beautiful face. But at that moment, her expression was filled with killing intent. "But you have to answer a few questions. If you dare lie, I'll cripple more than just your hands."
"No problem. We've been classmates for many years. I wouldn't lie to you about a few questions."
Orochimaru nodded casually.
Tsunade stepped forward and clenched her fist. "Jiraiya said you and Shimura Yami worked together on the Konoha Crush. Is it true?"
"So you want to know about that?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "I thought you'd be asking about Impure World Reincarnation."
"Cut the crap. Answer me."
Tsunade pressed him impatiently.
"Well, that depends on what Jiraiya's definition of cooperation is..."
Orochimaru decided to tell the truth. Lies would be exposed eventually. Before he figured out how to deal with Yami and the mysterious Uchiha Anbu, Orochimaru had no plans to confront a truly ruthless powerhouse.
"Shimura did know about the Konoha Crush in advance. I approached Danzō and leaked the plan to him."
"After all, without convincing him to stay out of it, I wouldn't have had a chance to kill that old man Sarutobi."
As he said this, Orochimaru's face showed a hint of fear.
Before the plan began, he didn't know Yami had mastered Wood Release. That terrifying Wooden Golem seemed like it could slap the Four Violet Flames Formation into dust.
Tsunade's brows furrowed tightly.
"Anything else?"
"Nothing much. Oh, wait..."
Orochimaru remembered another incident. "He did have one condition. He insisted on being involved in killing the Kazekage. I later learned that Suna's hero, Pakura, had been betrayed by her village and was somehow saved by Yami."
"He probably made that demand to let Pakura take her revenge. Nothing more."
Orochimaru spoke casually, as if killing the Kazekage was no big deal and could be forgotten.
And he truly would've forgotten, if Tsunade hadn't pressed him.
"I see..."
After listening to the whole story, Tsunade made her own judgment. Her eyes suddenly narrowed, and she launched a punch at Orochimaru.
"Since you've said everything... then die!"
"So in the end, you still chose Konoha. Tsunade, I'm disappointed in you."
Orochimaru and Kabuto quickly retreated. Orochimaru spat out the Kusanagi Sword, which rapidly extended toward Tsunade's throat. But she swatted it away with one palm, and Orochimaru's neck twisted grotesquely.
"I never had any intention of making a deal with someone like you."
Tsunade took a deep breath and was about to chase Orochimaru down and finish him off when she was shocked to see Kabuto suddenly stab his own palm with a kunai. Blood splattered.
Tsunade's strength vanished, and she collapsed to the ground, staring at Kabuto's bloody hand in horror, her body trembling uncontrollably.
Kabuto, however, didn't seem to feel any pain. He adjusted his glasses with his bloodstained hand, and a smug smile appeared on his face.
"Who would've thought, the idol of all medical-nin, Tsunade-sama, actually suffers from hemophobia."
As a fellow medical-nin, Kabuto had already noticed something strange about Tsunade the previous day. When she struck the ground, she had carefully avoided injury and used her strength in an oddly cautious way, greatly weakening her punch.
It was impossible for a Sannin to be that delicate. The only explanation was that Tsunade had hemophobia.
"Lord Orochimaru, this is the best opportunity."
Kabuto whispered, "Looks like your old classmate isn't on our side. Why not just..."
Kabuto was certain that Tsunade would challenge Yami for the position of Hokage once she returned to Konoha. As a good subordinate, he naturally wanted to eliminate any potential threats for his master, so he proposed killing her.
"Just take her."
After a moment of hesitation, Orochimaru made his decision. "She's more valuable alive."
Kabuto's eyes flashed with regret, but he said nothing more. A former captive could never be allowed to become Hokage. In that sense, his mission was already accomplished.
Bang!
Just as Kabuto rushed toward the paralyzed Tsunade, a cloud of smoke exploded in front of her, and a foot shot out from within, kicking him back.
The smoke cleared, revealing Jiraiya, Naruto, and Shizune standing protectively in front of Tsunade.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and greeted calmly, "Long time no see, Jiraiya."
Jiraiya looked at Orochimaru with a half-smile. "Orochimaru, your eyes look especially twisted today."
The two stared at each other, and in that moment, even Tsunade seemed like a bystander.
Naruto looked at Kabuto in shock.
"Kabuto-senpai? Why are you with Orochimaru?"
"Because I'm a spy from Otogakure."
Kabuto slowly retreated beside Orochimaru, lifted his bangs, and revealed his forehead protector.
Naruto stared in disbelief at the musical note symbol. "No way... You taught me so much during the Chunin Exams!"
Because you're Yami's disciple, of course I treated you well without blowing my cover.
Kabuto silently answered in his heart, but on the surface, he only sneered coldly and said nothing.
Jiraiya stopped looking at Orochimaru and turned to Tsunade, who was being supported by Shizune. He hadn't expected Tsunade to have hemophobia.
"Shizune, take Naruto and Tsunade away."
Jiraiya's aura turned cold and serious. His eyes burned with murderous intent.
"From this moment on, there are no more Sannin. Orochimaru, I'll bury you here today!"
Orochimaru's expression completely darkened.
No one knew Jiraiya better than he did. And right now, Jiraiya was serious about killing him!
You really want to kill me?!
In the past, Jiraiya always wanted to bring Orochimaru back to Konoha. But this time, it was different—completely different.
While speaking, Jiraiya bit his finger and began forming seals. Orochimaru gave Kabuto a look, and Kabuto also began forming seals with Orochimaru's blood. The two slapped the ground almost simultaneously.
"Summoning Technique!"
Smoke billowed out as two massive creatures emerged.
Jiraiya landed on Gamabunta's head, while Orochimaru and Kabuto appeared on...
"Green Snake?"
Orochimaru and Kabuto stared at the green snake beneath their feet in shock. Orochimaru immediately glared at Kabuto.
"Why did you summon Green Snake instead of Manda?!"
Among the Ryūchi Cave summons, aside from the three great snake princesses and the White Snake Sage, Manda and Garaga were the strongest. The other giant snakes were all weaker, and Green Snake was one of them.
His hands were crippled, he was already at a disadvantage, and now Kabuto summoned Green Snake? Was this a joke?
Kabuto looked aggrieved. "Lord Orochimaru, the summon depends on your will. I only provided chakra, and I guarantee I provided enough to summon Lord Manda."
"Then what happened?!"
Orochimaru stared at Green Snake. "Green Snake, where is Manda?!"
After a brief silence, Green Snake's voice echoed throughout the battlefield.
"Lord Orochimaru, Manda... is gone."
"Gone?" Orochimaru froze. "What do you mean? Did Shimura summon him?"
If a summon is already active, another summoning won't work unless the contract is canceled.
"No."
Green Snake shook its massive head, speaking with a fearful tone. "Two years ago, Master Yami had a small conflict with Manda. He blew up Manda's head and roasted the body for food."
Orochimaru: ?????
(To be continued.)
Sorry for the lack of updates for the past few days. I got really sick, so there was nothing I could do, but thankfully, I am getting better now, so I hope to upload more consistently again.