NOVPUB
Chapter 204 - 204. Tsunade Takes the Initiative to Open Up
"Lady Tsunade, Lord Hanekawa, see you next time."
Katsuyu spoke gently.
With a puff, a cloud of smoke rose and quickly dissipated as its body vanished.
Tsunade lay back on the carpet, a complex expression on her face.
Whether it was the new Wood Release ninja or the restart of the Wood Release experiments, everything had happened too suddenly, leaving her caught off guard.
---
"Sensei."
Hanekawa shifted his position, moving closer to her.
A subtle, pleasant fragrance drifted from her body.
Tsunade instinctively turned her head, only to realize that the distance between them was now less than ten centimeters.
Hanekawa's face appeared magnified in her vision.
She stared at him for a second before averting her gaze.
"What do you want to say?"
Tsunade asked softly.
"You don't need to be upset over someone like Danzo."
Hanekawa moved his fingers, soon finding her hand.
He glanced at Tsunade—seeing that she didn't react, he felt reassured and held her hand firmly.
"I just think it's a shame."
Tsunade looked at the top of the tent and spoke slowly.
"He was my great-uncle's student. When he was young, he wasn't like this."
"People change."
Hanekawa felt the softness of her hand and responded.
"Yeah."
Tsunade's thoughts drifted to Hashirama Senju and Nawaki, and she felt a pang of sorrow.
---
"Sensei."
Hanekawa hesitated, unsure how to put his thoughts into words.
"I'm fine."
Tsunade shook her head.
She had spent so much time with Hanekawa that, even without him saying it, she knew what he wanted to ask.
"Do you want to hear some stories from the past?"
For some reason, Tsunade suddenly felt like reminiscing.
Perhaps it was because Wood Release had stirred up old memories.
"Of course!"
Hanekawa nodded eagerly.
"Sensei must have been amazing in the past too."
When a woman opens her heart, the meaning behind it is self-evident.
"You little brat!"
Tsunade couldn't help but laugh.
"Did I say something wrong?"
Hanekawa blinked and asked.
"If you're talking about being strong, then I suppose you're right."
Tsunade said smugly, "Your teacher has been beating people up since ninja school!"
"I bet you beat up Jiraiya the most."
Hanekawa turned his head toward her, but his eyes involuntarily wandered elsewhere.
"That pervert has been a lecher since childhood!"
Tsunade snorted coldly.
"The fact that I didn't beat him to death was me showing mercy!"
Hearing this, Hanekawa broke into a cold sweat and quickly looked away.
He had a feeling that if he kept looking, Tsunade would punch him into the ground.
But on second thought, he was better than Jiraiya—he didn't go peeping at hot springs or waste time in taverns.
"What about Orochimaru?"
Hanekawa changed the topic.
"Orochimaru? He was somewhat like you—a genius in ninjutsu."
Tsunade sighed slightly.
"He learned everything incredibly fast. Compared to him, Jiraiya was like a dead last."
Hanekawa nodded.
In the original story, Orochimaru mastered numerous forbidden techniques, such as Edo Tensei and the Eight-Headed Serpent Technique.
Not only did he learn techniques, but he also created new ones, like Living Corpse Reincarnation and the Cursed Seals.
Even without a Kekkei Genkai, Orochimaru had reached the peak of what a non-bloodline ninja could achieve.
"It's a pity."
Tsunade suddenly said.
Hanekawa instinctively looked up at her.
"I had a younger brother named Nawaki."
After a long silence, Tsunade finally spoke.
"He was Orochimaru's student."
"After he died, Orochimaru changed completely."
Hanekawa was a little surprised.
He hadn't expected Tsunade to talk about Nawaki.
But on the other hand, it meant that he had become someone truly important to her.
"Sensei."
Hanekawa gently squeezed her hand and said,
"Nawaki wouldn't want to see you all sad because of him."
"You little brat, watch your mouth!"
Tsunade stared at his hand for a moment before suddenly glaring at him.
"What?"
Hanekawa looked into her beautiful eyes and asked innocently.
"Who said you could call him Nawaki?"
Tsunade scolded.
"You should call him Uncle!"
"...??"
Hanekawa was stunned.
What the hell? Where did this "uncle" business come from?
Nawaki was Tsunade's younger brother, and Hanekawa was Tsunade's student.
By that logic, he really should call him Uncle Nawaki.
But no way!
If he accepted that, how could he still act as a rebellious student?
He Was Going to Be Nawaki's Brother-in-Law!
There was no way they could keep addressing each other separately in the future.
What, was he supposed to call Nawaki Uncle, while Nawaki called him Brother-in-law?
"Sensei, please continue."
Hanekawa quickly changed the topic again.
"I'd like to hear more about your time at the Ninja Academy."
There was no way he was going to continue discussing that title issue.
After all, he was the one at a disadvantage here.
"The Ninja Academy?"
Tsunade's face took on a nostalgic expression.
As for Nawaki, she didn't want to dwell on the topic either, so she didn't press Hanekawa further about the proper way to address him.
"Keep your hand still!"
As Tsunade spoke, she suddenly noticed that Hanekawa wasn't behaving himself.
Holding her hand was one thing, but he was even stroking the back of her hand and her palm.
Hanekawa felt a chill—this was bad.
But then he froze in surprise.
Because Tsunade didn't pull her hand away.
Instead, she gripped his hand even tighter.
The only downside was that he couldn't move anymore.
Left with no choice, Hanekawa quietly leaned against her and listened to her stories.
He didn't know how much time had passed, but eventually, her voice trailed off.
Both of them, exhausted, slowly drifted into sleep.
---
Meanwhile, on a Remote Island...
Although Konoha's and Sunagakure's main camps had been damaged by the Three-Tails, the overall morale was still positive.
After all, they had won the battle.
But things were very different at Kirigakure's main camp.
When the corpse of the Third Mizukage was brought back, every Mist ninja wore a look of shock and disbelief.
Inside the main tent, the atmosphere was tense and suffocating, like a storm on the verge of breaking.
---
Mei Terumi let out a long sigh.
When Kirigakure sent troops, she had imagined many different scenarios of meeting Hanekawa.
But she had never expected that the Third Mizukage would die because of him.
Just how strong was Hanekawa now?
Did she still have any hope of surpassing him?
Countless questions flooded her mind, making her even more conflicted.
"What should we do now?"
Ao finally broke the silence.
"Revenge!"
A middle-aged man couldn't hold back his anger.
As the Mizukage, the Third had many supporters.
And he was one of them.
"The most urgent task is to choose a new Mizukage."
Not far from him, a young man spoke up.
"Only the Mizukage can make this decision."
Mei Terumi frowned slightly.
This young man was close to Yagura Karatachi, one of the strongest candidates to become the next Mizukage.
Unfortunately, Mei also wanted to become Mizukage.
But she was too young and lacked achievements that could convince others.
Competing against Yagura would be incredibly difficult.
She suddenly thought of Hanekawa.
If she had an achievement as impressive as capturing a Tailed Beast and killing a Kage, she would easily secure the position.
Wait...
Could that monster actually become the Fourth Hokage?!
Mei quickly shook her head—no way.
Tsunade was still there, so the Fourth Hokage was impossible for him.
But the Fifth Hokage?
That position was practically guaranteed for him.
Meanwhile, she wasn't even sure if she could become the Fifth Mizukage.
"I agree."
Another Jonin voiced his support.
"In our current situation, whether we fight or retreat, the new Mizukage must decide."
"Should we invite Elder Genji to help decide?"
Ao hesitated before asking.
"It would take Elder Genji several days to arrive."
The young ninja shook his head.
"We don't have that kind of time. We have no idea what Konoha will do next."
"I have an idea."
Yagura Karatachi suppressed his excitement and spoke calmly.
"We have half of Kirigakure's Jonin here. We can hold a Jonin vote."
Despite feeling sorrowful over the Third Mizukage's death, the thought of becoming the Fourth Mizukage filled him with excitement.
Originally, Yagura thought it would be years before he could take over.
After all, the Third Mizukage was still in his prime.
But who would've thought an opportunity would come so suddenly?
In a way, he actually had Hanekawa to thank.
"That sounds reasonable!"
The young ninja immediately agreed.
"Then let's vote."
Seeing that most people were in favor, Ao reluctantly nodded.
Thirty minutes later, Yagura Karatachi was officially elected as the Fourth Mizukage.
No one found this surprising—he was, after all, the most powerful and respected ninja after the Third Mizukage.
--
"We cannot retreat."
Yagura's voice was firm.
"Whether for the Third Mizukage's honor or for Kirigakure's reputation, we cannot withdraw so easily."
"Lord Mizukage is right!"
Many ninjas nodded in agreement.
They had marched 5,000 ninjas to attack Konoha, only to retreat after just two months?
That would be a disgrace.
"However..."
Yagura's tone shifted.
"Right now, Konoha and Sunagakure have the upper hand."
"We need to be patient and plan our next steps carefully."
Mei Terumi raised an eyebrow.
She had a rough idea of Yagura Karatachi's thoughts.
He had just become the Mizukage—whether he wanted to fight or not, he had no choice.
On top of that, they had recently extorted a sum from Kumogakure, so they couldn't just run away so soon.
The best option was to stall. The longer, the better.
Of course, they could also go for an all-out fight.
That would mean summoning both of Kirigakure's Jinchūriki.
But that approach was incredibly risky.
After all, both Konohagakure and Sunagakure had their own Jinchūriki—one with the One-Tails, the other with the Nine-Tails. Together, their power far surpassed Kirigakure's Three-Tails and Six-Tails.
Besides, Yagura Karatachi wasn't much stronger than the Third Mizukage.
Mei Terumi sighed inwardly.
This might be the most rational decision, but had Kirigakure really fallen to such a state?
"The next step is task allocation."
Yagura Karatachi continued speaking.
As Mei Terumi expected, Kirigakure reverted to its old strategy—relying on the sea to conduct harassment warfare.
...
By the afternoon, the news had reached Konohagakure.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was the first to receive it.
Even with an Anbu operative, Haru, present, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Killing an enemy Kage on the battlefield—this was no less significant than capturing a Tailed Beast.
And once again, it was Hanekawa.
Capturing a Tailed Beast, assassinating the Third Mizukage—Tsunade's student had truly left him speechless with her battlefield achievements.
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought carefully. In recent years, it was hard to find another ninja who had contributed as much as Hanekawa.
The Legendary Sannin and Konoha's White Fang were all famous, but in terms of war achievements, Hanekawa had the edge.
If not for his young age, Hiruzen might have even considered him as a candidate for Hokage after the Third Shinobi World War.
But even if Hanekawa wasn't ready, Tsunade certainly was.
Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed his forehead.
It was time to start thinking about it.
And even if he didn't bring it up, someone else would.
After all, every time a new Hokage was appointed, many benefited, allowing them to rise in status.
Just like when he became the Third Hokage—his old comrades, Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado, all became part of Konoha's upper echelon.
"Haru."
Hiruzen Sarutobi closed the scroll and handed it to Haru.
"Spread this intelligence."
"Yes."
Haru took the scroll and turned to leave.
Outside the Hokage's office, she curiously glanced at the scroll, her eyes widening in surprise.
Hanekawa again?
Even as an Anbu, she had her own thoughts.
To her, both Tsunade and Hanekawa were people she absolutely had to maintain good relations with.
__
Hyūga Clan Compound
Since the intelligence had been delivered by Hyūga Hizashi, he had specifically prepared a copy for Hyūga Hiashi.
Of course, he omitted any mention of a Wood Release user.
After all, angering Tsunade would be troublesome even for the Hyūga Clan.
Especially now, when she was at the peak of her influence.
"Incredible."
Hyūga Hiashi spoke softly.
"What's incredible? Is it good news?"
Sitting before him was a woman in a kimono who asked in a gentle voice.
She was Hyūga Hiashi's wife.
"It's intelligence from Hizashi regarding Kirigakure."
Hyūga Hiashi replied, "Hanekawa killed the Third Mizukage."
"Hanekawa? The young man who captured the Four-Tails? He's only in his teens, isn't he?"
The woman in the kimono widened her eyes.
"Mm."
Hyūga Hiashi nodded.
"He's Tsunade's student. His future is limitless."
"Indeed."
The woman regained her composure and nodded in agreement.
Hanekawa had strength, status, and youth—no one in Konoha had a brighter future than him.
"We should find a way to strengthen our ties with him."
Hyūga Hiashi said thoughtfully.
"How?"
The woman asked curiously.
"I'm not sure yet."
Hyūga Hiashi paused before suddenly having an idea.
"Once we have children, perhaps we can ask him to be their teacher."
"Eh?"
The woman's face turned slightly red.
"Then... we should work harder."
...
Land of Hot Water
Jiraiya lounged in a hot spring, a look of relaxation on his face.
Just beyond the wall, he could hear the playful laughter of young women.
Bang!
Suddenly, a toad emerged from the water.
Jiraiya instinctively looked over, his expression turning serious.
It was one of Fukasaku's messenger toads.
"Did the old man send new orders?"
Jiraiya asked.
"No."
The toad opened its mouth and spat out a scroll.
"It's from Lady Tsunade, the contractor of the Shikkotsu Forest."
The three great summoning realms maintained some degree of contact.
And among them, the slug sage was the most mild-tempered.
After speaking with Tsunade, it had sent a fragment of itself to Mount Myōboku.
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow and quickly unrolled the scroll.
His expression darkened.
Someone was conducting experiments on Wood Release?
_
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