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Tsunade had no intention of respecting the old and cherishing the young.
If she couldn't get what she wanted, she'd take it by force? For such an elderly person, her only response would be to beat them to the point of transcending.
In the quaint and quiet alleyway.
The atmosphere was extremely oppressive at this moment.
It was the calm before the storm, the last moment of peace was about to be shattered.
"Tsunade, your impulsive nature hasn't changed one bit."
Ever since Gensou appeared, Orochimaru had been silent, but now he spoke,
"Some decisions shouldn't be made hastily. Take some time to think them through, so you won't regret it later. Just like the good proposal Gensou-senpai just made. And like the matter of reviving your beloved brother and lover."
At first, Tsunade was dismissive of Orochimaru's words.
But when he mentioned her brother and lover, her expression changed, her eyes flickered, and she slowly unclenched her fist.
Seeing this, Orochimaru smiled.
Then, he looked at Gensou and suggested, "Gensou-senpai, give Tsunade some time. Forcing her will only lead to mutual destruction. Once she understands, everything will be resolved."
Orochimaru didn't want Gensou and Tsunade to really fight to the death.
No matter who won, Tsunade wouldn't be in the right state afterward.
This would only extend the time needed for his own hands to be healed.
Yes.
Orochimaru was sure Tsunade would agree to his terms.
As her former comrade, he knew well how much Dan and Nawaki meant to her.
She just needed time.
Tsunade would eventually realize what she truly needed in her heart.
Forcing her would only bring the opposite result.
That's why Orochimaru chose to intervene at this moment, to stabilize the situation between Tsunade and Gensou.
As for whether Tsunade would agree to Gensou's terms in the end, he didn't care.
Otherwise, he could have easily bound Gensou's deal with his own.
To earn Gensou's gratitude? Heh.
He wasn't so kind-hearted and didn't care about such intangible things.
More than anything, the outwardly respectful Orochimaru wanted to dissect his senpai.
Even if he couldn't.
Knowing what Gensou wanted, he could leverage this to negotiate, gaining significant benefits.
A gentle breeze blew by, carrying a fallen leaf that sliced through the tense atmosphere.
Gensou's eyes turned, looking at Orochimaru.
He understood the calculations of this snake-like person.
But since Orochimaru was offering a way out, facing Tsunade who was currently impervious to reason, and with the recent information from his shadow clone, Gensou decided to go along.
"I await your response."
After speaking calmly, Gensou stepped aside, watching Orochimaru and Tsunade continue their conversation, while simultaneously receiving memories from his shadow clone about the recent arrival of Jiraiya and Naruto.
"The Three Legendary Sannin are all here."
Tanzaku Town wasn't very large.
If a fight broke out, Jiraiya would be there in minutes.
This was one reason Gensou hadn't acted yet.
Fortunately, he wasn't in a hurry.
Gensou glanced at the confident Orochimaru, hearing him give Tsunade seven days to consider, a subtle smile played on his lips.
Who would have the last laugh was yet to be determined.
With Orochimaru's help, he could try another approach.
Gensou's gaze shifted from Tsunade to Shizune, his eyes gleaming with meaning.
"Tsunade, I look forward to your good news."
Leaving this final remark, Orochimaru's gaze moved from Tsunade to Gensou, giving a slight nod before disappearing with Kabuto.
Gensou said no more, giving one last look at the troubled Tsunade and the worried Shizune, before sinking into the ground.
The alley returned to its peaceful state.
Until Shizune's continuous attempts to console Tsunade broke the silence.
A quarter of an hour later, at the entrance to the alley crushed by the giant snake.
Having just entered Tanzaku Town, Jiraiya heard people shouting about a giant snake causing destruction. He immediately thought of something, asked for directions, and rushed there with Naruto.
But he was too late.
Tsunade and Shizune had already left.
"Still a step too late?" Without hesitation, Jiraiya quickly said, "Let's go, Naruto. Tsunade isn't here anymore."
"What's the rush? You've been hurrying me along since earlier." Naruto grumbled, but quickly followed.
Elsewhere.
In the forest outside Tanzaku Town.
Gensou and Orochimaru met again shortly after leaving.
"Is there something else, Orochimaru?" Gensou asked calmly, arms crossed.
Orochimaru, the great scientist and educator, might be highly regarded by many, but Gensou wasn't one of them.
Having traveled through time decades ago, already at the pinnacle of the ninja world, with deep chakra research, Gensou didn't care much for his junior.
Thus, he reacted indifferently to Orochimaru's offer of cooperation.
Ignoring Gensou's attitude, Orochimaru smiled and said, "Gensou-senpai, you are very eager to obtain the Spirit Transformation Technique, aren't you?"
Gensou raised an eyebrow, "So what?"
Everyone knew what he wanted; there was no need to play coy.
Orochimaru spread his hands and explained, "If Tsunade doesn't agree, you might as well come to me."
"Oh? Do you have the Spirit Transformation Technique?" Gensou showed interest.
"Not now, but that doesn't mean I won't have it in the future. I have many allies within Konoha." Orochimaru replied confidently.
"I see."
Understanding that Orochimaru was interested in his terms, Gensou didn't ask further.
Though he had his own plans, having another option wouldn't hurt.
After all, it was just a matter of time.
"My terms remain the same. When you obtain the Spirit Transformation Technique, come to me."
With that, Gensou nodded at Orochimaru and vanished.
For a moment, Orochimaru's companion, Kabuto, habitually adjusted his glasses and commented,
"It's strange that someone like Gensou is so eager for the Spirit Transformation Technique. Do you know why, Orochimaru-sama?"
Orochimaru licked his lips with his long, blood-red tongue, and replied playfully,
"Who knows?"
He knew a bit about the Spirit Transformation Technique due to Tsunade.
Though it was unique, it shouldn't be enough to make someone with more extensive ninjutsu knowledge than himself so desperate for it.
Unless...
(End of Chapter)