章 95: **Chapter 95: Orochimaru’s Request!**
Tsunade left the Hokage's office, a deep frustration evident on her face. She'd planned to stay calm, to temper her anger, and to maneuver toward gaining the Hokage position. She thought that maybe then, she could reclaim her grandfather's body. But as soon as she saw Sarutobi Hiruzen's hypocritical smile and realized how he'd used Kato Dan to get closer to her, her plans fell apart.
"Some things… I just can't do," Tsunade muttered, walking to a nearby park and sitting down. She leaned back, gazing up at the Konoha sky with a tired expression.
"Feeling overwhelmed?" a familiar voice spoke up, breaking her thoughts.
"If you're here to gloat, get lost before I decide to punch you," she said without opening her eyes.
"I need your support."
The visitor sat beside her, speaking in his usual calm, calculated tone.
"My support?" Tsunade finally looked up, shocked to see Orochimaru sitting next to her. As one of the Sannin and a top Hokage candidate with the support of both Danzo and Hiruzen, Orochimaru was the last person she'd expect to ask for her help.
"Something surprising to you?" Orochimaru asked with a slight smirk, noting her reaction. "You haven't been involved in the high-level politics here. There's more at play than you realize, and right now, I need your support."
"My support…" Tsunade repeated, barely hiding her disbelief. "Have you lost your mind?"
"I'll return the favor by helping you with whatever you want, Tsunade. Even… the retrieval of Lord Shodaime's remains," Orochimaru said, pulling out a small glass test tube containing a strange white substance.
Tsunade's face hardened as she recognized what it was.
"I know you're cautious," Orochimaru continued. "But understand, the Hokage's position has been nothing more than a puppet seat for years. My goal in taking it is personal, and I could care less about their games. But you can refuse if you wish."
Orochimaru spread his hands, expecting her to dismiss his offer. After all, Tsunade was never one to indulge in political scheming.
"I'll support you," she said after a long pause, her voice steady. "Tell me what you need from me."
Orochimaru, surprised, quickly regained his composure. "Good," he said, handing her a scroll. "For now, just keep to your usual routines. I'll come to you when the time is right. In the meantime, I'd appreciate if you could bring Hatake Sakumo's support to my side."
He vanished, leaving Tsunade blinking.
"Hatake Sakumo and I have a good relationship?" she muttered, bemused. She barely knew Sakumo beyond their occasional missions. The man was far too straightforward and principled for her taste.
"Lord Orochimaru must have meant me," a voice interrupted. Tsunade turned to see Reiki approaching, accompanied by Nozuki and Shisui.
"Reiki?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I have a good friendship with Kakashi, Sakumo's son. I can try to help," Reiki said, smiling.
Tsunade couldn't help but laugh. She'd just gotten swept into a deal with Orochimaru, and now here she was, depending on her students.
"Well, if you three are on my side, then I suppose I'm not alone in this," Tsunade said with a relieved smile. The larger problems could wait; for now, she had more than enough support.
---
Meanwhile, in Kumogakure...
"Gulal died in battle?" The Third Raikage stood up, his expression dark with rage.
"Iwagakure, Amegakure, and Konoha all joined forces against us. And…" Ai hesitated, remembering the overwhelming presence he'd felt. "There was an immensely powerful ninja using time-space jutsu. If it hadn't been for Eight-Tails' warning us, we wouldn't have made it back."
The Third Raikage's anger faded slightly, replaced by a look of concern. For someone to wield such power and avoid detection was no small feat. This unknown ninja was a serious threat to Kumogakure.
"Before Gulal died, he took Senganzuchi of Iwagakure down with him. Lord Raikage, I suggest we seek compensation from Iwagakure immediately," Ai said, his usually hot temper cooled by an intense determination.
"Compensation?" The Third Raikage looked at Ai with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "You have a plan?"
"Yes," Ai said firmly. "Senganzuchi of Iwagakure was killed by Gulal, so if we move quickly, we can claim the moral high ground. Since we were the ones ambushed, we have every right to demand reparations."
The Raikage looked at the large map on the wall, showing the entire ninja world. "You're suggesting we go on the offensive?"
Ai nodded. "If we strike first, we control the narrative, no matter what Iwagakure says."
The Raikage's gaze softened. "Ai, I'll leave this to you. But remember, stay level-headed. You're my choice for the next Raikage, and I need you to show me you're ready."
"Understood!" Ai replied, leaving the room with newfound resolve, Kirabi following him.
---
Instead of heading home, Ai made his way to a small, nondescript inn on the outskirts of the village. Kirabi trailed behind, confused by his brother's unusual calmness. Normally, Ai would be out seeking revenge, not quietly strategizing.
"Gyuki!" Kirabi whispered to the Eight-Tails, using its sensory powers to pinpoint Ai's location within the inn. As he observed, his eyes went wide with shock.
Inside the room, Ai was speaking with someone who should have been long dead—Gulal.
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