章 137: Chapter 136: Yin-Yang Release
Chapter 136: Yin-Yang Release
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"Come on, take a walk with me."
After speaking, Tsunade led Tonari out of the Hokage's office, heading toward Konoha's bustling streets. From behind, Orochimaru watched as their figures disappeared into the distance.
"Why did you give up your position as the head of the Medical Corps, Tsunade-nee?" Tonari asked as they walked. "If you wanted to keep it, even Danzo, as an advisor and head of Root, wouldn't be able to convince the Third Hokage to remove you."
Tsunade, as one of the Sannin, the Hokage's disciple, and head of the Medical Corps, had contributed immensely to Konoha. No one could force her to step down unless she agreed.
Tsunade gave a helpless smile. "Tonari, I can't call myself a medical ninja if I can't treat cases involving blood. What kind of leader of the Medical Corps would I be if I couldn't perform my duties? Even if I have loyal subordinates who support me, I can't accept being so incompetent."
"We can work through it slowly—"
Tonari began, but Tsunade cut him off.
"I know, but my hemophobia is only part of the reason. It's an important one, yes, but not the whole story.
"I've lived in Konoha my whole life. Even when I left for missions, I always returned. This time, I want to leave for a while—to see the outside world, to experience life like Jiraiya does. Life in Konoha is exhausting... I need a break."
Hearing her words, Tonari was at a loss for how to respond.
Her decision was clearly final. She must have already discussed it with the Third Hokage, as the events earlier in the day wouldn't have happened otherwise.
"Since you've made up your mind, there's nothing I can say as your little brother to change it."
Before Tonari realized it, they had walked halfway across the village and reached Konoha's main gates.
Standing there was a young girl clutching a backpack, glancing around nervously. When she saw Tsunade, her eyes lit up, and she ran toward her.
"Lady Tsunade! You're finally here. I've been waiting for ages. Can we leave now?"
Tsunade smiled, placing her hand on the girl's head and gently patting it. "Her name is Shizune. She'll be helping me during my travels."
Shizune.
Tonari immediately recognized her as the niece of Dan Katō, Tsunade's former lover and the only remaining relative of his.
Tsunade turned to Shizune and said, "Shizune, this is Tonari. He's my student, so you can think of him as your older brother."
Shizune gave a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Brother Tonari!"
Tonari glanced at Tsunade, then back at Shizune, letting out a sigh.
So, it had come to this. Tsunade couldn't let go of her feelings for Dan and decided to take his niece under her wing as she left Konoha to begin her long journey.
From this moment on, Tsunade of the Sannin was no longer part of Konoha. Instead, the "Legendary Loser" of the gambling world had officially entered the stage.
Seeing Tonari's reluctant expression seemed to cheer Tsunade up. She patted his shoulder lightly, smiling. "Don't worry. It's not like I'm leaving forever. I'll come back occasionally—to visit the old man and to see you.
"And don't you think that just because I'm gone, you can slack off on your medical ninjutsu training. I have high hopes for you, Tonari. I want to see you fully adapt to the Medical Corps and one day take over as its head."
As she spoke, Tsunade lifted the necklace hanging around Tonari's neck. The jade-green gem glimmered faintly under the night sky.
She gazed at it for a long moment, lost in thought. Neither Tonari nor Shizune interrupted her.
Finally, she let out a soft sigh, tucking the necklace back under Tonari's shirt and patting his chest as if entrusting him with something precious.
"Say goodbye to Yoshinari and Yoshino for me. I wasn't the best teacher, but now that you're a Special Jōnin, you'll manage without me.
"Tonari, I know you like to keep a low profile, but they're your teammates. Protect them well."
Tonari nodded resolutely. "I will, Tsunade-nee."
Satisfied, Tsunade nodded in return and straightened up. "Alright, it's time for us to go."
"Wait! I have something to tell Shizune first," Tonari said, pulling Shizune aside.
The young girl looked at him curiously.
"Shizune," Tonari began in a low voice, "remember these things no matter what. It's the best way you can help Tsunade-nee."
Shizune nodded earnestly.
"First, Tsunade loves drinking, but she can't control herself. You need to stop her from overindulging. If nothing else works, cry and make a scene—she won't get mad at you."
Shizune blinked in surprise but nodded again.
"Second, she's terrible at gambling. She always loses. Make sure to set aside at least 10% of your money for living expenses so you don't end up broke and starving."
As he spoke, Tonari pulled out the payment envelope from their completed mission and slipped it into Shizune's hands.
"This is a little something from me and the others. Keep it safe. Only use it in emergencies, and no matter what Tsunade says, don't give it to her."
Before Shizune could respond, Tonari suddenly disappeared, dodging a punch that landed with a loud bang.
Shizune gulped nervously as Tsunade, fist still raised, glared at the spot where Tonari had been.
"Don't listen to his nonsense, Shizune."
Though she nodded obediently, Shizune couldn't help but think Tonari's words might hold some truth.
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Tsunade approached Tonari, who had landed on the ground after dodging her punch. She reached out and gently flicked his forehead.
Tonari winced, expecting pain, but instead felt a soft, warm sensation. Tsunade had kissed his forehead.
Was the kiss meant for Tonari? Or for the memories of Dan and Nawaki he carried?
Tsunade embraced him, whispering in his ear:
"Danzo isn't someone you can easily deal with. Don't trust him too much, and be cautious about his promises. If you can, avoid getting involved with him at all.
"This scroll is something I'm leaving for you. It requires precise chakra control to open, something you currently lack.
"Work on it, Tonari. Don't rely solely on your chakra reserves. Chakra control can be even more important than quantity."
She handed him a sealed scroll and, after bidding him a final farewell, took Shizune's hand and left Konoha.
Tonari watched them disappear into the distance, sighing deeply.
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Back at his laboratory, Tonari examined the scroll Tsunade had given him.
The complex seals on it required precise chakra manipulation to unlock. Despite several attempts, Tonari found himself lacking the necessary control.
Sighing, he set the scroll aside.
"I need to improve my chakra control… and maybe work on the Second Hokage's Hard Whirlpool Water Blade while I'm at it."
Shaking off his frustration, Tonari turned to another project—researching souls and chakra.
Calling out to his two-tailed summon, he said, "Alright, let's extract the next sample."
The blue-and-white feline yawned before spitting out a barely visible soul—the remnants of the Takigakure shinobi they had killed earlier.
With practiced ease, Tonari used a special knife to carve off a small piece of the soul, storing it in a unique container.
The rest, he handed to his summon, who eagerly devoured it.
"Good job, buddy," Tonari said, stroking the cat's head as it purred contentedly.
In this world of shinobi, where life was fleeting and brutal, Tonari felt no guilt over his research.
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Later, Tonari focused on isolating the shinobi's yin chakra.
Holding the dark, mist-like substance in his palm, he murmured, "Yin chakra… it always has this eerie, chilling feel."
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