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They acknowledged Shizuichi's medical skills, but what about other aspects? They were desperate for Tsunade to go to the front line. What was their real motive?
Beyond Tsunade's medical expertise and her ability to prepare medicine, wasn't their true intention to activate Shimura Danzo? Neither the Third Hokage, Koharu, nor Mito Monobu wanted the Hokage faction to split into two. They couldn't take direct action to dismantle Tsunade's faction, so they had to rely on Shimura Danzo as their weapon.
As long as Tsunade left the village and they managed to release Shimura Danzo, they could begin their plans. Later, if Tsunade encountered trouble, they could conveniently blame everything on Shimura Danzo, who had a knack for taking the fall.
However, their plan failed before it even began. Tsunade refused to take the bait and even made an appearance.
The Third Hokage frowned and stated, "Since Tsunade is certain, it means Hyuga Shizuka is competent enough to remain in the camp. And you are aware of Nara Lushin's command capabilities. It's unfortunate about Danzo..."
The three sat in silence for a while.
Finally, Mito Monoyan quietly said, "We just have to wait for the opportunity."
They could target others openly or discreetly, but they couldn't use these tactics against Tsunade, as her status was too unique. Any attempt at subterfuge would lead her straight to the Daimyo's Mansion, where she would find support from the Daimyo.
The situation was akin to a dog biting a hedgehog—unpleasant and thorny.
If they didn't act, they'd feel uneasy, and their vital interests could be compromised. But if they did act, the backlash might outweigh any potential benefits.
This was indeed uncomfortable.
Upon returning home, Tsunade immediately sought out Shigeru.
Shigeru had become the chief strategist of their group.
"Just stabilize the situation. As long as you stay in the village and ensure Shimura Danzo remains in prison, there's no need to worry about anything else. Even if the war is lost, you won't be held responsible."
Shigeru reassured Tsunade, advising her not to overthink things.
Tsunade expressed her concern, "I'm not worried about the old man and the others causing trouble; I'm worried about losing the war."
The situation in the Land of Rain was chaotic. If a conflict erupted between Konoha, Sand Shinobi Village, Iwa Ninja Village, and Rain Shinobi Village, it would be mayhem. Each side would end up fighting the other.
"There may be significant losses, but Konoha will not be defeated, trust me."
In the original story, Konoha's war in the Land of Rain appeared victorious but was actually a defeat. This is why Tsunade and Orochimaru despised the title of Sannin. Despite not winning the war, they were hailed as village heroes and esteemed Sannin by others.
Shigeru raised his clenched fist, "I won't accept failure either."
Sensing Shigeru's strong confidence, Tsunade could only say:
"Alright, then it's up to you to head to the Land of Rain. I'll handle things in the village. As long as I'm here, no one can release Shimura Danzo."
If they dared to release him, she would retaliate fiercely!
Let's see who would be more affected.
The Third Hokage valued his reputation; otherwise, he wouldn't have re-employed Shimura Danzo in various capacities.
Given his concern for his reputation, he wouldn't want to face criticism from the Daimyo's Palace, which is why Tsunade could speak with such confidence.
"Yes, keep that assertive attitude. I admire women who can assert themselves."
Shigeru laughed, reaching out to pinch Tsunade's face.
Tsunade slapped his hand away in mock irritation.
Konoha hoped that Sand Shinobi Village would exercise restraint. However, Sand Shinobi Village showed no intention of holding back and instead sent more forces to the Land of Rain. Although the additional forces were not many, their stance was evident.
Their attitude was clear: Sand Shinobi Village would not back down.
Konoha had no choice but to respond in kind.
At this point, it was clear that war was imminent.
Konoha criticized Sand Shinobi Village while simultaneously sending reinforcements and mobilizing the village.
"To be honest, I just spent a year at the border camp, and I really don't want to go to the Land of Rain right now."
At the tavern, Shigeru attended a gathering with Tsunade and her team and began complaining after a few drinks.
Tsunade would stay in the village, but Orochimaru and Jiraiya couldn't avoid deployment. They needed to enter the Land of Rain with Shigeru and the reinforcements.
Thus, a farewell dinner was held before they departed, and Tsunade brought Shigeru along.
Although Shigeru and Orochimaru didn't have a particularly close relationship, they could at least converse amicably. Jiraiya was an old friend, so they all quickly became comfortable with each other.
However, when Tsunade held Shigeru's hand, Jiraiya fell silent.
Listening to Shigeru's complaints, Orochimaru smiled slightly and said, "I have many experiments underway, but unfortunately, they'll have to be paused."
Just after acquiring the puppet from Shigeru, the related experiments hadn't even started before war mobilization commenced. Both Shigeru and Orochimaru were reluctant to leave the village.
"I'm better off than you."
Shigeru laughed, "As a medical ninja, I only need to stay in the camp to treat the sick and care for the wounded. I just need to make time to prepare some medicine. Unlike the two of you, who have to enter the battlefield and fight."
"Perhaps we can collaborate."
Orochimaru and Shigeru were conversing amiably.
Jiraiya sat aside, feeling discontented.
"So quiet today?" Tsunade poured a glass of wine and pushed it towards Jiraiya. She found his silence unusual.
Normally the most talkative, Jiraiya's quietness was out of character.
"No reason."
Though uncomfortable, Jiraiya couldn't admit it. He downed his wine in one gulp and claimed, "I just saw they were engrossed in conversation and didn't want to interrupt."
"That's fine."
Seeing Jiraiya's reluctance to join in, Tsunade didn't press further.
After the dinner, Shigeru and Tsunade left first.
Jiraiya continued drinking. Orochimaru, with a look of disdain, remarked:
"Some things need to be said. If you don't speak up, you'll miss your chance."
Jiraiya's affection for Tsunade was well-known to Orochimaru, present since their childhood.
It's unfortunate that Jiraiya's way of expressing love was quite unbearable. Additionally, their long-standing familiarity left Tsunade unable to develop romantic feelings for him.
"What's the point of saying it? I've finally realized that Tsunade just likes handsome guys!!"
"..."
Orochimaru's smile vanished.
"Idiot!!"
He couldn't recall the last time he scolded Jiraiya like this. He had hoped adulthood would bring maturity, but it seemed not much had changed.
With that attitude, Tsunade could never be interested in you.
Suppressing the urge to kick Jiraiya, Orochimaru walked away, clearly displeased.
Jiraiya remained alone in the tavern, drinking.
After leaving the tavern, Shigeru went shopping for numerous parts and materials. He sensed that these materials would soon be put to use.
As for Jiraiya, Shigeru didn't inquire, and Tsunade said little.
She knew Jiraiya had always liked her, but she couldn't reciprocate those feelings.
Why?
Tsunade believed it was due to their over-familiarity.
Having grown up together as classmates, partners, and teammates, their relationship had been forged over more than a decade. It couldn't simply transition into a romantic one.
Understanding this, Tsunade never brought it up, as it would only embarrass everyone.
Shigeru was preparing for the journey to the Land of Rain. Kushina, Shengshu, and his young apprentice, the little yellow-haired boy, were also aware.
"Shigeru, didn't you just return from the border camp? Why are you heading to the battlefield again?"
Kushina expressed her reluctance, pouting and clinging to Shigeru's arm, refusing to let go.
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