บท 141: Chapter 141: "Nara Clan Has More Than Just Nara Shikashige"
Orochimaru was leaving the camp, but he hadn't quite decided where to go yet. One thing was for sure—he wasn't heading back to Konoha anytime soon. As for the higher-ups… well, they could think what they wanted.
He didn't believe the village would label him a rogue ninja just because he didn't return on time. But if they did... well, running off wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Tsunade frowned slightly but just crossed her arms and watched Orochimaru walk away. She didn't feel like stopping him.
Jiraiya, on the other hand, rushed forward, blocking Orochimaru's path.
"Orochimaru, what the hell are you doing? The old man wants us back in Konoha. We need to head to the Land of Rivers to help with the battle."
"I need rest. If you want to go, then go yourself. But if you follow me, I'll kill you."
Orochimaru was never someone easy to persuade, and when it came to Jiraiya's attempts, they were doomed to fail. If Tsunade had tried, maybe there would have been a better chance, but she couldn't be bothered.
The three of them had done so much in the Land of Rain, fighting non-stop and working until they were near exhaustion. Now, they couldn't even take a break? Anyone would be pissed.
Tsunade knew Orochimaru wouldn't go rogue over this. He'd probably just take a little trip, clear his head, and come back when he felt like it.
As for Jiraiya... well, that idiot would run straight back to Konoha and head for the front lines like a dog chasing after its master.
The killing intent radiating from Orochimaru was undeniable, and Jiraiya could only laugh bitterly as he watched him leave.
"Tsunade, are you seriously not going to stop him?"
"I can't even deal with my own problems. You want to try? Just don't get yourself killed," she shrugged.
All three of them were called "legendary," but even at this point, Jiraiya was still a bit behind Orochimaru in terms of strength. There was no chance of winning if it came down to a fight.
If Jiraiya kept pushing, Orochimaru might not kill him outright, but he definitely wouldn't be walking away in one piece.
"Fine. I'll just head back to the village and let the old man deal with this," Jiraiya muttered, rubbing his neck as he recalled the cold, murderous look Orochimaru had given him.
You'd have to be crazy to follow him right now.
Besides, Jiraiya wasn't about to put himself through that kind of torture. Let the Third Hokage handle Orochimaru's rebellion.
"Damn it!" Jiraiya cursed under his breath. "Why do they get to rest while I'm stuck running around?!"
The thought of not having time to gather "material" for his books or work on his novel made his world feel bleak and empty. It was like the universe had forgotten about him.
Orochimaru was gone. Jiraiya was leaving too. Tsunade didn't bother to see them off. She had way too much work to deal with. The camp was overflowing with wounded, and that alone was enough to keep her busy. She had no time to worry about her teammates.
Two days later, Takuya arrived at the camp without any trouble.
When he met Tsunade, he almost didn't recognize her. He had to blink and take a closer look to confirm it was really her.
"What's with that look? Do you not recognize me or something?"
Tsunade snapped, raising her hand threateningly as Takuya stared at her with a confused expression.
It had no effect, though. Takuya just kept staring.
"Here, take a look for yourself," Takuya said, handing her a mirror that happened to be lying around. Why there was a mirror in the tent, he had no idea. Probably something a female or medical ninja left behind.
It wasn't his fault for reacting that way. Tsunade looked... rough. Her blonde hair was a tangled mess, lacking its usual shine, and her skin looked dull. Dark circles hung under her eyes, and her gaze was bloodshot.
If Takuya didn't know better, he might've thought she'd been up all night playing video games.
One glance at the mirror, and Tsunade's forehead veins started to throb in anger. Her face darkened considerably.
"Try dealing with hundreds, maybe thousands, of critically injured patients and see how good you look afterward," she snapped.
"Well, good thing I'm not a medical ninja. Got anything to eat? I'm starving."
"Nope. Go grab something from the supply unit and make something yourself. While you're at it, make me something too. I'm starving. The food here is terrible."
Even as she complained, Tsunade let out a huge yawn. She looked like she was on the verge of passing out right there.
Seeing her nodding off at the desk, Takuya shook his head. He grabbed a white coat, draped it over her, and headed for the supply unit to pick up some ingredients.
Luckily, he always carried cooking tools in his sealing scrolls, just in case.
As the smell of simmering meat filled the air, Tsunade woke up. After a short nap, she seemed a bit more lively.
Tearing into the stew with satisfaction, Tsunade grinned.
"I thought the old man wouldn't let you take the jonin exam. But not only did he let you, he sent you here to the camp."
"Wait, I took the jonin exam because of you?" Takuya asked, looking up at her, confused.
He had been wondering why he, at such a young age, had been allowed to take the exam. At the very least, he thought he'd have to wait another couple of years.
Turns out, it was all because of Tsunade.
Cheeks puffed with food, Tsunade gave her chest a light tap and swallowed before replying.
"You think I wanted to do this? The old man wanted me, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru to negotiate with Hanzo. But Orochimaru doesn't want to see Hanzo because of that 'Three Legendary Ninja' title, and Jiraiya doesn't want to go either, so that leaves just me."
"So I suggested you take the jonin exam and come help me out here. The old man actually agreed."
Takuya was speechless.
This woman really knew how to dig a hole for someone.
Not that it mattered much to him. Even before his promotion, the missions and tasks he handled weren't any different from what a jonin did.
Finishing up his meal, Takuya asked, "So, does that mean I'm part of the negotiation team?"
"Team? It's just going to be you, me, and a few members of the Anbu," Tsunade replied.
Tsunade had originally wanted to bring Nara Shikashige over from the Land of Rivers to handle the negotiations. But, of course, the Third Hokage had refused.
With Danzo unable to move and the two elders, Koharu and Homura, never willing to dirty their hands, the job fell to the Sannin. But with Orochimaru's refusal and Jiraiya's desire to rest, the burden ended up on Tsunade's shoulders.
Honestly, this should've been a job for the Nara clan.
Was Shikashige really the only smart one in the entire clan?
It was clear the higher-ups didn't want the Nara clan to rack up too much credit.
"Oh, by the way, I spotted someone interesting in the camp earlier. Let's bring him along."
"Who?"
"Nara Shikaku."
As one of the prominent members of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Shikaku couldn't just hang out in the village forever. His family had tossed him into the camp to learn the ropes of leadership.
Ever since that time when Kushina scared him off, Takuya hadn't seen the guy in a while.
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