Faced with Tsunade's doubts, Aoba burst into laughter and then spoke with an air of nonchalance:
"In my life, I care only about honor, death, and hangovers!"
"A battle with you concerns honor; how can my sword be drawn lightly!"
"Since you are an opponent, I recognize a fair fight is due."
After this declaration spread throughout the crowd, everyone respected that figure all the more.
Some people, although enemies are also worthy of admiration!
Now, looking back, the kidnapping of Shizune may have just been a small act of revenge.
Otherwise, there is no explanation for why Shizune was returned unharmed.
This puzzling question finally has an answer.
Perhaps Yasuo acted this way merely to provoke Tsunade, to make her fight him with all her strength!
This guy is not only a monster but also a madman!
This phrase surfaced in Tsunade's mind and was written in the intelligence reports by Itachi.
According to Itachi, the opponent had 'thoroughly defeated' him but ultimately spared him and even took him for treatment, seemingly just waiting for him to grow more vital for another battle.
Originally, Tsunade was skeptical that such an odd person existed, but now the facts were right before her eyes, and she could not help but believe it!
Yasuo... This man must be a hero!
If Aoba knew what Tsunade and the others were imagining, he would probably extend his thumb with a baffled expression.
Damn, a fair fight!
If my Zanpakutō could still 'release its seal,' I would have started slashing wildly long ago!
And why forego my best attack to exchange punches?
Isn't it because Itachi suddenly appeared, causing part of my abilities to be 'sealed,' forcing me into a cooldown state?
And a madman...
Don't flatter him; even if he killed Tsunade, he couldn't possibly kill Itachi!
At that time, it was just a way for him to gracefully step back to prevent Itachi from spotting any flaws.
As for the issue with Shizune, it was purely a mess caused by the system, for which he took the blame.
They result in a serendipitous bolstering of Yasuo's image as a strong character—what a twist!
However, unaware of these thoughts, Aoba was distraught at this moment, significantly after Tsunade activated her powers.
He had intended to fight Tsunade to a draw and then call it even.
But he hadn't expected Tsunade to be so 'tough'!
She used the Creation Rebirth technique on the spot alongside her Hundred Healings Jutsu!
The former was fine; she used the chakra she had sealed away with no side effects.
But the latter's regenerative ability costs life force.
Was it worth it?
Aoba didn't know his repeated outrageous actions would infuriate Tsunade to this extent; otherwise, he wouldn't have let the 'billion ryō' statement spread.
Now, he was in a tight spot!
Most importantly, with many of his abilities unusable and his chakra running low...
His Shunshin skill, which he had perfected after achieving a breakthrough, was no longer merely physical but had transformed into a significant chakra-consuming technique.
A few days ago, he used the "Raijin Battle Form" to escape, using up many of his chakra, making his current chakra levels a significant issue.
With this in mind, he sighed and took out a recently earned mission reward.
[Yin Seal Pill]
Effect: Contains three years' worth of chakra accumulation from the same Yin Seal training; consuming it will release the seal.
Note: The remaining chakra cannot be resealed.
Honestly, the effects of this [Yin Seal Pill] are far more potent than those of the 'grand bandage.'
Each pill equals three years of Aoba's own Yin Seal training!
Although it doesn't include the physical enhancement of the "Strength of a Hundred Technique," it's akin to giving him a temporary rapid mana regeneration BUFF!
The downside is that there are just too few of them. After such a colossal effort, he only managed to get four, and now he has to use one...
Although the "grand bandage" effects aren't as powerful as the [Yin Seal Pill], the "grand bandage" can be used repeatedly, each with its benefits.
When Aoba stuffed the green pill into his mouth under his mask, he genuinely felt regretful.
You see when he used to play games, he was the type who wouldn't spend a dime—not because he was stingy with money, but because he couldn't bear to use any collected items in the game, not even a health potion.
Sometimes, he could have quickly cleared levels using items or potions, but he would instead try repeatedly until he couldn't get through without them.
And after getting through, those items would end up unused... It's hard to know what he was saving them for.
If this were just a game, he would still be reluctant to use them.
But reality is not a game, so he understands the logic of spending money and using potions when necessary, considering it as a test of the pill's effects!
Thinking this way, Aoba decided not to dwell on it anymore.
If the dog system doesn't self-destruct, wouldn't there be opportunities to get similar items later?
Use it!
Damn it, who wouldn't use it is a fool!
After swallowing a [Yin Seal Pill], a diamond-shaped seal identical to Tsunade's appeared on Aoba's forehead.
This diamond-shaped seal instantly spread out, transforming into black curse mark patterns covering Aoba's entire body!
They looked very similar to the marks on Tsunade's body, with only slight differences, probably due to modifications by the dog system.
During this transformation, Tsunade was immediately taken aback.
Although she couldn't see the changes under the "Crimson Swordmaster" skin that Aoba was wearing, she could feel the unique aura released when the Yin Seal was unsealed through the 'skin effects'!
After all, she had practiced this ninjutsu for so many years; she wouldn't sense it wrong.
Could it be...
"You've also practiced the Yin Seal?!" Tsunade blurted out.
While experiencing the 'rapid mana regeneration BUFF,' Aoba was initially surprised but realized that Tsunade might have sensed something.
So, he calmly spoke up: "It's just a Yin Seal, no need to make a fuss, come fight!"
Before his words fell, Aoba attacked.
At this moment, Tsunade was somewhat flustered as she discovered that her opponent possessed the same abilities as her.
Whether it's the Yin Seal or Creation Rebirth...
But how could that be possible?
Moreover, the Creation Rebirth technique was a combat medical ninjutsu she developed explicitly based on her unique physiology from the Senju clan.
The prototype and inspiration were derived from her grandfather Hashirama's essential healing ability.
It doesn't require hand signs, and even during battle, the body can heal all injuries alone!
Although she couldn't replicate her grandfather's former glory, Tsunade was highly proud of developing this technique.
But what is this, Yasuo?!