The scene shifts to Kakashi and Tsunade.
Just moments ago, while Natsuhiko created a mist to obscure the view of onlookers, he also used a secret communication technique to instruct Kakashi to take Tsunade away.
At the time, Kakashi was still in shock, having narrowly escaped death and witnessing the sudden resurrection of Sensei Natsuhiko.
However, upon hearing his Sensei's instructions, he immediately forced himself to focus.
Kakashi didn't question why Tsunade wasn't staying to help.
By now, he could clearly see that something was off with Tsunade.
How could the legendary female Sannin, who once dominated the Second Shinobi World War, be trembling on the ground just because of Sensei Natsuhiko's death?
After all, they weren't even close—at best, they had shared a bed once.
Moreover, even after Natsuhiko had reappeared, Tsunade still hadn't recovered, which was clearly unusual.
Kakashi even began to suspect that this Tsunade might be an imposter.
Without wasting time questioning Natsuhiko's orders, he swiftly went to Tsunade's side and supported her as they made their way towards the game center, using the mist as cover.
Tsunade also understood that staying there would only be a burden, so she did not resist. She took one last deep look at Natsuhiko before leaving with Kakashi, a bit downcast.
As soon as they stepped inside the game center, they were startled by the sight before them.
The thugs who had previously rushed in with arrogance, intending to steal the arcade machines, were now tightly bound by dark rune chains in a tortoise-shell binding style, hanging high in the air.
The scene reminded Kakashi of the slaughterhouse he had seen while doing a D-rank mission.
To maintain quiet, the intruders' mouths were stuffed full with thick, black rune chains, rendering them unable to make any sound beyond faint whimpers.
Seeing their tear-streaked faces and expressions of utter despair, Kakashi and Tsunade couldn't help but shiver.
Who would have thought that the familiar game center would be equipped with such a sinister trap?
The two hesitated at the entrance, unsure if they dared to enter.
Fortunately, they soon noticed a group of people huddled in one corner, watching the hellish scene in horror.
Tsunade, who frequented the game center, quickly recognized them as the regular customers.
It seemed that Natsuhiko's defensive array was smart enough to differentiate between enemies and allies.
This meant they probably didn't need to worry about being attacked by the game center's defenses.
At that moment, a voice of surprise sounded from inside the game center.
"Tsunade-sama, Kakashi, you're finally here!"
A small figure ran out from the lounge—it was Shizune, who Tsunade had previously instructed to stay there.
"Tsunade-sama, I've prepared bathing supplies and a change of clothes. Please come to the lounge quickly," Shizune said as she approached them.
It seemed that her time spent closely with Tsunade had made her aware of the hematophobia and how to handle it.
However, her resourcefulness was not solely her own merit…
Just moments ago, when Shizune saw Sensei Natsuhiko die and Tsunade covered in blood, she had been on the verge of despair.
Especially when Kakashi, hailed as a genius, couldn't put up a fight against that terrifying man, Shizune became even more certain that she, a mere Academy student, couldn't help at all.
Then, suddenly, Natsuhiko's voice, whom she thought dead, spoke into her ear, giving her instructions!
Initially, Shizune thought she was hallucinating out of despair, but Natsuhiko's slightly helpless, comforting tone helped her regain her composure.
Natsuhiko must still be worried about their safety—even in death, he was giving her guidance as a ghost!
Resolving to help Natsuhiko's spirit find peace, Shizune followed his instructions.
Now, her efforts were starting to show some results.
Upon hearing Shizune's words, Tsunade's spirits lifted.
Right!
If she could wash away the blood quickly, she might still have a chance to help Natsuhiko outside.
She could only hope he could hold out until then…
Without further delay, Tsunade hurried to the lounge.
Kakashi's eyes flickered slightly, but he didn't object to Tsunade taking a bath before the battle.
The three quickly reached the lounge, where Shizune had already prepared the necessary items in the bathroom.
In less than a few minutes, Tsunade finished what was likely the shortest bath of her life, despite usually taking at least an hour.
Now wearing clean clothes, she seemed calmer, her confidence and boldness mostly restored.
The bathroom door swung open as Tsunade slapped her cheeks, ready to leave the lounge and settle things with Kakuzu.
To her surprise, Kakashi stood in the doorway, apparently not planning to step aside.
"It's hematophobia, isn't it, Tsunade-sama?"
Before Tsunade could question him, Kakashi spoke directly.
He had noticed something was off earlier, and Tsunade's sudden need to bathe had confirmed his suspicion.
Hematophobia.
Among shinobi, who constantly face life-and-death battles, this condition wasn't uncommon, and Kakashi was aware of it.
However, he hadn't expected that someone as powerful as Tsunade, a renowned medical ninja, would suffer from it.
Even more surprising was that she still dared to wander the shinobi world in such a condition—it was a bold move.
Tsunade wasn't shocked that Kakashi had figured it out; instead, she impatiently said, "So what if it is? Now move aside, I need to save your Sensei!"
However, Kakashi remained steadfast, shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, but this time, I can't follow your orders, Tsunade-sama."
"This time, we're not dealing with some street thugs you can handle with your eyes closed."
"With your current state, you'd be lucky not to hold Sensei back, let alone help him."
Just then, Shizune emerged from the bathroom, catching sight of the tense confrontation.
Before she could say anything, Tsunade raised a hand to stop her.
Tsunade opened her mouth but couldn't refute Kakashi's words.
She understood better than anyone just how formidable this bounty hunter named Kakuzu was.
Earlier, Natsuhiko had punched a hole through his chest, yet Kakuzu seemed unfazed, even using black tendrils to repair the wound.
Such an apparently unkillable opponent would be a difficult challenge for Tsunade, who relied on brute force in combat, even at her peak—let alone now, when she could barely move at the sight of blood.
Yet…
Tsunade couldn't help but argue, "I know you admire Natsuhiko, but this opponent isn't someone he can handle alone!"
"Do you really want to watch him die?"
Shizune finally understood what they were discussing and was about to speak, but Kakashi spoke first with a cold expression:
"I am aware of the risks, but this is the best approach I've come up with after careful consideration."
"Besides, the last order from sensei was to protect Lady Tsunade well. As a ninja, I must prioritize the mission. Even if sensei sacrifices himself because of it, that's just something unavoidable..."
Tsunade was silent for a moment before suddenly sneering:
"Then who was it just now, acting like they were going to risk their life because they thought Natsuhiko was dead?"
"Well..."
Shizune wanted to get their attention, but she still lacked the confidence.
In response to Tsunade's mockery, Kakashi's expression remained unchanged:
"That's why I nearly lost my life as well."
"And at the time, sensei was probably waiting for the best opportunity to launch a surprise attack, while my momentary impulse actually ruined sensei's plan."
"These two facts undoubtedly further support my view."
This time, Tsunade was truly speechless.
All she could do was reply in a strained voice:
"So, are you saying I should just obediently wait here?"
Kakashi shook his head and said:
"Considering the risk that sensei might be defeated, our best option now is to leave immediately."
"That way, even if sensei can't hold them off, without us weighing him down, he might still have a chance to escape."
Run away?
Tsunade couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile.
Although she knew what Kakashi said was the most reasonable course of action.
She just hadn't expected that, after the battle where she earned the title of one of the Legendary Sannin, she would ever face a day where she had to run.
Back then, she probably never imagined she would end up in this situation.
Suddenly, as if making a decision, Tsunade said calmly:
"And what if I insist on leaving through that door?"
Kakashi, as if already prepared, raised the broken White Fang blade and pressed it against his own wrist, saying:
"Then I would have no choice but to make sure Lady Tsunade is temporarily unable to move, and forcibly take you away!"
Tsunade was furious and amused at the same time, not expecting to be threatened by a kid.
How the mighty have fallen!
At that moment, what she wanted to do most was snatch the broken blade from this brat and smack his backside until it was sore, giving him a little taste of the Legendary Sannin's might.
But judging from the red mark already appearing on his wrist where the blade was pressed, it was clear that this boy was prepared.
If anything went wrong, he would actually dare to use the blade against her.
So, Tsunade couldn't find an opening for a while, and the two were at a stalemate.
"Lady Tsunade! Kakashi! Will you two listen to me for a moment?"
Just then, Shizune suddenly burst out, fists clenched behind her, shouting with all her might.
The two of them were startled and quickly turned to look at her.
Seeing their reactions, Shizune felt a little embarrassed, but knowing the urgency of the situation, she quickly said:
"Here's the thing."
"Actually, Natsuhiko-sensei instructed me earlier that if Lady Tsunade had any intention of engaging in battle, I should give you an invention he left in the arcade, saying it would definitely come in handy..."
Natsuhiko's invention?
Tsunade and Kakashi instinctively glanced at each other.
What was this strange sense of reassurance?
Could it be that Natsuhiko had even anticipated this situation and prepared accordingly?
More importantly...
The two simultaneously looked at Shizune and said:
"Why didn't you mention this important thing earlier!?"
Shizune immediately pouted, eyes welling up with tears, and said aggrievedly:
"Ugh, it's because you both were ignoring me!"
(End of Chapter)