"You are from Konoha?"
Hearing Tsunade's question, Shishou nodded, acknowledging her guess.
"Then why haven't I heard of you or seen you before?"
Tsunade frowned again.
Shishou raised an eyebrow and sarcastically replied:
"How many years has it been since you last returned to Konoha?"
"Of course, you wouldn't know me."
Realizing her mistake after speaking, Tsunade could only awkwardly smile at Shishou's taunt.
Since taking Shizune away after she graduated from the Ninja Academy, Tsunade hadn't returned to Konoha.
"Well then, Lady Tsunade."
"Since I've told you my secret, please teach me Senju Hashirama's Wood Release techniques."
Having revealed his identity, Shishou didn't beat around the bush and directly stated his purpose.
Although he could use the Advent of a World of Flowering Trees by borrowing the power of the Three-Tails, this technique was just an advanced version of the basic Wood Release skill, Tree Birth, which only required a large amount of chakra to perform.
However, the other Wood Release techniques of Senju Hashirama were different.
Wood Dragon, Wood Human, and True Several Thousand Hands required further learning.
"You do have Senju blood running through you. Can't you show some respect for Grandpa?"
Tsunade glared at Shishou, then continued:
"If you really are from Konoha, there shouldn't be any issue giving you those Wood Release techniques."
"Once I return to Konoha and confirm your true identity, I'll give them to you."
"How about that?"
She said this as if she had great respect for her grandfather.
Though, Shishou thought, given that both were gambling addicts, mutual respect seemed fitting.
"No thanks, I'll figure it out on my own."
Shishou shook his head, rejecting her offer.
He didn't want his identity revealed to Konoha's higher-ups.
Although this could bring him significant attention and possibly even position him as the next Hokage, it would also mean having someone shadow him 24/7, making it very inconvenient for him to carry out his plans.
Moreover, he was hiding the remnants of the Uchiha clan.
Revealing his identity was out of the question.
Besides, his future goal was to devour the Otsutsuki who came to the ninja world, becoming a wielder of all bloodline limits and achieving immortality.
The Hokage title didn't interest him at all.
"Why?"
"It's just confirming your identity. It won't harm you."
"And I already know what you look like. I just need to check when I return."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, surprised by Shishou's refusal.
To her, this seemed like a beneficial arrangement for him.
"Are you really sure you know what I look like?"
Shishou smiled at Tsunade.
Then, his face began to change, transforming into Senju Hashirama:
"Come, dear granddaughter, call me Grandpa."
After that, he morphed into Senju Tobirama:
"Come, dear granddaughter, call me Second Grandpa."
Finally, he reverted to his original appearance.
This transformation was achieved using Shishou's high-level disguise technique with his parasitic bugs, altering his appearance on a cellular level.
Tsunade's scalp tingled, and she gritted her teeth:
"Who are you really?"
After Shishou's performance, Tsunade was convinced that his current appearance was fake.
"Lady Tsunade, I am indeed from Konoha."
"I just don't want the higher-ups to know my identity."
"If you don't believe me, I can share some of Konoha's secrets."
Seeing Tsunade's suspicion, Shishou knew he had succeeded in misleading her and smiled.
"No need."
Tsunade shook her head. She was inclined to believe Shishou's claim of being from Konoha.
After all, he had saved her and brought Shizune here for treatment from far away.
These actions alone convinced Tsunade that he meant her no harm.
Bang!
Tsunade summoned a small Katsuyu and retrieved a scroll from it, handing it to Shishou.
"This is the training method for Wood Release."
"Although it doesn't include specific jutsu, it will help you master Wood Release better."
Shishou took the scroll, opened it, and began memorizing its contents quickly.
"Ahem."
"You can read it later."
Tsunade coughed, looking at Shishou.
Shishou glanced at Tsunade with a faint smile and continued memorizing the scroll's contents.
Initially unsure if the scroll could be traced back to her through Katsuyu, he decided to memorize it on the spot to avoid future troubles.
Seeing Tsunade's guilty expression confirmed his suspicion.
The scroll could indeed be traced back through Katsuyu.
If he took it back to Konoha, Tsunade could use it to find his identity.
Damn, he figured it out.
Seeing her plan exposed, Tsunade blushed slightly.
Half an hour later.
Shishou, with his exceptional memory and comprehension, quickly memorized the entire scroll.
"Done."
He handed the scroll back to Tsunade.
The techniques on the scroll would indeed be very beneficial for him, especially in reducing chakra consumption when using Wood Release.
"Already memorized?"
Tsunade was shocked.
If true, his talent was terrifying.
No wonder he could awaken a Wood Release she couldn't.
"Do you really not want anyone to know your identity in Konoha?"
Tsunade looked at Shishou, still not understanding his refusal.
If she investigated further, it might anger Shishou and strain their relationship.
"Lady Tsunade, how about we make a bet?"
Shishou massaged his temples, sore from the rapid memorization, and smiled at Tsunade.
"What kind of bet?"
Tsunade was curious.
"Under the condition that you don't tell anyone about me."
"I'll allow you to use any means to find my identity in Konoha over the next year."
"If you find out, I'll grant you three wishes."
"If you don't, you'll grant me one wish."
"And this continues every year until you find me."
"How about it?"
Shishou smiled at Tsunade.
Konoha, the largest ninja village, was vast, with tens of thousands of ninjas and hundreds of thousands of civilians.
He doubted Tsunade could find him in a year.
Though she had no specific desires from Shishou, the idea of a bet piqued her interest.
Moreover, she believed her extensive network and resources in Konoha would help her find him quickly, even without disclosing his details to others.
For such a guaranteed win, Tsunade was more than willing to agree.
She extended her right hand, raising an eyebrow:
"Deal?"
Looking at Tsunade's plump, fair hand, Shishou hesitated.
Such a perfect little hand!
Suppressing his excitement, he extended his right hand and shook hers.
"Deal."