Kushina's words hit Tsunade deep, the blonde Senju woman was shocked by the cold tone and words of her adoptive little sister. Yet at the same time, she was immensely grateful for them. She may not outwardly admit it, but Kushina is the kick in the ass she and Nawaki needed. Mito does try to be stern with them to keep them grounded. But it's clear to her, Nawaki and even Mito that Kushina's crazy methods truly have had a significant impact on their entire family. Tsunade used to believe that her super strength and medical ninjutsu were all she needed to focus on. Until she was brutally humbled by Kushina, the older blonde woman never realized how poorly she was utilizing her enhanced strength with her taijutsu.
Embarrassingly, Tsunade was deluding herself to believe she didn't need to focus on improving her taijutsu style or improving her physical strength and speed. She knew very well, while not exactly slow, her speed was terribly lacking compared to her strength.
Kushina had beat it into Tsunade's skull, saying that her super strength would be useless against top powerhouse shinobi if she was too slow to hit them.
Of course, Tsunade knew this herself, but the purpose was to make sure she doesn't neglect such a crucial weakness again.
Either way, Tsunade is grateful for Kushina waking her up. As the Princess of the Senju Clan and Konoha, she of all people cannot afford to slack off on her training anymore.
She will make sure the shinobi world regains its fear of the Senju Clan.
Orochimaru was shocked that someone could actually talk so harshly to Tsunade without his teammate going ballistic on them. Even their Sensei isn't brave enough to risk pushing her too far.
'Interesting, this girl in less than a year already has developed a unique relationship with Tsunade. Hmm…maybe I should talk with Sensei about the possibility of becoming her Jonin Sensei once she graduates. That idiot Jiraiya probably has similar ideas to my own…' Orochimaru thought. 'Also does Sarutobi-sensei really believe that about Tsunade? That she won't be able to surpass him unless he's in his decline? Does he think the same of myself and Jiraiya?'
"You certainly are an honest child, Kushina-san. Your words have me thinking about myself in some aspects, and Tsunade I didn't know you were still called brat." He chuckled.
Tsunade rolled her eyes, she had no choice but to let Kushina get away with it because as crazy as it sounds. Her 9 year old little sister is stronger than her, Tsunade is more experienced as a shinobi and that's all she has over Kushina. She's not upset about it, there's no reason to when she's benefiting massively and Kushina is family. The red-haired girl may be a monster in battle who learns anything related to chakra easily, but she's still family.
"I just prefer to speak honestly. Most problems can be taken care of with my fist of love!" Kushina shrugged before taking another piece of cooked meat off the grill.
"Fist of love?" Orochimaru was confused.
Tsunade answered. "It's basically a punch with the intent to set someone straight. For some reason I've yet to figure out, these punches leave a special kind of sting that lasts longer than others. Luckily she holds back when using it against me and Nawaki." She shuddered at the memories of being used as Kushina's punching bag.
"It's all about willpower, you won't understand it now because you're still too green, Tsuna. Never underestimate one who has the ability to weaponize their will. Those with this ability have the potential to dominate the world itself." Kushina lectured.
The blonde woman sighed. "Willpower huh…maybe that was part of the reason that set my grandfather and grand uncle apart from the rest. Their will to protect what's dear to them…"
"You're on the right track, however it's also fair to say they were also flat out superior to others in various ways, especially Lord First Hokage. Lord Second Hokage's greatness was on such a level, the other great villages shamelessly copied his entire military structure." Kushina commented with a smirk.
She was always a big fan of Tobirama, sure he's no Hashirama but the guy was just a straight up badass.
That's not to say Hashirama wasn't one either, that guy was so powerful that EMS Madara Uchiha, with the aid of Kurama, still couldn't defeat the First Hokage.
She knew Mito would never put Tsunade under such pressure, however Kushina knew she needed to remind her future blonde wife that as a Senju/Uzumaki. There's a standard of strength that's expected from someone of Tsunade's talent.
Orochimaru and Tsunade both chuckled at the last bit of Kushina's words. There's a lot of truth in her words.
"Kushina-san, what's your opinion about this war?" Orochimaru was curious.
"I'm not fond of the troubles war brings to innocent people or animals. But I also can't say I'm not looking forward to joining the frontlines, I want to engage in combat against the enemy and secure victory for Konoha. I don't mind temporary peace, at the same time you won't hear me saying I wish for true peace where wars never happen. Too idealistic for my taste and too boring, I like fighting but I would prefer it if it doesn't stake the safety of my loved ones." Kushina responded.
"Hmm..so you're the type who enjoys conflict. Not necessarily war itself, just situations where fighting is involved." Orochimaru summarized. He's a bit intrigued, it's not everyday someone like him comes across someone who is blatantly honest about their desires for conflict without wanting something out of it. He can see the intensity of the fire in her eyes, Kushina is passionate about combat.
(Not exactly like Kenpachi, at the same time not too far off from him either.)
"Kushina! Calm down before you end up cracking their ground again from your chakra pressure!" Tsunade reminded, like Orochimaru, she also saw the fire in Kushina's eyes.
"Bwahahahahaha! Relax, do you think I want to be scolded by Mito again?" Kushina laughed.
As powerful as she is, sometimes it's best not to push Mito too far.
Speaking of Mito, she figures it's time to help Mito recover her youth. Now that she's built a close relationship with the older Uzumaki woman. Mito shouldn't become suspicious of Kushina, she's already witnessed Kushina perform open portals to different dimensions. So doing any crazy and should be impossible feat won't be out of character for the younger red-haired girl.
Mito is no fool, she clearly knows Tsunade has grown much stronger from receiving Kushina's constant beatdo- tutelage.