If it were anyone else, accessing the forbidden scroll would be nearly impossible. To learn the techniques within, one would typically need to exchange a significant amount of military merit and secure permission from both the Third Hokage and the Elders.
Tsunade, however, was an exception.
She could read it whenever she wanted, openly and without hindrance, and even copy down the techniques as she pleased.
"..."
The rules that bound ordinary ninjas did not apply to Tsunade—she had special privileges.
This was precisely why Shinki had asked her to copy the ninjutsu and sealing techniques. He couldn't do it himself, nor did he want to wait for Minato to grow up and earn the right to access the scroll.
Why go through all that trouble when Tsunade could secure the scroll in advance?
Unable to focus on the document in front of him, the Third Hokage kept glancing at the scroll in Tsunade's hands. He relaxed only when he confirmed that she was copying sealing techniques and the Flying Thunder God Technique.
At least it wasn't a forbidden technique.
But why was Tsunade copying these techniques?
"Old man, keep busy. I'm heading out," Tsunade said as she returned the scroll to its hidden compartment, waved, and left the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage sat there, full of suspicion.
Tsunade wouldn't bother with the Flying Thunder God Technique for herself; she didn't have the talent for it. So if she wasn't copying it for herself, then who?
It had to be Shinki!
Realizing this, the Third Hokage's expression soured. But there was little he could do. He could restrict others, but not Tsunade.
"Here you go. The scroll contains the basic sealing techniques. Minato can study them alongside Kushina," Tsunade said, handing the scroll to Shinki.
Shinki accepted it with a nod. At this stage, Minato could only manage basic sealing techniques; the more advanced ones would have to wait until he had a solid foundation.
In the next few years, it was essential for Shinki to ensure Minato's training progressed smoothly. This was also a critical period for Nawaki's development.
Over time, Shinki's reputation as the "God Slayer" spread throughout the ninja world. News of Hanzo of the Salamander's failed surprise attack on Konoha's camp—and his subsequent defeat—stunned many.
While Hanzo's title as a demigod may have seemed exaggerated, his strength was undeniable. That he could be pushed back so forcefully, especially by a medical ninja, defied belief.
Since when had Konoha's medical ninjas become so formidable?
The title of God Slayer took on a life of its own, and Shinki's exploits quickly circulated across the ninja world.
Many who read the reports were left in disbelief.
Were the reports falsified?
After finishing her work, Tsunade returned home to find Shinki lying lazily on the sofa.
"It's been ages, and you're still lounging around. Was it really that exhausting on the front lines?"
"More than you can imagine," Shinki replied, yawning and shifting to a more comfortable position. "During the day, I had to oversee everything in the medical room, and at night, the Slug Sage dragged me to the Shikkotsu Forest to practice senjutsu. It's been like this for months. What do you think?"
Anyone else would have collapsed under the strain. The Slug Sage had chosen the busiest period of Shinki's life to insist on senjutsu training. Tsunade felt a pang of sympathy for him.
It made sense that, now back in the village, he spent most of his time resting and looking perpetually tired. After months of constant pressure, even the strongest nerves would need time to unwind.
"Here, take a look," Tsunade said, sitting on the other end of the sofa and tossing two scrolls at him.
"???"
Shinki caught the scrolls, opened them, and couldn't help but laugh after reading a few lines.
"Fake reports?"
The lengths people would go to were amusing.
It wasn't surprising that some questioned the authenticity of the reports about Hanzo's defeat. But what amused Shinki was the idea that people thought the information was fabricated.
How could an ordinary nobody suddenly rise to prominence? It seemed laughable on an international scale.
It had only been two years since Shinki's transformation from an obscure figure in his clan to a formidable shinobi. His rapid growth was almost unbelievable.
Two years ago, he had been a minor figure, even viewed as frail due to a mysterious blood illness. Then everything changed.
First, he uncovered his incredible medical talent. Then, his subsequent experiences seemed almost fantastical.
"You're really laughing at people questioning you?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's not like it's coming from the villagers, so why not? Some of these rumors are just too ridiculous to ignore," Shinki said, amused by the Anbu's dedication in collecting and delivering these intelligence reports to Tsunade.
Tsunade felt reassured seeing that Shinki wasn't bothered by the rumors. She had been worried that he might react impulsively to being questioned, but seeing him unperturbed eased her mind.
As she headed toward the bathroom, she called back, "Get some rest. You're reporting to Anbu in three days."
"???"
Wait, what?
Anbu? Shinki dropped the scrolls and called out, "Are you serious, Tsunade? You want me to join Anbu? Do you really think I'm suited for that?"
Tsunade paused at the bathroom door, glanced back, and smirked. "No, but it doesn't matter. You won't be just another Anbu member; you'll be leading them."
"..."
The news stunned Shinki.
Whether or not he fit the Anbu mold was irrelevant. He was being put in charge of them.
And suddenly, it hit him: Tsunade was planning to leave the village.
"You're leaving, aren't you?" he asked.
From inside the bathroom, Tsunade's voice came back, slightly muffled, "What else? Should I go to the battlefield in the River Country instead? I'm a Konoha ninja. It's my duty during war. Besides, they need me on the front lines."
If it were a war against other villages, medical ninjas like Tsunade and Shinki might not have much room to make a difference.
But with Sand Village as the enemy, it was different.
Even one of them on the battlefield would drastically reduce the effectiveness of Sand Village's puppet forces.
"Can't we negotiate this?" Shinki sighed, rubbing his face.
Anbu was not exactly a comfortable post—it was full of complex, demanding tasks that could consume one's time and energy.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 280 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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