Shinki raised a finger at Tsunade, saying, "If the price is right, I think Hanzo, with all his ambition, wouldn't mind collaborating with Shimura Danzo. With his skill, sneaking in for an assassination would be easy, and most would be powerless to stop him."
Shimura Danzo couldn't act directly; the risk of exposure was too great. If it ever leaked that he had tried to assassinate a fellow Konoha shinobi, he'd be in deep trouble.
This was precisely why the Third Hokage wouldn't allow him to wield village resources—he feared Danzo might spiral out of control. And if that happened, Uzumaki Mito's wrath could make matters irreversible.
That left Danzo with one option: seeking outside help.
Hanzo of the Salamander was the perfect candidate. Given the camp's proximity to the Land of Rain, it wouldn't be too far for Hanzo to reach.
"Hanzo of the Salamander."
Tsunade's brow furrowed. Hanzo wasn't just any ninja; he was known as a demigod, one of the strongest in the world.
If he made a move, Shinki would be in grave danger.
Judging by Shinki's known abilities, being targeted by Hanzo would indeed be perilous.
"I checked before I left," Tsunade said. "Danzo announced that his old illness had flared up again, and he was resting at home. He could leave the village at any moment to seek out an alliance."
Resting and recuperating? It was just a convenient excuse to slip out unnoticed.
After finishing the last piece of meat on her plate, Tsunade looked at Shinki seriously. "What do you want to do? Should we get you transferred back to the village?"
"No."
Shinki declined the idea outright.
With Uzumaki Mito's influence, the Third Hokage would begrudgingly allow it, but Shinki shook his head.
"Why?"
Tsunade was puzzled. He knew someone was targeting him, yet he refused to return?
"Isn't it possible that Shimura Danzo *wants* Mito-sama to step in and recall me?" Shinki explained. "People like Danzo, who play these kinds of shadow games, have dirty tactics. They don't mind using underhanded methods to achieve their goals."
Even though the Third Hokage stood by Uzumaki Mito, he wouldn't interfere as long as it didn't affect him directly.
"Mito-sama isn't afraid of Danzo, but if something happens and bad rumors start circulating, it could create misunderstandings."
Hatake Sakumo was a painful reminder of how public perception could destroy even the strongest shinobi.
Tsunade opened her mouth to protest, but Shinki cut her off. "Mito-sama's position is unique. Danzo wouldn't dare challenge her openly, but he knows I'm vulnerable. If I returned to the village, people would start asking why the village's border defense was neglected, and the families of those stationed here would be upset."
Public opinion could sometimes be worse than an assassination.
"So, we're just supposed to accept this?" Tsunade's frustration was palpable. She hated feeling helpless.
"Not exactly," Shinki said with a grin. "Think about it. If I stay here, Danzo can't use public sentiment against me. And if he wants an assassination, he'll need to find someone capable who's willing to take the risk. Nobody's going to do that without significant incentive."
Hanzo of the Salamander was formidable, but he wasn't foolish.
Without enough to gain, no one would bother with Danzo's schemes.
"If you were Hanzo, would you take Danzo's deal without question?"
Tsunade shook her head. She wasn't naive, and Hanzo certainly wasn't either.
It would all come down to what Danzo could offer Hanzo to make the risk worthwhile.
"So, at least for now, you're safe?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes," Shinki confirmed.
"Good. Now, about earlier…" Tsunade's eyes narrowed as she stepped to the door and locked it.
"Uh…"
Was she about to settle the score?
"Ahem." Shinki tried to defend himself. "Tsunade, you can't blame me. You threw the blanket over my head, and I was holding the plate. I couldn't just let it fall."
"Oh, really? So, what do you have to say now? Did you enjoy the view?" she asked.
"It was… nice."
Shinki was an honest young man, after all. If something looked good, he wouldn't lie about it.
"You..."
Tsunade, who had planned to yell, found herself at a loss for words. Hyuga Shinki, you're too straightforward.
"How about I make up for it and declare my love for you?" he said with a smirk.
"..."
"Hyuga Shinki, you're dead meat!"
"Wait, hold on! Can't we talk this over? Are you really serious? I'll have to fight back."
"Wait, I'm still a kid! You can't do this!"
Tsunade's shout echoed across the camp, waking everyone. Ninjas burst from their cabins, rushing toward the medical room.
"Hold it!!"
Most of the camp's occupants didn't know Tsunade personally, but Sarutobi Mishima did. Hearing her voice, Mishima's face paled, and he quickly motioned to the others.
"Mishima, what's happening in the medical room?" Little Honda asked.
Mishima rubbed his face in exasperation. "It's Tsunade. Go back to sleep, everyone. Those on duty, stay on patrol. Don't interrupt."
When did Tsunade arrive, and why was she in the medical room with Shinki?
Hearing her shout, some of the older ninjas exchanged knowing glances, while a few of the younger ones chuckled, casting envious looks toward the medical room.
"Ahem. Everyone not on duty, back to bed. Nothing to see here," Mishima barked, dispersing the crowd.
Pulling Honda aside, he whispered, "Don't ask about things that don't concern you."
The camp soon quieted down, though the guards on duty cast curious glances toward the medical room.
"Tsunade, that's enough. A kiss is one thing, but did you have to bite me?" Shinki rubbed his lips, feeling the sting.
Tsunade licked her lips thoughtfully, as if testing something. After a moment, she shook her head and said, "Doesn't seem special. Maybe it's because you're still a kid."
I swear... if the great river crab god weren't watching, I'd show you what real "stick education" is!
"Go to sleep," Shinki grumbled, pulling out a fresh blanket and covering himself. He wasn't going to deal with this anymore. Tsunade could either share the bed or sleep at the table.
He had wisely prepared extra blankets, knowing how damp and moldy things could get in the Rain Country.
Only a fool would sleep at the table after all that.
In the middle of the night, Shinki felt a pair of hands sneak under his blanket. Tsunade muttered, "Didn't you say I was rude and unfeminine? So why are you reaching out now?"
"Ahem!"
Shinki coughed, quickly changing the subject. "When are you going back?"
"I can't stay long," Tsunade admitted. Initially, she planned to stay a bit longer, but after talking with Shinki, she realized it wouldn't be helpful.
In the short term, Shinki's safety seemed secure.
Even if their assumptions were correct, convincing Hanzo to make a move wouldn't be easy for Danzo.
"Then you should leave tomorrow. If you stay too long, it might stir dissatisfaction in the camp."
With the New Year approaching, many missed their families. The sight of Tsunade—the only female ninja in the camp—would inevitably cause issues over time.
"Alright."
Tsunade wasn't one to argue needlessly.
The next morning, she left the camp before sunrise and returned to the village without drawing attention to herself.
"It's pointless," she said to herself. "One night is enough."
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 60 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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