They acknowledged that Shinki's medical skills were exceptional, but what about his other abilities? Why were they so eager for Tsunade to head to the front lines?
Besides Tsunade's expertise in medicine and her skill in preparing remedies, wasn't the real motive to activate Shimura Danzo?
Whether it was the Third Hokage, Utatane Koharu, or Mito Kado En, none of them wanted the Hokage faction to split into two. They didn't dare to dismantle Tsunade's faction themselves. But without taking action, they were dissatisfied, leaving Shimura Danzo as their instrument.
If Tsunade left the village, Shimura Danzo could be released and mobilized. And when Tsunade retaliated, the blame could conveniently fall on Danzo, who had grown used to being the scapegoat.
However, their plan crumbled before it even began.
Tsunade didn't engage with their challenge; instead, she played her cards openly.
The Third Hokage frowned. "If Tsunade is confident, it means Hyuga Shinki is competent enough to remain in the camp. We all know Nara Shikako's command skills. It's just a shame about Danzo…"
The room fell into silence for a while.
Finally, Mito Kado En spoke softly, "We'll wait for an opportunity."
They could target others openly or covertly, but these methods were unusable against Tsunade due to her unique status. Any underhanded moves against her could send her running straight to the daimyo's mansion, and the daimyo would undoubtedly favor her.
It was like a dog biting a hedgehog—nowhere to grab hold of without pain.
Avoiding confrontation left them frustrated, impacting their interests. But trying to bite down would only result in a mouthful of thorns and little gain.
Back at home, Tsunade immediately sought out Shinki, who had become the household's chief strategist.
"Keep the situation stable. As long as you stay in the village and ensure that Shimura Danzo stays in prison, everything else is secondary. Even if the war goes poorly, you won't be held accountable."
Shinki reassured Tsunade, urging her not to overthink.
Tsunade sighed. "I'm not worried about the old man and his allies causing trouble. I'm worried about losing the war."
The situation in the Land of Rain was chaotic. Konoha, Sand Village, Rock Village, and Rain Village—once the fighting began, it would be a tangled mess of alliances and betrayals.
"There may be heavy losses, but Konoha won't lose. Trust me."
In the original timeline, Konoha outwardly emerged victorious in the Rain Country war but suffered substantial hidden losses. This was why Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya grew to resent the title of the Sannin. Konoha's 'victory' was only because Hanzo of the Salamander chose to yield.
Shinki raised a clenched fist. "I won't accept failure either."
Seeing Shinki's determined confidence, Tsunade relented. "Alright, the Land of Rain is in your hands. I'll stay here. While I'm in the village, no one will dare release Shimura Danzo."
If they dared, she would tear him apart herself.
The Third Hokage valued his reputation, which was why he kept Danzo around despite the risks. He wouldn't risk the backlash from the daimyo's questioning, which gave Tsunade the upper hand.
"Keep that strong spirit. I like women who are fearless," Shinki teased, reaching to pinch her cheek.
Tsunade slapped his hand away, annoyed but amused.
Meanwhile, Konoha hoped that Sand Village would show restraint. However, Sand Village had other plans, sending more troops to the Land of Rain. Although their numbers were small, their intentions were clear—they wouldn't back down.
Konoha had no choice but to follow suit.
War was now inevitable.
At the tavern, Shinki joined a farewell gathering with Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya. He grumbled after a few drinks, "I just got back from the border, and now I'm being sent to the Rain Country. What timing!"
Tsunade would stay behind, but Orochimaru and Jiraiya were bound to go. This dinner was their send-off, and Tsunade had brought Shinki along. Though Orochimaru and Shinki weren't close, they could converse. Jiraiya, being gregarious, quickly warmed up to everyone. But as Tsunade held Shinki's hand, Jiraiya grew silent.
Orochimaru chuckled lightly at Shinki's complaints. "I have experiments on hold, and now I must leave them behind."
He had just acquired a puppet for study, but the war called. Neither Orochimaru nor Shinki wanted to go.
"At least I have it easier," Shinki said with a wry smile. "I only need to treat the injured or prepare medicine. You both have to fight."
"Maybe we can collaborate more," Orochimaru suggested, finding common ground with Shinki.
Jiraiya, on the other hand, sat sullenly.
"Why so quiet?" Tsunade asked, sliding him a drink, puzzled by his uncharacteristic silence.
"I'm fine," Jiraiya muttered, taking the glass. He added, "I just didn't want to interrupt their conversation."
"Alright."
Tsunade didn't press him further.
After the dinner, Shinki and Tsunade left together, leaving Jiraiya drinking alone. Orochimaru watched him with a smirk of disdain. "You need to speak up sometimes. If you stay silent, you'll never have a chance."
Orochimaru knew Jiraiya liked Tsunade; it had been that way since childhood. But Jiraiya's awkward methods and their long history as friends made romance impossible for her.
"What's the point? I know Tsunade only likes good-looking guys!"
Orochimaru's smile vanished. "Idiot."
He hadn't scolded Jiraiya in years, but it felt justified now. Jiraiya hadn't changed at all.
With that, Orochimaru left, leaving Jiraiya brooding alone.
After departing the tavern, Shinki stocked up on spare parts and supplies. He sensed they would be needed soon. Jiraiya's troubles didn't concern him, and Tsunade wouldn't mention it.
Tsunade knew Jiraiya's feelings and had known since they were young. But she couldn't reciprocate, nor could she see him that way.
The reason? Perhaps they knew each other too well. Growing up as classmates, partners, and teammates, their relationship was too set in its ways to change into something romantic.
Knowing this, Tsunade kept quiet, avoiding any unnecessary awkwardness.
Shinki was ready to head to the Land of Rain. Kushina, Nawaki, and his young apprentice, the golden-haired kid, were all aware.
"Shinki, you just got back from the border, and now you're going again?" Kushina pouted, clinging to his arm, reluctant to let go.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 150 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss