"The best in the world..."
Tsunade looked at him with a complicated gaze.
Perhaps, for anyone else in this world, Tsunade would think they were just full of themselves.
But Shun had perfectly inherited the Senju Clan's Wood Release and the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan, qualifications enough for such claims.
It wasn't pride or ambition, but the clearest fact.
Tsunade realized she couldn't convince him in a short time, so she could only settle for the next best thing, gritting her teeth.
"Shun, you also have Senju blood in your veins. At the very least, I hope you can agree to the same request as the Uchiha Clan."
"When you grow up, marry a woman from the Senju Clan and continue the clan's bloodline."
With that, Tsunade placed the training scrolls for the Mystical Palm Technique and the Strength of a Hundred Seal on the table.
"Consider this a betrothal gift from the Senju Clan. I promise to teach you Grandpa's Wood Release Sage Mode in the future."
"I agree."
Shun rolled his eyes as if pondering something, and a playful smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"However, it will be my choice whom I marry. At the very least, I need to marry someone I love. How about that?"
"As long as she is from the Senju Clan."
Tsunade, unaware of what he meant, nodded in satisfaction.
Shun placed both ninjutsu scrolls on the table and, at the same time, handed over the training method for the Rasengan to Tsunade.
"This contains the Rasengan I learned, which can be considered a return gift for you, Tsunade Onee-chan."
Tsunade trembled at hearing him call her that and agreed to the title.
She opened the ninjutsu scroll, and after seeing the power and training method of the Rasengan, she couldn't help but look at Shun in surprise.
"Did you... create this ninjutsu?"
"Of course!" Shun replied confidently.
"Your talent for ninjutsu is terrifying."
Tsunade set the scroll aside with a complicated expression, stood up, and left.
As she finally closed the door, she couldn't help but glance at the remaining descendant of the Senju Clan once more, whispering softly:
"The best in the world... that's true."
❀❀❀
Late at night
Shun, who was asleep, opened his eyes. At some point, four masked ANBU ninjas appeared in front of him.
"Takema Shun, Danzo-sama requests your presence."
Among them, the cat-masked ANBU spoke hoarsely of their purpose.
After speaking, his hand behind him already gripped a shuriken.
Shun didn't panic but looked at the four of them with interest.
'As expected, after Tsunade and the Uchiha Clan came, Danzo couldn't hold back any longer.'
'Four Jonin-level ninjas, this old fox truly values me, an Academy student!'
Shun didn't bother lifting his blanket and, without removing his coat, walked toward the four ANBU in a brisk tone.
"Please lead the way. With four Jonin here, I, an Academy student, can't escape."
None of the four ANBU responded, and two of them lifted him, instantly moving a thousand meters away using the Body Flicker Technique.
They weren't afraid of revealing the Root's location. There were only two possibilities for Shun entering—either be branded with the curse seal and become an ANBU member or...
❀❀❀
Moments later.
Shun was carried into an interrogation room.
The rich smell of blood and rows of cold, glistening torture tools sent a chill through the air. Whether in wartime or peace, almost no ninja brought here left standing tall.
If he were an ordinary student at the Ninja Academy, he'd probably be terrified out of his mind now.
But Danzo had observed in secret for a long time, and Shun showed no fear at all, even looking around with curiosity, glancing at the door expectantly.
'This kid is definitely a tough one, unafraid of punishment!'
Danzo defined Shun with a grim face, growing increasingly impatient inside.
He couldn't detain Shun for too long. Too many eyes were on him in the village. If he couldn't subdue him quickly, he would have to...
Danzo dismissed all his "roots" and entered the torture room alone.
"Brat, you have only two choices now: join the Root, stand against the Uchiha Clan and Tsunade, receive the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal, and become my subordinate, or you can only keep the village's peace with your death."
Danzo laid a kunai on the table, his sharp eyes betraying no hint of killing intent.
"The first or the last? You choose!"
"Shimura Danzo, they are all my blood relatives, kind brothers, and friends!" Shun shouted.
"Then what do you mean...?" Danzo's gaze sharpened.
"You need to pay more!!!"