Danzo clicked his tongue, a sharp sound that echoed in the room like a whip.
"As if this boy would tell the truth! Of course, he'd protect the Uchiha. He might even be in cahoots with them to overthrow the Hokage."
Shikai clenched his teeth, but gave nothing away on his face.
'This old vulture... He really can't wait to graft himself some Sharingan, can he?' he thought with contempt.
Hiruzen raised a calming hand, but his expression remained tense.
"Danzo, don't jump to conclusions. Shikai, can you tell us more about the masked man's abilities?"
Shikai took a deep breath, feigning an effort to recall the events.
"It was a kind of ability that made him... intangible. All my attacks passed through his body as if he wasn't really there."
The elders exchanged serious looks, while Hiruzen furrowed his eyebrows.
"Intangible, you say?" he murmured, thoughtful.
"Yes, Sandaime-sama," Shikai confirmed with a solemn tone.
Hiruzen was about to ask another question when Danzo, visibly annoyed, interrupted.
"Medical reports indicate strange seals on your body, Shikai. We'd like to know more."
"Ah..." he began, feigning hesitation.
He lowered his eyes, playing the role of a scared child, as if struggling to find the words.
"I'm sorry, Danzo-sama, but..."
Danzo clicked his tongue again, this time with more impatience.
"If you don't want to answer, then Root will take care of extracting the truth from you," he growled.
Hiruzen, although visibly upset, raised a hand to calm his former rival.
"It's important, Shikai. We need to know if you pose a threat to the village."
Shikai raised his eyes, displaying a resigned expression tinged with respect, although he was seething with annoyance inside.
"If it's the Sandaime who asks me..."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"These marks are actually a secret Uzumaki fuinjutsu. Kushina-sensei bequeathed it to me, in the heat of the moment, as she feared she might not survive Kyubi's unsealing. It was thanks to this jutsu that I was able to repel the masked man."
It was a lie he had prepared for a long time. He had designed it to be plausible, based on the truths he knew, and no one was there to contradict him.
Danzo, however, did not seem convinced. His narrowed eyes betrayed his skepticism and calculated interest, or rather he was eager to get his hands on such a powerful fuinjutsu that could stand up to someone who could even control Kyubi.
"Tell us more about this jutsu," he insisted, his intentions obvious.
Before Shikai could respond, a loud thud suddenly echoed in the room.
*BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.*
The sound of rapid, heavy footsteps drew closer, and the tension in the room rose. A muffled cry rang out in the corridor.
"Tsunade-sama, you can't be—"
*Aaarrgh!*
An ANBU was thrown through the door, crashing heavily to the ground, bloodied. All eyes turned to the broken entrance, where an imposing figure stood in a mix of anger and grace.
"Old waste!" roared Tsunade, her eyes blazing. "Who do you think you are to take MY Shikai?"
She entered the room with overwhelming authority, and even Danzo seemed to hesitate for a moment in the face of her fury. Hiruzen closed his eyes, sighing deeply, while Shikai, still seated, masked a smirk.
...
Tsunade walked with heavy, determined steps, her heels clacking on the paved floor. Her face, illuminated by the flickering lamps, was flushed with anger and, perhaps, the effects of a little too much sake. Her scarlet cheeks contrasted with her flawless skin, soft and slightly golden, giving her expression an intensity that was both seductive and dangerous.
Her eyes, bright and piercing, shot bolts of rage at anyone who dared to meet her gaze. But behind this fury lay a kind of deep emotional wound marked by the unfortunate events she had endured in recent years.
Her pale green kimono, slightly disheveled due to her hurried walk and state of intoxication, revealed an impressive silhouette. The panels of her top, barely kept in place, exposed a daring and plunging neckline, accentuating her prominent breasts that seemed to defy gravity. The fabric struggled to contain their opulence, and with each step she took, these two very convincing arguments swayed slightly, adding an unintentional sensuality to her stride.
A few blonde locks escaped her hairstyle, framing her face and falling onto her neck and shoulders with a seductive nonchalance.
Her black belt, tightened around her slender waist, accentuated the curve of her hips, giving perfect harmony to her hourglass figure. Under her kimono, her long and toned legs were barely covered, revealing smooth and flawless skin. Her heeled sandals showcased her elegant feet, completing her appearance.
Tsunade seethed, speaking aloud without really expecting an answer.
"Those damn elders... Those old fools! They think they can manipulate everyone like pawns on a chessboard. But not you, Shikai. I won't let them break you."
Danzo, furious, pointed an accusing finger at Tsunade. His voice, filled with contempt and anger, resonated in the room.
"Tsunade, is this your famous sense of responsibility?" he roared. "Your behavior puts Konoha in danger! Defending this child when he could be a threat to the village... Are you betraying Konoha?"