The battle ended in utter devastation for Tsunade.
Even the mighty Nine-Faced Su Pohe, summoned by Uzumaki Kuronaru, proved too much for her to handle. Many believed Tsunade hadn't used her full power. If she had unleashed the strength of her Strength of a Hundred Seal, she might have defeated Su Pohe.
But even if she succeeded, it wouldn't have changed the outcome.
Kuronaru, with his overwhelming power, made it clear that Tsunade was no match for him. In the end, it seemed the ninja world could only bow before such a force.
"Powerful shinobi like Kuronaru can do as they please," muttered Jiraiya, frustration evident in his tone.
Tsunade herself was indignant. "What kind of one-on-one fight was that?" she snapped.
Orochimaru smirked. "Naruto-kun's idea of one-on-one is simply you facing his servants. He has nine, after all. It was hardly unfair."
Jiraiya sighed. "Alright, alright, Tsunade. Just calm down. At least Kuronaru didn't kill you outright."
The other onlookers had their opinions too.
Uchiha Madara sneered, "I thought the descendant of Hashirama would put up more of a fight. Pathetic."
Senju Tobirama glared, "Kuronaru's original targets were Danzo and Obito. Why would he suddenly target Tsunade?"
Terumi Mei speculated, "Perhaps it's not about her directly. What if Kuronaru plans to draw Tsunade to his side? If she joins him, Konoha could lose significant influence."
Onoki nodded, "If Kuronaru gains Tsunade's support, Konoha could fall into his grasp without much resistance."
Tsunade clenched her fists in frustration. "That brat is too cunning. Not only is his power unmatched, but his schemes are impossible to counter. I give up. No one can beat him."
---
Kuronaru's Warning
Kuronaru smirked as he looked down at Tsunade, her arms broken and hanging limp at her sides. With a sneer, he tossed her aside like she was nothing.
"Tell her when she wakes up," he said coldly. "Train harder. If she's this weak the next time I come, I'll make sure she suffers before I end her."
As the Nine-Faced Su Pohe disappeared, the shinobi of Konoha could only stare in a mix of anger and terror.
"This is the village built by Senju Hashirama?" Kuronaru mocked. "A village of cowards."
Hatake Kakashi and Nara Shikaku stepped forward. "You've achieved your goal," Kakashi said firmly. "Now leave."
Kuronaru let out a chilling laugh. "You're right. I have no interest in this pathetic village. I'll come back when there's something worth my attention."
With that, Kuronaru vanished, leaving the village in chaos.
---
Danzo's Plot
In the aftermath of Kuronaru's attack, the Konoha council convened in secret. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were visibly shaken.
"What do we do now?" Koharu asked.
"Uchiha Madara…" Homura muttered, still unable to believe the legendary figure could have returned.
Shimura Danzo, however, remained calm. "Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen were alive, there'd be no solution to this problem," he said coldly.
Koharu frowned. "Danzo, that's uncalled for—"
Danzo cut her off. "Hiruzen's sentimentality was always a hindrance. I will take the necessary steps to protect Konoha."
"And what steps would those be?" Homura asked.
Danzo smirked. "It's simple. Kuronaru's main target is Tsunade because she's the descendant of Senju Hashirama. If she's not here, he has no reason to attack Konoha again."
The room fell silent. Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances.
"You're suggesting we exile Tsunade?" Koharu asked cautiously.
Danzo nodded. "It's for the village's safety. She has a responsibility as Hokage to protect Konoha, even if it means leaving."
Koharu and Homura hesitated, but they could see no alternative.
---
Tsunade's Departure
A few days later, Tsunade was summoned and informed of her removal as Hokage. The Fire Daimyo himself had approved the decision. She was to leave Konoha—and even the Land of Fire—immediately.
Standing at the village gates, Tsunade forced a smile as she bid farewell to Nara Shikaku, who had come to see her off.
"Don't look so glum, Shikaku," Tsunade said. "It's not like I'm dying."
"Lady Tsunade…" Shikaku began, but he trailed off, unable to find the words.
"I get it," she said, waving him off. "You don't have to explain. This is how things are."
She glanced back at the Hokage Rock, her gaze lingering on her grandfather's face. Grandfather, is this what you envisioned for Konoha?
With a deep sigh, she turned away and began her journey, Shizune by her side.
---
A Familiar Face
As they walked through the forest, Tsunade tried to shake off her bitterness.
"Master Tsunade," Shizune said suddenly, her voice trembling.
"What is it?" Tsunade asked, looking up.
Shizune pointed ahead, where a group of figures blocked their path. At the center of the group stood a familiar man with pale skin and long, dark hair.
"Orochimaru," Tsunade said, her eyes narrowing.
Orochimaru stepped forward, a smirk on his lips. "Tsunade, what a coincidence. Or perhaps not. I've been waiting for you."
"What do you want?" she snapped.
Orochimaru's smirk widened. "Not what I want, but what my master wants."
"Master?" Tsunade repeated, stunned. "You've aligned yourself with someone?"
"You'll find out soon enough," he said. "But let's make this simple. He needs your help, Tsunade."
Tsunade clenched her fists. "If you think I'd willingly help whoever you're working for, you're delusional."
Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Oh, I thought you'd say that. But let me make myself clear: if you refuse, I can't guarantee Shizune's safety."
At his signal, the group surrounding them drew their weapons.
"Make your choice, Tsunade," Orochimaru said. "But I think you already know what it will be."
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