Danzo caught Tsunade's downward punch with one hand.
…They're huge…
He quickly averted his gaze, silently declaring that he had no desire to die just yet.
"Lady Tsunade…" Shizune, standing to the side, was momentarily at a loss, unable to grasp the situation.
What shocked her even more was that Danzo had actually managed to block Tsunade's punch.
"You old bastard, I was just about to pay my respects at your grave." Tsunade, clearly displeased, sat down and downed the sake in front of her in one go.
Just looking at Danzo's youthful, handsome face ignited a surge of anger within her.
"This was a result of Orochimaru's research, commissioned by the Third Hokage before the Third Great Ninja War. After that disaster, I was gravely injured. Figured I might as well try it since I had nothing to lose… never expected it to actually work."
Danzo poured himself a cup of sake as he spoke, subtly shifting the blame elsewhere.
Seeing Tsunade silently drinking, he continued,
"Besides catching up with an old friend, I also wanted to talk about the Craftsmen Nation's Merchant Association. Their losses have been severe these past two years…"
"You old bastard…" Tsunade shot him a furious glare.
Seeing that she was finally responding, Danzo let out a small sigh of relief and quickly pressed on.
"I regret what happened with the First Hokage. I swear to you—something like that will never happen again. And I'll use this power to protect Konoha."
Shizune was utterly dumbfounded.
This handsome man… was actually Lady Tsunade's old friend? And he seemed even older than her?
How did they manage to be both old and youthful, mature yet attractive at the same time?
"I don't care what you do with that power. If you're done talking, get lost."
Sensing that Tsunade's anger had lessened considerably, Danzo stood up.
"Then I won't disturb you any further. But let's have lunch together tomorrow at your usual spot."
Before leaving, he glanced at the dazed Shizune.
"You should come along too."
"Ah…?"
Without waiting for a response, Danzo left the tavern.
...
The next morning, a servant came to invite Tsunade and Shizune to lunch at Ichifūdō, a high-end restaurant under the Craftsmen Nation's Merchant Association.
Tsunade and Shizune frequented this place—not because it was cheap, but precisely because it was expensive. It was considered one of the most luxurious restaurants in the Craftsmen Nation.
And whenever the two of them lost everything gambling, this was where they came to freeload.
...
In a private room upstairs, an elaborate feast was already prepared.
Upon arriving, Tsunade wasted no time and immediately began devouring the food and sake before her.
"Lady Tsunade, did you not eat last night…? My apologies." Shizune, blushing slightly, turned to Danzo and bowed.
Danzo merely smiled. "It's fine. You should eat too. No need to stand on ceremony here."
His warm tone and reassuring gaze made Shizune hesitantly sit down. She ate delicately and politely—an extreme contrast to Tsunade's uninhibited appetite.
"Enough stalling, old man. Just get to the point already."
Tsunade set her chopsticks down. Though her anger from the previous day had faded, she was still irritated.
Danzo hadn't just changed physically. His whole demeanor was completely different.
The old Danzo had been strict, always upholding authority, enforcing discipline, and ensuring the survival of Konoha. Though he had stopped his more despicable actions, he still led Root with an iron will, fiercely protecting the village and his comrades.
But now?
He was treating a young girl with kindness and patience, like some caring older brother from the neighborhood.
In contrast, she herself seemed more like the uncouth one.
Seeing Shizune's flushed face, Tsunade had to fight the urge to shout: Don't be fooled by this old bastard!
"I want to sign a summoning contract with the Shikkotsu Forest and learn senjutsu."
"You're going to be disappointed. The Slug Sage knows senjutsu, but the conditions to learn it are extremely strict. Normal people can't master it. The only successful case was my grandfather. You should go to Jiraiya instead."
It was clear that Tsunade didn't believe Danzo could succeed. Between the three great summoning regions, Mount Myōboku's senjutsu was far easier to learn.
"I'd prefer Shikkotsu Forest. It suits me better."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, staring at him intently.
Danzo wasn't one to make empty boasts. That could only mean one thing—
"How far has your Wood Release progressed?"
Danzo took a sip of sake. "It's decent, I suppose."
As his words fell, the wooden walls around them began sprouting branches. The tendrils spread throughout the room, and soon, clusters of small white flowers bloomed, filling the air with a light, delicate fragrance.
"You bastard—!" Tsunade sprang to her feet and cursed.
She tossed a summoning scroll onto the table, grabbed Shizune, and stormed out.
Out on the streets, Shizune cautiously asked, "Lady Tsunade, what's wrong?"
"Shizune, take this token and withdraw one billion ryo from the Craftsmen Nation's bank."
"Ah…? But we still have money. We won a lot last time. And that's such a huge sum…"
"Just do it. Take as much as you can—no mercy!" Tsunade growled through clenched teeth.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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