Report it to Hashirama instead?
No, that wouldn't work either. With Hashirama's personality, he'd probably just ask Wen Lan for money to go gambling…
Wen Lan's eyes suddenly lit up. He turned his head and shouted:
"Someone come quick! The princess of the Senju clan is stealing in my—mmph!"
Before he could finish, a large hand clamped over his mouth.
Crack—
Several of Wen Lan's teeth shattered instantly. Even his jaw made a brittle snapping sound.
He stared at Tsunade in shock.
Tsunade stared back, equally stunned.
By heaven and earth, she had only meant to cover his mouth.
She hadn't meant to use that much strength!
Realizing what she'd done, she quickly let go and clasped her hands together.
"Sorry, sorry! I really didn't mean—"
She stopped mid-sentence when she saw Wen Lan's jaw hanging at an unnatural angle.
Her pupils shrank.
Then—
Under her astonished gaze, Wen Lan's jaw slowly realigned itself.
He clenched his teeth and glared at her.
"Stealing and assaulting the victim, huh?"
"I was wrong! I was really wrong!" Tsunade apologized hurriedly. She still had her pride, after all!
Wen Lan snorted, wiped the blood from his mouth, and rolled his eyes.
"Still standing there? Waiting for me to treat you to dinner?"
Tsunade immediately bolted.
This time, she had truly embarrassed herself.
Wen Lan rubbed his restored jaw and went to take a bath. As he undressed, he noticed his clothes were tattered—corroded by the Slug Sage's acid.
He didn't care.
After a comfortable wash, he sat cross-legged in his room, sensing the natural energy in the air.
Though the outside world couldn't compare to Shikkotsu Forest's density, it was more than enough.
Combined with his "Demon Power" absorption rate, he felt he could maintain Sage Mode indefinitely.
Life gradually became peaceful.
Mornings were spent training with Might Guy and Might Dai.
Late mornings teaching genjutsu to Itachi and Kurenai.
Afternoons practicing sword techniques.
Evenings strolling through the village with Hana of the Inuzuka clan.
Occasionally taking Hikari and Pakura out as well.
Tsunade, meanwhile, gambled daily—losing everything and drowning in debt. Creditors frequently blocked Wen Lan's doorway.
At first, he helped repay her debts.
Eventually, he issued a strict ban: no gambling houses were allowed to admit Tsunade anymore. Otherwise, he wouldn't cover her losses.
Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan had now become jōnin and were executing missions independently. Sometimes they sent reports. Sometimes Konan stopped by personally.
Time flowed quietly.
Until one peaceful afternoon—
The entire Uchiha clan stirred.
Uchiha Mikoto had given birth to her second son.
The infant's cry split the evening air.
Clan elders arrived to offer congratulations. Fugaku held the newborn with an unusually gentle smile.
This time, congratulations came not only from the Uchiha.
The Hyūga, Nara, Yamanaka, and other major clans all sent gifts.
Minato even personally visited—with a heavily pregnant Kushina at his side.
The child was named Sasuke.
Historically, Hiruzen Sarutobi's father had also been named Sasuke—passing down the name of a strong predecessor was traditional.
But Wen Lan seriously suspected Fugaku's real intention was:
"Hiruzen, my son is your father."
That night, the banquet blazed with lights and laughter. Cups clinked endlessly.
Even Itachi knelt obediently beside Mikoto, curiously watching his newborn brother.
Little Sasuke slept with flushed cheeks, occasionally puckering his lips as if suckling in dreams.
Mikoto gently stroked his forehead and whispered to Itachi:
"He is your most important family member. Protect him well."
Itachi nodded solemnly, childish yet resolute light flickering in his eyes.
Wen Lan stood under the eaves outside, sipping sake, watching the lively scene with a faint smile.
The night breeze carried laughter and wine into the air.
He knew this year would not be ordinary.
The Konoha Twelve would soon all be born.
The Nine-Tails Incident.
The true beginning of fate's storyline.
"Why are you drinking alone, Wen Lan-kun?"
A hoarse voice sounded beside him.
He glanced sideways at Orochimaru.
"Aren't you doing the same?"
Orochimaru chuckled darkly.
"The experiment succeeded. All side effects removed."
"Oh?" Wen Lan raised an eyebrow.
"Would you like to see?"
Wen Lan looked back at the lively banquet.
"Another day. Tonight belongs to the Uchiha's newborn."
Orochimaru's eyes flickered. His fingers rubbed together within his sleeve, suppressing excitement.
Fireworks burst overhead, illuminating half the sky.
Wen Lan gazed at the brilliant display.
The Nine-Tails Incident approaches.
The gears of fate are turning.
I will protect the village—and the Uchiha.
Kushina smiled at Sasuke in Mikoto's arms.
"If our children are both boys, let them be brothers. If I have a girl, let them marry. What do you think?"
"Of course," Mikoto said warmly. "Your child will be born soon, right?"
"Three more months."
Wen Lan laughed from the side.
"Hana's little brother was born recently. When she first saw him, she almost told Akamaru to throw him away because he was so ugly."
The two women burst into laughter.
"Newborns really aren't very cute at first."
Wen Lan shrugged.
"Hana was disgusted. Even now that he looks better, she still complains."
The night stretched long with joy.
The next morning, Wen Lan visited Orochimaru's laboratory early.
Orochimaru welcomed him enthusiastically.
They examined the experimental subject—a death-row prisoner.
His eyes were lifeless. Skin normal. He ate mechanically.
Wen Lan frowned slightly.
Orochimaru waved dismissively.
"He tried to escape several times. I severed his nerves."
Wen Lan nodded and brought the subject into sunlight.
No burning. No abnormalities.
"He's been eating for a month," Orochimaru said. "All bodily functions are normal."
Wen Lan considered.
"Find another death-row prisoner. This time, don't sever his nerves. Seal his chakra and confine him long-term."
"If there are no abnormalities after extended observation, the technology can be considered stable."
"But if anything goes wrong—"
He looked at Orochimaru calmly.
"It will be your problem."
"No problem," Orochimaru replied with a thin smile.
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