"That's true!"
Nara Shikaku nodded. "Stirring things up a bit is fine. This incident was clearly aimed at White Fang. I doubt the Third Hokage and Danzo expected such a sharp counterattack from him."
"This kind of public opinion reversal is practically textbook-level. Not only did it restore much of his reputation, but it also dealt Danzo a heavy blow. Just thinking about it feels satisfying."
Of course, Shikaku knew that Sakumo hadn't escaped unscathed.
At the very least, the position of Hokage was now out of reach.
But in his view, that might actually be a good thing.
The Hokage's seat was never easy to hold.
The Ino–Shika–Chō alliance stood firmly on the side of the Third Hokage. Their interests were tied together, and they didn't want any instability.
Unless someone could offer them greater benefits, they wouldn't switch sides.
When it came to clan survival, reality was always this harsh.
…
Inside a tavern in Konoha—
Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru sat together in a private room, drinking.
"Hahaha! That old bastard Danzo really took a huge loss this time. Senior Sakumo did a great job!"
Tsunade laughed heartily, feeling as refreshed as if she'd eaten ice cream on a scorching summer day.
She had always suspected that the deaths of Nawaki, Dan Katō, and even the decline of the Senju main branch had something to do with Danzo—and possibly even her own teacher, the Third Hokage.
She just had no proof.
So seeing Danzo suffer this time made her extremely happy.
"Indeed, it's impressive. But it doesn't feel like something Sakumo would do."
Orochimaru took a small sip of wine and spoke calmly. "Based on his personality, he wouldn't come up with such a counterattack."
His thinking was clear—someone else was behind Sakumo, guiding the overall situation.
Otherwise, Sakumo wouldn't have been smeared so badly before the reversal began.
Someone had stepped in to help.
"Yeah."
Jiraiya nodded. "It really doesn't seem like his style. But who could've done this? Whoever it is must be quite formidable."
For a moment, he couldn't figure it out.
"Hehe, I know~"
Tsunade said with a sly smile.
"Oh?"
Both Orochimaru and Jiraiya turned to her in surprise and asked in unison, "Who?"
"It wasn't you, was it, Tsunade? Not to look down on you, but you don't have that kind of ability."
Jiraiya said recklessly, full of disdain.
"Boom!"
In the next instant, Tsunade punched him in the face without hesitation.
With a loud crash, he was embedded straight into the wall.
"Damn! That hurts!"
After a while, Jiraiya crawled out, complaining bitterly. "Tsunade, that's too much! We're just talking—why hit me? I wasn't wrong!"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and cracked her knuckles. "Say one more word and I'll hit you again."
She had held back just now.
The next punch? Maybe not.
"Ahem…"
Orochimaru stepped in to mediate. "You two should stop arguing. We can't even eat in peace. Tsunade, just tell us already. I'm quite curious—someone with such a mind is worth knowing."
He liked dealing with intelligent people.
"Yeah, yeah! Tell us already! I'm curious too!"
Jiraiya quickly returned and sat down again.
Tsunade didn't drag it out and said directly, "It's Sakumo's new disciple—Shiro Akira. Also, half my disciple now. He's currently learning medical ninjutsu under me."
"Hmm?"
Orochimaru and Jiraiya were both stunned. "Sakumo's disciple?"
"If I remember correctly, he's only five or six years old? Same age as Kakashi Hatake?"
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow.
He was actually aware of Shiro Akira.
After all, as Sakumo's only disciple and someone he was on good terms with, he naturally paid attention.
"That's right! Six years old—and a genius!"
Tsunade said proudly.
Jiraiya looked at her in confusion. "I've noticed this for a while now—you treat that kid very differently. Even though he's Sakumo's disciple, you still took him in?"
"Don't tell me you've got your eyes on him and want to rob the cradle?"
Jiraiya's imagination ran wild.
Otherwise, he couldn't understand why Tsunade treated Shiro Akira so well.
Ever since Nawaki and Dan died, Tsunade had practically shut herself off emotionally.
"I think you're asking for death."
Tsunade clenched her fist and glared at him.
No wonder she beat him—he really deserved it.
Even Orochimaru looked at Jiraiya with speechless disdain.
No wonder this guy was single.
"So the kid has a special background?"
Orochimaru asked thoughtfully.
That was the only explanation he could think of.
Tsunade nodded. "As expected of you, Orochimaru. That kid is a descendant of the Senju clan, and his talent has already begun to awaken. Over the past month, his strength has been rising rapidly—he's extremely gifted."
"At first, the old man introduced him to me, hoping I'd take him as a disciple. Of course, there was also the intention of balancing Sakumo and pulling Shiro Akira to his side."
"I refused at first, but a few days ago, the kid came to me asking to learn medical ninjutsu. His talent in this area is outstanding, so I agreed."
At this point, Tsunade looked seriously at Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
"So, when I'm not in the village, take care of him for me."
"That kid has already offended Danzo. Sooner or later, Danzo will find out that he was the one behind Sakumo's strategy this time. He'll definitely hold a grudge."
"I'm worried Danzo will make a move against him."
After all—
She wasn't planning to stay in Konoha for long.
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