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Uchiha Haru and Chief Kaguya walked silently along the main road.
Neither of them spoke. Each was lost in their own thoughts.
Haru was reflecting on the scene earlier, when he'd encountered Might Guy, Kurenai Yuhi, and Asuma Sarutobi.
He'd been in Konoha for over ten years now.
He didn't have any particularly close partners or friends.
But if he had to name a few people who stood out, it would be those three—along with Yugao Uzuki and Hayate Gekko.
They hadn't been through much together.
In fact, Asuma and Hayate had been openly hostile toward him from the very beginning.
However, when faced with the top brass of Konoha, they stood up for him without hesitation, speaking out on his behalf without fear.
It hadn't changed much in the end.
But Haru had never forgotten that gesture.
And clearly, neither had they.
He still remembered how, the moment he appeared, Kurenai had recognized him from behind, from a single sentence.
Then, when he fully revealed himself, Might Guy—who had opened seven of the Eight Gates—only said one sentence. Then he withdrew his attack and let himself enter a weakened state.
"Haru, I feel relieved now that you're here."
That unconditional trust stirred something deep inside Haru's usually emotionless heart.
"Is this what they call... a bond?"
Haru murmured inwardly.
The people were the same as before, yet somehow different.
An invisible gulf now stretched between them, difficult to cross.
It was one of the reasons he had left so abruptly.
The Kaguya clan leader, walking beside him, silently thanked his luck. Thankfully, he hadn't killed any of them earlier.
Otherwise, things would've been catastrophic.
He had lived for decades and served as clan leader for many years. He could read between the lines with ease.
The three little Leaf brats clearly had some kind of relationship with Haru—and not a shallow one.
Especially that female ninja... that expression in her eyes—it was difficult not to think too much about it.
If he had killed them without knowing…
The thought alone sent a chill down his spine.
In the future, if he ever encountered a Konoha ninja again, he'd need to be extremely cautious.
Killing someone by mistake would mean serious consequences.
"Mr. Haru, how many friends do you have in Konoha?" the Kaguya chief asked carefully.
This matter was important to him.
"Not many," Haru replied calmly.
"Oh, that's good then," the clan leader said with a sigh of relief. "I just attacked one of Mr. Haru's friends and nearly made a grave mistake. I hope you won't hold it against me."
During the skirmish just now, only one of the trio, Lee, had suffered minor injuries. The others were fine.
In truth, these words were more about etiquette than necessity. The Kaguya chief didn't think Haru would take it personally.
Still, it didn't hurt to voice the sentiment.
"A grave mistake?" Haru said evenly. "With Guy around, you wouldn't have been able to hurt them."
He wasn't trying to insult the Kaguya leader—he was simply stating a fact.
In the ninja world, Might Guy with seven gates open could obliterate Kisame Hoshigaki in seconds.
Even if Guy was slightly weaker now...
With seven gates, he could kill a Kage-level opponent.
And if that wasn't enough—there was always the Eighth Gate.
The Kaguya leader stiffened.
A vision flashed in his mind: Guy surging at him, wreathed in blue steam.
That speed. That overwhelming power.
He could feel the breath of death approaching.
He wasn't confident he could survive a direct confrontation.
"Mr. Haru, what kind of ninjutsu was that? It's terrifyingly strong!" the Kaguya leader asked.
Haru spoke clearly and deliberately: "The Eight Gates Technique."
"The Eight Gates of Dunjia?!"
"No wonder…"
The Kaguya clan head seemed deep in thought.
During the Third Great Ninja War, an unknown Konoha shinobi—Might Guy—fought alone against the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, killing four and severely wounding three.
He'd forcibly turned the Seven Swordsmen into the Three Swordsmen—relying solely on this forbidden technique.
Eight Gates Technique.
The kid from Konoha just now must have been Might Guy's student or kin. And to think he'd mastered the Eight Gates to such a level, even surpassing his teacher...
Might Guy…
After traveling for most of the day, Haru and the Kaguya leader arrived in a small town.
The town was modest in size, but surprisingly lively.
The streets bustled with vendors hawking all kinds of goods.
The Kaguya chief asked around until they located the town's only major casino.
After a few more questions, Haru and the Kaguya chief found Tsunade.
They entered a tavern together.
Tsunade sat inside, holding a sake cup in one hand while shoveling food into her mouth with chopsticks in the other. She had zero manners—just stuffing her face as if she hadn't eaten in days.
The Kaguya chief blinked in disbelief. This was one of the legendary Sannin?
This... this woman?
Just earlier, she'd been chased through the streets by a mob of debt collectors, looking like a complete mess.
And now she was eating like a savage.
Was this really the woman known as Tsunade?
It wasn't at all what he had imagined.
She sat cross-legged at the table, scarfing down skewers, bowls of rice, and pickled vegetables. Her cheeks were puffed out like a chipmunk.
The legendary best medical ninja in the ninja world?
But that wasn't the most surprising thing.
What truly shocked him was Tsunade's appearance.
This legendary kunoichi had made her name during the Third Great Ninja War at just twenty-five years old. One of the fabled Three Legendary Sannin of Konoha, her feats were known across the Five Great Nations.
Now, nearly twenty years had passed.
By all logic, Tsunade should be significantly older—definitely older than the current head of the Kaguya Clan.
But in reality...
Tsunade looked terrifyingly young.
Her honey-blonde hair cascaded casually over her shoulders. Her skin was alabaster smooth, her features refined and striking—eyebrows arched like delicate brushstrokes, eyes bright with confidence. There was no trace of age in her appearance. She radiated the charm of a mature woman while retaining the vigor and glow of youth. A flawless blend of power and beauty.
If Uchiha Haru hadn't told him this was Tsunade, he wouldn't have believed it—not even if someone beat him to death trying to convince him.
She looked like a woman in her late twenties at most—and she was the fabled Tsunade Senju?
"Lady Tsunade!"
Next to her stood a kunoichi in black attire, whispering in admonishment. Shizune. Loyal assistant and medical ninja, well aware of decorum. She reminded her master to act more appropriately, given her legendary status.
Tsunade, however, paid her no mind.
She continued to eat and drink like a war-hardened mercenary.
After all, she'd been on a losing streak for months. She couldn't remember the last time she had a decent meal.
"What do you want from me?" she asked between mouthfuls, chewing unbothered.
Uchiha Haru exchanged a glance with the leader of the Kaguya Clan.
The man instantly caught Haru's silent cue. Rising respectfully, he bowed and said, "Lady Tsunade, we came all the way from Kirigakure to find you. It's about my son—he's afflicted with a strange illness."
"We've consulted many renowned medical-nin, but none could identify or treat the condition. That's why we sought you out."
"You're the most skilled medical ninja in the world. If anyone can help him, it's you."
Tsunade continued eating, took a deep swig of sake, and gave a nonchalant nod. "Oh."
"Well, healing is part of a medical ninja's duty. I can't refuse."
She paused to finish her drink. "But it's already late. How about we set off for Kirigakure tomorrow?"
"Lady Tsunade, we—"
Shizune tried to signal her to reconsider, her face tense with disapproval. But Tsunade simply waved her off.
"Alright, alright!" the Kaguya clan leader exclaimed, unable to hide his joy. He hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. That Tsunade would agree so readily was beyond belief.
Uchiha Haru narrowed his eyes, sensing something odd, but said nothing.
"Lady Tsunade," the clan leader continued, voice thick with gratitude, "if you can cure my son, the entire Kaguya Clan will owe you an enormous debt. If you ever need anything from us, we will do our utmost to help."
"Even if my son's condition doesn't improve, we'll still owe you a favor."
Tsunade raised a hand lazily. "Alright, alright."
As night deepened and the others rested after the hearty meal and drink, Tsunade quietly gathered a few belongings.
With a small pack slung over her shoulder, she crept toward the exit, Shizune trailing behind with visible unease.
"Lady Tsunade, isn't this a bit… irresponsible?" Shizune whispered. "You already agreed to help them. Why are we leaving—"
"And who the hell wants to go to Kirigakure?" Tsunade retorted, waving off her concern.
"Besides, you know my condition. You think I can treat anyone like this?"
She didn't wait for a reply.
"But… we—"
"No buts. Are you coming or not? If you're not, I'll leave without you."
Tsunade pushed the door open slightly and peered outside. Once she confirmed the coast was clear, she slipped into the shadows with the ease of an experienced rogue.
"Wait for me, Lady Tsunade!" Shizune called, scrambling after her.
At last, they were out.
Tsunade and Shizune wandered through the dimly lit streets, the night breeze brushing against their faces. With bellies full and no obligation left behind, they walked freely, grinning.
This was classic Tsunade—vanishing right after being fed and flattered. Mission accomplished. Reputation preserved. Debts avoided.
The next morning, the two ninja from Kirigakure would wake to find the house empty.
The mere thought made Tsunade chuckle.
"Lady Tsunade, where are we going now?" Shizune asked, still a little winded from the sudden getaway.
Tsunade rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Where's the nearest casino?"
"You're still gambling?!"
Shizune was stunned.
She truly didn't understand. Tsunade had never won a single time. Ever. And yet she was obsessed.
Tsunade glanced sideways at her with a withering stare.
Shizune instantly shut up and pointed in a direction, sweating nervously under the weight of Tsunade's glare.
They were just about to leave—
When two figures suddenly appeared in front of them.
"Lady Tsunade," one of them said with a chilling calm, "leaving without even saying goodbye? That's not very polite, is it?"
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Love the story and can't wait to see what happens next?
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Thank you for reading, and I truly appreciate your support! 💖
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