Among the residents.
Kato Dan spat out a mouthful of blood, his breath weak, and he looked utterly embarrassed.
Kato Dan was being guarded by several Konoha Jonin, with Tsunade sitting not far away.
Sensing the change in Kato Dan, Tsunade's expression shifted. She asked urgently, "What happened?"
Kato Dan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and said regretfully, "The Spiritual Transformation Technique failed. Zenkichi's soul is too powerful."
Tsunade frowned. "Are you alright?"
Kato Dan gave a bitter smile. "My soul was attacked by Zenkichi. It's riddled with holes. I doubt I'll last long."
Tsunade formed a seal and summoned Katsuyu with a puff of smoke, tossing the slug to Kato Dan to begin healing.
"I can't heal soul damage," Tsunade said. "I've never studied the soul. But Katsuyu can at least treat your physical wounds."
Kato Dan accepted the treatment, took a deep breath, and said, "Thank you, Tsunade-sama…"
He looked at her earnestly. "There's something I've always wanted to say to you… But I didn't have the courage. And now, I'm afraid it's too late. Tsunade-sama, I like you…"
Tsunade froze, visibly startled. After a moment, she forced a smile and replied, "Really? I know."
If Kato Dan weren't so gravely injured, Tsunade would've surely made him taste her Super Strength Fist.
There's a reason Tsunade's been single all these years.
Even Jiraiya didn't dare confess to her outright. Who did Kato Dan think he was?
In the original timeline, they only became lovers because Tsunade took the initiative.
Who confesses, who responds, and who takes the lead—these were serious questions.
Only Tsunade confesses to others. No one dares confess to Tsunade.
Not just because of her strength, but also her temper. Disagree with her? Expect a fist in return.
"Dan Kato!"
"I never imagined you'd dare to confess to a woman stronger than yourself."
"Tsunade outclasses you in every way. Where'd you find the guts to confess?"
"Or have you abandoned your pride and dignity as a man?"
"In that case, you're pathetic!"
A smooth voice echoed through the room as golden light bloomed. Countless particles of light condensed into the form of Zenkichi.
"Zenkichi…!" Tsunade and the others snapped to attention, instantly on guard.
But Zenkichi wasn't looking at them. He eyed Kato Dan with curiosity, almost amusement. What a mess of a man.
In the original timeline, he confessed, got a cursed necklace, and died shortly after without even getting a reply.
Without saying another word, Zenkichi raised his hand and fired a laser. The golden beam shot toward Kato Dan's chest.
Seeking death, huh? Confessing during a crisis like it's a romantic drama? Disgusting.
Not to mention, Zenkichi had already damaged Kato Dan's soul earlier. Hearing the confession just made him all the more eager to finish the job.
Now, right after confessing to Tsunade, Dan was about to die again—without ever hearing her acceptance.
"Be careful!" Tsunade shouted, punching the ground to raise a barrier of stone in an attempt to block the laser.
"It's useless!" Zenkichi sneered.
He turned into particles of light and reappeared instantly—right behind Kato Dan.
"Speed is weight."
"Young Dan Kato…"
"Have you ever been kicked at the speed of light?"
Zenkichi's light-wrapped kick smashed into Dan's head, sending him crashing through a wall and flying.
[Achievement Unlocked – Kill Kato Dan!]
[Template Character – Kizaru]
[Unlock Progress: 30%]
Since his conflict with Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others, Zenkichi had earned several achievements. His template unlocking had now reached 30%.
"Damn you!" Tsunade roared, charging with a fist full of rage.
Zenkichi smirked and pulled a trademark Kizaru expression, mocking and relaxed. "Oh my… What terrifying killing intent."
Whoosh!
Tsunade's punch passed straight through Zenkichi's body, only managing to demolish the wall behind him.
"Big chest, small brain. That saying might hold some truth."
"If you're part of the operation against me, shouldn't you have at least read my file?"
Zenkichi said it with an almost disappointed shrug.
"Damn it!" Tsunade growled. "He's just as tricky as the intel suggested. But I won't back down."
"I might not be able to defeat you, but don't think taking me down will be easy either."
She stood firm, exuding her typical fighting spirit.
"Innocent." Zenkichi's voice was calm.
"As a medical ninja, shouldn't your first instinct be self-preservation?"
"Should I call you brave, or just plain reckless?"
"Young Tsunade…"
"Have you ever experienced a light-speed kick?"
Zenkichi vanished and reappeared beside her again, launching a blindingly fast kick.
Tsunade punched forward instinctively, her raw strength on full display.
But her punch swept through Zenkichi's leg harmlessly, and the recoil threw her balance off.
Zenkichi took the opportunity—he executed a smooth twist mid-air and reappeared behind her.
Another kick, this one fully charged with light particles, smashed into her back.
Boom!
Tsunade was sent flying, crashing through multiple walls.
"Don't think that just because you're pretty I'll go easy on you."
"We're enemies. Know your role."
"If you chose to join the mission to kill me… then expect to pay the price."
Zenkichi casually raised his hand and fired another laser at her falling form.
Boom!
The blast exploded through debris, but Tsunade dodged at the last second.
"You bastard…" she growled, seething with rage.
Zenkichi smirked. "Rejoice. At least you didn't die like Kato Dan."
Tsunade's expression hardened, and her anger flared.
"You didn't need to hold back!" she shouted.
"Why not? What's wrong with a little special treatment?" Zenkichi replied, half-joking.
With a glance, Zenkichi's Observation Haki picked up movement.
The Konoha elite were fast approaching.
He paused briefly.
How should I deal with them?
---
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