Chapter 219: Konoha's Response
After returning to their respective clan territories, the various ninja clans of Konoha held family meetings overnight to discuss how to get closer to Tsunade and the Flying Thunder God user.
Upon returning to the Hyuga clan territory, Hiashi Hyuga immediately convened a council meeting, where he recounted everything he had just seen and heard.
Hearing that one of the Sannin, Jiraiya, admitted he couldn't even match a third of the Flying Thunder God user's power, the Hyuga clan elders were shocked.
When they heard that Tsunade herself said all of Konoha combined couldn't defeat the Flying Thunder God user, the clan elders couldn't help but sigh.
Although they had heard this from Hyuga Rimei during the day, hearing it from Tsunade was much more convincing.
After a long silence, one Hyuga elder spoke up: "It seems we need to expedite Rimei's efforts."
"After tonight's events, the other ninja clans will surely set their sights on the Flying Thunder God user."
The other clan elders nodded in agreement.
Such a powerful ally, they had to secure him for the Hyuga clan at all costs.
Hiashi Hyuga, hearing their words, clenched his teeth in silent anger.
"Hiashi, Rimei is doing this for the Hyuga clan," an elder chastised him. "You shouldn't behave this way."
"We will find you another wife to help manage the clan's women soon."
To him, Hyuga Rimei aligning with the Flying Thunder God user was a great fortune for her.
The head elder, Hiashi's father, gave Hiashi a look but said nothing.
Although he had been very dissatisfied during the day, he now hoped his daughter could sever ties with Hiashi completely and secure the Flying Thunder God user's favor.
"I apologize for my outburst," Hiashi said, swallowing his anger.
He knew the elders' decision was sound. If Hyuga Rimei were not his wife, he would have supported the plan as well.
Then, another elder spoke: "With the Flying Thunder God user as our backing, Lady Tsunade's future as Hokage is assured."
"Shouldn't we, the Hyuga clan, express our support early?"
The other elders nodded in agreement.
Hiashi responded, "You needn't worry about that."
"Hinata has been spending a lot of time with Lady Tsunade lately and has developed a good relationship."
"Lady Tsunade intends to teach Hinata medical ninjutsu. We don't need to make things complicated; maintaining the status quo will suffice."
The clan elders exchanged surprised looks.
They hadn't expected the seemingly inept eldest daughter to have such a connection.
However, this arrangement suited them well: the eldest daughter with low talent in Gentle Fist learning medical ninjutsu from Tsunade, while the talented second daughter inherited the Hyuga clan.
This arrangement was perfect for the Hyuga clan.
With that, the elders said no more.
In the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Jiraiya were discussing how Konoha should deal with the Flying Thunder God user.
Although his relationship with Tsunade was well known in Konoha and he probably wouldn't trouble Konoha out of respect for her, his displayed power was beyond their imagination.
They needed to devise a necessary response to someone with such immense power.
After Jiraiya recounted his recent battle, the office fell into silence.
After a while, Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke and spoke in a low voice: "Let's hear it. Any ideas?"
"Even if we can't kill him, we need a way to ensure mutual destruction if necessary."
Jiraiya, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu sighed helplessly.
With the Flying Thunder God Technique, they had no way to deal with him.
As long as he didn't want to risk his life, no one could kill him.
Additionally, his deadly poison made even the idea of mutual destruction impossible.
Seeing the others' silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "I have a sealing technique left by the Fourth Hokage, the Reaper Death Seal."
"I plan to train some fast ANBU members in this technique as a last resort for Konoha."
Using the Reaper Death Seal against the Flying Thunder God user was the best plan Hiruzen could think of.
"Old man, I can learn it too," Jiraiya said expressionlessly.
He had long been prepared to sacrifice anything for Konoha.
For someone who loved Konoha deeply, dying for it might be his best fate.
"If we're considering the Reaper Death Seal, I suggest we also train people in the Four Red Yang Formation," Homura suggested.
"We can form a suicide squad dedicated to this technique."
"I'll lead this squad myself."
Homura looked at Hiruzen, speaking calmly.
Decades ago, on the battlefield, they had lost to Hiruzen in front of their teacher, Tobirama Senju. This had bothered Homura for decades, and now he didn't want to lose again.
"I'll lead a squad too. We old folks can't just sit around," Utatane Koharu said nonchalantly.
Seeing their resolve, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and wiped his eyes.
"I trust Tsunade won't let the Flying Thunder God user cause trouble for Konoha," he said.
"So perhaps we're overthinking things."
He had great faith in his disciple, Tsunade. As the granddaughter of the First Hokage, she wouldn't abandon Konoha.
"Hopefully, we are overthinking," Homura said with a smile.
"Let's hope so," Koharu added.
Jiraiya sighed, not wanting to discuss Tsunade further.
For him, it was like reopening old wounds.
The next morning.
Shishou woke up in Tsunade's bed, feeling sore.
Seeing Tsunade and Shizune still asleep beside him, he kissed them on the forehead before getting up to wash and cook.
Last night, Tsunade and Shizune had taken care of him, so he wanted to reciprocate. This was essential for maintaining a lasting relationship.
After they finished breakfast together, a still-tired Tsunade and Shizune went back to bed.
Shishou, meanwhile, returned to his lab and took Hyuga Rimei and Hinata out shopping.