Chapter 92: Tsunade's Search

Back then, everything happened so suddenly—saving the damsel in distress like a hero. He hadn't thought much about it.

But as time passed, he began to realize something wasn't quite right.

Now, with Jiraiya's reminder, he was even more certain: Tsunade had definitely fallen for him.

The reasoning was simple. He saved her and made an impressive show of strength, earning her admiration. It all made perfect sense.

The timing and logic aligned perfectly.

Thinking about the fates of those two men who pursued Tsunade: one stepped on an explosive tag and was blown to bits, another ended up a fool. Then recalling the canon storyline, where a suitor died with even his organs gutted—just thinking about it sent chills down Tōshirō's spine, sweat dripping uncontrollably.

"Damn it! I'm still so young, so talented. I don't want to die!"

There were still so many luxuries in this world he hadn't begun to enjoy...

He regretted it deeply, pounding his chest in despair.

Seeing Tōshirō's emotional outburst, Jiraiya couldn't help but casually ask, "Don't tell me you secretly like Tsunade too?"

"Uh… I was just standing up for you, that's all."

Tōshirō brushed it off casually, but in Jiraiya's eyes, it was a completely different story. He was moved that his good brother cared so much about him. It was worth seeking him out to share his frustrations.

Tōshirō tested the waters: "So, what do you plan to do next?"

Jiraiya raised his fist, his gaze burning with determination as he regained his resolve: "What else? I'm going to hunt down that bastard and defeat him fair and square! I'll prove to Tsunade that I, Jiraiya, am the only man worthy of her."

Uh… the bastard you're talking about seems to be me.

Feigning passion and indignation to avoid suspicion, Tōshirō enthusiastically declared, "Jiraiya, I support you! Beat that guy and win her heart!"

Encouraged by his brother's words, Jiraiya was deeply gratified and gave Tōshirō a big hug. "You're truly a man I can rely on! Since that's the case, can you do me a favor?"

Tōshirō frowned. "Uh… what kind of favor?"

"Help me track down that despicable scoundrel!"

Tōshirō: …

"What, you don't want to help?"

"Of course I will! Don't worry, I'll definitely help you find him."

Patting his chest, Tōshirō thought to himself, Isn't this just asking the thief to catch the thief?

Jiraiya nodded in satisfaction, feeling more and more that Tōshirō was someone he could trust

...

In the Senju Clan's training grounds.

This place was once where Tobirama and Hashirama trained together.

Now, with both brothers long gone, it had a new owner.

"Take a break," said Mito to Tsunade, who was panting heavily.

Tsunade nodded, wiped her sweat, and took the water bottle her grandmother handed her, thanking her softly.

Since Sarutobi Hiruzen became Hokage, Tsunade often trained under her grandmother's guidance.

"You're the most talented in strength techniques among the Senju members I've seen," Mito praised.

"But I'm still not strong enough."

Tsunade raised the bottle and let the cool water sit in her mouth. It wasn't good to drink right after intense exercise.

She used to take pride in surpassing her peers in strength. But after witnessing Tōshirō's true power, she realized how insignificant her abilities were. Only by working harder could she avoid being left far behind and stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

Wait a minute, it's not like I have to keep up with him… it's just…

At that thought, Tsunade's cheeks turned as red as apples.

However, thanks to her recent intense workout, it wasn't too noticeable.

Suddenly, Tsunade said, "Grandma, I want to learn sealing techniques."

Mito was stunned. "You want to learn sealing? You weren't interested in it before."

"People change. Just because I didn't want to before doesn't mean I feel the same now."

Mito smiled with satisfaction. Her age was catching up to her, and she hadn't expected to find an heir to her knowledge before passing on. "Good. Since you've decided, I'll teach you everything I know."

Tsunade turned her face away, her expression guilty as her clear eyes gazed up at the sky.

Not Sure How Grandma Would Feel Knowing the Real Reason She Wants to Learn Sealing Techniques

"If you want to learn any sealing technique, just say so. As long as I know it, I'll teach it to you without holding back," Mito said with a smile. "But since you're just starting, I recommend beginning with the simplest techniques to practice and then progressing step by step."

Tsunade, already having an idea in mind, replied without hesitation, "Then I want to learn Adamantine Chains."

"Adamantine Chains?"

Mito gave Tsunade a surprised look. "Why do you want to learn that sealing technique?"

Tsunade began listing its advantages one by one: "Besides being a powerful sealing technique, it can also control tailed beasts, right? As the granddaughter of the First Hokage, I feel it's something I must master."

Mito nodded in agreement. "That's true. But you should also know the unique nature of this technique. In the history of the Uzumaki clan, only pure-blooded red-haired members could learn it. As for you..."

She didn't finish her sentence, but Tsunade understood what she meant.

Unbothered, Tsunade raised her right arm at a 90-degree angle, resting her left hand on it. With a bright smile, she said, "Grandma, don't forget, I also carry the blood of the Senju clan—and not just any blood, but that of the God of Shinobi, the First Hokage!"

Seeing Tsunade's confidence, Mito smiled warmly. She decided not to discourage her and said, "Alright, since it's you, maybe you'll break this tradition.

"I'll teach you everything I know about the Adamantine Chains without holding anything back. But you must be fully prepared for the challenges of learning this technique."

Tsunade's eyes sparkled with determination. "No problem!"

Mito added casually, "By the way…"

"What is it?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.

"What's with your outfit? It's nothing like your usual style," Mito teased, her gaze settling on Tsunade's clothing.

Tsunade was wearing a forehead protector around her neck, a mesh underlayer, a light purple hooded jacket, mini blue shorts that accentuated her hips, a twisted black belt that highlighted her slim waist, and blue sandals. However, what caught Mito's attention were the white thigh-high socks Tsunade wore—an unusual choice for her.

Note: Outfit inspired by the Infinite Tsukuyomi Hinata's aggressive style.

Tsunade's typical bold and outgoing style wasn't surprising, but Mito couldn't figure out why she opted for white over-knee socks that accentuated her legs. While it wasn't a bad look, it felt slightly off. If they were black, Mito might not have felt the same way.

Tsunade fidgeted. "Don't they look good?"

Mito shook her head lightly. "I just don't recall you ever wearing white thigh-high socks before."

Blushing, Tsunade replied, "I just wanted to try something different for a change…"

Mito smiled, assuming it was a spur-of-the-moment decision by her granddaughter.

"Grandma, stop getting sidetracked. Teach me the Adamantine Chains already!"

Tsunade grabbed Mito's arms and playfully shook them, trying to divert the conversation before Mito could read too much into it.

"Alright, alright, I get it," Mito said, rubbing Tsunade's head lovingly.

....

In a remote corner of the village, near a cliff and a river below, few people ventured here.

So when Tōshirō saw someone training here, he couldn't help but be surprised.

Before he could say anything, the person training noticed his presence and spoke first: "Wh-what? It's you? What are you doing here?"

Tōshirō quipped, "That's what I should be asking you."

Tsunade lifted her nose proudly and replied, "What a joke. This is Konoha territory. Why wouldn't I be here?"

She couldn't exactly admit that she had used a summoning creature to secretly track Tōshirō's movements and deliberately waited here for him.

(End of Chapter)

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