Chapter 123: Trouble

Tsunade had thought she might have a lot to say to Orochimaru, one of the infamous "Three Legendary Sannin." Yet, standing before him, bound and restrained, she found herself at a loss for words.

Their friendship had long dissolved, destroyed by Orochimaru's betrayal and his role in the "Konoha Crush Plan," which claimed the life of the Third Hokage. Any remaining bond between them had been severed years ago.

Her initial instinct was to eliminate Orochimaru on the spot, but pragmatism held her back.

"You've raised a remarkable apprentice," Orochimaru said with a sly smile, breaking the silence. "What a shame I didn't notice him sooner."

Tsunade's expression darkened. Orochimaru's words reminded her of his relentless obsession with powerful talent, a trait she had once admired but now despised.

"Still obsessed with power," she muttered, barely suppressing her anger. "Even now, that's all you think about?"

"Heh... Since I've been captured, I've little else to say," Orochimaru replied, his tone calm, even amused.

"Good," Tsunade said curtly. "You'll pay for everything you've done."

As she left Orochimaru's cell, Tsunade's thoughts churned. Why is he so calm? Does he have an escape plan? Could there be spies in Konoha ready to help him?

A single name came to mind: Danzo.

The old fox wouldn't hesitate to exploit this situation if it served his interests, Tsunade thought grimly. While she didn't believe Danzo would act directly against Konoha, his history of covert dealings made him a wildcard.

Determined, she resolved to tighten security around Orochimaru, barring anyone remotely connected to Danzo or Root from getting near him.

Tsunade also visited Sasuke's cell. Unlike Orochimaru, Sasuke remained completely silent, refusing to acknowledge her presence.

Despite his defiance, Tsunade chose to treat Sasuke with leniency. She saw him as a misguided youth led astray by hatred and Orochimaru's manipulations, still capable of redemption.

Konoha's reluctance to issue a warrant for Sasuke's betrayal over the past two years reflected this belief—a gamble that his return might be a turning point.

Even so, Tsunade couldn't ignore the events of the recent battle. Sasuke's willingness to use Kirin against Naruto weighed heavily on her mind.

Meanwhile, Kirito had distanced himself from the chaos of the mission's aftermath. Seated atop Hokage Rock, he gazed out at the village below, his thoughts swirling.

"You're here, as expected!"

The voice startled Kirito out of his reverie. He turned to see TenTen approaching, her usual cheerfulness lightening the mood. She scooped up the small leopard lounging on Kirito's head, cradling it in her arms.

"I looked everywhere for you," TenTen said, sitting beside him. "Why didn't you go home and rest?"

Kirito gave a faint smile. "I needed some quiet. This place helps me think."

TenTen nodded, looking out over the village. "It's a good spot. Peaceful. So, what's troubling you?"

Kirito hesitated, then gestured vaguely with his hands. "I've made a decision, but I'm still not sure about it."

TenTen tilted her head, her casual demeanor softening. "Can you tell me about it?"

A gust of wind tousled her bangs, and Kirito suddenly raised his hands, framing her face as though envisioning a new hairstyle.

"You know," he said, grinning, "if you let your hair down, you'd look like a kid."

TenTen's face turned red. She grabbed Kirito in a playful headlock, rubbing his hair furiously. "I know I'm not very feminine, but do you have to rub it in?!"

Laughing despite himself, Kirito let her vent.

After a moment, TenTen released him and sat back, crossing her arms. "By the way," she said, glancing toward the village below, "with Naruto back, you'll probably be reassigned, right?"

Kirito shook his head. "No. Tsunade won't waste someone like me sitting around on standby. Besides, it looks like I won't be a ninja for much longer."

TenTen blinked, surprised. "Not a ninja anymore? Why?"

Kirito shrugged. "A lot of reasons. Maybe I'm just tired of it. And honestly, I doubt anyone will want me to be a ninja in a year anyway."

He glanced at her reassuringly. "But that's the future. No point worrying about it now."

TenTen studied him, sensing there was more he wasn't saying. But instead of pressing, she simply smiled and laid his head in her lap.

The small leopard perched on Kirito's face, flicking its tail playfully.

"This is the second time I've seen you like this," TenTen said softly.

"Hmm? When was the first?" Kirito asked, muffled.

TenTen's cheeks turned pink. "Remember half a year ago, when you tried to tell me something but got so flustered you couldn't say a word?"

Kirito groaned, covering his face with one hand.

The memory of that day brought a smile to TenTen's face. For now, she was content to let the moment pass in silence, both of them taking solace in the quiet atop Hokage Rock.

(End of Chapter)

>>>>>

If you would like to read 80 Chapters ahead , check out Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)

Gimme power stonesssss

And, leave a review please 

50% discount code (DDBFC)