Chapter 150: Tsunade and Jiraiya

Danzo could clearly sense everything that had just transpired within the soul space.

The soul energy of White Fang had dissipated, his spirit becoming pure and unbound by the constraints of the soul space.

This gave Danzo a new understanding of the nature of souls.

It seemed that even Edo Tensei would be unable to summon his soul again.

Kakashi's gaze gradually cleared as he withdrew from the soul space.

"Danzo-sama…"

"I saw everything that happened. Since this was your father's choice, we should respect it. Go and rest for now."

"Yes, Danzo-sama."

After Kakashi left, a long-unheard voice echoed in Danzo's mind.

[ Ding: You have gained the acknowledgment of an important plot character—Kakashi. ]

[ Fate Link in progress... ]

[ Acquired: Combat Instinct ] (As long as I get an opportunity, no matter how powerful my opponent is, I can always fight to a draw.)

A surge of exhilaration coursed through his soul as the soul space expanded, its colors deepening.

The presence of his hidden secretary and bodyguard, Kabuto, along with Uzuki Yugao, became vividly clear in his perception.

He could even feel an illusion that he could directly grasp their souls with his mind.

Though he had experienced this sensation before, the feeling of his soul strengthening never failed to fascinate him.

Regaining his composure, Danzo glanced at the 'Combat Instinct' skill, feeling somewhat speechless.

Seriously, what kind of abilities were these?

Originally, he had planned to resurrect White Fang to gain Kakashi's acknowledgment, but things had taken an unexpected turn.

A faint smile appeared on Danzo's lips as he returned to reviewing documents.

Before long, the official announcement of Kakashi's promotion to Jonin Leader was made public.

The major clans of Konoha immediately recognized the significance of this move. After all, past Jonin Leaders had included the likes of White Fang and Orochimaru—both individuals who had been close to the center of power.

...

Konoha Cemetery.

A tombstone stood adorned with fresh flowers. A gentle breeze rustled the petals.

Kakashi stood lazily before the grave, no longer weighed down by his past sorrow.

Footsteps approached from behind.

"Kakashi."

"Lady Tsunade. Lord Jiraiya."

Kakashi turned and greeted them calmly.

Tsunade stepped forward and placed a bouquet of chrysanthemums before the tombstone.

Jiraiya stood beside Kakashi, gazing at the grave with a complicated expression.

"I heard what happened to White Fang from the villagers. I never expected sensei…"

Jiraiya found it difficult to put his thoughts into words.

They had just returned to Konoha, and the first news they received was Danzo's public disclosure of the truth behind White Fang's death—complete with documentation.

At the same time, Danzo had also openly stated that, as someone who had made his own share of mistakes, he was unfit to hold the Hokage position.

"The Hokage position will be decided through an open Jonin vote in half a month."

"Why bring up that old geezer? He should've died ages ago." Tsunade's expression darkened with irritation.

"Tsunade…"

Jiraiya sighed inwardly. He knew that despite her words, Tsunade still harbored feelings for the Third Hokage.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have come back to Konoha at all.

But to return and immediately be confronted with undeniable evidence of the Third's misdeeds…

"It's all in the past," Kakashi said in his usual easygoing manner.

Tsunade opened her mouth as if to say something, but in the end, she remained silent. After a final glance at the tombstone, she turned and walked away.

"Tsunade, where are you going?"

Jiraiya shot Kakashi an apologetic look before hurrying after her.

...

At the cemetery entrance.

"Wait for me! Didn't we agree to visit the old man's grave? How about we grab some flowers on the way?"

Tsunade stopped in her tracks, her expression impatient.

"Who wants to visit him? If he wants flowers, he can go ask White Fang for some. I never should've listened to you and come back to Konoha."

"Tsunade…"

"Tsunade. Jiraiya."

Danzo's sudden appearance cut their conversation short, though the atmosphere remained tense.

"Care for a drink? My treat."

"If Danzo-sama is offering, I'd be a fool to refuse." Jiraiya accepted the invitation but shot a cautious glance at Tsunade.

"Come on, Tsunade."

Seeing that she wasn't rejecting the offer outright, Jiraiya grinned and followed along.

...

A private room at the Akimichi clan's bar.

"Gulp, gulp."

As soon as she sat down, Tsunade downed three bottles of sake in quick succession before speaking.

"Did you kill that bastard Orochimaru?"

"You know as well as I do that he's not so easy to kill. And Sarutobi… he died as he saw fit."

"Who cares about that old man's death?" Tsunade's face darkened with fury. "Orochimaru dared to desecrate my grandfather's soul. That bastard—"

With a loud crack, the sake bottle in her hand shattered against the table.

Danzo turned to Jiraiya, who merely offered an awkward smile and looked away.

No wonder you can't win her over. Serves you right.

Danzo sighed internally before speaking.

"He will face the punishment he deserves."

Tsunade, however, gave him an irritated glare.

"And you. Just looking at your young face pisses me off."

Seeing her clench her fists, Danzo exhaled sharply, his gaze sharpening in response.

"Tsunade, don't push your luck."

Their eyes locked, tension crackling between them.

"Tsunade, calm down, calm down…" Jiraiya quickly stood up, trying to defuse the situation.

Boom!

A figure was sent flying through the wall.

Tsunade sat back down, exhaled, and opened another bottle of sake.

Danzo glanced at the hole in the wall before turning back to Tsunade.

"I'm nominating you for the next Hokage."

"Not interested. Leave me alone." She took another swig.

"I wasn't asking for your opinion. I'm simply informing you. To me, Konoha's existence is not a necessity."

"Danzo…"

Tsunade slammed her hands onto the table, shattering it into pieces.

She now looked like a predator poised to strike.

Danzo, however, remained unfazed, his voice cold and indifferent.

"The philosophy of Root is to unify the ninja world, end chaos, establish order, and protect the weak. Konoha is merely a vessel for that goal, but it is not the only one."

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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