Chapter 52: Impossible to Refuse

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The Raijin-no-Ken?

That name sounded familiar.

Sasame instinctively glanced at Tsunade.

His first thought was of the Raiden who wielded the "Musou no Hitotachi."

Hmm, that move would suit Tsunade well.

"The Raijin-no-Ken is a ninja tool once used by my granduncle, Tobirama Senju," Tsunade explained, seeing his confusion. "It has two traits—first, it innately carries the Lightning attribute, and second, the more chakra you pour into it, the sturdier it becomes."

Sasame nodded in realization.

No wonder it felt familiar.

There was a plotline involving this sword.

Midori Aoi manipulated Morino Ibiki into stealing it, then defected to Amegakure.

Eventually, he ran into Team 7, got beaten, and became mere exp fodder.

The Raijin-no-Ken took a Chidori from Sasuke Uchiha and a Rasengan from Naruto Uzumaki—and promptly shattered.

Konoha's Finest Blade? Snap. Broken.

But honestly, it wasn't the sword's fault—Midori Aoi just sucked.

Insufficient chakra input meant inadequate hardness, so it couldn't withstand the combined assault.

"This sword is my teacher's relic, kept under Konoha's custody. I wouldn't mind giving it to you, but your current merits aren't enough," Hiruzen interjected. "Sasame, as Hokage, I must uphold fairness. I can't grant you excessive rewards just because you're my disciple's student."

Define fairness.

Sasame was genuinely impressed he could say that with a straight face.

No wonder he held the Hokage title for so long—and earned the title of 'Strongest Hokage.'

"Old man, transfer my share of the reward to him," Tsunade said. "I don't need anything anyway."

Her strength had already peaked—at least, as far as medical ninjutsu went.

Ninjutsu or tools meant nothing to her now.

"You really dote on your student," Hiruzen sighed. "Fine, take the sword."

Technically, all of the Senju clan's relics should've gone to Tsunade.

The Raijin-no-Ken was rightfully hers.

But after her hemophobia drove her away, she couldn't be bothered to manage the inheritance, leaving it all to Konoha.

Years later, the lines had blurred beyond untangling.

That aside, Tsunade's contributions were more than enough to warrant any reward.

Now that she was passing it to Sasame, Hiruzen actually preferred it.

Because if I reward her any further, the next step is making her Hokage.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"

Sasame bowed, then shot Tsunade a look—I'll thank you properly later.

"Shisui, retrieve the Raijin-no-Ken," Hiruzen ordered.

"Yes."

A voice answered, though its owner remained unseen.

"Shisui joined the Anbu?" Tsunade asked.

"Yes," Hiruzen smiled, pleased. "He inherited Kagami's will, possesses both strength and reputation, and now leads a squad in the Anbu."

"Shisui is indeed impressive."

Tsunade recalled his fight with the Fourth Raikage—holding his own in a short clash wasn't something just any jonin could do.

Minutes later, Shisui Uchiha flickered into the office, handing Sasame a sword hilt.

Softly, he added, "I'll come find you tomorrow."

Sasame blinked, but Shisui vanished before he could ask.

Turning his attention to the Raijin-no-Ken, he channeled chakra—the blade materialized.

Seeing it in person, Sasame was struck by how much it resembled a lightsaber.

Good. From today onward, I am a Jedi.

[Due to your actions, Midori Aoi's fate has changed. You obtained 39 Fate Points.]

[Due to your actions, Morino Ibiki's fate has changed. You obtained 28 Fate Points.]

Not bad.

Considering they're just minor side characters.

"Tsunade, the Cloud will soon send envoys for peace talks. How about you represent Konoha?"

"No."

Tsunade rejected Hiruzen's proposal without hesitation.

"Let's go."

She stood, waved, and led Sasame and the others away—leaving no trace behind.

Hiruzen sighed.

He had already pegged Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage.

But she clearly had no interest.

Aside from her students, she couldn't be bothered with anything else.

How can someone like that govern Konoha?

"Guess this old man has to hold the fort a while longer," he muttered.

As for Jiraiya?

Don't even get me started.

Tricked by an old toad into chasing some Child of Prophecy nonsense.

Hiruzen had long noticed—while Jiraiya listened to him, he prioritized Mount Myōboku.

Are you Konoha's ninja or the toads'?

On the way back, Kabuto split off to visit Konoha's orphanage—he wanted to see Yakushi Nonō.

Tsunade, Shizune, and Sasame returned to Hashirama's old residence.

"I'm going to train. I'll cook by dinnertime."

After the mission, Shizune felt her strength was lacking and resolved to work harder.

"Thanks, sis."

Once alone, Sasame reverted to his usual address.

"You're welcome."

Tsunade ruffled his hair, her voice warm. "Keep being this well-behaved, and big sis will reward you even more."

Elaborate.

What kind of rewards?

Any… adult ones?

Sasame hugged her arm, leaning his head against her shoulder. "I'll do my best!"

Tsunade smiled, amused by his childishness, and pinched his cheek.

So soft.

She couldn't resist giving it another squeeze.

"Big sis, I have a gift for you."

Letting go, Sasame pulled out a necklace under her curious gaze.

Compared to the First Hokage's necklace, this one was far more ornate.

Tsunade's eyes lit up.

She was still a woman, after all.

"A beauty like you deserves a necklace to match," Sasame grinned. "Consider it an exchange for the one you gave me."

If any other man had said this, Tsunade would've assumed ulterior motives.

But coming from a nine-year-old boy with earnest eyes?

She couldn't handle it.

After a moment, she smiled brightly, like spring blossoms in full bloom.

"Help me put it on."

She turned and crouched slightly.

Sasame lifted her twin tails, draped the necklace around her slender neck, and fastened it.

"How is it?" Tsunade examined it.

So big—no, so white.

Wait, focus.

"It looks great," Sasame nodded.

"Such a sweet talker."

She poked his forehead, but her smile betrayed her delight.

How do you know it's sweet?

You'd have to taste it to say that.

Sasame mentally scolded her lack of rigor but replied, "I'm just telling the truth."

"I believe you."

Tsunade yawned. "Releasing the Yin Seal drained a lot of chakra. I've been tired these past few days."

"Let me give you a massage."

Sasame sat on the couch and patted his lap. "Lie down, sis."

Tsunade hesitated.

She didn't want to indulge… but in this situation, how could she refuse?

It's just a massage. After fighting a war, isn't she entitled to some pampering?

Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 92 on my patreon, go check it out and remember that if we reach the goal of 65 power stones I will publish the next chapter.

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