Shikaku’s Analysis and Tsunade’s Sparring Test

"Despicable bastard! If I catch them, I'll crush every bone in their body!"

Tsunade gritted her teeth.

*KNOCK!* *KNOCK!*

A knock sounded at the door.

Tsunade lazily said, "Come in."

Shikaku opened the door and entered with a serious expression.

"Tsunade-sama."

"Oh… Shikaku. Any progress on the Hyuga Clan case investigation these past few days?" Tsunade asked.

"I have some suspicions." Shikaku replied, his brows furrowed.

"Go on."

"I think… this eye-seizure incident might be related to Neji, Lee, and Obito." Shikaku said.

"Them?"

Hearing this, Tsunade instinctively sat up straight, frowning.

"I suspected them before too. But they just arrived in Konoha. No matter what happens, they'd be prime suspects. If they were even slightly smart, they wouldn't put themselves in such a position."

"That might be exactly what they're thinking, no? The safest place is the most dangerous. Besides… I got some interesting information. Before the Hyuga eye-seizure incident, Neji never visited the Hyuga Clan." Shikaku said.

"He didn't go? That's not strange… After all, he's a branch family member. Without the Caged Bird, it's understandable if the branch family avoids interacting with the main family." Tsunade said.

"No. According to the information, after Neji entered Konoha, he went straight to the Hyuga Clan grounds, but something made him turn back."

"Hmm?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.

"Neji saw a main family Hyuga member oppressing a branch family member!"

"Is that so…" Tsunade looked thoughtful.

"Moreover… in their other world, if there's no Caged Bird, I assume there's no distinction between main and branch families. So, Tsunade-sama, do you think the Hyuga Clan would be highly united?"

"You mean Neji couldn't stand seeing this world's Hyuga Clan divided between main and branch families, with the main family oppressing the branch?"

"Yes, assuming, of course, that a similar other world exists. If not, these suspicions are just nonsense. But I still suspect them." Shikaku said.

"Truly cunning. Was their earlier healing meant to throw us off? Those people… whoever they are, they're too arrogant! They really don't take Konoha seriously!"

Tsunade's expression darkened.

Her fists clenched tightly.

"Shikaku. Where are they now?"

"Neji, Lee, Naruto, and Sakura are at Konoha Hospital. Obito is with Kakashi at Nohara Rin's grave."

"Is that so? I planned to test them later, but it seems we need to speed things up to confirm if they're suspects. At the same time, we'll show them Konoha isn't so easily bullied!"

"Shikaku. Have someone bring those three bastards to the open field on Konoha's outskirts. I want to meet them properly."

"Yes, Tsunade-sama."

Shikaku received the order and left.

Tsunade flung her cloak and walked out.

◆━⊰✧⊱━◆

Konoha Outskirts.

As the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade no longer wore her usual green outfit, opting for a tight, sleeveless short set that revealed her perfect figure, allowing greater freedom for combat.

Her sharp gaze stared into the distance.

There, the Imperial Trio, along with Kakashi, Shikaku, Naruto, and Sakura, were approaching.

"Grandma Tsunade!"

Naruto called out from afar, but compared to before, he seemed subdued.

Clearly, the Hyuga incident weighed heavily on him.

"Naruto, Sakura, why are you two here? I don't recall asking you to come." Tsunade said, raising an eyebrow.

"Sakura and I were learning martial arts from Lee, so we tagged along." Naruto said, then looked at Tsunade suspiciously. "Grandma Tsunade, from your tone, it sounds like you don't want us here? What are you planning with Lee, Obito, and Neji?"

"You brat, didn't you always say they're amazing? I just want to test their skills, see how strong they really are." Tsunade replied, eyeing the Imperial Trio with a glint in her eyes, as if conveying something.

"Sparring! Awesome! I've long wanted to fight a true Kage from this world! Now I finally have the chance! Is this the anticipation of youth?"

Hearing Tsunade's words, Imperial Lee jumped excitedly, his eyes teary.

"What? Sparring? Just let Lee… or Lee and Neji handle it… I'm still with Rin, sharing stories from our world…" Imperial Obito muttered, frowning with displeasure.

Neji noticed Tsunade's expression, subtly raising an eyebrow.

In his mind: 'Caught on? Using this sparring opportunity to surprise us or test our strength?'

'Is it because of this world's Shikaku? As expected… in any world, the Nara Clan can't be underestimated.'

'But… even if we're exposed, so what? A Kage from the village era is nothing in the Empire!'

'Your test will only meet despair!'

"Huh? Grandma Tsunade's sparring with Lee, Neji, and Obito?" Naruto mumbled, puzzled.

Sakura beside him was equally confused.

Seeing this, Shikaku smiled and asked, "Right, since you said they're so strong, Tsunade-sama's curious. But… Naruto, who do you think is stronger: Tsunade-sama or Lee, Obito, and Nejiya?"

At those words, Tsunade, Kakashi, and the Imperial Trio all turned their gazes.

Naruto looked conflicted:

"Who's stronger… I… I don't know! Grandma Tsunade's the Hokage and one of the Legendary Sannin. But Lee's strength, from what he's shown, is super strong. Neji and Obito… I haven't seen them fight."

"Is that so?" Shikaku muttered.

His eyes were cautious.

In Naruto's view, Tsunade, a Sannin and Hokage, might not easily defeat Lee, Neji, and Obito from another world?

Was this due to ignorance of the Hokage's power? Or were Lee, Neji, and Obito from another world truly that strong?

He glanced at Tsunade again.

"You stinking brat! How dare you underestimate me too! So bold!"

Tsunade clenched her left fist, smacking her right palm, exerting a bit of force.

Naruto flinched, saying sadly:

"Of course I know you're amazing, Grandma Tsunade! But Lee's really strong too! If I don't know, I just don't know!"

"Hmph! Sakura, what about you? What's your opinion?"

Tsunade turned to Sakura.

Sakura's face twitched slightly as she said:

"I… I think Sensei's stronger, of course!"