"Hokage-sama, are you alright?"
Stepping into the hidden chamber, Nonō Yakushi glanced at the still-unconscious Danzo. She immediately noticed that Tsunade's breathing was slightly uneven.
Tsunade let out a slow breath. "I'm fine. Just a significant chakra drain. His soul was indeed damaged, but the treatment was successful. When he'll wake up, however, is up to him."
"Thank you for your trouble, Hokage-sama."
Nonō bowed in gratitude, but Tsunade simply waved her off impatiently.
"Enough. Just notify me when he wakes up."
Without waiting for a response, she turned and strode out of the chamber.
...
After conducting a thorough check on Danzo's condition, Nonō couldn't help but feel a hint of doubt. Something about Tsunade's state earlier didn't seem quite right. It didn't look like simple chakra exhaustion. On the contrary, her complexion had been slightly flushed.
...
In the newly rebuilt Hokage Office, Tsunade stood alone, lost in thought.
"Tsunade, is Danzo alright?"
Jiraiya barged in without knocking, as was his habit.
A flicker of irritation flashed across Tsunade's face.
"What's the problem? He's alive and kicking—bah, as if. He's just as much a pain as you are. Even if he died, it'd be a relief."
Jiraiya, accustomed to Tsunade's outbursts, merely walked over and sat down at her desk.
"Did he piss you off again?"
"He's lying there like a corpse. Even if he wanted to, he couldn't piss me off."
Jiraiya's expression turned serious. "How bad is it?"
Tsunade sighed, her temper cooling slightly.
"He'll wake up. Eventually. I just don't know when. What about your little student? Did she get any useful information?"
"Konan only knows that it was summoned through the Rinnegan. The Four-Tails and Five-Tails were sealed inside it, but beyond that, she's not sure. The Rinnegan itself has also gone missing, which is why I was hoping Danzo might have some answers."
Through the window, the colossal remains of the Ten-Tails' husk still stood motionless, its mere presence exuding an oppressive pressure that made one's heart clench.
This battle had left Jiraiya with a rare sense of helplessness. He wasn't even sure if there were more enemies lurking in the shadows.
Konan had mentioned a figure called "Black Zetsu," but they hadn't found any trace of him on the battlefield.
"The old bastard is useless for now. Any news on Naruto?"
Jiraiya shook his head helplessly. "No. It's like he vanished into thin air. Sasuke, too."
"Fugaku's younger son? And what about Itachi? Has he found anything?"
Jiraiya shook his head again. "Seems like a space-time jutsu was involved. They were teleported away without a trace. Root is already searching the entire shinobi world for any leads. Hopefully, we'll hear something soon."
Tsunade felt a growing frustration. One problem after another.
"Forget about spending time with that little wife of yours. I'm assigning the Hyuga clan to assist you. Focus on Konoha's defenses."
...
The news of Konoha's destruction at the hands of Pain had spread like wildfire across the entire shinobi world.
Though details remained unclear, the undeniable fact was that the village had been completely wiped off the map.
Many believed this marked the beginning of an era of chaos. However, a month had passed, and the major villages remained eerily silent.
Instead, turmoil erupted in the Land of Water. The daimyo launched a brutal purge, eliminating a number of high-ranking officials, only to be assassinated in his own palace shortly afterward.
The entire nation plunged into disorder as feudal lords and city rulers vied for power. However, the intervention of Kirigakure swiftly changed the situation.
Despite her youth, Mei Terumi, the newly appointed Mizukage, displayed a ruthlessness beyond her years. She wielded her authority with an iron grip, forcibly stabilizing the conflict.
Many expected this to spark even greater unrest.
Yet, surprisingly, none of the other nations took action. In fact, the second heir to the Fire Country's throne publicly expressed his support, urging Kirigakure to restore order to the Land of Water as soon as possible.
This strange turn of events left many veteran shinobi and nobles at a complete loss.
...
In the Uchiha clan compound, the news of Shisui Uchiha's awakening brought Tsunade a rare moment of relief.
His combat prowess had been witnessed by many, and having him back was a significant reassurance for Konoha.
However, her relief was short-lived.
...
Inside the Hokage Tower, Tsunade frowned at the young man standing before her.
"You want to leave Konoha now? What about your mother?"
Uchiha Itachi remained resolute. "There are reports of sightings in the Land of Lightning—Naruto and Sasuke. My mother also wishes for me to investigate. No matter who took Sasuke, I will bring him back."
Seeing the determination in his gaze, Tsunade had little choice but to concede.
"Be careful. Whoever took them managed to bypass multiple layers of security undetected. They're not ordinary opponents. If you find anything, report back immediately."
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
Tsunade knew all too well that even if she refused, Itachi would go regardless.
...
After dealing with the day's paperwork, Tsunade absently twirled a pen between her fingers. Tiny green buds sprouted along its surface, pulsing with life.
A flicker of disappointment crossed her eyes.
"Has it stopped growing? Is this as far as it goes..."
Danzo remained unconscious.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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