"Good grief!" Tsunade exclaimed, leaning back in her chair. "I should've started working at Konoha Hospital years ago. A skilled medical ninja is practically a walking treasury!"
She was only half-joking. The compensation they'd received was far beyond standard medical fees. When someone faced death or permanent disability, monetary concerns became secondary.
"My parents insist the money is for my future," Shin deliberately teased Tsunade. "They're saving it all for when I eventually marry, saying it should go to my future spouse to manage."
Tsunade's eyes lit up instantly, and her whole demeanor perked up. That money would eventually be hers to manage!
But suddenly, something occurred to her, and she asked with a bit of concern, "What do you think Hiruzen-sensei will do about today's events?"
"The fact that he hasn't summoned me suggests he's still deliberating," Shin replied thoughtfully. "I expected Fukuyama to report my use of the Flying Thunder God Technique, but it seems he's chosen discretion instead."
He leaned forward slightly. "I'll need to find the right moment to demonstrate it openly. It's time Hiruzen and I had a proper conversation about where we stand."
"Do you think he might..." Tsunade left the question unfinished, but her concern was evident.
"I wouldn't worry," Shin reassured her. "Hiruzen has grown increasingly hesitant these past two years. Decisive action isn't his style anymore. Besides, by then he'll understand I'm not someone he can simply remove from the equation."
---
Five hours later, the combined efforts of Shin and Tsunade had completed the treatment of seven young Uchiha officers. All would make full recoveries with no lasting damage.
Only Hanma remained untreated, his injuries severe enough to end his career as a ninja.
This outcome served both Shin and Fukuyama's purposes. The latter had already decided to use Hanma as the clan's scapegoat for the entire incident.
Hanma remained unconscious, unaware of his fate. Upon waking, he would be immediately returned to the Uchiha compound to face the clan's judgment. His future had effectively been decided without his knowledge.
Shin reflected on the situation as he reviewed the medical charts. Problem-solving took many forms, he thought. Some situations required de-escalation, turning significant conflicts into minor disagreements. Others called for the opposite approach, highlighting small infractions to serve larger purposes.
Either way, leverage was essential. And ultimately, what mattered most was power.
If the person being targeted had been an ordinary doctor rather than Shin, what options would they have had against someone like Hanma? Or if Shin himself hadn't mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique?
In all likelihood, he would have been forced to endure shit and move on.
All the strategic thinking in the world meant little when faced with overwhelming force. History had repeatedly demonstrated this principle.
Even Hashirama, despite his legendary status, had faced numerous challenges and plots throughout his life. Yet only Madara had ever truly threatened him, and that was because he possessed the raw power necessary to stand against Hashirama as an equal.
Without that fundamental strength, his schemes, however brilliant, would have amounted to nothing.
Every time Shin considered this reality, his determination to increase his own abilities intensified.
---
The next morning, Tsunade left for her shift at Konoha Hospital as usual. Lost in thought about potential dinner plans with Shin, she barely noticed when someone stepped directly into her path.
"Tsunade," a smooth voice greeted her. "It's been some time."
She looked up, recognizing the pale face immediately. "Orochimaru? This is unexpected. I'm surprised you would come looking for me on your own."
Despite their years of training together and shared experiences as Hiruzen's students, she had always maintained a certain distance from him. Their bond was undeniable, but his demeanor and interests had always left her slightly unsettled.
"I have a matter I'd like to discuss," Orochimaru replied, his thin lips curving into what passed for a smile. He gestured toward a nearby teahouse. "I've reserved a private room. Perhaps we could talk there?"
"I'd like to see what kind of trick you're trying to pull," Tsunade replied skeptically, but followed nonetheless.
Inside the private room, Orochimaru began preparing tea.
"Get to the point," Tsunade said, watching him with mild impatience. "What exactly do you want?"
"Still as direct as ever," Orochimaru commented, continuing his preparation. "Some things never change."
"My patience varies depending on who I'm dealing with," Tsunade retorted, crossing her arms.
"Indeed," Orochimaru agreed. "With Shin, for instance, your patience seems nearly limitless."
At the mention of Shin's name, Tsunade's expression sharpened. "What are you implying? Say what you came to say."
"To be honest, I find these tea ceremonies rather tedious myself," Orochimaru admitted. "But our conversation may require some time, so I thought we might as well be comfortable."
Three minutes later, he handed Tsunade a cup of perfectly brewed tea before pouring his own. He sipped it slowly, seemingly unperturbed by her obvious irritation.
Despite Tsunade's temper, he didn't get angry.
Years of acquaintance had taught him to read her well. She'd never been one to mask her emotions, her thoughts always reflected clearly on her face. Her straightforward nature was both her strength and her vulnerability.
Despite their differences, Orochimaru had always respected her abilities. On the battlefield, he knew she would guard his back as reliably as anyone could. That professional trust was sufficient for him. Their personal relationship beyond that was of little consequence.
"I want to meet him," Orochimaru finally stated, setting down his cup. "I was hoping you might facilitate an introduction."
"He doesn't need my permission to meet anyone," Tsunade replied cautiously. "He makes his own decisions about who he associates with. Why are you telling me this?"
"Because approaching you demonstrates my sincerity," Orochimaru explained smoothly. "Rather than seeking him out directly, I'm being transparent about my interest. I simply want our first meeting to proceed without unnecessary tension."
Tsunade studied him with narrowed eyes. "This isn't something Sensei put you up to, is it?"
"Hardly," Orochimaru replied with a soft chuckle. "Do you think he would approve of me establishing contact with Shin?"
"Fair point," Tsunade conceded after a moment's thought. "Then is this Danzō's initiative?"
Orochimaru couldn't fully conceal his surprise at her question.
His meetings with Danzō had always been conducted with the utmost secrecy, just the two of them, with elaborate precautions to ensure privacy.
Wait… Shin!
He instantly understood.
Shin must have somehow deduced the connection and shared his suspicions with Tsunade. It was unlikely they had concrete evidence, just informed speculation.
Having reached this conclusion, he shook his head. "Danzō and I collaborate on certain matters, but he doesn't dictate my personal interests. This is entirely my own initiative."
"As a gesture of good faith," he continued, "I'm also prepared to offer assistance with a matter that concerns you."
"I wasn't aware I needed your help with anything," Tsunade replied coldly.
"Oh, but you do," Orochimaru said with confidence. "You've encountered a situation recently, one that involves Shin as well."
"You've been watching me?" Tsunade's voice dropped dangerously, her eyes hardening as she set down her cup.