Talent System In The Naruto Universe

Chapter 189. Tsunade’s Unease

Chapter 189 - 189. Tsunade's UneaseLand of Snow, Konoha Village's main base.

Orochimaru was holding a document, reading it intently.

In front of him, Shimura Danzo was rambling on and on, saying the same things over and over—urging Orochimaru to find ways to achieve greater accomplishments.

Orochimaru paid him no mind.

The document detailed Uchiha Shisui's recent performance.

Orochimaru had a vague sense that something was off. Shisui's Sharingan was just too powerful—so powerful that it didn't seem like it was merely a three-tomoe Sharingan.

Especially during the earlier battle where Hatake Sakumo's team severely injured the Two-Tails Jinchuriki. There were many suspicious points about that fight.

Could a combat-type Jonin and a newly awakened three-tomoe Uchiha really defeat a Jinchuriki?

It seemed unlikely.

Orochimaru suspected that Uchiha Shisui might have awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.

Senju Tobirama had conducted very detailed re

"And you, Sensei?" Hanekawa asked, blinking expectantly.

"What can I give you? I've already taught you everything I can," Tsunade replied. Suddenly, as if recalling something, she said, "Well, there is one thing you haven't learned yet—the Sage Mode of the Shikkotsu Forest."

"Sage Mode?" Hanekawa was momentarily stunned.

He hadn't been expecting this when he asked for a reward.

But Sage Mode was intriguing. Whether or not he could learn it was another matter, but it was worth a try.

"That's right," Tsunade explained. "In the ninja world, besides chakra, there's also natural energy, which can only be utilized through Sage Mode."

She then delved into an explanation of Sage Mode, which was similar to its depiction in the original story.

Sage Mode is a special state where natural energy is absorbed and combined with physical and spiritual energy to create Sage Chakra.

Sage Chakra can be used for senjutsu (sage techniques) and to enhance taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, making it incredibly powerful.

The enhancement isn't just a doubling of power—it's a massive multiplication.

At present, only Jiraiya could use a semi-complete Sage Mode.

Before him, Senju Hashirama had used Sage Mode in combination with Wood Release and his massive chakra reserves to dominate the ninja world.

In the original story, the number of ninja capable of using Sage Mode was extremely small.

Only Kabuto Yakushi, Naruto Uzumaki, and Minato Namikaze, perhaps along with Madara Uchiha, had ever successfully mastered Sage Mode.

Even Orochimaru hadn't succeeded. Instead, he created an inferior version, the Cursed Seal.

This highlighted the difficulty of learning Sage Mode.

"Learning Sage Mode takes a long time. Once the war ends, I'll take you to meet Katsuyu," Tsunade said, stretching lazily. Then she asked, "I'm hungry. Do you have anything to eat?"

"I do," Hanekawa replied, taking out a bento box.

"You just made this?" Tsunade asked, noticing it was still warm as she accepted it.

"About two hours ago," Hanekawa said after a brief pause. "I kept it warm with Fire Release."

Tsunade's heart softened as she looked at the bento box in her hands.

It was obvious this meal had been prepared for her in advance, yet she'd been delayed by issues with the Hidden Stone Village. Despite this, Hanekawa had ensured her dinner was ready and warm.

Tsunade suddenly realized how lucky she was to have someone who cared so thoroughly for her, someone who didn't mind her temper.

Shaking off her thoughts, she opened the bento box. As usual, it was a sumptuous meal.

Picking up a piece of chicken cutlet with her chopsticks, she took a bite and immediately closed her eyes in satisfaction.

Hanekawa's cooking never disappointed.

"I've already had Minato take Roshi back to the Hidden Leaf Village," Tsunade said suddenly. "If there's anything from the Hidden Stone Village that interests you, let me know, and I'll add it to the negotiation terms."

"Lava Release techniques," Hanekawa said without hesitation.

"Are you sure?" Tsunade asked, surprised. "Lava Release is a kekkei genkai. Even if you get the scroll, it'll be hard to learn."

"Not necessarily," Hanekawa replied with a smile. "Lava Release is a combination of Fire and Earth Release, and I know a thing or two about both."

"It's not that easy," Tsunade said, biting into a rice ball. "Too bad there's no sake."

"There's no harm in trying," Hanekawa said casually. "Besides, it's better not to drink during a war. Save it for when we're home."

"Fine," Tsunade agreed after some thought. "Considering how valuable a Jinchuriki is, we can demand plenty. Adding Lava Release techniques to the trade is reasonable."

"Thank you, Sensei," Hanekawa said with a smile as he watched her eat.

"There's nothing to thank me for," Tsunade replied, shaking her head. "Without you, we couldn't have captured Roshi, let alone profited so much."

"All the Water Release techniques I know are thanks to you," Hanekawa said earnestly. "You deserve the most credit."

"Your next line is probably about making me Hokage, isn't it?" Tsunade said, narrowing her eyes at him.

"Congratulations, you've learned to anticipate me. That's exactly what I meant," Hanekawa admitted with a light cough.

Tsunade looked away and bit down hard on a piece of chicken cutlet.

"...?" Hanekawa felt a slight tension in his chest.

"Becoming Hokage isn't that simple," Tsunade said after chewing and swallowing. "The old man's not that old yet. If he doesn't step down, he could stay in the position for a long time."

Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.

Was she wavering?

Tsunade wasn't wrong—Hiruzen Sarutobi had served two terms as Hokage in the original story, holding the position until his death. Minato Namikaze only became the Fourth Hokage because Konoha had suffered heavy losses during the Third Shinobi War. Under immense pressure, Hiruzen took responsibility and voluntarily stepped down.

But the current situation was different—Konoha was winning.

Still, it wasn't hopeless. Tsunade's reputation was already so high that it was nearly on par with Hiruzen's. If she sought the Daimyo's support, the ninja clans and individual shinobi would naturally rally behind her.

"If you want the position, Sensei, it's only a matter of time," Hanekawa said, staring at her. "What do you think?"

"I..."

Tsunade met his gaze but couldn't bring herself to refuse outright. Her eyes shifted to the bento box in her hands.

"It's too early to talk about this now," she said, shaking her head with an impassive expression.

"True," Hanekawa said with a chuckle. "Let's wait until after the war."

He had already noticed her wavering.

Once doubt took root, it would grow, eventually leading to acceptance.

Tsunade unknowingly let out a sigh of relief.

For some reason, she felt a slight pressure in Hanekawa's presence.

Was it because she cared too much?

Silently finishing the bento, she said, "I'm going to rest now. See you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Sensei," Hanekawa said, picking up the empty bento box and leaving her tent.

Within three days, shocking news spread throughout the camp.

The Tsuchikage, Onoki, had led 10,000 ninja from the Hidden Stone Village in a surprise attack by sea, catching the Hidden Cloud Village completely off guard.

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