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Tsunade - Ch 35
🕑 Added 2025-04-01 16:01:31 +0000 UTCChapter 35: Arrival at the Daimyō's Residence
As evening fell, Tsunade led her team onto the Daimyō's residence grounds. Soon, this information reached the Daimyō himself.
After presenting her formal request for an audience, Tsunade stood outside the main gates, waiting patiently.
The setting sun bathed the sky in hues of orange and crimson, gradually giving way to the encroaching darkness.
"So, Tsunade has arrived at the gates and is waiting there?"
The Daimyō reclined lazily in his chair, addressing Mu.
Mu knelt on one knee. "Yes, she has brought two squads with her. Based on intelligence, Tsunade departed two days ago."
As a subordinate, Mu never voiced his own opinions.
He was merely a tool; unless his master commanded otherwise, he only needed to perform his duties.
"Two days ago... If they traveled at full speed, they would indeed arrive around this time."
The Daimyō rubbed his nose lightly, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Very well, send someone to inform her that I am feeling unwell and have already retired for the night. Have Tsunade stay in the guest house. Keep an eye on her from a distance. I want to see if Yūhi Kurenai will come looking for her tonight!"
"Understood!" Mu responded and vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.
The Daimyo chuckled as he gazed into the distance, his eyes filled with gloom.
If Kurenai were to show up, things would get interesting.
Accusing Hokage of spying on the Daimyo's affairs. He wondered if Tsunade could bear such a crime.
---
"Tsunade-sama, the Daimyō is unwell and has already retired. Please rest in the guest house."
Upon receiving the reply, Tsunade frowned and looked up at the darkening sky. "Please inform him again. There are urgent matters in Konoha that require my attention. I only ask for a brief moment of his time. If we can settle things today, I need to return to the village to handle official business."
The attendant shook his head. "Tsunade-sama, the Daimyō's orders are absolute. No one can change them. Please proceed to the guest house."
"I—" Tsunade raised her hand, ready to lose her temper, but Kamizuki Hikari tugged at her sleeve.
"Tsunade-sama, perhaps we should wait until tomorrow. The Daimyō is unwell, and as his subordinates, we should not trouble him further at this time."
"Fine!" Tsunade reluctantly agreed.
"I'll visit again tomorrow."
"Tsunade-sama, please follow me."
The attendant led the way, while Mu, who had been hiding behind the gates, quietly returned to report the situation to the Daimyō.
---
"Master, Tsunade seemed quite anxious. If not for the wise counsel of her companion, she might have stormed in."
The Daimyō sneered. "If she dares to barge in, let her! I would love to see whether the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju truly respects my authority as Daimyō."
Mu remained silent, awaiting further instructions.
"Since she's so impatient, then tomorrow... I shall remain ill. Let's see how this Hokage handles it."
"I am eager to see Tsunade squirm with anxiety."
Regardless of private opinions—whether they despised the Daimyō or not—proper etiquette had to be maintained in his presence.
Rules were rules, and no one could break them.
The Daimyō, exploiting his position, continued his little game with Tsunade, while also waiting to see what further benefits Danzō might offer him.
---
Guest house.
Tsunade returned to her room in anger and ordered everyone to leave except for Hikari.
"Be honest with me. What do you think of this Daimyō situation?"
Right now, the only one Tsunade could count on was Kamizuki Hikari. The others—Maito Gai, Kamizuki Izumo, and Hagane Kotetsu—were skilled in battle but not in political maneuvering.
[Isn't this just forcing me to expose myself?]
[If Tsunade discovers my talents, how will I ever slack off again?]
Whoosh!
Tsunade took a step forward, firmly grabbing Hikari's arm, her expression serious. "Listen, I'll say it again—if you have any ideas, spill them. I genuinely don't know what to do here!"
Hikari's pre-planned excuse got stuck in his throat.
[Damn, Tsunade's got a sharp eye. Even though I've hidden myself so well, she still saw through me.]
[Then again, these shinobi haven't undergone political education. Only figures like Danzō, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu excel in such maneuvering.]
[But that's exactly why I can have fun with this.]
[Fine, I'll help her out this once. If Tsunade really steps down, the plot will deviate too much from what I know.]
Tsunade sighed in relief.
Although she didn't understand what "political education" or "plot" meant, as long as Hikari could help her get through this, she would have time to think things through later.
"I've already used a shadow clone to infiltrate the Daimyō's residence. Upon learning of your urgency, the Daimyō decided to delay your meeting even further. And that... is exactly what I want."
Tsunade: ???
Delaying the meeting is what you wanted? Are you out of your mind?
Ignoring Tsunade's bewildered look, Kamizuki Hikari continued analyzing. "My clone reported that a messenger from Danzō is present. The Daimyō is stalling to see if Danzō can offer him better terms."
Tsunade frowned.
"That old bastard Danzō... He's still causing trouble behind the scenes. Doesn't he realize Konoha can't afford too many risks right now?"
[Heh, this is all the Third Hokage's fault. If he hadn't returned as Hokage, Danzō wouldn't be so determined to take the position himself.]
Danzō: If Hiruzen can return as Hokage, why can't I? Now that he is dead, by seniority, by strength, by any measure, it should be my turn!
Hikari didn't plan to comment too much on Danzō's actions.
"The situation in Konoha isn't that dire yet. We can afford to wait. Since the Daimyō wants to delay, this gives me more time to gather intelligence. Once we find his weakness, we can resolve this perfectly."
Tsunade released Hikari and slumped into a chair, contemplating the situation.
The more she thought about it, the more frustrated she became.
These old fossils... I never wanted to go to extremes, but they keep forcing my hand! They begged me to return as Hokage!
Tsunade had no patience for Danzō's schemes. If he were standing before her right now, she'd punch him into oblivion with her monstrous strength.
"Ugh, I can't think about this anymore."
She rubbed her temples and sighed.
"Let's just wait and see."
"If Danzō can convince the Daimyo not to support me, then so be it. At most, I'll go back to wandering the world. No big deal."
"Alright, I need to rest. Handle the rest as you see fit. Oh, and make sure your clone swaps out with Shiranui Genma and Yamashiro Aoba soon."
[Damn, how cold!]
[After all the analysis I did for you, you couldn't even give me a warm as thanks?]
[Ugh, what a heartless woman!]
[Then again... if Tsunade steps down, with my face, I'm pretty sure Danzō won't let me off the hook.]
[Hmm, should I retire while she still has some power?]
