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Tsunade - Ch 33
🕑 Added 2025-03-31 16:02:01 +0000 UTCChapter 33: Kurenai's Decision
Returning side by side with Tsunade, Hikari noticed that Izumo and Kotetsu had already woken up. His eyebrows twitched slightly before he simply returned to his spot, lay down, and went straight to sleep.
With his keen eyes, he could clearly see that the two were absent-minded, especially when they saw him and Tsunade return—their expressions were off.
But since one was his older brother and the other his close friend, Hikari decided to act as if he hadn't noticed anything.
Accompanied by soft snores, Kamizuki Hikari drifted into a deep sleep.
However, Tsunade, lying not far him, couldn't fall asleep no matter what.
Recalling Hikari's inner thoughts from earlier, Tsunade felt that her ability to hear his inner voice might have its downsides.
Thinking carefully, if Yuhi Kurenai were here, Tsunade would have naturally called her to go out together. But among the four people around her now, after some consideration, Tsunade still found Kamizuki Hikari the most agreeable.
Speaking of which, what exactly does this guy think of her?
With this question lingering in her mind, Tsunade unknowingly drifted into sleep.
Seeing her fall asleep, Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu pretended not to notice and stood guard dutifully.
In terms of status, Tsunade was the Hokage, and in Izumo's heart, she was no different from his sister-in-law. As the older brother, enduring a little hardship was nothing.
Not far away, Maito Gai slept like a log, completely oblivious to everything happening around him.
...
"Up ahead is the Land of Fire's capital!" Yamashiro Aoba pointed to a simple map in his hand.
Yuhi Kurenai and Shiranui Genma stood beside him, looking at the map.
"According to Tsunade-sama's instructions, once we enter the city, we will split up for our investigation. Kurenai, please leave some markers at our rendezvous point. Genma and I will find you when it's time to regroup."
Kurenai nodded. "No problem."
Shiranui Genma obediently followed orders.
Yamashiro Aoba continued, "The Daimyo's residence has undergone some changes. Based on my speculation, there are at least two teams of jounin guarding the Daimyo. However, our target this time isn’t the Daimyo himself, but the nobles. As long as we find out the root of the problem, our mission will be mostly successful."
"The most important thing is that this mission prioritizes our safety. If we’re caught by the Daimyo's men, and he pins a crime on us, not even the Hokage would be able to bear the consequences."
There were many matters that couldn't be openly discussed.
For example, the relationship between the Daimyo and the shinobi village appeared harmonious on the surface, but in reality, it was more of a delicate balance.
The Daimyo controlled the finances, while the shinobi village controlled the shinobi. Only by working together could a country function properly.
For this mission, the team's main objective was intelligence gathering.
Since they were in the Daimyo's territory, they absolutely could not expose their identities. Compared to other locations, this mission required much stricter measures.
Looking at the map, Kurenai brushed her long hair back and suggested, "My reputation is probably well-known in the city. The Daimyo's Twelve Guardian Ninja, due to my connection with Asuma, will likely pay more attention to me. I’ll follow the plan and draw their attention, while the two of you investigate further inside."
"Good idea!"
Yamashiro Aoba had been waiting for her to say that.
After all, Kurenai was a jonin. Even with Tsunade's orders, once they were here, Yamashiro Aoba could only use small tricks to persuade Kurenai to take action. Otherwise, he had no authority to command her.
After all, Kurenai was technically the leader of this mission, and he was just a subordinate.
"Alright, I'll go into the city first. I won't concern myself with how you two get in. Once inside, I'll just act like I'm here for sightseeing. No matter how strict the Daimyo is, he can't stop me from visiting, right?"
Shiranui Genma looked at Kurenai with admiration.
In the shinobi world, female shinobi were already fewer in number compared to men.
Female jonin were even rarer.
For Kurenai to achieve the rank of jonin, she lacked neither courage, decisiveness, nor strength.
"Once you two have gathered enough intelligence, deliver it to Tsunade-sama when she arrives in the city. If too many people gather around me, it'll be a liability. Plus, we don't want to make unnecessary moves. The final decision rests with Tsunade-sama. Understood?"
"Got it! We'll be counting on you, Kurenai!" Yamashiro Aoba nodded in respect, watching as Yuuhi Kurenai left.
Once she was gone, Shiranui Genma spoke up.
"She really is an incredible woman. How did she end up with that bearded guy Asuma? Life is unfair! A handsome guy like me is still single!"
"Give it a rest!" Yamashiro Aoba shot him an exasperated look. "We have a mission to focus on. Besides, Kurenai is a jonin. No matter how scruffy Asuma looks or how ugly he is, he's still out of our league. I have a feeling this mission might end in failure."
Hearing this, Shiranui Genma scratched his head.
"If that happens, we'd be a disgrace!"
Yamashiro Aoba shook his head. "We'll do our best. This is the Land of Fire, not some other country. We can’t expose our identities. Remember to hide your forehead protectors and anything else that might give us away."
...
Inside the Daimyo's residence.
The Daimyo, an aged man with graying hair and a slightly androgynous appearance, sat quietly, fanning himself. His gaze occasionally carried a sharp, sinister glint that sent shivers down the spines of the servants behind him.
Before him, a shinobi knelt on one knee, his movements precise and controlled, like a lifeless machine.
"What does Danzo mean by this?"
The shinobi remained composed. "My master says that if the Daimyo is willing to depose Tsunade and support him instead, Konoha will follow the Daimyo's commands unconditionally in the future."
The Daimyo gently shook his fan, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes, making the servant behind him tremble involuntarily.
"So, in Danzo's mind, I—the Daimyo—can no longer control Konoha, huh?"
"That is not the case, my lord. Danzo-sama believes that Hiruzen Sarutobi's faction is known for its deceit. They often disobey direct orders. Danzo-sama finds this intolerable and wishes to assist you in maintaining order."
"Hmph. Anyone can say pretty words!" The Daimyo reached for a grape from a fruit plate and popped it into his mouth.
"I've heard of the reputation of Root."
"Tsunade is the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju. With such a legacy, it will not be easy to move against her."
"If Danzo is just here to flatter me with sweet talk, he might as well leave now."
"Compared to him, I still prefer Tsunade. Do you understand?"
