Konoha Notes

Chapter 98 Test
We can't say directly that he came to ask Tsunade to come back as Hokage; if we did, he wouldn't be able to stay.

Therefore, Shuuji brought up the matter of cultivating immortal arts.

In fact, this was one of the initial goals before setting off. The method provided by the live slug required him to endure long enough under natural energy.

Shuji had confidence in his chakra, but for such dangerous training, it was always good to have extra protection.

"As for cultivating immortal techniques, go talk to the live slug yourself," Tsunade said impatiently.

“I already understand the training part, but I need chakra support,” Shuji said softly. “That’s why I came to you.”

The sudden, gentle tone sent a chill down Tsunade's spine, raising goosebumps on her arms. She gave a disgusted look, crossed her arms, and rubbed them together.

"Kid, you're disgusting."

"So you prefer a more direct, even impolite, approach?" Shuuji regained his composure. "Then, please help me with my training, Lady Tsunade."

"It's even more infuriating." Although she said that, Tsunade felt better than before. "But why should I help you?"

"Want to arm wrestle with me and make a bet?"

“No, I don’t have that power,” Shuji replied. “So please feel free to make your request, and I will do my best.”

"I'll do my best," Tsunade repeated softly, pursing her lips. "That's hardly a sincere statement..."

Shizune, hiding under the table, quietly poked Tsunade's side with her finger and whispered, "Lady Tsunade..."

"Don't bother me, we'll talk about it tomorrow." Princess Thousand Hands yawned. "You go and settle today's bills first, kid."

Jingyin immediately looked embarrassed. As an elder, it was really inappropriate for a junior to pay the bill.

Feeling that she was a senior, Shizune was about to handle the situation when Shuuji stopped her.

"I have something to ask of Lady Tsunade, and it is only natural that I do so."

Looking at his expressionless face, Shizune suddenly felt an invisible pressure. Although it wasn't the first time they had met, this young man always gave her the feeling that he was older than her.

After resting for a night, Tsunade asked Shuji to settle the hotel bill, and then gambled for two hours at a casino in Shōta, losing all her money before leaving satisfied.

"Since you're asking for my help, then you'll serve as my follower for the time being. Once I'm satisfied, I'll help you cultivate Sage Mode." Tsunade revealed a wicked smile. "I'm going to vent my anger properly."

An impeccable, almost humble smile immediately appeared on the boy's face, and his voice became soft and gentle: "Of course, Lady Tsunade."

Princess Thousand Hands suddenly shuddered, her hair standing on end, and shouted, "Don't talk to me like that!"

Shuji still smiled and said, "It's just the etiquette of a servant."

"Ugh... I'm about to throw up." Tsunade covered her mouth, feeling nauseous.

"I'm just confirming which kind of service you prefer." Xiu Si's smile vanished instantly, returning to his usual indifference. "After all, you seem to have been quite critical of my past words and actions."

"That's enough, that's enough, how about this?"

Tsunade waved her hand listlessly; the exhilarating feeling of losing money so badly at the casino had completely vanished.

Shizune watched this scene thoughtfully, realizing that this was the way to deal with Lady Tsunade.

She mimicked Shuuji's tone and tentatively began, "Lady Tsunade..."

"Shut up, be quiet." Tsunade immediately turned her head and glared at her.

"Yes." Shizune lowered her head, looking aggrieved, and muttered softly, "Why not me..."
-
After leaving Shōtayō, the three traveled south, passing through the Land of Forests, and finally arrived at a remote place on the southeastern coast of the Land of Fire.

An abandoned pier lies forlornly on the rugged coastline.

Although she was supposed to give Shuji a hard time, Tsunade didn't end up doing much. She just made him settle his bill for the food, and he didn't even get to drink his fill of alcohol.

Therefore, after the journey, Princess Senju felt she hadn't vented her anger, but seeing the occasional helpless expression on his face, she also felt as if she had vented a little. At this moment, Shuji stopped and looked at the scene before him.

The pier is not large, and most of the wooden boardwalks are rotten and broken. The remains have been repeatedly washed by the sea, and they have turned grayish-black.

This place looked like it had been abandoned for at least several decades, and he didn't quite understand why Tsunade would specifically come to a place like this.

"Lady Tsunade, this place doesn't look like a casino or a tavern."

Tsunade did not answer immediately, her gaze turning towards the vast sea, where the azure horizon seemed to hold some distant memory.

The sea breeze ruffled her blonde hair, and for a moment, her profile showed a look of dazedness and tranquility.

“Of course not.” The waves reflected in her eyes. “Many years ago, this dock was very lively. Ships departed from here and could reach a country that was skilled in sealing techniques.”

Sealing technique... obsolete...

"The Land of Whirlpools?"

Tsunade snorted, breaking the slightly heavy atmosphere. She turned her head and pointed at Shuuji with her chin: "Hey, attendant, the next step is to run from here to the ruins of Uzushio Village. No boats allowed."

Shuji gazed into the distance where the water and sky merged, but could not see any trace of land. "We need the approximate location and distance."

"What? Scared?" Tsunade raised her eyebrows. "If your chakra control isn't up to par and you fall into the sea to feed the fish halfway through, I won't be rescuing you."

“We just need navigation. If you’re unsure of the exact location, we can try searching,” Shuuji replied calmly.

Speechless again, Tsunade pointed in a direction with a hint of annoyance: "Keep going east, slightly south."

"Stay close, or I won't wait for you if you fall behind!"

Before she finished speaking, she had already leaped off the dock, chakra gathering beneath her feet as she lightly stepped onto the sea. Shizune followed closely behind.

The long sea voyage had already happened once before at Izuku Port, but the location of Uzushio Village was obviously much farther, but it had no effect on Shuji.

Tsunade, who was originally running in the lead, gradually slowed down when she saw that Shuuji was able to keep up.

"Follower."

She suddenly laughed, and then punched Xiu Si hard in the side!

Shuji was already prepared after Tsunade slowed down. He suddenly unleashed his chakra and slid rapidly to the side and back.

"Water Escape·Water Formation Wall!"

A thick wall of water rose instantly, separating the two.

Tsunade's fist slammed into the water wall with a muffled thud, the terrifying force causing the wall to tremble violently and explode into a spray of water. Taking advantage of this moment, Shuji had retreated more than ten meters and regained his footing.

"Not bad!" Tsunade flicked the water droplets off her hands. "Since we're just killing time anyway, let's see if you're even qualified to touch something like Sage Art!"

The journey that followed turned into intermittent combat drills. Tsunade's attacks were completely unpredictable; sometimes it was a frontal assault, sometimes she used the sea environment to create traps, and sometimes it was simply a contest of hand-to-hand combat.

Jingyin watched in horror, wanting to speak up and dissuade him several times, but she couldn't bring herself to say a word.

Although Tsunade said it was a test, she showed no mercy to her subordinates.

However, being on the high seas, Shuuji's fighting environment was far better than Tsunade's, and even if he only used Water Release, the situation was not difficult.

Finally, having exhausted herself, Tsunade stopped, satisfied with her successful punch to Shuuji's chest.

And Wochao Village is right in front of us.

(End of this chapter)