Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

Chapter 68 Third Hokage: Are you really determined to fight for the Hokage title?

Outside the laboratory, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared somewhat reserved.

Asma's attitude made him feel truly helpless for the second time.

The last time was when the Second Hokage took the initiative to cover the rear.

Why is this happening?

Hiruzen Sarutobi doesn't quite understand.

He stood outside the door, wanting to open it and go in, but hesitated.

Finally, just as he was about to leave...

Squeak.

Tsunade opened the door without saying a word.

"Old man, either come in or leave. What are you doing pacing back and forth at the door while I'm doing my experiment? Optimizing this antidote takes time!"

"Tsunade..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that Tsunade had misunderstood.

He quickly said, "I'm not here to rush the medication."

He had already heard about the Hizashi Squad from Sarutobi Biwako and the Anbu. They also valued the matter and the improved poison, but it wasn't time for them to come and urge him.

Tsunade was surprised, and then puzzled.

This isn't serious business; even an old man has his day?

She thought for a moment and nodded: "Wait a moment, let me explain the precautions to my assistant."

"Okay, no rush."

Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly and went to the next office to wait.

After a while, Tsunade changed out of her lab coat, returned to her office, and closed the door.

"What is it?"

"I actually came for Asma."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke haltingly, but still managed to tell the truth.

Tsunade paused for a moment, then remembered the situation of eavesdropping yesterday, and sat up straighter, no longer as casual as before.

After listening to the whole story.

She didn't understand at all.

"The child doesn't ask for much, and the tree hole hasn't made any difference, so why are you closing it off?"

"This kind of thing has not been proven, and it is easy to promote it rashly, which could lead to imitation and spread negative emotions and behaviors, posing a hidden danger to the stability of the village."

Hiruzen Sarutobi retorted, stating his own thoughts.

"How could that be? They just want a place to confide in someone, to vent what they can't say. Do you even need to control that?"

Tsunade was extremely surprised.

She had no children, and her only younger relative was her brother, so she couldn't understand Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions at all.

"This is for the sake of the village's stability."

"ah?!"

Tsunade looked Hiruzen Sarutobi up and down, her eyes filled with surprise and shock.

Are you serious?

What does this have to do with the stability of the village?

She was helpless.

Old stubborn man...

They're really old-fashioned; they have no idea how to keep up with the times and update their views.

She became increasingly responsible.

Tsunade couldn't imagine what it would be like if the next generation had to live under the rule of the Third Hokage.

For the village!

Tsunade's expression was serious.

"Your behavior stems from the unknown. In reality, everyone has things they cannot confide in others, because people can spread secrets, while inanimate objects cannot. This is the meaning of a 'tree hole'."

"It is a silent listener, which allows people to relax and vent their emotions, preventing them from being suppressed and causing mental illness. This is beneficial."

"Are you going to suppress the development of something just because you don't understand it?"

Tsunade's expression was serious.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had read Tsunade's paper and wasn't completely unfamiliar with psychology, but he couldn't understand things like "confessional posts" without firsthand experience.

But he felt...

This stuff is useless; in fact, it can trigger strong emotions and extreme reactions within people.

however.

Then, he suddenly woke up.

I didn't come here to talk about this!

"Tsunade, I wanted to talk about Asuma."

"Teacher, we're talking about the same thing. Besides, you really don't understand Asma at all!"

Disappointment flashed in Tsunade's eyes. "That's right. You've always been like this. You don't understand Asuma, you don't understand Jiraiya, you don't understand me, and you've never truly understood Orochimaru either."

Once, Hiruzen Sarutobi was a hero in her eyes second only to Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju, but now, Hiruzen Sarutobi's image in her mind is crumbling more and more.

Now that he's over fifty, the teacher has really gotten old!

"What do you mean?"

"Teacher, isn't it obvious? Asuma, he doesn't like being controlled by you. He doesn't want to be the Hokage's son; he just wants to be himself!"

His words left Hiruzen Sarutobi stunned.

The Hokage's son...

What's wrong with that?

He didn't realize that his existence was a burden to young Asma.

A hint of pity flashed in Tsunade's eyes.

"Teacher, I think you should try to communicate with Asuma... But no, never mind. With your abilities, communicating with him will only make things worse!"

Her face turned cold. "Leave this matter to me, but don't interfere in the tree hole incident anymore, and don't even think about sending anyone to eavesdrop, or I won't be polite!"

"you……"

"If you still stubbornly believe that things should be done the way you want, you shouldn't be coming to me now."

Tsunade asked, "That's right, why did you look for me?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent for a moment, but finally gave in.

"Okay, I won't stop you."

"Children are relatively simple, but mental illnesses in adults are the most difficult, especially for us ninjas... You really should take this seriously, embrace and understand the unknown, instead of just seeking stability."

Tsunade said seriously.

Hiruzen Sarutobi got up and left.

Stability is peace. As the Hokage, a single wrong or rash decision could send the village in a worse direction.

How could a child possibly understand this?

He walked to the door, then suddenly stopped.

"Tsunade, are you really determined to fight for Hokage?"

"Yes."

Tsunade's tone was firm.

Hiruzen Sarutobi turned around and said quietly, "Being Hokage requires taking on all responsibilities. Do you have that ability now?"

"certainly!"

Tsunade did not back down.

She had anticipated this day when she made the decision.

Hiruzen Sarutobi had a serious expression.

"Then prove it to me!"

"You're wrong. I'm not just proving it to you, but to everyone—every villager of Konoha!"

Tsunade corrected his wording.

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed and said, "That's right. Every Hokage is responsible to the villagers. If you truly have the ability and ambition, I won't covet the position of Hokage."

"Perhaps I have indeed changed, but I am still thinking of the village, not just myself, Hiruzen Sarutobi."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Tsunade did not answer.

The conflict between her and Hiruzen Sarutobi was not one of hatred, but rather a clash of ideologies.

There always has to be a process between the old and the new before true change can occur.

but.

Starting today, perhaps a new "war" is about to begin.

Tsunade organized the documents, pondering the opponent's possible attacks, and then...

She got it.

A moment later, she found Kurenai.

"Hong, I need your help with something."

"Lady Tsunade, please feel free to ask me anything, and I will do my best."

Kurenai Yuhi naturally wouldn't refuse.

She used to admire Tsunade and regard her as an idol, but now the admiration has disappeared, and there is only deep respect.

Tsunade said seriously, "I need you to use the 'Naraku-Seeing Technique' on me. I need to overcome my psychological barrier as soon as possible!"

Naraku saw the illusion that revealed the fear in his heart.

She needs to confront her own feelings!

"Lady Tsunade..."

Kurenai's beautiful eyes widened, and she dared not reply for a moment.

"Didn't you say you would definitely do it?"

Tsunade smiled.

Kurenai bit her lip and said, "This is too cruel!"

"There's nothing cruel about it. I'm Tsunade, how could I have such a weakness?"

Then, she turned her head and smiled, "Red, this is also a test for you. If your illusion magic is too bad, I will punish you."

"I'm sorry, Lady Tsunade, I... I really can't do it..."

Kurenai gritted her teeth.

How could you let her hurt someone she respects?

"I asked you to do it."

Tsunade spoke as gently as possible.

Kurenai Yuhi shook her head again, but her expression was somewhat hesitant.

she knows.

Tsunade likely instructed her to do this in the hope that the illusion would stimulate her mind and cure her hemophobia.

but.

If you're not careful, you might actually worsen the condition.

She dare not!

At this moment, the image of Kyohiko involuntarily flashed through Kurenai's mind.

Among the people she trusted and who also knew about Tsunade's situation, besides Jiraiya-sensei, were Kyohiko and Kakashi.

Oh, right, Kyohiko!

He also understands medicine, and it was Kyohiko who first suggested that Tsunade study psychological illnesses.

"Lady Tsunade, may I think about it?"

"Okay, I know this is putting you in a difficult position, but among the people I can trust, only you have this ability, Hong. I believe in you, and please believe in me too."

Tsunade spoke solemnly.

"Yes, I will, but I want to do it better. After all, this kind of thing...can't be taken lightly!"

"Thanks."

……

Outside the village, Kyohiko was practicing his swordsmanship.

One-handed clone technique.

Then--

Instantaneous movement, blade slash!

His swordsmanship was fluid and seamless, executed in one go.

"My left and right hands are now almost identical, very coordinated, and with the addition of single-handed hand seals, my abilities are even stronger than they were a few days ago!"

A hint of joy flashed in Jingyan's eyes.

These improvements are all real. It's a pity that Sakumo Hatake is dead, and Kakashi's understanding of the White Fang Sword Technique is probably not as good as his own.

The road ahead is long, and we must find our own way.

Jingyan sighed.

Just as he was lost in thought, suddenly, a strange sound came from underground, and then—

Buzz!

The chirping of insects?

He woke up instantly, and in the blink of an eye, his hands had already formed six hand seals.

Water Escape·Water Formation Wall!

Insects swarmed out from the shadows, but Jingyan's water barrier covered the area from his feet to his surroundings, the water walls swirling like whirlpools, instantly blocking the insects' attacks.

Soon, insects swarmed down on him from above.

But recently, Kyohiko had already tracked down the other party's whereabouts—

Insects also have a source.

The source of the sound must be the location of the other party.

The water array wall disappeared the next moment.

In the shadows, masked ninjas manipulated insects, only to find they had missed their target.

He immediately switched positions.

but.

In the blink of an eye, the insect sensed someone behind it.

What?

How could this be...?

Aburame Ryoma was shocked, and his body quickly turned into a swarm of insects.

Under the cover of the parasitic insects, he quickly shifted his position, but his opponent also split in two, and his speed suddenly increased.

laugh!

With a single slash, Aburame Ryoma blocked with a kunai, but the next second, he saw Kyohiko's left hand come at him.

The parasites rushed forward quickly.

but.

With a swift turn, the blade pierced his shoulder in an instant.

The insects surrounded the sword, and Aburame Ryoma's body rapidly collapsed, turning into a pool of parasitic insects that scattered and fled.

Underground!

Jingyan pressed his gaze against the tree trunk, listening intently to the sounds coming from underground.

next second...

Body Flicker Technique!

In an instant, the figure split into three and flew off in three different directions in the air.

Underground, Ryoma Aburame, controlling the parasitic insects, hadn't yet determined the truth when a terrifying force struck from above.

How is that possible?

Ryoma Aburame admitted that he underestimated his opponent.

but.

How can this guy, who is only a few years old, possess such terrifying strength?

The land and stones were all shattered.

He urged the parasitic insects to devour layer by layer, finally absorbing all of the monstrous chakra energy before it could reach him.

it is good……

so close!

but.

Just as he was feeling relieved, the knife pierced the ground with a "whoosh" and embedded itself in his shoulder. Even with the parasitic insects protecting him, the knife still injured him.

Blood flows out.

The next moment, the parasitic insects swarmed out, like sand and sea, covering a large area all around.

Secret Technique: Insect Wall Technique!

At the same time, insects gathered from all around, transforming into black tornadoes that ravaged the surrounding area.

Even Kyohiko couldn't approach rashly—

These insects can devour chakra. If he gets close, he may be eaten. Even if he doesn't die, he will lose too much chakra and become unable to move, leaving his life in the hands of others.

The secret techniques of the Aburame clan are indeed troublesome!

Jingyan felt deeply inadequate in his abilities.

Perhaps we need to add ninjutsu with area-of-effect damage!

Physical skills and swordsmanship alone are not enough in certain situations.

Aburame Ryoma dared not be careless any longer and immediately emerged from the ground, pressing his hand against the wound on his shoulder.

Compared to Kyohiko, he looked much more disheveled.

"Don't rush to make a move; that was just a test."

"test?"

Jingyan sneered, "Whose test?"

"You've passed the test for Konoha's Anbu; you're qualified to join their ranks."

Aburame Ryoma answered.

really!

Kyohiko was not surprised.

The other person's clothing was clearly in the style of the Anbu. If I'm not mistaken, this person should be Aburame Ryoma, Danzo's subordinate.

Aburame Ryoma asked, "How is it?"

"Not good. Your test didn't tell me that I could determine you were an attacker. If I accidentally killed you, would I not be held responsible?"

Jingyan said coldly.

Ryoma Aburame was filled with rage, but after a moment, he suppressed his anger, though his tone was still somewhat unfriendly.

"If you had that ability, you could have killed me just now! Although I was careless and injured, it doesn't mean I'm really inferior to you."

"That's what everyone who loses says."

Kyohiko glanced at him, then vanished in an instant, leaving behind the words, "I don't want to join the Anbu right now, or you can talk to my teacher about it. I should still be Jiraiya-sensei's subordinate for now!"

He was incredibly fast, disappearing in the blink of an eye. By the time Aburame Ryoma tried to get revenge, he had vanished without a trace.

Ryoma Aburame was both depressed and angry.

His mindset had been messed with, and he hadn't even had a chance to retaliate, feeling like he'd punched empty air.

It's awful!

However, this guy is really outrageous. He is so young and his strength is so terrifying. How did he train like this?

He clutched his shoulder and headed towards the secret service base.

……

Jingyan rushed back to the village, the scene of the battle still lingering in his mind.

At that moment, Kurenai Yuhi ran over from the alley in surprise and put her hand on his shoulder.

next moment--

Kara!

Jingyan suddenly grabbed her hand and was about to throw her forward when he quickly realized that he was walking on the street and hurriedly let go.

Cold sweat beaded on Xi Ri's red forehead.

"Feel sorry."

"No, it's nothing!"

She rubbed her hand to ease the pain. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I was just getting distracted while thinking about a spell. Did you need me?"

Jing Yan said.

Kurenai immediately remembered the important matter.

She quickly pulled Kyohiko towards a secluded spot, leading him to a grove of trees. Once they were sure no one was around, she whispered Tsunade's request.

Kurenai Yuhi didn't want to hurt Tsunade.

but.

Tsunade's request might actually be a cure for hemophobia...

She was caught in a dilemma.

Jingyan paused for a moment, then clapped his hands suddenly.

"Yeah! How come I didn't think of that?"

"What?"

Kurenai was bewildered, not understanding why he was so excited.

Jingyan's tone was slightly agitated.

"Narakumi! Narakumi sees the fear in one's heart. You should understand the principle behind it better than I do. Isn't there any illusion that can see the beauty in one's heart?"

He had previously suggested that Tsunade seek psychological medication, but he forgot that the ninja world actually had something called "genjutsu" (illusionary techniques).

If used on one's own people, could it develop into a reverse version of Narakumi?

He could not say for sure.

Because Kyohiko's illusion magic is really not strong, even if his clone technique is improved to the master level, he doesn't make much progress in terms of emotions.

If his grandmother's notes and scrolls were still alive, they might be of help, but now...

"Unfortunately, I don't know illusion magic. I can only offer this idea; I don't know if it can be realized."

Jingyan sighed regretfully.

"Inner beauty..."

Yuhi Kurenai murmured to herself.

The reverse Narakumi.

She was quite confident in her illusion skills, and Kyohiko's advice also gave her some inspiration.

perhaps……

With a few improvements, it can be made to allow people to experience the positive aspects.

If all else fails, one can turn to one's father for help.

Of course, the wording needs to be cautious and careful, so as not to reveal Tsunade's condition.

Kurenai Yuhi had an idea in her mind.

She grasped Kyohiko's hand, thanked him repeatedly, and then said, "Lady Tsunade is waiting for my news, I must go now!"

"Also, it would be best to use the Naraku Sight Technique first, and then try to awaken the better side of Tsunade when her condition becomes unbearable. That way, the effect might be better."

Jingyan offered advice.

He felt that Tsunade probably didn't want the people from the New Year's Eve Infrared to be present and see her other side.

In addition, he also had important business to attend to.

Find Jiraiya!

……

As evening approached, Tsunade finished studying the data, looked outside, and couldn't help but sigh softly.

Hong hasn't come back yet.

Also.

It's a bit difficult to ask a little girl to do this kind of thing.

Tsunade chuckled to herself.

After packing her things, just as she was about to leave, she turned around and heard footsteps coming from the corridor.

Then—

Bang!

Kurenai Yuhi pushed open the door and breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Tsunade was still there.

Her face was covered in sweat, and she was panting.

"Tsunade-sama! I've thought of a way! Please allow me to help you!"

"Thank you, Hong."

Tsunade paused for a moment, then sat down, suppressing her joy.

Kurenai took a deep breath.

"Lady Tsunade, I will first use the Naraku Sight Technique. Although this technique is simple, it will trigger your deepest fears if you are unprepared. You must hold on!"

She consulted with her father, saying that Tsunade was researching psychology and she wanted to create a technique that would allow people to see beauty.

Kurenai Yuhi offered a lot of advice and helped with the research.

After spending an afternoon, I finally achieved some results.

Although it's not fully mature yet, it should be sufficient for most users!

Don't worry.

Tsunade nodded, gazing at Kurenai Yuhi's hands.

Immediately, Kurenai began to form hand seals.

The Magical Technique of Naraku's Appearance!

Soon after, Tsunade's body began to tremble uncontrollably.

The setting sun's red glow is clear.

In the other person's mind, numerous hallucinations that terrified Tsunade were arising.

These kinds of hallucinations are things that people least want to face, and for Tsunade, it's like repeatedly reopening old wounds and letting the pain resurface before her eyes.

At this moment, Tsunade's mind was replaying various terrifying images of death.

Kato Dan.

Rope tree.

Kyohiko.

Jiraiya...

One by one, the people she cared about died tragically before her eyes, causing her to feel an overwhelming fear, and a flood of memories came rushing back.

"No! No!"

Tsunade roared in the illusion.

Even though she knew it was all an illusion, she still lost control.

In that instant, her chakra surged, and she broke free from the illusion!

Tsunade paused for a moment, then looked at Kurenai Yuhi lying on the ground in the distance, and quickly stepped forward to help her up.

"Are you alright? I'm sorry, I couldn't control myself. Maybe next time?"

She instinctively broke free from the illusion.

Still can't do it?

Tsunade sighed inwardly.

"It's alright! I can do it, Lady Tsunade, let's try again!"

Despite the pain, Kurenai's gaze remained resolute.

"Please try again, Lady Tsunade, please believe me!"

"Red... okay, I believe you!"

(End of this chapter)