Tsunade was naturally tempted by Sage Mode.
She had long suspected that the sudden surge of power Souma displayed earlier was the result of entering Sage Mode in that instant—his aura, strength, and presence had all changed too drastically to be anything else.
At their level, pure self-improvement had already reached its limits. From this point on, breakthroughs relied far more on special techniques, forbidden methods, or senjutsu—external forces beyond normal training.
But when she thought about the mountain of documents awaiting her after becoming Hokage, Tsunade couldn't help but sigh.
"We'll talk about it later," she said. "Once I become Hokage, who knows whether I'll even have the time."
"Shadow Clones," Souma replied casually.
"…Why don't you do it then?" Tsunade snapped.
"You little brat, it's easy for you to talk when it's not your back hurting. You and Jiraiya both refused to become Hokage, then shoved me out here to take the position!"
She had drunk a bit, and her words were far more unrestrained than usual—slamming the table as she finally vented everything she'd been holding in.
Souma could only smile apologetically.
Thankfully, the rest of the conversation went smoothly.
Although Tsunade was dissatisfied with how the two of them had dumped the responsibility on her, she was extremely pleased with Souma's proposal for large-scale joint training.
As for Jiraiya?
Trying to dump Tsunade into the Hokage's seat and then slip away from Konoha peacefully?
Not happening.
"Tsunade-sama," Souma said, "just in case you forget tomorrow, should I write this down for you?"
"Do it," Tsunade replied decisively.
"I won't forget—but Jiraiya's situation absolutely must be arranged properly."
She wasn't drunk.
Or rather—she was, but not enough to cloud her judgment.
Still, to prevent any accidents—and more importantly, to prevent Jiraiya from escaping—she agreed.
When Tsunade was escorted back to her temporary residence, Shizune finally relaxed.
But then—
"Souma-kun… why did Lady Tsunade drink this much?"
"Because she's happy," Souma replied.
Tsunade suddenly lifted her head.
"I heard that!"
She waved him off impatiently, signaling him to leave.
She was drunk—but at this level, her mind was still perfectly clear. Even if she drank more, she'd remain lucid.
That was just how ridiculous a ninja's physique was.
Looking at her now, who would believe she was the same age as Jiraiya?
Souma silently marveled.
Back on the road, his thoughts returned to the notebook Tsunade had given him.
It contained everything—her techniques, theories, insights. Every page was solid gold.
Take the Strength of a Hundred Seal, for example.
It was incredibly useful to Souma.
He didn't strictly need it right now, but if there was a way to store chakra long-term, why wouldn't he study it?
This technique could seal unused senjutsu chakra, effectively doubling endurance.
After analyzing it, Souma gradually formed a hypothesis.
The Uzumaki clan had always produced individuals with monstrous vitality. This technique had likely been designed specifically for physiques like theirs.
Ordinary people simply couldn't maintain massive chakra output while still having enough left over to store.
Take Sakura, for example.
She had spent three full years storing chakra—and during that time, she barely dared to step into the operating room.
"The seal's location is beside a major chakra node in the head," Souma muttered.
"It's like diverting a river at its convergence point to form a reservoir."
But male and female chakra networks differed slightly, meaning the "reservoir" had to be customized.
He continued running simulations in his mind.
Once he got back, he'd test it alongside sensory techniques—and also attempt neural construction.
The Eye of Sand technique had already been obtained by the Third Hokage as well.
Combining the Eye of Sand, neural simulation, and Body Pathway Derangement, Souma believed he could attempt to simulate nerves.
But—
Neural structure was far more complex than he'd anticipated.
"Plain chakra threads won't be enough," he sighed.
"I'll need special ninja tools. I'll have to forge them."
He carefully stored the Mangekyō Sharingan and went to sleep.
The next morning, Souma woke up to good news.
Another pattern had formed.
Just as expected, the first technique mastered was Mind Reversal Technique.
It had the lowest difficulty.
But the higher-level techniques—Mind Disorder Technique and Mind Chaos Technique—were far more demanding.
One required deep understanding of the mind itself.
The other demanded extreme chakra control and jutsu mastery.
A long road ahead…
Souma looked at the notebook again, his thoughts shifting.
Waiting for the Yamanaka clan to fully master everything could take who knows how long.
But Strength of a Hundred Seal and neural simulation might work as alternatives—both were closely tied to the brain and spirit.
With that in mind, he stayed indoors, continuing his research.
At the same time, inside the Hokage Tower.
The Third Hokage sat to the side, instructing Tsunade on how to handle paperwork more efficiently.
Then—
"Sensei, Tsunade, you're both here—perfect timing."
Jiraiya walked in cheerfully.
"I'm planning to leave the village soon with Naruto. We'll travel, train, and gather intelligence on the Akatsuki."
Hiruzen and Tsunade exchanged a glance.
Then Hiruzen gestured subtly toward Tsunade.
At this point, she was essentially already Hokage—only the formal ceremony remained.
Tsunade rested her chin on her hand.
"Jiraiya, can't you wait a bit longer?"
"Hahaha, you're already Hokage. What are you waiting for me to do—attend your inauguration?"
Jiraiya pulled up a chair and sat down casually.
Tsunade nodded.
"Yes. At least stay until Naruto sees the ceremony. That child is obsessed with the Hokage title—he'll be crushed if he misses it."
"Jiraiya," Hiruzen added gently, "Naruto really—"
Jiraiya hesitated.
"…Fine. I'll leave after the ceremony. When is it?"
"One month from now."
"???"
Jiraiya froze.
"One month?!"
Tsunade looked both irritated and helpless.
"They said the date isn't good. This month doesn't work. All sorts of ridiculous superstitions."
"That's how it's always been," Hiruzen sighed solemnly.
Jiraiya stared at the two of them suspiciously.
Something felt off.
But he couldn't find a flaw.
"…Alright."
"Good," Hiruzen said. "Then stay a bit longer."
He puffed on his pipe.
"Oh, by the way—there's going to be a refresher training program for Chūnin and Special Jōnin. You'll be in charge."
"!!!"
Jiraiya instantly realized.
So this was the trap.
"Chūnin & Special Jōnin Refresher Training – Instructor: Jiraiya."
Souma passed by the notice board and nearly laughed out loud.
Run?
Not a chance.
He suppressed his smile and headed for ANBU instead.
ANBU's commander was still Uzuki Yūgao.
As the head of the Training Division, Souma could now officially participate in ANBU operations—but this visit wasn't about training.
He wanted to see Kimimaro again.
Kimimaro's condition had noticeably improved.
Though still suffering, his decline had slowed.
"You seem better," Souma said.
"Somewhat," Kimimaro replied calmly as the seals were loosened.
Just as Kabuto had said—forcing Kimimaro to surrender wouldn't be easy.
"Kimimaro," Souma asked, "have you made your decision?"
"I want to know whether Lord Orochimaru is truly dead."
Souma nodded.
"Before, I could only speculate. Now, I can tell you with certainty—he is not dead."
He explained the entire encounter with Kabuto.
Kimimaro's expression grew solemn.
Edo Tensei failed?
That meant Orochimaru's soul hadn't returned to the Pure Land.
He might still exist—somewhere in the world.
Kimimaro narrowed his eyes.
"If Lord Orochimaru revives, how will you deal with him?"
"He will be placed under permanent surveillance and forbidden from researching taboo techniques. He will be spared—but if he crosses the line again, I will kill him."
"And I can find him," Souma added calmly.
"I also have the means to keep him in that state until he finally dies."
Immortality without freedom.
That was punishment.
Kimimaro fell silent.
He had less than half a year left to live—and they were still willing to offer these terms.
That alone showed sincerity.
After a long pause, he asked:
"What do you want me to do?"
"Nothing extreme," Souma replied.
"For now, your condition is unstable. Even with treatment, you won't be able to use Shikotsumyaku anytime soon."
He explained his plan.
Kimimaro bowed his head slightly.
Accepting meant severing his loyalty to Orochimaru forever.
Konoha would never allow someone who knew ANBU's inner workings to leave alive.
Unless he left as a corpse.
"…I understand," Kimimaro said.
"Until trust is fully established, we'll need certain safeguards. You understand why."
"Yes."
Kimimaro nodded calmly.
"If that's the case, I accept. I'll help train your ninja in swordsmanship and taijutsu."
"Good," Souma said.
"You'll be moved to a different location. Some seals will remain for now."
"I understand."
Kimimaro inclined his head.
"I can feel it—since my chakra and abilities were sealed, my body's deterioration has slowed."
Souma's theory was correct.
Kimimaro's illness stemmed from the evolution of his bloodline.
"That's expected," Souma said.
"Bloodline limits are power—but also disease. The Sharingan may suffer from something similar."
"Even the Sharingan?" Kimimaro asked, surprised.
"To varying degrees."
"Then… I may never use the Curse Mark again?"
"It will be completely sealed."
"Thank you."
Kimimaro bowed again.
He was loyal to Orochimaru—but not blind.
Souma's recognition of his worth mattered to him.
"Change clothes," Souma said.
"I'll take you to see the Hyūga clan."
"There's no need. I have no ties to them."
Souma smiled faintly.
"It's not about relationships. The Byakugan can see the human body at its most fundamental level. It may help your condition."
"…I understand."
Kimimaro followed.
After a moment, he spoke again:
"I'll help Konoha—but only if your promises are kept."
"They will be," Souma said firmly.
"But understand this: both you and Orochimaru have committed grave crimes. If you want to live, you must earn it."
Kimimaro nodded.
"I will serve you. Your command is the direction I move toward."
Open, honest, and direct.
That was better than lies.
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