The Third Mizukage smiled: "Don't be nervous..."
Danzō stared at the other's expression, trying to discern something from his face: "What do you want to do?"
"Just one more layer of insurance."
The Third Mizukage's words were somewhat intriguing. Danzō narrowed his eyes, his voice low: "Insurance?"
"Tōshirō, this Jinchuriki, is too special. He's different from other Jinchuriki; with his Sharingan, his control over the Tailed Beast might be unmatched by any previous Jinchuriki."
"To kill him, I don't think a single ambush will be enough."
Danzō agreed with this statement but didn't understand the meaning of the previous one: "But what does this have to do with Tsunade?"
The Third Mizukage glanced at him, a meaningful look in his eyes: "Once anyone has emotions, they gain a weakness..."
Danzō listened, his eyebrows relaxing, finally getting a sense of it.
But soon, his brows furrowed again. He watched the other party warily and pondered: "So, you intend to use Tsunade as bait?"
"Don't you think it's quite a perfect idea?"
The Third Mizukage spread his arms as if boasting, speaking eloquently.
Danzō listened silently, keeping his mouth shut, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
The opponent's strategy was to set up an ambush to assassinate Tōshirō, first weakening a wave of his strength. Of course, if they could kill him directly, that would be best. If not, they would immediately seamlessly transition to the second plan.
According to the clues deliberately left, revealing Tsunade was in danger, Tōshirō, upon learning this, would surely be concerned for Tsunade's safety and rush over without delay.
After the previous round of consumption, even a Jinchuriki's chakra would surely be largely depleted. Plus, with Tsunade as a hostage, they wouldn't fear being unable to deal with Tōshirō.
After hearing the plan, Danzō looked deeply at the other party.
In preparing to kill Tōshirō, they had clearly done their homework.
If Tsunade were used as bait, Tōshirō would certainly fight to the death, and the consequence of doing so would be certain death.
Danzō inwardly made this assessment, but he was still a bit uneasy about the plan.
As if seeing through Danzō's true thoughts, the Third Mizukage stated directly: "What, are you afraid I'll kill Tsunade along with him?"
Danzō's expression wasn't very good: "It's not impossible."
He only wanted Tōshirō's life and didn't want Tsunade's life to be taken as a result.
The Third Mizukage knew that whatever he said, the other party wouldn't believe him, so he simply didn't explain, only emphasizing Tōshirō's kidnapping and extortion.
Upon hearing this, Danzō felt a headache coming on. He now regretted coming to this meeting in place of that fellow Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"I can't give you a direct answer on this matter immediately."
Danzō didn't outright refuse, leaving some room for negotiation.
He wanted to think if he could find other ways to eliminate Tōshirō without using Tsunade as bait.
The Third Mizukage showed a patient side and agreed to Danzō's delay.
Danzō remained silent, his mind already preparing for the worst.
What if the Mizukage and Tsuchikage's true goal was to use the excuse of killing Tōshirō to also trap and kill Tsunade? How should he respond...?
As a disciple of Tobirama Senju, Danzō knew the trigger for awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan.
If Tsunade were to die in front of Tōshirō, there was a high probability that Tōshirō, with his aptitude, could awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan...
A Tōshirō with Mangekyo Sharingan would undoubtedly have greatly increased strength. This would lead to a much more intense resistance against the ambush from Kirigakure and Iwagakure, which could weaken the combat power of both villages.
However, a newly awakened Tōshirō would certainly not be able to perfectly control his abilities, and this would still be within an acceptable range.
Weighing the pros and cons, Danzō stroked the half of his face wrapped in bandages.
If he could get his hands on those Mangekyo Sharingan eyes, it would be the perfect choice, whether as a trump card or as a defense against the Uchiha clan.
...
...
Evening.
Inside the house, in the dining room.
Tōshirō and Tsunade were eating. He picked up a green vegetable and placed it in Tsunade's bowl: "I've seen you busy recently, you must be exhausted."
Tsunade was used to such intimate gestures and wasn't reserved. She skillfully ate the vegetable from her bowl: "There have been a lot of upsetting things lately."
After dinner, the two sat together on the edge of the bed, leaning intimately against each other.
Tōshirō chuckled: "You're quite proactive this time."
"Don't talk, just let me lean on your shoulder." Tsunade rested her head on Tōshirō's shoulder.
Tōshirō glanced sideways, seeing her gently closed eyes and softly twitching nose: "You really look tired."
Tsunade slowly opened her eyes, revealing clear pupils: "I'm just feeling a bit emotional. I never thought even someone as strong as Sensei Hiruzen would almost have an accident."
Hiruzen Sarutobi almost kicked the bucket; that was indeed quite unexpected. However, he truly lived up to his "protagonist buff" by not dying even from that... Tōshirō gently comforted her:
"Don't worry too much. The Hokage, hasn't he woken up? I think he'll be able to resume his duties as Hokage before long."
Tsunade looked up, gently shaking her head, her face filled with worry, her eyebrows drooping into a V-shape: "I'm not just worried about that. I'm just afraid that one day, something might happen to you too."
So she was worried about him... Tōshirō was touched, his expression moved: "Don't worry, I'm very strong."
"I'm sorry for saying something that would worry you. I just don't want to lose anyone important again..."
During years of war, Tsunade often found people dying around her, perhaps today, perhaps tomorrow.
The sad thing was that she had become accustomed to it, even numb, feeling that death on the battlefield was common.
It wasn't until her sensei almost had an accident recently that she was suddenly jolted awake and began to re-examine everything.
Tōshirō lovingly cupped Tsunade's cheeks.
Do you want that?
Tsunade closed her eyes, full of anticipation, waiting for her lover's kiss.
After a long pause, the expected soft kiss didn't come.
Her delicate brows furrowed slightly. She slowly opened her eyes, and reflected in their rounded depths was her lover holding out three candies before her.
Tsunade looked puzzled: "Why are you putting three candies in front of me?"
Tōshirō smiled: "Tsunade, I have three candies here: mint, strawberry, and milk. Which one do you like?"
"Milk, I guess."
They were about to kiss, and he was asking such a boring question. A hint of annoyance passed through Tsunade's eyes.
Unconsciously, she had grown very accustomed to kissing Tōshirō, and sometimes even felt anticipation for it.
Hearing his girlfriend's answer, Tōshirō unwrapped the milk-flavored candy.
Tsunade watched, thinking, Is he going to give me my favorite candy now?
He had specifically asked what she liked, and with such specificity, Tsunade naturally thought this.
However, much to her regret, she was wrong.
Tōshirō, without a word, unwrapped and ate the milk-flavored candy himself.
This left Tsunade utterly bewildered.
Just then, Tōshirō suddenly leaned closer.
By the time Tsunade noticed, he was already upon her.
It happened so suddenly that Tsunade initially resisted reflexively.
But she quickly gave up.
Tsunade's eyes grew even more hazy.
After they separated, a strong milky scent lingered in her mouth.
Tōshirō looked at Tsunade, whose eyes were glazed over, and quirked his lips: "This way, it's double the pleasure~"
"Disgusting," Tsunade said, wiping her mouth clean and then denying everything.
"Oh, really?"
Seeing her act like she hated it but her body language said otherwise, Tōshirō chuckled mischievously: "But I feel like you..."
Tsunade's face instantly flushed red. She feigned innocence: "I was trying to bite you, alright!"
Tōshirō stuck out his tongue.
Tsunade was startled: "What are you doing? That's disgusting."
"Bite me."
"If you tell me to bite you, then I'd lose all face, wouldn't I?"
Tōshirō chuckled: "I knew you couldn't bear to bite me."
Tsunade hummed, grumbling: "You wish."
Then, she composed herself and suddenly said: "Tōshirō, let's visit the Ryūryū Shrine sometime."
Ryūryū Shrine?
Tōshirō was startled: "Why?"
Tsunade replied: "To pray for blessings."
Tōshirō didn't understand.
"I'll pray for your safety."
The Ryūryū Shrine was very famous in the Land of Fire. People often visited it to pray for peace and safety.
For this reason, Tsunade wanted to take Tōshirō to visit, at least to ease her mind.
Tōshirō understood. It seemed the incident with Hiruzen Sarutobi had scared Tsunade, making her superstitious and turn to prayer: "You're too superstitious."
"Don't you believe it? I heard that place is very effective."
"Those things are just tricks to fool people. With that time, I'd rather hold you and sleep. Isn't that more enjoyable than praying to gods and Buddhas?"
Tōshirō admitted that gods existed in this world, but these "gods" were different from what people traditionally considered gods.
Tsunade released her hands and softened her tone: "Come on, come on. Lately, for some reason, my right eyelid keeps twitching. People often say that's a sign of great misfortune. I vaguely feel that something bad is going to happen.
"Just come with me, if only for peace of mind."
Right eyelid twitching?
What kind of superstition is this...
Tōshirō was speechless and firmly refused to go.
Unable to persuade Tōshirō, Tsunade reluctantly gave up, stood up: "I'm going to take a bath. You come with me."
"How can you not persuade me," Tōshirō said meaningfully, "Are you planning to... that's not impossible."
Tsunade's mouth twitched: "You're thinking too much..."
Tōshirō was puzzled: "Then why are you calling me?"
Tsunade pinched her chin: "You have the Boil Release Kekkei Genkai, right?"
"What about it?"
"Use your Boil Release to create some steam for me in the bathroom. I suddenly feel like having a sauna."
"Do you take me for a tool...?"
Tōshirō was displeased: "How can I, a mighty Kage-level strongman, do such a thing? If word gets out, how can I face anyone?"
"Then don't touch me anymore."
"Oh, men and women working together don't get tired. I'll be responsible for making steam, and you'll be responsible for bathing."
Tōshirō readily agreed: "I'll create steam for you right away. Would you like more or less?"
Tsunade: ...
...
After creating steam for Tsunade, Tōshirō lay on the sofa, waiting for Tsunade to finish her bath. Then he would go in for his bath, and finally, he would hold the fragrant Tsunade and sleep soundly. Another day passed just like that.
"To use my power for something like that, you really have no shame."
The Five-Tails within him complained to Tōshirō.
Tōshirō picked his ear, ignoring the Five-Tails' protest.
Women take a long time to bathe. Tōshirō suddenly had an idea: "Speaking of which, it's been a while since I last fought you, hasn't it?"
The Five-Tails fell silent.
"Let's have a spar. If I win, and I ask for your chakra in the future, you have to obediently give it to me."
"Hmph, we'll see if you have what it takes."
...
In the bathroom.
Tsunade lay in the bathtub, a towel on her head, surrounded by dense steam. It was so comfortable that she unknowingly fell asleep.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but she suddenly heard a deafening roar that startled her awake from her sleep. She slapped the water, creating splashes.
"What's wrong? What's wrong?"
Confused, she quickly wrapped herself in a bathrobe and rushed out.
Then, a shocking scene unfolded.
Her home was gone...
Tsunade looked up at the massive white creature, her eyes wide with shock: "This is... the Five-Tails!"
The Five-Tails noticed Tsunade's figure, turned its massive head, and spoke in human words: "Tsunade, don't worry, it's me."
"That voice is... Tōshirō?"
Tsunade looked at the Five-Tails, puzzled.
From what she remembered, this was the first time Tōshirō had transformed into this appearance.
Looking at the enormous body, Tsunade finally understood why their house had suddenly exploded.
Tōshirō transformed back into his human form, grumbling.
Damn it.
He'd been tricked by that bastard, the Five-Tails.
Tsunade quickly walked forward and asked about the situation: "Tōshirō, what exactly happened?"
Tōshirō looked at Tsunade, wrapped in a bathrobe, her hair damp, which gave her a unique charm.
Normally, Tōshirō would take his time to admire this sight.
But now, because the house had been blown up, Tōshirō didn't want Tsunade to be seen exposed by others.
Tōshirō decisively said: "I'll explain all this later. First, put on your clothes. You don't want to expose yourself, do you? Soon, the commotion I caused will attract people."
That made sense. Tsunade put the matter aside, returned to the bathroom to find her clothes, and quickly put them on.
The house had burst open due to the Five-Tails, but fortunately, the bathroom area was still relatively intact.
As soon as Tsunade finished changing and left the bathroom, she quickly noticed several figures rushing towards them.
It was a normal phenomenon.
Aside from the loud explosion from the room, just the Five-Tails' enormous size standing there meant that anyone nearby who wasn't blind would notice it immediately.
"Tōshirō, what exactly happened?"
The newcomer was a young man with a stern face.
He was a member of the Uchiha clan.
Upon discovering the Five-Tails' appearance, he rushed to the scene immediately.
The house Tōshirō was staying in this time wasn't Tsunade's house, but his own.
Tōshirō scratched his head, looking embarrassed: "How should I explain this..."
"Tōshirō, I remember the Five-Tails is the Tailed Beast within you, right? What happened just now? Did it go berserk?"
The Uchiha youth, after asking, realized something was off.
If it had gone berserk, Tōshirō wouldn't be talking to him like this right now.
"To put it simply, I think I just perfectly controlled the Tailed Beast's power, and out of curiosity, I couldn't wait to try it out.
"The result is the situation you see before you now. It seems I've inadvertently caused you trouble. I'm truly sorry."
Tōshirō looked around at his clan members and bowed his head in apology.
The Uchiha members' eyes widened, their faces filled with disbelief: "Wh-what—!"
(End of Chapter)
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