From that day on, the development of the new jutsu kicked off in full swing at the Senju compound.
Given that it involved the Nine-Tails, its significance to Konoha was self-evident.
Therefore, both Orochimaru and Jiraiya had devoted themselves entirely, temporarily setting aside their usual duties.
Numerous scrolls and books were continuously brought over, making it seem as though the two had practically moved into the Senju estate.
Such a big commotion naturally didn't escape Nawaki's notice. It was possible Mito had even allowed it on purpose.
Within two days, Nawaki heard the news that Grandma didn't have much time left.
From initial refusal to gradually coming to terms, he started accompanying Tsunade every single day.
Time truly was the best healer.
Though Nawaki couldn't actually help, he became Tsunade's unofficial observation partner.
As the days passed, the three-month deadline drew closer.
"How's the progress on the new jutsu going lately?"
Kawaki showed off his muscular upper body, his eyes revealing slight fatigue.
Using his brains all day and spending cash all night—nobody could keep that up forever.
"Pretty good. There's just one critical point left."
"I'd say we'll wrap it up in about another week max."
Tsunade's hair was disheveled, her face still flushed from what just happened.
She rested her head on Kawaki's arm, her curvy frame curled up beside him, making no effort to cover herself.
"What kind of critical point is it?"
Kawaki's big hand roamed idly over her body like a map.
"What's it to you?"
"Can you understand or solve it anyway?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes. Truthfully, she herself couldn't clearly explain it either.
In sealing techniques, she was better than Kawaki—but only slightly.
Together, these two might not even match up to Orochimaru or Jiraiya.
As for Mito, there wasn't even a comparison.
"Guess we're paying the price for not studying enough."
Speechless from the jab, Kawaki scratched his head awkwardly.
He immediately decided to strictly supervise Ginji's academics in the future—he'd never let the same thing happen to his son again.
"C'mon, who's perfect anyway?"
"I'll let you know once there's news."
Tsunade sidled closer and hugged Kawaki tightly.
"All right then. Sleep well."
"Why have there been so many documents lately?"
Kawaki complained, already too tired for anything else.
With Jiraiya and Orochimaru away on leave, many important documents had been transferred to him for handling.
Add in some school paperwork, and he was basically doing work meant for four people. No wonder he was exhausted.
"You've worked hard."
"Just get through this period first."
Tsunade said while her expression darkened again. The thought of the inevitable end always pained her.
"Okay, sleep."
Kawaki tugged the blanket over the two of them half-decently before gently stroking her back afterward.
"I'm fine. Good night."
Tsunade snuggled closer and closed her eyes.
The night passed quietly, and the next morning, Tsunade returned to her family home right on schedule.
"Where's Jiraiya? He's still late."
Same as when we were kids.
Seeing Mito and Orochimaru already busy with work, Tsunade couldn't help but mutter complaints out loud.
Completely forgetting she herself was nothing more than a gawking bystander, unable to lend any real help.
"Big bro isn't usually this late, is he?"
Nawaki immediately shot back, as anyone who'd read his favorite magazine would've.
Orochimaru remained deeply engrossed in a scroll, pointedly ignoring the siblings.
Only Mito wore a faint smile, glancing at them.
They traded a few lighthearted remarks before the sound of wooden sandals clacked closer.
The person hadn't arrived yet, but their voice reached first.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late."
Truth be told, it was the first time Jiraiya had been late when elders were around.
Tsunade clearly wasn't serious—just making idle conversation, which nobody bothered to acknowledge.
"It's fine."
Mito responded with a gentle smile. At this stage, timing wasn't that critical.
"How was last night?"
Orochimaru now set aside his scroll and looked toward Jiraiya. Turns out he'd simply ignored the siblings earlier because he didn't care about trivial matters.
Anyone who couldn't help with serious issues was useless in Orochimaru's eyes, and he held no interest in speaking with such people.
"I actually have some good news."
Jiraiya paused briefly before sitting beside Mito.
"Last night, after going home, I paid Mount Myoboku a visit."
"I heard some secret stories from the Great Toad Sage, which gave me valuable insights."
He was late because he'd just gotten back not long ago.
Despite looking like he could kick the bucket any second, the Great Toad Sage had already lived a thousand years—an ancient relic.
Even the Sage of Six Paths learned Sage Art from him originally. It was perfectly natural for Jiraiya to receive useful information directly from this venerable old toad.
"Oh?"
"Tell us more."
Orochimaru's snake-like eyes lit up. Gamamaru's name sounded familiar—he'd heard it from the White Snake Sage before.
That truly was an amazing old creature.
"You've done well."
Mito showed no significant emotional fluctuation, simply watching Jiraiya quietly.
Tsunade and Nawaki, meanwhile, were like eager kids waiting for storytime, hanging onto every word.
For them, whether they understood or not wasn't important—the key was maintaining the proper attitude.
"The Great Sage said although the Tailed Beasts were given life by the Sage of Six Paths,"
"they're not exactly what we'd call normal living beings."
"Saying they're combinations of chakra and consciousness might be more accurate."
"We can't create life, but splitting up Tailed Beasts? That's another story."
"We've fully deciphered the [Dead Demon Consuming Seal] technique."
"This technique works on any living creature that has a soul. However, according to the Great Sage, it doesn't work on Tailed Beasts."
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If Kawaki had heard these words from Jiraiya, he might have dropped his jaw. After all, in the original storyline, Minato succeeded using it against the Nine-Tails.
"So our research direction was wrong?"
Orochimaru frowned. Their entire premise rested upon the [Dead Demon Consuming Seal].
With three months nearly passed, if their foundation proved incorrect, they wouldn't have enough time to start anew.
"Guess we assumed too much. Looks like Kushina will have to endure a bit more hardship."
Mito sighed, reluctantly accepting reality.
She had no reason to question the words of a thousand-year-old sage.
"No, no—you've got it wrong."
Jiraiya had a self-satisfied grin as Tsunade and Nawaki's faces shifted from disappointment to hope.
"Our research direction isn't wrong."
"The Great Toad Sage only meant the Dead Demon Consuming Seal cannot completely seal a Tailed Beast, nor destroy it."
"That doesn't mean this technique has no reference value for splitting up a Tailed Beast."
Jiraiya offered a brief explanation, but still beat around the bush.
"What exactly do you mean?"
Orochimaru, whose research focused only on Tailed Beast cells, still didn't fully grasp it.
"In other words, even if we use the Dead Demon Consuming Seal on a Tailed Beast, we can't fully seal it."
"The Shinigami can only reap the Tailed Beast's spiritual energy — what we could consider Yin-type chakra."
"Even after the sealing technique is completed, the Tailed Beast can still survive using the remaining chakra."
Jiraiya paused. The situation was now clear.
"I see! No wonder you're the thousand-year-old immortal of Mount Myoboku."
Mito caught on quickly, her mind latching onto the idea effortlessly.
All they needed was a shift in perspective — suddenly, every problem fell into place.
The difference between extracting chakra and extracting a soul was clear as day.
"You didn't go there for nothing."
Orochimaru smiled as well, clearly pleased. Smart minds really did work better.
As the saying goes, "Those in the thick of it can't see the whole picture." But the Great Toad Sage sees things that are worlds apart from theirs.
Meanwhile, Tsunade and Nawaki — two brilliant minds — exchanged glances, their eyes filled with nothing but confusion.
...
Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade (m.