Inside the barbecue shop.
Fat hissed on the grill, smoke curling upward. SIZZLE!
Uchiha Jin's pupils narrowed. Images from his shadow soldier drifted across his vision.
The argument in the Hokage's office, the Third's suspicions, everything was moving along the plan.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen's doubts about "Danzō" were noted.
Jin felt no worry. "Danzō" was not a Mizukage caught in genjutsu.
Jin had poured black-shadow energy into the body and rebuilt a mind within it.
It held all of Danzō's memories, fit the body perfectly, and could use his hallmark Wind Release and secret arts.
Aside from loyalty to Jin, it was no different from the original. Hiruzen would not spot a flaw.
"What are you spacing out for? The meat's about to burn."
Tsunade's voice chimed with the CLACK! of chopsticks on the grill.
Today she had swept her blonde hair up, baring a clean line of neck. She tapped the rim with her chopsticks.
Beside her, Kushina's cheeks bulged like a chipmunk's.
"Sorry."
Jin lifted a slab of crisp pork belly.
"I was thinking about what Elder Hikaku said. The Third wants Lord Orochimaru to be my team leader."
Kushina choked and gulped barley tea. "Cough, cough... Jin, you have not even graduated, right?"
"Early graduation. Not hard for me."
He smoothly moved Kushina's grilled tongue onto his own plate.
"Orochimaru, huh. Cold fish, but serious and thorough. As a leader he is fine, at least more reliable than Jiraiya."
Tsunade flipped the meat, then added, "But with your temper, you two probably will not get along."
"My temper is fine. What is the problem."
Jin shot back, and still tossed a fresh-cut tongue into Kushina's bowl, which puffed her cheeks even more.
Watching them, Tsunade's mouth twitched.
"He is not the only problem. Orochimaru is not easy like me or Jiraiya. Go on one mission with him and you will see."
"I thought you and Lord Orochimaru were classmates. I expected you to put in a good word. Afraid I will say yes?"
Jin teased with a smile.
"Please. As if teachers are lining up to take you. Do not flatter yourself."
She pulled a face of mock disdain.
"It is not flattery. I am the clan's true prodigy. Being my teacher is a story to brag about. Just like the Third choosing you."
Her scowl softened. He pressed on.
"Sounds nice, but it feels like you are buttering me up. Out with it. You want something, do you not?"
Clever as ever, she straightened, sensing his angle.
"Ha. Lady Tsunade is sharp."
Jin praised her, leaned in, and lowered his voice.
"Would Lady Tsunade ask the Third to make you my team leader?"
"Ha!?"
She blinked.
"Me, your leader. What are you thinking."
"Why not. Or do you think your teaching is worse than Lord Orochimaru's."
He switched to a goad without missing a beat.
"Do not be ridiculous. He has never taught a student. I am always at the Leaf Hospital training med-nin."
She snapped back at once.
"Perfect then. You are the Third's pupil. He will agree."
"Perfect my foot. I am not wading into your mess."
She sobered, seeing it was more than a simple assignment, and made to refuse.
"If Lady Tsunade does not wish to, I cannot force you. But as far as I know, you owe quite a bit to the casinos around the village lately."
Her eyes flew wide.
"Thanks to the Second, public order is under Uchiha jurisdiction. What should I do about that."
Jin's smile widened. Tsunade's face froze. She turned pleadingly to Kushina, and met only a bowed red head.
Realizing Kushina would not save her, Tsunade bluffed anyway.
"You said you would not force me. If you try to play dirty, I will leave the village for a few days. I am used to it."
"Do not joke. I would not threaten you with that."
Jin kept smiling.
"How about a wager. If you win, I clear your debts. If you lose, I still clear them, but only after I am your student."
Her expression flickered. After a beat, she gritted her teeth.
"Fine, but I choose how we bet."
"No problem. As long as it is fair, anything goes."
"You said it."
She smiled, satisfied, sure of victory.
She rolled up a sleeve, set her arm on the table, and looked at him.
"Arm wrestling. Simple, direct, fair."
Seeing her outstretched hand, Jin flashed a pleased grin.
"Deal. But not here. After we eat, somewhere else."
"Good. Get ready to pay up, brat."
She tossed back her cup in one swallow, already picturing Jin emptying his coffers to settle her debts.