It's not about winning with strength, but speed.
That exaggerated speed—Hakushi admits he can't achieve it himself.
In a normal arm-wrestling, like the method of the Fourth Raikage, it would only lead to self-destruction. However, the Fourth Raikage's decisive counterattack shows he has quite a bit of pride and confidence in his speed.
It seems the opponent isn't a simple-minded brute.
Due to the extreme speed, the opponent, even with just the Lightning Style Armor, makes his tactics versatile and flexible, not sticking to one strategy.
Ignoring the amazement of the crowd, the Fourth Raikage released Tsunade's hand, glanced at his already slightly swollen right hand without concern, and said to Hakushi, "I've won this match, haven't I?"
"Of course, as was said from the start, this is arm-wrestling, not a test of strength."
In other words, as long as it isn't some despicable cheating method, winning through speed, the Fourth Raikage effectively utilized his advantage to achieve victory.
A beautifully executed counterattack.
Hakushi couldn't defend Tsunade.
Surely Tsunade wouldn't bother denying it.
Tsunade snapped out of the shock of defeat, giving the Fourth Raikage a deep look, understanding why she lost the match; she thought he was a simple-minded guy, but didn't anticipate his intelligent side.
She underestimated him.
After all, the opponent is one of the Five Kage, like her teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Except for one Kazekage, who has been beaten into silence, this is undoubtedly a lot more troublesome.
"What do you say, Tsunade?"
"Don't worry, since I lost the match, I'll go with you to rescue your village's ninja."
Tsunade stood up from the ground, dusted herself off, as Hakushi thought, as a member of the Sannin, she wouldn't stoop to reneging.
◎
The group followed the Fourth Raikage into the inn room, where the Hidden Cloud Jonin Karai was writhing painfully on the bed, and the insect-like lump on his chest was larger than yesterday, contracting and expanding, looking exceptionally terrifying and frightening.
Seeing the injury, Tsunade's face showed some surprise.
"Bursting Insect?"
"You know it?"
The Fourth Raikage looked at Tsunade in astonishment.
Tsunade nodded seriously, asking the Fourth Raikage, "The people you fought were the Nokizaru Group, right?"
The Fourth Raikage did not hide.
"That's right, they were hired by the ninja of Woods Village to cause trouble for us."
"Woods Village?"
Tsunade frowned.
"I sent someone to take the village's Secret Technique, and then Woods Village ninja hired the Nokizaru Group to cause trouble for us, demanding we hand over the Secret Jutsu Scroll."
The Fourth Raikage openly shared the matter.
"..."
Tsunade was speechless.
No wonder it's the Hidden Cloud, they're so blatant about stealing things, not even intending to conceal it.
Amayi also stood awkwardly aside, not knowing what to say.
Perhaps that is the charm of the Raikage.
Scornful of hiding and lying, direct and blunt in character.
Hakushi showed no reaction to this, although retrieving the Secret Jutsu Scroll was the Nokizaru Group's mission.
But the Nokizaru Group is the Nokizaru Group, an Underground Black Market bounty hunter group, what does it have to do with him, Chiba Hakushi?
Moreover, even if Tsunade healed this Hidden Cloud Jonin's injury, the Nokizaru Group could again pressure the Fourth Raikage into submission.
If it weren't for meeting someone like Tsunade, a top-tier Medical Ninja, it's not so simple to resolve the Bursting Insect she developed.
"Forget it, this is a grievance between you, Hidden Cloud, and Woods Village, nothing to do with me. After saving this person, quickly pack up and leave."
"You can cure him?"
The Fourth Raikage raised an eyebrow.
"Don't think of me as one of your village's medical ninjas, who can't even handle such small matters."
Tsunade immediately retorted.
The Hidden Cloud Medical Jonin Amayi felt a sharp sting to his chest, a slight urge to sob from frustration.
After all, he was a trusted Elite Medical Ninja in the village, often relied upon by his colleagues, but in Tsunade's view, he was of little value, perhaps highlighting the desperate gap between himself and the top-tier Medical Ninja in the Ninja Realm.
"Then hurry and cure him!"
The Fourth Raikage's face grew dark.
Tsunade did not respond to the Fourth Raikage, instead looked at Hakushi and said, "You're here specifically to talk with me, right? So you handle this surgery."
She didn't intend to perform it herself, instead giving this chance to Hakushi.
"?"
Although Hakushi found it a bit strange, he didn't hesitate much.
Letting the Fourth Raikage and others leave quickly, allows him to discuss things with Tsunade sooner.
Yet, while he had no objection, others might.
The Fourth Raikage immediately shouted in dissatisfaction, "Hey, Tsunade, what do you mean? Aren't you doing it yourself?"
"For a simple surgical removal procedure, there's no need for me to handle it personally. This kid is one of my students, this little matter won't stump him. Not only him, even Shizune beside me can easily resolve it."
Tsunade looked at the Fourth Raikage like he's a fool.
Unruffled, the Fourth Raikage suspiciously glanced at Hakushi and Shizune, then looked at the embarrassed, mortified Amayi behind him, scratching his face with a forced smile.
Sorry for being such a useless Medical Jonin, Raikage-sama. Amayi felt increasingly sorrowful.
Not only Tsunade, but even her students can cure injuries caused by Bursting Insect, causing Amayi, who felt good about himself, to doubt whether he was an Elite Medical Ninja of the Hidden Cloud.