He was unsure whether Tsunade's trembling hands were from drinking too much or fear of something.
Perhaps it was the former.
In Jiraiya's impression, Tsunade had always been a fearless woman.
"Jiraiya..."
Tsunade's voice was somewhat hoarse.
"Hmm?"
"If you break down the cause and effect of something, yet fear breaking such rules might bring world-upheaval chaos... what should be done?"
Tsunade gazed intensely at Jiraiya's face.
Jiraiya looked even more astonished, surprised that Tsunade would ask such a question.
Though somewhat vague, Jiraiya could roughly understand the reasoning.
After a brief contemplation, Jiraiya responded, "It depends on whether the cause and effect bring good or bad. After all, you mentioned it's enough to cause world-upheaval chaos, and if it happens, many people will surely die. If it were me, I would consider carefully, change slowly, and under the premise of not disturbing stability, find a perfect solution to the cause and effect you mentioned."
"I see."
Tsunade smiled.
Indeed, it's a 'Jiraiya-style' answer.
"Let's not talk about this question. Have you considered the matter of the Fifth Hokage?"
Jiraiya cared about this topic.
"My thoughts are chaotic right now, can't give a precise answer. Please decline Teacher Sarutobi's kind offer."
Tsunade waved her hand, slightly reluctant to discuss the topic.
"Why? Right now, only you have the ability to save Konoha."
Given Konoha's current situation, it really does not fare well internationally.
Constant unexpected events have occurred, and since the end of the Third Great Ninja War, Konoha's mission commissions have gradually decreased yearly.
If this continues, it will inevitably be surpassed by other Ninja Villages.
"I've said my thoughts are chaotic, I can't answer now."
"Tsunade, you're acting strange today; did something happen?"
Jiraiya remained silent and suddenly asked this question.
Tsunade dodged his gaze, hands supporting the table as she straightened.
"Nothing, you're overthinking it. My head feels a bit dizzy, I'm going to rest. Shizune, let's go."
Saying this, Tsunade held her aching head, pretending to be dizzy, and walked out supported by Shizune.
"Tsunade, this woman..."
Jiraiya squinted his eyes.
He felt a premonition that something must be happening with Tsunade, otherwise, she wouldn't be acting so peculiar today.
"It seems that completing the old man's task won't be easy, and I'm also concerned about the organization Orochimaru is in..."
Jiraiya felt his head aching too.
Now his hands are truly tied, with the international pressure Konoha faces, and the internal power and faction struggles causing his concern.
Moreover, persuading Tsunade and collecting the mysterious organization's movements are two significant tasks weighing heavily on him.
Looking further, the Land of Demons can't be taken lightly.
Among all current threats, the Land of Demons is the most significant.
If Tsunade could assume the role of Fifth Hokage now, many problems would be resolved.
Changing Tsunade's mind will have to come slowly.
◎
Konoha Hospital.
The Pharmacology Research Institute, led by the director of the drug department, Asami Shinsui, with twenty-one elite Konoha medical ninjas, is carrying out a secret research task assigned by the village's high-level.
Using 'Unspecified Poison' as the main focus of the research, they are conducting analyses on the unknown toxin.
Asami Shinsui held a small piece of fingertip-sized dark red transparent crystal, a rare crystallization produced by mixing the unknown poison with blood.
This crystal was transferred from the hands of the high-level to the hospital's research institute; they demanded the hospital quickly analyze the drug properties of the crystals and develop an antidote to the toxin.
The research has been ongoing for many days, yet the progress in analyzing the toxic pharmacology remains frustratingly slow.
They have discovered a terrifying secret hidden behind the toxic crystal, but now, they do not even see the shadow of the door leading to the secret, let alone glimpse what's behind it.
"How's it? Failed again?"
Asami Shinsui casually placed the crystal in a sealed transparent bottle and tucked it into the pocket of her white coat, then asked a medical ninja who had completed the analysis work.
On the tray of the detector lay some dark red powder scraped off the crystal.
A miniature sphere barrier encompassed the tray.
The medical ninja smiled bitterly, nodded, and replied, "Yeah, failed. Many drug analysis instruments in the hospital are related to the Chakra System, but once Chakra touches this powder, it's swallowed completely. Even the most precise observation instruments cannot fully analyze the substance composition of the powder."
"Since this material can eradicate Chakra, there must be some affinity with Chakra."
Asami Shinsui rubbed her chin, speaking thoughtfully.
The medical ninja nodded in agreement, also considering Asami Shinsui's words reasonable.
Given its ability to eliminate Chakra, it inherently contains parts related to Chakra. However, they are currently unable to decipher the secret within.
This material is indeed related to Chakra, yet it simultaneously eradicates Chakra. This situation leaves them helpless at present.