Chapter 29

"So strong! And terrifying," thought Kabuto as he watched Tsunade's sudden outburst and felt the overwhelming aura emanating from her.

"This woman must be single! No man would dare get close enough to take one of Tsunade's punches. Anyone who tries to approach her must be prepared for the risk of domestic violence."

While thinking this to himself, Kabuto maintained a sincere expression and said, "Tsunade-sama, we are not here to cause trouble, but to discuss terms."

"Terms? Don't make me laugh." Tsunade retracted her fist and coldly said, "I've already said what needed to be said. Now, leave my sight immediately."

"That's not possible. Only Tsunade-sama can heal Orochimaru-sama's hands."

"Disappear."

"We're willing to make a deal. We won't ask for free treatment..."

"I'll count to five. If you're still here, I'll make you disappear."

"Tsunade-sama..."

"Five."

"Please calm down. You'll definitely like our offer."

"Four... Three..."

Tsunade was unmoved.

"Two."

Seeing that the final ultimatum was approaching, Orochimaru finally spoke in his raspy voice, unhurriedly, "I can bring your beloved brother and lover back to life."

Tsunade's brown pupils contracted sharply as she stared intently at Orochimaru, unable to finish the final "one."

"With my developed forbidden techniques, they will return to your side," Orochimaru added, his smile confident and assured.

Tsunade's body trembled. After a long pause, she slowly asked, "Is what you're saying true?"

"In a way, yes."

A voice interrupted suddenly.

Orochimaru's heart skipped a beat as he turned to his left. His body instinctively tensed before he consciously relaxed, quickly processing the situation in his mind. With a tone of surprise, he said, "I didn't expect you to come here at this time."

"You?"

Hearing Orochimaru address the newcomer so respectfully, Kabuto, Shizune, and Tsunade all showed puzzled expressions.

Curious about why Orochimaru would use such an honorific, they turned to see a figure in a black cloak approaching.

"Honestly, I didn't expect myself to come here either," the figure responded, shifting his gaze from Orochimaru to Tsunade and Shizune. "But I arrived just in time."

He removed his black hood, revealing a face full of cracks but still strikingly young and handsome. Only one person in the entire ninja world had such a visage—Hagoromo Gensou.

After learning of Tsunade's whereabouts, Gensou had hurried to Tanzaku Town, not stopping along the way.

Fortunately, he had arrived just in time for this meeting.

A cold breeze blew through, and for a moment, the ruined site fell silent due to Gensou's unexpected arrival.

Orochimaru, who had been confident in provoking Tsunade and using her loved ones to make her more susceptible to his deal, now felt worried as Gensou appeared without warning.

Names and reputations carried weight.

Even in his weakened state, Orochimaru couldn't help but feel uneasy around someone of Gensou's stature.

He carefully asked, "Are you here for Tsunade as well?"

"Tsunade?" Gensou looked at the stunning blonde beauty and nodded, "In a way, yes. But don't worry; it doesn't conflict with your business, Orochimaru."

Gensou glanced at Orochimaru's bandaged arms, understanding his concern. "Thank you," Orochimaru said, taking a step back and inviting, "I've discussed almost everything with Tsunade. You can proceed now."

"Thanks."

Gensou nodded and turned his attention to Tsunade and Shizune. Seeing that the strange-looking man had come specifically for her, Tsunade, still trying to process the news about her brother and lover potentially being resurrected, asked, "Who are you?"

Before Gensou could answer, the intelligent Kabuto took the initiative to introduce, "This is the legendary ninja who stands on par with the First Hokage and Madara Uchiha, Hagoromo Gensou-sama."

After his introduction, Kabuto respectfully bowed to Gensou.

"Quite a capable subordinate," Gensou remarked, giving Kabuto a once-over, and then turned to Orochimaru with a smile.

"I think so too," Orochimaru agreed, smiling.

Meanwhile, Tsunade and Shizune were taken aback by Kabuto's introduction, their minds reeling once again.

"Someone on par with my grandfather and that bastard Madara..."

Tsunade recalled moments from her childhood when her grandfather, Hashirama Senju, would occasionally talk about the ninja world's past. While most of the time he was gambling, he would sometimes mention notable figures. Madara Uchiha was the most frequently mentioned, followed by Hagoromo Gensou.

Remembering her grandfather's comments about Gensou, Tsunade found it surreal that this historical figure was now standing before her.

Shizune, having a sudden realization, said, "Tsunade-sama, there were rumors about Gensou appearing during the Chunin Exams. It seems they were true."

Rumors in the ninja world were hit or miss. Despite hearing about Gensou's reappearance, Tsunade and Shizune had not investigated further, dismissing it as unlikely.

After all, how could someone dead for years come back to life?

Resurrection?

Tsunade's eyes widened, and she turned sharply to Orochimaru, recalling his recent promise.

"I can bring your beloved brother and lover back to life."

Orochimaru wasn't lying.

He really could do it.

(End of Chapter)