Chapter 31: Tsunade's Hesitation

Chapter 31: Tsunade's Hesitation

Tsunade had no inclination to show respect for elders. If someone tried to take something by force just because she wouldn't give it, she felt the only answer was to beat them into submission.

In the tranquil, ancient alley, the atmosphere grew oppressive. The calm before the storm was about to shatter.

"Tsunade, you're still as impatient as ever," Orochimaru finally spoke after being quiet since Hagoromo Gengetsu appeared. "Some things shouldn't be decided in haste. It's better to take time and think things over, so you don't regret it later. Just like Hagoromo's reasonable offer, and the matter of reviving your beloved brother and lover."

Tsunade initially scoffed at Orochimaru's words. However, her expression changed, and she slowly lowered her clenched fist when her brother and lover were mentioned.

Orochimaru smiled and then looked at Hagoromo Gengetsu, suggesting, "Hagoromo, it's best to give Tsunade some time. Forcing her will only result in mutual destruction. Once she understands what she truly wants, everything will be easier."

Orochimaru didn't want a deadly fight between Hagoromo Gengetsu and Tsunade. Regardless of who won, Tsunade would be in no shape to heal him afterward.

Orochimaru was confident Tsunade would eventually agree to his terms. Knowing her well, he understood the significance of Dan and Nawaki to her. Given time, she would face her true desires. Forcing her now would only yield the opposite outcome.

A gentle breeze blew, carrying a fallen leaf that cut through the tense atmosphere. Hagoromo Gengetsu glanced at Orochimaru, fully aware of the snake-like ninja's scheming nature. However, since a way out was offered and with new information from his shadow clone, he decided to take it.

"I await your next response," Hagoromo Gengetsu said calmly. He stood aside, observing as Orochimaru and Tsunade continued their conversation while reviewing the recent arrival of Jiraiya and Naruto Uzumaki from his clone's memory.

"The three Sannin are all here," he thought. The town wasn't large; if a fight broke out, Jiraiya would arrive within minutes. This was another reason he refrained from attacking. Fortunately, he wasn't in a hurry.

Glancing briefly at Tsunade and Shizune, he noted the worry and tension on their faces. His lips curled slightly as he thought of another plan.

"Orochimaru, I'm looking forward to your good news," he said. With a final glance, Orochimaru nodded, and with Kabuto, they vanished.

Hagoromo Gengetsu said nothing further. After a last look at the anxious Tsunade and Shizune, he sank into the ground, leaving the alley peaceful once more.

In the alley, Shizune's attempts to calm Tsunade echoed softly.

At the same time, Jiraiya, who had just entered the town, heard frantic shouts about a giant snake causing destruction. Realizing what was happening, he hurriedly made his way to the scene with Naruto Uzumaki, only to find they had arrived too late; Tsunade and Shizune were already gone.

"Still a step behind?" Jiraiya muttered, quickly urging, "Let's go, Naruto. Tsunade isn't here."

"Why are you rushing me so much?" Naruto grumbled but quickly followed.

Meanwhile, in the forest outside the town, Hagoromo Gengetsu and Orochimaru met again shortly after parting.

"Is there something else, Orochimaru?" Hagoromo Gengetsu asked calmly, arms crossed. While many travelers from other worlds might see Orochimaru as an invaluable asset, Hagoromo Gengetsu, having reached the peak of the ninja world and delved deeply into chakra research, found little interest in the younger ninja.

Orochimaru, unfazed by Hagoromo Gengetsu's lack of enthusiasm, smiled and said, "Hagoromo, you're very keen on acquiring the Spirit Transformation Technique, aren't you?"

Raising an eyebrow, Hagoromo Gengetsu replied, "And?"

Orochimaru, unperturbed, continued, "If you can't get it from Tsunade, you can always come to me."

Hagoromo Gengetsu's interest piqued, "Oh? Do you have the Spirit Transformation Technique?"

"Not currently, but that doesn't mean I won't in the future. I have many contacts within Konoha," Orochimaru said confidently.

Understanding Orochimaru's interest in his offer, Hagoromo Gengetsu didn't press further. "My terms remain the same. When you acquire the technique, you know where to find me."

With that, Hagoromo Gengetsu nodded and disappeared.

After a moment, Kabuto, standing beside Orochimaru, adjusted his glasses and asked, "It's strange that someone like Hagoromo Gengetsu is so determined to obtain the Spirit Transformation Technique. Do you know why, Orochimaru?"

Orochimaru licked his lips with a long, snake-like tongue, smiling playfully, "Who knows?"

Familiar with the technique due to his connection with Tsunade, Orochimaru found it curious that someone as powerful as Hagoromo Gengetsu would be so eager to acquire it. Unless...