Chapter 279: Domineering Tsunade, Reiki’s Methods!

The accusations hurled at Tsunade quickly gained momentum among the gathered ninjas.

"What?" 

"Tsunade-sama attacked fellow villagers? That doesn't sound right."

"I don't believe it. Tsunade-sama has always been honorable. This must be a misunderstanding."

"You think you know someone, but power and money can change anyone."

"Yes, with all the missions being taken by certain clans and the sale of expensive potions, what else can we think?"

"And that student of hers... He's no better."

The gossip snowballed, growing increasingly absurd. Before long, wild rumors painted Tsunade as someone who would even pressure the Hokage for personal gain. Factions started forming, and tensions flared, pushing some to the brink of conflict.

Most ninjas managed to keep their wits about them, but others, stirred by false information and their own discontent, stood ready for confrontation. They soon found themselves gathered at the entrance to Tsunade's courtyard, alongside some of the unconscious ninjas who had been attacked en route.

"Tsunade-sama," Nishida, a civilian ninja who had been vocal earlier at the mission office, stepped forward. "We need an explanation. Why are you selling potions at high prices? Why did you attack our fellow ninjas? And why are you supporting Uchiha in hoarding missions?"

"Does this mean that we, the ordinary ninjas, are not valued in this village?" added another, Zuo Song, echoing the sentiment with a defiant glare.

The accusations were met with silence from Tsunade, Reiki, and Nozuki, who simply stood there, jotting down notes in small notebooks. Their unbothered demeanor made some of the wavering ninjas feel that something was off. 

The crowd's agitation reached its peak, and just as it seemed chaos would erupt, Tsunade finally stood up. "To those who are just here to watch or who care for me, please step back," she called out, her voice firm and authoritative.

The effect was immediate. The crowd quieted, and many who trusted Tsunade implicitly took a few steps back, signaling their support. One-third of the gathered ninjas retreated to a safer distance, ready to intervene if things turned against her.

The remaining crowd, noticing the shift in mood, grew tense. Tsunade's expression hadn't changed, but it now carried an edge that promised retribution.

"Reiki, Nozuki, did you finish the list?" Tsunade asked.

"Yes, Sensei." Reiki and Nozuki lifted their notebooks, filled with names.

"You accused me of attacking fellow villagers?" Tsunade's voice was deceptively calm. "Let's correct that."

In the blink of an eye, she launched herself into the crowd. The ground cracked under the force of her punch, sending shockwaves that rattled through the gathered ninjas.

"Trying to leave already?" Reiki's voice taunted Nishida as he attempted to slip away.

"Wha—" Nishida spun around, only to be met by Nozuki's fist driving into his stomach. Though not as powerful as Tsunade's legendary strength, it was enough to incapacitate him. 

Within minutes, the scene turned into a one-sided rout. Tsunade led, with Reiki and Nozuki intercepting those who tried to flee. In mere moments, dozens of ninjas lay on the ground, unable to move.

"Tsunade-sama..." A few ninjas who had been worried about her stepped forward hesitantly.

"Thank you for your concern," Tsunade said, her voice softening. "Take these potions; they should be enough for your recovery."

She handed them several storage scrolls. "As for the sale of potions, that is still managed by the village. But to those whose names are recorded here," she lifted the notebook, "no more potions will be sold to you. If you have an issue with that, take it up with the Hokage."

Without another word, she turned and strode back to her courtyard, radiating an unyielding presence.

Reiki stepped forward, distributing the potions to those who supported Tsunade. Then, with a practiced calm, he began treating the fallen ninjas. When Zuo Song awoke mid-treatment and grumbled, "I thought you'd surrendered to us," Reiki's expression hardened.

"Did a zombie eat your brain?" Reiki's voice was low, a precursor to the sudden, open-handed slap that sent Zuo Song sprawling and unconscious again.

The gathered ninjas watching couldn't help but realize the message: Tsunade's team wouldn't bend easily. After treating the rest, Reiki moved to the unconscious ones near the entrance. Among them, some names scanned white in his system—a sign of something off. 

Interesting, Reiki thought as he knelt beside them, extracting memories and crushing their souls as needed. The intel gathered would be invaluable.

Just as he finished, a voice called out from down the road, "Lord Hokage! Lord Danzo!" The tension spiked as Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo approached, their eyes locking onto Reiki.

A smirk played at the corner of Reiki's lips as he crossed his arms. The real confrontation was about to begin.

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