Observing Kazuhiko and a group of people departing, Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes were contemplative.
Unbeknownst to him, Danzo had silently joined his side, sharing his gaze on Kazuhiko.
Sensing the attention behind him, Kazuhiko suddenly raised his hand, bidding farewell to everyone.
Witnessing this, the regiment leader, supporting himself with crutches, remarked, "This kid is extraordinary!"
One eye peered out from the bandages, and the chin's scar was prominently visible.
Danzo continued to scrutinize Kazuhiko and his entourage with dim eyes until they vanished around the corner. Turning to Sarutobi Hiruzen, he accused, "Hiruzen, Konoha lost control of four islands due to your match with Uzumaki Kazuhiko. This is a major mistake for the Hokage!"
Knowing that this confrontation was inevitable, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, "I will take responsibility for this."
Danzo nodded in satisfaction, recognizing that his objective had been accomplished. The next step would involve the exchange of political resources. They turned and re-entered, continuing to receive other family members.
On the journey back, Kazuhiko led Tsunade and several other elders.
Kazuhiko and Tsunade walked alone at the front, while the other six elders followed in unspoken understanding.
Kazuhiko shed the facade he wore with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Gazing at Tsunade with concern, he inquired, "How are you feeling now? Are you exceptionally fatigued?"
Tsunade, accustomed to pretending to be strong, initially wanted to say, "I'm fine, just need a bit of rest. Don't worry, I can handle it."
Yet, under Kazuhiko's caring gaze, she decided against the pretense and spoke from the heart.
"Yeah, I'm exhausted. I didn't sleep all night. I stayed up caring for the sensei, constantly vigilant, afraid his injuries would worsen suddenly.
"To be honest, the sensei's injuries are challenging to manage. The sword wound even shows signs of high-temperature burns."
"It took considerable effort to remove the charred, decaying flesh and make the wound on the sensei's face less alarming."
"I'm really worn out. Pulling an all-nighter ages me quickly..."
After sharing her thoughts, Tsunade gazed at Kazuhiko with a somewhat plaintive expression.
Quick to console her, Kazuhiko said, "It's alright; we can rest soon."
"Occasionally staying up all night won't hurt. After all, you're a medical ninja. Go back, take care of yourself, and you'll be fine."
Hearing Kazuhiko's comforting words, Tsunade laughed, "True, I'll get some good rest when I go back. I won't be pulling all-nighters for a while!"
Suddenly, Tsunade remembered something, covering her face, and exclaimed, "Kazuhiko, am I hideous now? Dark circles under my eyes and all, I must look terrible from lack of sleep!"
"Oh, it just dawned on me; everyone must have noticed just now. How embarrassing!"
Kazuhiko couldn't contain his laughter as he observed Tsunade's fatigued expression. Her uneasy reaction amused him greatly, and it took a moment for Tsunade to regain her composure.
Seeing that Kazuhiko not only refrained from offering solace but also chuckled at his own expense, Tsunade covered her face with her hands, revealing two large eyes that glared at Kazuhiko.
Upon noticing Tsunade's reaction, Kazuhiko promptly ceased his laughter and added reassuringly, "You needn't worry; they're all a bunch of old men and women. They don't pay attention to such matters."
"And I appreciate your appearance; I genuinely like it. I find you quite charming."
Having spoken, Kazuhiko cast a gentle gaze at Tsunade.
Hearing this, Tsunade's heart quickened, her breath becoming slightly uneven. Unbeknownst to her, a sweet sensation welled up within her.
She deliberately turned her head, attempting to conceal the flush on her face, and murmured softly, "Hmph, that's easy for you to say. Men are all big liars..."
A wry smile spread across Kazuhiko's face upon hearing this. "Alas, I'm an honest person. Why won't you believe me?"
As the two conversed, the Senju clan drew nearer.
After a while, the Senju clan arrived. Kazuhiko and Tsunade's residence was inside, while the elders resided a bit farther away with other clan members.
Kazuhiko glanced at the treaty held by the three elders and addressed them solemnly.
"This treaty is entrusted to you. Safeguard it diligently. It serves as the deed for ownership of the Four Islands and will be stored in the Land of Whirlpools's treasury henceforth."
"If we lose it, Konoha will be deemed a rogue, and we'll be in significant trouble."
Upon hearing this, the elders nervously eyed the treaty in the third elder's hands, fearing an accidental loss.
The third elder even proposed, "Clan Head, given your strength, how about you protect it?"
The other elders nodded eagerly, looking at Kazuhiko with anticipation.
However, Kazuhiko flatly declined for a straightforward reason, "Elders, if I must personally guard even this treaty, how many such 'treaties' will I need to manage in the Land of Whirlpools's future? Would I be Uzumaki Clan Head or a watchman?"
"You must learn to protect it yourselves! Besides, isn't the most powerful sealing technique in our Land of Whirlpools? Who says you have to hold it like this?"
Kazuhiko's words appeared to open a door for them, and they nodded in realization.
"Yes, why didn't we think of using the sealing technique? That's our specialty..."
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