Chapter 82: Backing from Above

Chapter 82: Backing from Above

The Root squad leader froze at Tonari's remark.

The identity of the Two-Tails Jinchūriki was one of Konoha's closely guarded secrets, known only to a select few. Naturally, a low-ranking Root operative like him had no access to such sensitive information.

Even so, the young ninja before him—Tonari and Minato—seemed extraordinarily talented. Their ability to defeat a special jōnin together was impressive, though the squad leader didn't see this as reason to regard them as equals.

In his eyes, Tonari's arrogance and defiance were unacceptable.

Before he could reprimand the youth, Tonari's grin widened unnervingly.

"Originally, if you had lowered your blade when I spoke, I might have let this slide," Tonari said with mock regret. "But now? I'm afraid it's too late."

The faint aura of blue chakra around Tonari shimmered briefly before vanishing entirely.

The Root captain felt an inexplicable chill. Instinctively, he leapt backward, retrieving his blade from Tonari's throat and assuming a defensive stance.

In the next moment, a figure burst from the surrounding forest with immense speed.

The figure—a woman with pale blonde hair tied into a ponytail—wore a green cloak. Her compact frame exuded a powerful presence.

Tsunade Senju had arrived.

She didn't waste time with words. With a clenched fist, she struck directly at the Root captain's blade.

Boom!

The impact sent shockwaves through the air. Cracks spread across the ground as the captain's blade shattered into pieces. His feet sank into the dirt as if nailed in place, unable to resist the force.

Tonari and Minato had wisely retreated just in time to avoid the flying debris, though they both exchanged wary glances at the display of raw power.

As the dust settled, Tsunade's silhouette stood tall, radiating an undeniable authority.

The Root captain, though wearing a mask, couldn't hide the blood that trickled from beneath it. His expression—though hidden—must have been one of shock and disbelief.

"Tsunade-sama…" he rasped, his voice trembling slightly.

Tsunade towered over him, her expression cold and unyielding.

"Is this how Danzo trains his men?" she demanded. "Attacking Konoha's own ninjas? Who gave you the audacity to draw your blade here?"

Her words carried the weight of an avalanche.

With her green cloak billowing dramatically in the breeze, Tsunade's presence became oppressive. Her chakra flared, overwhelming the surrounding air with a tangible pressure.

The captain's shoulders slumped, unable to withstand her intensity. He averted his gaze, unwilling to meet her eyes.

Knowing he couldn't challenge her authority, the captain remained silent. Root operatives weren't supposed to question or reveal anything about their orders.

But Tsunade wasn't looking for answers. Her display of dominance was enough to quell any rebellion.

Satisfied with the message delivered, she stepped back. "Consider yourself lucky this time. I'm letting you go because Konoha needs every shinobi it can get. Don't make me regret it."

The Root captain gritted his teeth beneath his mask but dared not argue.

Meanwhile, Tonari—who had been silently observing—decided to take full advantage of the situation.

With a mischievous grin, he ran up to Tsunade, pretending to be deeply wronged.

"Tsunade-nee-san, you wouldn't believe it! This guy—he…"

Before he could finish his fabricated tale of victimhood, Tsunade's fist shot out like a cannon.

Thud!

Tonari was sent flying backward, landing unceremoniously in a heap.

Minato, who had been standing off to the side, instinctively took a step back. He quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to see anything.

Tsunade cracked her knuckles, her expression unreadable.

"Don't think you're getting off easy," she scolded, walking toward Tonari. "Who told you it was a good idea to act on your own like this? Do you think learning a few jutsu means you're invincible? Hm?"

Tonari groaned as he stood up, rubbing the large bump forming on his forehead. "We were just—"

"Save it."

Tsunade's palm landed on his head, emitting a soft green glow.

Under her expert use of healing jutsu, the swelling on Tonari's forehead quickly subsided.

"You should be grateful I'm here," she muttered. "And stop getting yourself into trouble."

Tonari grinned sheepishly. "Yes, ma'am."

Turning to the Root captain, Tsunade's tone became sharp once more.

"Go back and tell Danzo this: These kids are under my protection. He'd better think twice before meddling with them again."

The Root operatives exchanged glances before disappearing into the forest without another word.

Once they were gone, Tsunade turned to Tonari and Minato.

"Now, where's Kushina?"

Realizing they'd almost forgotten about her, the two boys hurriedly led Tsunade to Kushina's location.

Thankfully, Kushina was still safe, guarded by the snakes Tonari had summoned earlier. Tsunade performed a quick medical scan, frowning slightly.

"She's been poisoned," Tsunade announced. "It's not life-threatening, but it's suppressing her chakra. She'll need rest and treatment back at the village."

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(Chapter End)

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