**Chapter 14: The Root of the Porcelain—Danzo is Gone!**

In the hospital, Danzo surveyed the Root ninjas sprawled on the ground, his expression dark enough to drip water. Tsunade stood nearby, her demeanor unfazed.

"Tsunade, do you realize what you're doing?" he asked coldly, his voice dripping with accusation. "Attacking fellow ninjas in the village could be seen as treason."

"Oh?" Tsunade replied, raising an eyebrow. "Are you planning to announce that I, Senju Tsunade, have rebelled against Konoha?"

Her playful tone attracted the attention of nearby ninjas, many of whom had fought on the battlefield. Given Tsunade's reputation as the strongest medical ninja, their loyalty shifted in her favor. It was clear: they respected her immensely, and their hostility toward Danzo was palpable. 

After all, if it weren't for Tsunade curing Chiyo's poison, many would have never returned home.

Realizing the situation was slipping away, Danzo sensed a shift in the crowd. "Old man, you're shameless," Reiki piped up, his annoyance evident. "It was your people who tried to take me away by force, so Tsunade had to intervene. When did our village start kidnapping children?"

Voices echoed in agreement. "He's just a kid! It's chilling to see him forced to cry!" one ninja added.

As the tide of public opinion turned, even Tsunade felt a strange sense of validation. Normally indifferent to such opinions, she began to see the merit in siding with the crowd.

"Your disciple is talented, Tsunade," Danzo continued, trying to regain control. "He's a great asset to Konoha. You should let him stay. I'll mentor him myself."

His tone had shifted from authoritative to almost conciliatory, but the crowd's disdain for him hadn't faded.

"Teacher, I don't want to go," Reiki said, tugging at Tsunade's sleeve, a look of fear in his eyes. "Who is this creepy guy?"

"Don't worry; he won't take you away," Tsunade assured him, smiling down at him. "Reiki, how about joining me on the front lines?"

"Really?" Reiki's eyes widened in surprise, and he nodded enthusiastically. Compared to the creepy Danzo, the front lines seemed far safer.

"Tsunade! He's only seven years old! He hasn't even graduated from ninja school. He's not qualified to be on the battlefield!" Danzo interjected, his frustration boiling over.

Tsunade's patience waned. "Whether he's qualified or not is up to me to decide, Danzo. If you're really that shameless, go ahead and try to take him."

The tension in the air thickened as Tsunade's chakra flared, an oppressive aura radiating toward Danzo. The room fell silent, the atmosphere electric with anticipation.

"Now is not the time to back down," Danzo thought, realizing that this was more than just a matter of face; it was about power. "Go! I'll hold Tsunade off while you take the kid."

As some Root members flanked him, their eyes narrowed, a plan began to form. But Tsunade was ready.

"You're really going to pick a fight here?" she warned, her voice low and dangerous.

Suddenly, two Root ninjas lunged at Reiki, but before they could reach him, a glint of metal flashed in the air. "Chichi…" They both staggered back, deep gashes now marring their arms.

"Bang bang…" The ninjas stumbled but quickly raised their hands to seize Reiki, only to collapse a moment later, lifeless.

"Are they… dead?" Tsunade rushed to Reiki's side, panic rising in her chest as she checked the fallen ninjas.

"Teacher, did I kill them?" Reiki asked, his voice trembling as he backed away, instinctively seeking shelter behind Tsunade.

"No, no! You just scratched them!" she reassured him, but her own heart raced. The suddenness of death could be traumatizing for a child, and she needed to protect him.

"What's going on? You've allowed your disciple to kill members of our organization!" Danzo shouted, fury igniting his features.

"What did you say?" Tsunade glared at him, her chakra surging dangerously. "A child barely cut them! If they're dead, that's on you for sending such weaklings against us!"

Her eyes blazed with conviction. "They probably committed suicide for all I know!"

In an instant, she activated her Yin Seal, channeling her chakra toward Danzo. "If you want to touch Reiki, you'll have to go through me and all these injured ninjas first!"

The crowd of patients around them began to murmur in agreement, rallying behind Tsunade. It was clear: they wouldn't let Danzo lay a finger on the child.

"Enough of this nonsense! This isn't over, Tsunade!" Danzo bellowed, his voice echoing through the hall as he began to retreat, realizing he had lost this battle.

"Get out of here, Danzo!" Tsunade shouted after him, her voice ringing with authority. "And don't come back unless you want to feel the consequences!"

As the tension dissipated, the crowd began to cheer for Tsunade. Reiki, still shaken but relieved, looked up at her.

"Thank you, Teacher," he said softly, a small smile breaking through his fear.

Tsunade knelt beside him, her expression softening. "Always remember, Reiki: in this village, we protect our own. You're safe with me."

>>>>>

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