Chapter 80: One Punch  

Oh right, and Orochimaru.

Orochimaru used the Snake Style Substitution Jutsu again, emerging from where his neck had been severed. He looked grimly at Tsunade. With her around, it was nearly impossible for him to kill Naruto.

Just then, a massive figure descended from the sky. Along with Orochimaru's heavy gaze, Jiraiya's voice echoed from above.

"Summoning Jutsu: Stage Collapse Technique!"

Boom—

The surrounding houses were no longer livable, and the ground was starting to look like the Konohagakure forest—yes, like after Naruto fought Shukaku.

On the giant toad, Shizune supported a somewhat weak Jiraiya, anxiously scanning below for Tsunade. It didn't take long for her to spot the gentle-looking Tsunade and the unmistakable pool of blood on the ground.

"That's! The Yin Seal?" Shizune's face changed, "Tsunade-sama even undid the Yin Seal!"

Jiraiya's expression also darkened. "It seems Tsunade didn't treat Orochimaru, but… what kind of medicine is that? I barely have the strength to move."

With Jiraiya's words, the giant toad beneath them vanished completely. Shizune helped Jiraiya down, and they both landed next to Tsunade.

Without hesitation, Shizune pushed Jiraiya aside and hurried to Tsunade, examining her closely from head to toe. When she finally saw the gentleness on Tsunade's face, she covered her mouth in shock. 

"Tsunade-sama, did you hit your head?"

After being by Tsunade's side for so many years, Shizune had never seen her show such a soft expression. It felt very maternal, so she was sure something was wrong.

Tsunade could barely hold it together. She glanced at Shizune. 

"Shizune, you'd better not say anything right now, or I'll make sure you can't speak again."

Shizune felt touched; this was the familiar Tsunade-sama.

Wiping away her tears, Shizune nodded gently. 

"I understand, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade ignored Shizune and turned back to Naruto. 

"So, do you want it?"

"Absolutely!" Naruto nodded without hesitation but then hesitated a bit. 

"But this is the First Hokage's relic. If you're giving it to me…"

"I told you, it's not worth anything." Tsunade carefully took off the necklace from around her neck and placed it around Naruto's neck instead.

Seeing Naruto with the necklace on, a hint of sadness mixed with warmth crossed her face. 

"It doesn't look bad; at least it's much better than how that idiot Nawaki looked in it."

For some reason, Naruto suddenly felt a bit shy. He touched the back of his head and looked down at the necklace hanging around his neck. The green life energy radiating from it made him feel like his body was healing faster.

"Now that I've given it away, I feel free," Tsunade stretched, revealing her beautiful figure. The heaviness around her neck was gone, and she felt a wave of lightness.

Shizune covered her mouth, shocked. She really didn't expect Tsunade to give that necklace to Naruto. She instinctively wanted to protest, but before she could say anything, she saw the smile on Tsunade's face. It was a smile that had slowly faded away years ago, and now it was back.

Shizune understood and couldn't help but laugh, tears rolling down her cheeks as she smiled.

Tsunade stepped forward, coming to Jiraiya, and gave him a quick glance. 

"Don't interfere later; I want to personally take down that guy Orochimaru."

Jiraiya shrugged, indicating he understood. He could see Tsunade's current state, and he knew that if he insisted on stepping in, he might end up getting hit by both her and Orochimaru. 

"Wait, won't that guy die if he's crushed by such a huge toad?" Naruto exclaimed in shock.

Leaning against Naruto, Jiraiya spoke as if he knew everything. 

"If you're talking about Orochimaru's combat ability, in terms of destructive power, he might not be as strong as Tsunade. But if you're asking how hard he is to kill, he's like a worm; even if you cut him in half, he can still survive."

Shizune thought for a moment and said, "But in terms of destructive power, the only ones who can compare to Tsunade-sama in the entire ninja world are the Tailed Beasts."

Jiraiya was taken aback. He looked at Tsunade's back, pondering for a moment, then nodded in agreement, "That's true."

Naruto felt a bit confused. He knew Tsunade was strong; after all, she was one of the Legendary Three. Orochimaru could kill the Third Hokage, and according to Kurama, Jiraiya could face Shukaku and seal him. However, Naruto's understanding of Tsunade had always been a bit vague.

In his memory, Tsunade was powerful, but it seemed like she was just really strong; she was still a medical ninja. As for how strong she truly was, Naruto had no real sense of it. He was just shocked to see Tsunade smash Orochimaru's head with one punch.

Tsunade stood ahead, watching the smoke rise from the vanishing giant frog. Then she extended her right hand and swung it forcefully, unleashing a massive wind that quickly blew away the smoke.

With her arms crossed, Tsunade looked forward and said, "Orochimaru, if you run away, I'll lose all respect for you."

As the smoke cleared, Yakushi Kabuto was seen helping Orochimaru, his expression cold as he stared at Tsunade. "Orochimaru-sama, leave this woman to me…"

"You're not her match, and you won't be able to block even one of her attacks," Orochimaru replied coldly.

Yakushi Kabuto was taken aback, adjusting his glasses in disbelief. He might not be as strong as Orochimaru, but he was still an elite Jonin. There was no way he couldn't handle a single attack from Tsunade, right?

"Do you think I'm lying to you?" Orochimaru sneered. "If Tsunade hadn't used the Yin Sealing Technique or the Hundred Healings Technique, you might have had a chance. But since she has already opened the Yin Sealing, the only outcome of facing her is getting killed by one of her punches."

There was no way he could expect a miracle. Yakushi Kabuto wasn't Orochimaru; he didn't have nearly as many escape skills as Orochimaru did.

Orochimaru could tell from Tsunade's expression that she was furious. She was burning with rage, and he realized he had two choices: either take a beating and find a chance to escape, or run away first and then get caught and beaten. Either way, he couldn't avoid getting hit.

Thinking this, Orochimaru's eyes darkened. "If it weren't for that old fool sealing my hands, do you really think you're my match, Tsunade?"

"Sounds great to me," Tsunade completely ignored Orochimaru's taunts, a cold smile on her face. "I love picking on weaklings like you. It'll feel really satisfying to fight you."

"How dare you insult her!" Yakushi Kabuto's eyes turned icy. "Orochimaru-sama, please let me handle this."

Orochimaru was speechless. Where did your confidence come from?

His mood was getting worse. "You help me summon Manda and then hold off that guy Jiraiya. He's been poisoned by Tsunade and is barely hanging on to his strength, so be careful not to get killed."

Orochimaru didn't want to lose Yakushi Kabuto; he still found him very useful.

Yakushi Kabuto adjusted his glasses, his lenses reflecting a murderous intent in his eyes. "I will bring Jiraiya's head to you."

Orochimaru: "..."

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