Chapter 214

Tsunade took a step back, contemplating Carnes' bet proposal.

The weight of the decision pressed upon her as she considered the potential outcomes.

If she emerged victorious, Carnes would undoubtedly be compelled to assist them, especially in the dangerous mission to rescue Hinata.

The stakes were high, and success was far from guaranteed.

And the prospect of a successful rescue operation, however, remained uncertain.

Agreeing to Carnes' bet emerged as a calculated and pragmatic move to save both Hinata and Naruto.

The others had not initially seen this angle, and now they found themselves in the current predicament, a situation where they either had to harm each other or merely scratch the surface.

Yet, in the complexity of the moment, none of them had foreseen the present circumstances.

The bet seemed almost trivial, like a game played by Konoha ninjas, treating it lightly without contemplating the potential failure that now loomed over them.

Little did they anticipate that their revered Hokage-sama's most formidable powers would prove ineffective against the man before them.

It was an unexpected turn of events, leaving them unable to gain any advantage from Carnes, who stood resolute and unyielding.

Failure was inconceivable to them and hadn't even crossed their minds.

Tsunade, gazing at Carnes with a mixture of frustration and determination, his relaxed demeanor only intensifying her resolve, conveyed her intent.

"This time, I will use my powers without restraint!"

"You better take it seriously, as I won't hold back anymore!"

"Otherwise... you may die!"

Her mysterious power, a manifestation of Chakra manipulation, went beyond mere physical strength.

With it, she could effortlessly shatter stone walls, displaying an astonishing burst of force that defied the norm.

However, Carnes, well-acquainted with her abilities, dismissed the threat with a casual wave.

"Don't worry about my safety," he retorted, maintaining his nonchalant demeanor.

"I'll say it again – your little fist can give me nothing more than a gentle massage; it can't inflict any real harm; it can't hurt me."

"I must admit," he continued with a sly grin, "you look cute when you're angry."

A teasing grin adorned his face, further provoking Tsunade's embarrassment, irritation, and a growing sense of urgency.

"You, bastard!"

"Enough games."

Tsunade retorted, a mix of embarrassment, annoyance, and a hint of anxiety at being teased by Carnes.

"I won't hold back, not this time," she declared fiercely.

"This is for Hinata and the entire village!"

With those words, Tsunade's Chakra condensed rapidly onto her fist, creating a formidable force that scattered leaves on the ground.

The atmosphere around them shifted as the impending clash hung in the air, the intensity of the moment reaching its zenith.

In the blink of an eye, Tsunade released a determined cry, channeling chakra into her clenched fist.

With Chakra enveloping her fist, she struck downward, aiming a forceful strike directly at Carnes' chest. The clash was imminent.

Every ninja present held their breath, their collective gaze fixed on Tsunade's impactful punch.

Even Kakashi raised his blindfold, seeking a clearer view of the pivotal moment, a testament to the gravity of the moment.

The significance of this punch couldn't be overstated—it held the potential to determine the fate of their village, the resolution of their impending crisis hanging in the balance.

A successful strike, even if it merely grazed Carnes, promised a perfect solution for all their problems.

A resounding, muffled thud reverberated through the air as the forceful impact unleashed an explosive shockwave.

The chairs behind Carnes were sent flying, and the entire Hokage building seemed to shake violently, the air charged with the lingering presence of unleashed chakra.

Then, after a moment that felt like an eternity, tranquility returned to the scene.

As swiftly as the chaos erupted, calm settled over everyone.

Tsunade panted heavily, her hands, which had unleashed the terrifying power, were still pressed against Carnes' chest.

Carnes, however, remained steadfast, maintaining his stoic composure, as a faint smile played on his face.

The gazes of all the assembled ninjas, though, showed no signs of wavering.

Fixed on Carnes' chest, they watched intently as Tsunade gradually retracted her fist.

Their hope of inflicting harm on Carnes had now entirely dissipated, but currently they clung to the wish that this punch, at the very least, had left a mark.

But even a scratch seemed like an insurmountable task.

Yet, when Tsunade fully withdrew her fist, a collective gasp escaped from the ninjas, incredulity painted their expressions.

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