Chapter 36

"Tsunade-sama, we had to leave Konoha," Guy explained respectfully. Despite their separation from Konoha, Guy's reverence for Tsunade remained. She was, after all, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, a princess of Konoha, and the most renowned medical ninja. Her contributions on the battlefield were legendary; countless lives owed their survival to her skills. Even in rival villages, she was addressed as "Tsunade-sama" or "Princess Tsunade."

"Leave Konoha? Why?" Tsunade asked, her gaze sharp with suspicion.

Might Guy's father, Might Duy, gave his life for Konoha. Naruto Uzumaki is the son of the Fourth Hokage. Neji is a prominent member of the Hyuga clan. Why would these people abandon the village? Tsunade's concern deepened.

Before Guy could respond, Orochimaru interjected. "Why don't we save the explanations for later, Tsunade? Let's focus on our deal."

"Shut up, Orochimaru," Tsunade snapped, her tone icy as she cast an indifferent glance at him before turning her attention back to Guy. "Tell me everything happening in the village."

Naruto's irritation boiled over. "Why should we tell you anything?" he asked bluntly. He disliked the way Tsunade spoke, as if she were inherently superior to everyone else.

Tsunade's gaze settled on Naruto. "You're Minato and Kushina's son," she said, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and authority. "Let's see how far you've come. Your father was the Fourth Hokage, yet his son chose to leave Konoha. I want to see if you're worth your legacy."

Naruto bristled under her scrutiny but didn't back down.

"Might Guy, Hyuga Neji, step back," Tsunade commanded. "I want to teach Minato's child a lesson."

Guy hesitated but ultimately obeyed. He understood that Tsunade wouldn't truly harm Naruto—she likely wanted to test him. As Tsunade prepared for battle, chakra points across her body began to glow faintly, signaling her immense strength.

Naruto, feeling the weight of her power, activated his Three-Tails Kyuubi Mode. Three fiery chakra tails flickered behind him as his connection to the Nine-Tails deepened.

Tsunade's sharp eyes took in the transformation. "Impressive," she remarked. "You've mastered the Nine-Tails' power—enough to become a perfect jinchuriki. But don't think that gives you the right to disrespect your elders."

Naruto charged forward, Rasengan in hand, aiming directly for Tsunade.

"Your attack is decent, but it's too slow," Tsunade said, effortlessly dodging the Rasengan as Naruto lunged at her. In one fluid motion, she gathered chakra into her legs and stomped the ground.

Boom!

The earth shook violently, cracking under the force of her attack. The sheer impact created a massive crater, throwing Naruto off balance.

"Old witch! Face me again!" Naruto shouted, his frustration mounting. He swung his chakra tails toward Tsunade, but she caught them with ease.

"Old witch?" Tsunade's face darkened, her temple throbbing with anger. Her voice turned icy. "How dare you call me that, brat?"

Of all insults, being called "old" was the one thing Tsunade despised most. Her medical ninjutsu allowed her to maintain a youthful appearance, and Naruto's words had struck a nerve.

Even Orochimaru and Kabuto instinctively stepped back, recognizing the danger of Tsunade's fury. Orochimaru whispered to Kabuto, "She's terrifying when she's angry."

Guy and the others also retreated, giving Tsunade and Naruto space to fight.

"She's scary," Neji muttered, swallowing nervously.

"Very scary," Guy agreed with a nod.

Tsunade tightened her grip on Naruto's tail, her immense strength turning the chakra construct into a tangible form. She gathered chakra into her hands and hurled Naruto with incredible force.

Crash!

Naruto slammed into the ground, creating another massive crater. Dust and debris filled the air as he staggered out, coughing and clutching his side. The impact had knocked him out of his Nine-Tails mode.

Suddenly, a white figure emerged behind Naruto. Uzumaki Chito's protective clone had activated, sensing that Naruto was in danger.

"Who are you?" Tsunade asked cautiously, her gaze fixed on the figure stepping out of the smoke.

"Long time no see, Tsunade," Uzumaki Chito said with a sigh, his voice calm but tinged with nostalgia.

Tsunade froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. The voice was familiar—a voice she hadn't heard in decades. As the figure stepped closer, memories flooded her mind.

Could it really be… him?

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