Orochimaru's expression remained blank, but inwardly he was grinning with delight. So it really was true that concern clouded judgment!
I've said so much today, and yet, you still haven't figured it out?
Once the plan was set in motion, and the two of them really established a relationship, even if she tried to drive Shin away, he wouldn't leave.
Those involved were always blind to the truth...
So this first condition was really nothing to Orochimaru.
"I agree." he pretended to ponder, then nodded firmly.
"The second request, ensure his safety."
"Is Hiruzen-sensei still intent on eliminating him?" Orochimaru asked, puzzled. He was willing to get rid of a talent like this?
What, did he have nothing but crap in his head?
"There are people who have never wanted him to live well," Tsunade said angrily.
"Alright, I'll agree to that too." Orochimaru, still not yet consumed by darkness, made a promise that could be taken seriously.
Still, he thought both of Tsunade's requests were incredibly simple. If Shin could survive under the targeted suppression of the entire Konoha leadership, his intelligence and resourcefulness were beyond doubt.
With Tsunade openly protecting him, Orochimaru aiding from the shadows, and Shin's own strength, his safety wasn't an issue at all.
Seeing her resolve to make this happen, he felt a surge of excitement. He looked forward to meeting Shin with great anticipation.
---
When Tsunade arrived late at the shared office, Shin looked up and met her gaze, asking worriedly, "Has your grandmother's condition worsened again?"
Before she could even respond, he had already guessed her thoughts, which filled her with inner joy.
"Sigh…" Tsunade sat down weakly, suppressing her excitement and speaking sorrowfully, "She probably doesn't have much time left."
Shin's question wasn't unfounded, ever since they started working together in the same office, Tsunade had rarely been late, earning a reputation for diligence. The few times she was late were due to issues with Mito's health.
"We have to think of a way," Shin said, frowning deeply and falling into thought.
Mito's health wasn't failing because of old age. On the contrary, members of the Uzumaki clan typically had long lifespans. Under normal circumstances, she could easily live for several more decades. But she had always relied on sheer power to suppress the Nine-Tails as its jinchūriki.
She was very powerful in her youth, so there were no issues then.
But now that she was old, her physical functions were declining, her chakra was decreasing, her strength was fading, and the seal was beginning to weaken.
Sensing this, the Nine-Tails kept causing trouble, trying to break the seal by physically ramming against it.
Helpless, Mito had to constantly channel vast amounts of chakra to keep it suppressed, which rapidly drained her life force and visibly deteriorated her health.
"Shin," Tsunade suddenly interrupted his thoughts, nervously asking, "Would you… come have a drink with me after work?"
As the question left her mouth, she nervously gripped the hem of her clothes, practically digging a full apartment's worth of space into the floor with her foot.
"Sigh, alright," Shin agreed with a resigned nod.
He didn't like her habit of drinking heavily, but the occasional drink was fine, especially at a time like this.
Hearing his answer, she nearly jumped with joy, but managed to hold it in with great effort.
"I… I'll go do my rounds first…" she said, feigning sorrow as she got up and hurried out without waiting for Shin's response.
Only when she reached the hospital rooftop did she finally let go, covering her mouth as her whole body trembled with joy. She bounced and danced uncontrollably across the rooftop, unable to stop.
Finally… Her long-held wish was finally about to come true…
Back in the office, Shin almost jumped out of his chair. Just moments ago, he had been worried about Tsunade and had even extended his sensory perception to check on her.
This woman… was she insane? But he quickly realized the reason behind it. Having transmigrated here, how could he not know exactly what Tsunade was planning?
Sigh, whatever! He sighed inwardly. Let her do as she pleases.
Strangely enough, a faint sense of anticipation also began to rise in his heart.
---
Tsunade bounced around for five minutes and took another full ten to calm down before finally returning to the office.
Seeing that Shin looked completely unfazed, she let out a huge sigh of relief. She'd gotten so excited just now, she actually forgot he had an extremely powerful sensory ability.
Thank goodness she didn't get exposed!
"Oh, right!" She finally remembered Orochimaru's message and said, "You know Orochimaru, right?"
When Shin heard the name, he immediately smiled. "He finally couldn't hold back anymore?"
"Eh… you knew?" Tsunade asked, surprised.
"That guy's a research maniac. He's been intermittently watching me for three years. What else could he possibly be thinking?"
"…Fair enough." Tsunade didn't even know what to say.
She'd lost count of how many times she'd been shocked by him.
"Are you going to agree to his request?" she asked after regaining her composure.
"That depends on what his research is about. If it interests me, I'll agree. If not, I'll just reject it."
"You agreed to meet him?"
"It's just a meeting. No big deal." Shin's face didn't show the slightest change in emotion, but inside, his heart had already turned cold.
So, you're actually trying to use Tsunade to manipulate me? You even found her soft spot and used your advice and help to get her to speak for you.
Very well.
Looks like I'll need to give you a little warning. Otherwise, if you get a taste of success this time, who knows what nonsense you'll try next time.
Trust no one, not fire, not thieves, and definitely not your so-called "best friend." In this case, that friend was Orochimaru.
The sky was blue, the sun was gentle, and Konoha under the sunlight looked peaceful and harmonious.
But work… was pure torture.
Neither Shin nor Tsunade had ever felt a day drag on so long. It was enough to drive them crazy. Both of them desperately wanted to suggest skipping out early, but neither brought it up. What if some severely injured patient showed up mid-drink? What if some idiot barged in and ruined everything? So, in perfect silent agreement, neither said a word.
Today… absolutely nothing could go wrong.
When the end of the workday finally came, they were nearly in tears. Work was becoming more and more unbearable.
Then, in full view of everyone, the two of them acted like nothing was going on. One put on a calm face, the other wore a lingering expression of sorrow, and together they silently walked side by side toward the little bar.
Anyone who didn't know better would've thought they were having a fight.
Please, let nothing go wrong. Please, let nothing go wrong… As they sat down in the tavern, Tsunade kept praying in her heart.
My happiness rests on tonight. Whoever ruins this moment...