There were only three people in the room just moments ago, and Tatsuya had already pieced it all together.
Sure enough, the prodigal maiden lived up to her reputation—fleeing from debt collectors while still managing to snatch some of his money on her way out. Truly, some things never change.
If Tatsuya wanted, he could catch up to Tsunade with ease. At this stage, his mastery of the Body Flicker Technique was unparalleled in Konoha. Not even the famed Yellow Flash could hope to match Tatsuya when he went all out.
In the world of taijutsu, speed reigns supreme, and in the realm of shinobi, speed is often the ultimate trump card. Tatsuya's understanding of this principle and his unmatched physical prowess made him a force to be reckoned with.
His heightened sensory perception only served to solidify his dominance. Tsunade's presence, though fleeting, still lingered within his range. He could feel her energy retreating into the distance, her path diverging from that of the debt collectors.
Satisfied that she wasn't in immediate danger, Tatsuya decided not to pursue her. Instead, he turned back, letting out a small sigh as he flopped onto his bed. His daily responsibilities were tiring enough—chasing Tsunade would have been an unnecessary hassle.
The Kusanagi and Tatsuya share Orochimaru's current condition:
Meanwhile, Sasuke's training had taken an unusual turn. In addition to his daily farm work, chopping wood had become a regular part of his regimen. What used to be simple swings with an axe were now replaced by the precision strikes of his Kusanagi.
The sight was nothing short of absurd to any onlookers—a legendary sword, forged for combat and refined techniques, being used for something as mundane as splitting logs.
"Isn't that a bit much, Sasuke?" Kakashi's voice broke through the otherwise quiet space as he approached, his sharp eyes taking in the scene. He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Sasuke wielding the Kusanagi to chop wood, of all things.
Sasuke paused for a moment, wiping the sweat from his brow, and glanced over his shoulder at Kakashi. His expression was unreadable, but his voice was steady. "It's a tool, Kakashi. I'll use it however I need to. No point in treating it like it's a delicate ornament."
Kakashi nodded thoughtfully, stepping closer. His gaze moved to the blade, the recognition in his eyes growing. "That's a Kusanagi… The sword of Orochimaru." He said the name with a certain weight, his voice tinged with cautious familiarity.
Sasuke didn't flinch at the mention of Orochimaru's name. He knew the history between them well. "Yes, it's his. But it's mine now."
Tatsuya, who had been observing the training from the side, turned his gaze towards Kakashi, his expression shifting into something more serious. "Orochimaru's condition has… changed," Tatsuya said quietly, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something darker. "He's managed to restore the hands that were sealed by the Third Hokage."
Kakashi's brow furrowed slightly at the mention of Orochimaru's hands. "Restore them?" His tone held a note of disbelief. "But how? The Third Hokage sealed them with his life. What kind of jutsu techniques could bring them back from the belly of Shinigami?"
Tatsuya crossed his arms and gave a slow nod. "Orochimaru's not one to give up easily. He delved into forbidden techniques, involving soul fragments, organ transplants... He didn't need the whole soul—just enough to restore what he lost." He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Kakashi nodded, still processing the information. "Sounds like Orochimaru's still up to his usual eccentricities, but in a different way."
Tatsuya's eyes glinted with a knowing calm. "It wasn't easy. Orochimaru didn't do it with forbidden jutsu or soul manipulation. He simply found another way, a more... scientific one. It's not as sinister as it sounds. He's been experimenting with ways to prolong life, not steal it from others."
Kakashi observed the exchange with a faint smile. "I think Sasuke's already on the right path. He's got a sharp mind and a sharper blade."
As for Sasuke, his talent was unquestionable. The more time he spent with the Kusanagi sword, the greater the synchronization between him and the weapon. There was a clear connection between the two, with each stroke of the blade further honing his skill.
Tatsuya had meticulously planned Sasuke's "farming" routine, and though it seemed like a grind, the results were paying off. Sasuke's control over his chakra and mind was improving, and more importantly, his attitude was shifting under Tatsuya's training. With every passing day, Sasuke's resolve grew stronger.
Tatsuya, however, found himself laughing inwardly. If anyone else saw him in the system interface, they'd likely mistake him for some kind of overpowered superhero character, spending all his time training others, pushing them to greatness.
Meanwhile, Tsunade had stayed away from the cabin for a while. Despite her earlier claims that she missed the two of them, Tatsuya had sensed something amiss. He could feel a group of people trailing her, following her every move from a distance.
They had stopped roughly two hundred meters from the cabin, lingering like shadowy figures, unwilling to stray too far. They would wait there, hoping for Tsunade to eventually return.
Tatsuya's keen senses knew what they were up to—these people weren't just ordinary thugs. They were debt collectors, people Tsunade had likely ruffled feathers with over her gambling losses. These weren't the sort to back off easily, not when they'd been waiting for a chance to settle accounts.
When Tsunade finally returned, her expression was tight, her usual confidence replaced by a noticeable strain. As she stepped onto the porch, she seemed to sense Tatsuya's watchful gaze.
"Don't look at me like that," Tsunade muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. "I didn't go far. I was just... handling some things."
"Handling things," Tatsuya repeated, raising an eyebrow-raising. "You're not avoiding the debt collectors again, are you?"
Tsunade stiffened. "I don't need you to worry about it."
"You know I'm not just worrying," Tatsuya replied coolly, stepping closer. "You've been gambling too much, Tsunade."
She let out a sigh and sank into a chair, rubbing her temples. "They're persistent. I've lost more than I should have, and now they won't let up. But I'll deal with it."
Tatsuya didn't answer immediately. His gaze flickered toward Sasuke, who was still practicing nearby, unaware of the exchange. Then he turned back to Tsunade, his tone serious. "You know how these people work. They don't let it go, and I'm not about to let you worry about them so much."
"I didn't ask for your help, Tatsuya," she snapped, but there was no heat behind the words. She knew he was right. Deep down, she knew that every time she gambled and lost, it only made things worse, not just for her, but for those around her.
Tatsuya leaned in, his eyes steady on hers. "Maybe it's time to stop running, Tsunade. Face it head-on. You can't keep gambling with your money forever."
She looked away, ashamed, but after a moment, Tsunade sighed deeply. "Fine. Maybe you're right. I'll handle it. But don't go thinking you can fix everything for me."
Tatsuya didn't smile, but his expression softened. "It's time to correct these bad habits of yours."
With a reluctant nod, Tsunade stood. "Alright. But there's something else I need to ask. Since I'm going to be sticking around a little longer... Can I help Sasuke with his training? Naruto is training under Jiraya now, and I don't want to see him fall behind."
Tatsuya tilted his head, eyeing her with a wry smile. "Are you offering to help him yourself?"
Tsunade gave him a half-smirk. "Maybe I'll do more than that. He's a quick learner, and he needs someone who can challenge him. I might not be the best role model, but I can teach him a thing or two."
Tatsuya raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure he'll appreciate the challenge. Sasuke's been itching for something more."
The next few days passed with a new kind of rhythm. Tsunade and Sasuke sparred and trained together under the clear sky, their movements fluid and precise. Sasuke, under Tsunade's guidance, grew stronger with every passing lesson, and even Tatsuya had to admit he was impressed with the boy's rapid progress.
But in between training sessions, there was always an underlying tension. Tsunade would occasionally glance toward the distance, her mind clearly on the debt collectors who were still lurking nearby, waiting for her to come out. She had no choice but to remain vigilant, but even her expertise in medical ninjutsu and combat couldn't resolve her financial troubles.
One afternoon, after a particularly intense session with Sasuke, Tsunade sat down on the porch, visibly exhausted. Sasuke, wiping his brow, gave her a small nod of thanks.
"Thanks," Sasuke said, his voice serious. "I'll keep improving."
Tsunade didn't answer at first, lost in her thoughts. But then, with a sigh, she looked up at him. "You've got the drive, Sasuke. You remind me of myself when I was younger. "
Sasuke nodded thoughtfully. "I understand."
As the days went on, Tatsuya could see the changes in both Sasuke and Tsunade. Despite the looming debt, Tsunade had found something else to focus on. She had found purpose in her teaching, even as the shadows of her debts grew closer.
Later that evening, as they sat down for a meal, Tsunade and Tatsuya exchanged a rare moment of peace.
"Once this debt is all settled," Tsunade said quietly, not looking up from her plate, "I'll stop gambling. I swear it."
Tatsuya looked at her, his tone soft. "I've heard that before, too."
She smiled faintly. "Maybe you have. But this time... It's different. For once, I'm not running away from things."
Tatsuya leaned back in his chair, content for now. "Good. Because this life-this—cabin, this training, this family—This peace. It's all worth fighting wars for."
Since their marriage, neither Tsunade nor Tatsuya had ever truly considered settling down to lead a normal, quiet life. Yet, with no wars or major distractions on the horizon, Tatsuya began to experience a warmth he hadn't realized he'd been craving—something resembling the comfort of family. And Sasuke, in a sense, became the substitute for the child they hadn't yet planned to have.
One night, as they lay together, the quiet of the cabin enveloping them, Tsunade broke the silence with a question that caught Tatsuya off guard:
"Would you want to have a child?"
The words hung in the air between them, and Tatsuya's heart skipped a beat. He had always known Tsunade longed for something more, but this… this was unexpected.
Tsunade's gaze was soft but serious, a vulnerability in her eyes that Tatsuya rarely saw. Despite her outward strength, he knew she had a deep yearning for something lasting, something to fill the void. They had both felt the sting of loss too many times before.
Tatsuya, ever cautious, took a slow breath. "You know the world we live in... It's dangerous. People like Obito and Madara—they'll always be lurking in the shadows. Bringing a child into that... I can't risk it. Not yet."
Tsunade flinched slightly at his words, her face hardening. "So, you'd rather just... wait? Forever?" Her voice trembled with a mix of hurt and frustration. "How long are we supposed to keep waiting, Tatsuya? We've been running for so long. We don't even have a place to call home."
Tatsuya's tone softened, his hand gently brushing against her cheek. "I know it's not what you want to hear. But I can't bring a child into a world like this, not while those threats are still out there. When it's safe, Tsunade… when we finally have a chance at peace… then I'll consider it. I'll give you everything you want, but not while this war still rages in the shadows."
She pulled away slightly, her eyes darkening. "You always say that. Always putting things off. You're just scared."
"I'm not scared," Tatsuya said quietly, meeting her gaze with steady conviction. "I'm trying to protect what we have. I'm not willing to gamble with a child's life, not like that."
Tsunade stayed silent for a long moment, clearly processing his words. "I don't know if I can keep waiting, Tatsuya. I've waited my whole life for something real… and you want me to wait even longer."
The next morning, Tsunade left the cabin without a word, slipping into the familiar rhythm of her old habits. She had always sought refuge in gambling when things got too difficult, and now, with the weight of her unmet desires pressing down on her, she returned to the only distraction she knew.
Tatsuya, ever watchful, noticed her absence immediately. His eyes narrowed as he sensed her presence just outside the cabin, mingling with the crowd of gamblers. He knew what was happening, and while he didn't want to interfere too heavily, he couldn't just let her fall back into the same destructive patterns.
The debt collectors hadn't given up on her, and it didn't take long for Tsunade to run into trouble. Her mood was a storm cloud, and she wasn't going to go easy on anyone who dared to cross her path. The thugs who had been tailing her found themselves in the unfortunate position of testing Princess Tsunade's infamous wrath.
"Come on, Tsunade, you know we just want what's ours!" one of the men grunted, trying to sound intimidating.
Tsunade's eyes flared, and she stepped forward with a smirk. "What's yours?" she repeated, her voice laced with bitterness. "You're lucky I don't wipe that smirk off your face, but if you want your money, you'll need to ask for it a bit more politely."
With a fluid motion, Tsunade's fist slammed into the man's chest, sending him crashing into the wall with a sickening thud. "I'm tired of you and your people. Take your debts and get out of my sight before I decide to make things even worse for you."
The rest of the group wisely backed off, knowing full well how deadly Tsunade could be when pushed too far. Word of the incident quickly spread through the gambling circles.
The casinos soon made their stance clear. Tsunade was banned everywhere. Signs began popping up all around the neighboring countries: "No women allowed" and "Princess Tsunade banned"—a cruel reminder of her volatile nature and the violence that often followed her losses.
Tsunade, ever proud, took the insult in stride, her anger fueling the fire of her reputation. Every new banishment only added to her infamy. But beneath the surface, there was a growing emptiness she couldn't shake.
Meanwhile, back at the cabin, Tatsuya found himself alone. The rocking chair creaked as he sat, lost in thought, watching the rain streak down the windows. The pot of tea, once a comforting ritual, now seemed to be a mere distraction. Without Tsunade, his days felt hollow, though his watchful eye remained alert.
Thankfully, Sasuke's presence kept him occupied. The boy had shown a remarkable aptitude for learning, absorbing lessons faster than Tatsuya could have imagined. Sometimes, all it took was a casual mention of a concept, and Sasuke would grasp it instantly.
"Sasuke," Tatsuya began one day, his voice thoughtful, "have you ever thought about how you channel your chakra into your sword?"
Sasuke paused, looking up from his training.
"You need to imagine the energy moving through you, like a current. Use that to sharpen your blade and focus it on the tip. Feel it—let the lightning crackle."
Sasuke's eyes sharpened, and with a single fluid motion, he focused his chakra. The blade hummed as lightning surged through it, crackling with a fierce energy that echoed like thunder.
Tatsuya's eyes gleamed with pride. "Good. Now keep refining it. The more control you have over that power, the sharper your edge will be."
Now, Sasuke had mastered the ability to channel his Chakra into Lightning Style and imbue it into the blade at will. His sword now crackled with a current of electricity, humming with the sound of static and crackling energy, like the crack of thunder or the chirp of a thousand birds.
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