Orochimaru's actions were smooth and confident, and Tsunade seemed to understand his intentions.
"What? You want me to…"
"Not willing?"
"I mean… I can try. But I haven't done this before!"
"There's a first time for everything, right?" Orochimaru's hand reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Well… alright! But you're not allowed to tell anyone!"
"Who would share something like this?"
Hearing that, Tsunade's face turned an even deeper shade of red. She looked down shyly, tucking her hair behind her ear, and then took the plunge.
Even though it was her first time, she picked it up rather quickly, perhaps a result of Orochimaru's subtle influence over the years.
It turned into yet another enjoyable evening together.
As Orochimaru basked in this new level of closeness, an idea began to form in his mind. He thought it might be time to bring some of his more whimsical dreams to life, like ordering some "special" outfits for Tsunade. A bikini, perhaps, or maybe even a nurse's outfit…
The more he thought about it, the more interesting the idea became.
Early the next morning, the two of them dressed and prepared to return to their respective posts. Orochimaru wore a faint smile, while Tsunade was rubbing her cheeks, a slight soreness evident in her expression.
"Honestly, I feel so sore… maybe I overdid it," Tsunade muttered, half-jokingly.
Orochimaru just chuckled, not giving her a chance to dwell on it.
"Tsunade, will you be telling Sensei about your situation?" he asked.
"Yes, I will."
"Then… take care until we meet again."
After a reluctant goodbye, they each headed back to their own battlefields.
Since Tsunade had a valid explanation for her recent power boost, Orochimaru wasn't worried about what she might reveal. The only thing he'd kept hidden was his deeper research into the First Hokage's cells.
Once Tsunade returned to the Suna Defense Line, she submitted a confidential report to the Third Hokage, briefly explaining her newfound ability.
Konoha's upper echelon was once again taken by surprise.
"Awakening the Wood Release… is that even possible?" was their first reaction.
But as they recalled the potions and ninja tools Orochimaru had developed along with his methods for helping the Uchiha awaken their Sharingan, the idea began to feel… plausible.
If he could help the Uchiha awaken their Sharingan, why couldn't he assist a Senju in awakening Wood Release? That was their second thought.
But… was it really that straightforward?
The difference between the Sharingan and Wood Release was vast. In fact, it was more than just "vast"—it was a monumental difference!
Yet, somehow, Orochimaru's explanation seemed reasonable.
According to him, helping the Uchiha unlock the Sharingan was akin to helping Tsunade awaken Wood Release. It wasn't that far-fetched, was it?
And Tsunade's report included Orochimaru's detailed justification.
He had explained that many advanced bloodline abilities require awakening, like Ice Release (Wind + Water), Boil Release (Water + Fire), and Lava Release (Fire + Earth). The Senju's Wood Release was just another form of advanced bloodline limit, deeply buried within certain members of the clan.
Why didn't all Senju have Wood Release? Orochimaru's answer was that the Senju's power was simply harder to access than the Uchiha's, requiring more extensive effort to bring it out. Orochimaru had simply studied the matter more deeply than others.
Even Koharu and Homura, who'd seen all manner of surprises over the years, were momentarily at a loss for words.
"Incredible…"
"Hiruzen, your student is really something…"
But the surprises from Orochimaru didn't stop there.
Konoha's research and development division had begun to mass-produce Orochimaru's scientific ninja tools, which were now ready to be deployed on the battlefield.
The tools allowed users to unleash high-level ninjutsu without needing hand seals or chakra, a game-changer for those lacking chakra reserves.
However, Konoha's leadership decided that these tools would be limited to wartime usage to avoid hindering the ninjas' own training. Each tool was carefully tracked and recorded, and after use, it had to be returned.
Thus, the nightmare for the Sand and Stone villages resumed.
Any advantage they'd gained through the Sky Ninja alliance was now nullified.
With these tools, even a Chunin could wield techniques across multiple elements without seals, and with remarkable power.
How could they possibly fight against this?
Faced with Konoha's endless innovations, both Sand and Stone ninja forces were forced to halt their attacks once again. Both sides entered a temporary ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage was considering new strategies based on his observations from the front lines.
It was clear that Konoha couldn't continue to fight against two great nations at once. While they might eventually win, the cost would be devastating.
So, he thought of a solution—asking for help.
The ally he turned to was the Land of Lightning.
Currently, the Land of Lightning still had an active alliance treaty with Konoha. In an effort to prove their loyalty and clarify that they hadn't been involved in the recent attack on the Uzumaki Village, they agreed to assist Konoha after some consideration.
In the winter of Konoha's 33rd year, four months after the Jonin meeting, the Land of Lightning began military operations against the Land of Earth.
With their intervention, Konoha's pressure lessened significantly. Now they only needed a small force on the Iwa Defense Line, while the rest could rotate between the Suna Defense Line.
As a result, Tsunade and Orochimaru were among the first Jonin allowed to return to Konoha for a brief rest.
Upon their arrival, the entire village welcomed them as heroes. From the elderly to the children, everyone recognized them as symbols of Konoha's strength.
The Third Hokage wasted no time in calling Tsunade and Orochimaru to his office.
"Tsunade, did you really awaken Wood Release?"
That was the first thing the Third Hokage asked after they entered. Despite having read her report, he still found it hard to believe.
"Of course. I wouldn't submit a false report on something like this."
Without further delay, Tsunade placed her hands together and focused her chakra.
Bang!
With a surge of energy, Wood Release!
Vines sprouted from the Third Hokage's desk, twisting and growing before their eyes.
"It's really Wood Release…" The Third Hokage looked at the green tendrils in awe. "Do you want your grandfather's Wood Release scrolls?"
After a moment, he managed to find his words.
Since Tsunade and Nawaki were the last Senju heirs, and Tsunade herself wasn't particularly interested in family artifacts, most of the Senju's belongings including the Wood Release scrolls had been entrusted to the Third Hokage.
Tsunade hesitated. "Even though my grandfather's Wood Release was incredibly powerful, I'm not sure I'd use it in combat…"
Fighting with her fists was a habit she'd honed over the past twenty years. Plus, medical ninjutsu was her true passion and expertise. Switching her combat style to rely on Wood Release felt… strange.
"The strategic value of Wood Release goes beyond simple combat," the Third Hokage explained. "How about this: I'll lend you one Wood Release technique to start with. Try it out and see how you feel."
After a moment's consideration, Tsunade agreed. "Alright."
Satisfied, the Third Hokage walked to the corner of his office and unlocked a sealed box.
***
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