"Wood Release: Four-Pillar Prison!"
"Wood Release: Wooden Binding!"
"Wood Release: Wood Spikes!"
In the Forest of Death, Tsunade continuously unleashed Wood Release techniques—the very jutsu she had once admired, only to later despise.
She had admired it because it was the power of her grandfather, Senju Hashirama. But she came to loathe it after it led to the death of her younger brother, Nawaki.
Now, however, Tsunade had awakened this ability herself, and she was forced to wield it to protect Konoha.
Within a radius of several hundred meters, the terrain was filled by various wooden constructs—all manifestations of Tsunade’s jutsu. Only after her chakra supply was exhausted did the wood revert to its ordinary state.
Yet, as she surveyed the devastation she had wrought, Tsunade felt no joy. The difference between her Wood Release and the invincible might she remembered was like the gap between heaven and earth.
Her current mastery of Wood Release granted her greater combat power than before, but that was all.
This level of Wood Release might sound impressive, but the idea that it could intimidate the other shinobi villages was laughable.
If the other villages saw through her limitations, they would undoubtedly unite to crush Konoha and eliminate her before she grew stronger.
The shinobi world had barely endured one Senju Hashirama. The thought of a second—Tsunade—was unacceptable.
Eliminating threats before they matured was simply what any shrewd leader would do.
"Why is my Wood Release so much weaker than Grandfather’s?"
Staring at her hands, Tsunade knew she could perform Wood Release’s signature technique—"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees."
But its effectiveness? At best, it could annihilate genin and chūnin. Against jōnin, it would struggle, let alone elite jōnin or Kage-level opponents.
"Because your physical strength is insufficient, and your Wood Release relies solely on your genetic traits. It’s only natural that you can’t compare to the First Hokage."
Kamizuki Hikari’s voice came from behind her.
Tsunade didn’t turn around. She wasn’t sure what changes would come to their relationship if she acknowledged Hikari’s presence.
Sometimes, feigning ignorance was the best choice.
"Then what should I do?" she asked.
"First, understand the difference between Wood Release and ordinary ninjutsu. It is a Kekkei Genkai, but originally, there were no such things as Kekkei Genkai. There were only the seven basic chakra natures: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Yin, and Yang."
"Wood Release is powerful because it’s not just a Kekkei Genkai—it’s a Kekkei Tōta, a fusion of Earth, Water, and Yang chakra."
"Your Earth and Water natures are fine, but your Yang Release is far inferior to the First’s."
"Yang Release represents life force. Using Wood Release, in a sense, means converting your own vitality into power. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes—but the more Yang energy you expend to sustain it."
"In this case, Sage Mode is the key to reducing that burden. Given your aptitude, mastering Sage Mode on your own would be nearly impossible. So, I’ll give you a Sage Art seed."
"With it, you can use senjutsu normally—but its energy is limited. Overuse will cause it to collapse."
A warm palm gently pressed against the back of Tsunade’s head. A surge of heat flowed into her mind, merging with her Yin Seal at her forehead.
"Don’t resist. This energy won’t harm you."
"Now, use the jutsu you wish to perform."
Taking a deep breath, Tsunade clasped her hands together.
"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!"
From the ground around her, countless towering trees erupted, spreading outward like serpents—flexible, yet far more lethal. These trees could absorb chakra, drain the life force of enemies, and remain permanently rooted in reality.
A sound like shattering glass echoed.
The forest she had summoned was gone—as if everything had been nothing but a dream.
"Was it... really just a dream?"
Beyond the trees and the scuttling insects, there was nothing.
No sign of Kamizuki Hikari.
As if it had all been her imagination.
Tsunade touched her forehead.
A faint but unmistakable warmth pulsed there, feeding her strength.
"Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!"
The heat from her seal spread through her body, merging with her chakra as she slammed her palms onto the ground.
Trees burst forth once more—but this time, Tsunade could feel them. She could control their movements, even envision an evolved version of the technique.
"Wood Release: Wood Human Technique!"
The trees twisted, merging into the form of a stout, monk-like giant—with a wooden dragon coiled around its body.
But the sheer chakra cost hit her instantly.
The wooden colossus crumbled, leaving only ordinary trees behind.
Staring at her hands, Tsunade whispered to herself.
Only the rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of a stream filled the silence.
After a long while, when the voice did not return, she forced herself to stand.
The immense chakra drain left her hollow, as if her very bones had turned to lead. Only sheer willpower kept her upright.
"Tsunade-sama, are you all right?"
A familiar voice called out from the side.
"Yes, me. Tsunade-sama, are you okay?" His expression was the picture of innocence.
[I used Yin Release to guide her. She shouldn’t be able to tell it was me.]
So it really was him.
A faint smile touched Tsunade’s lips as she beckoned him closer—before her legs gave out.
"Hey, no need to be so formal."
Hikari caught her effortlessly, the warmth of her body against his making him sigh.
"Formal, my ass! I’m exhausted—can’t you see that?!" Even weakened, Tsunade’s sharp tongue hadn’t dulled.
"Alright, alright, you win." Hikari surrendered. What else could he do?
"Damn right I win. Took you long enough to notice!" Her tone hovered between pride and something softer—almost like a tease.
But Hikari wasn’t paying attention. His gaze was fixed on the destruction Tsunade had wrought, his brow furrowed.
The results were... worse than he had expected.
Was the problem with him... or with her?
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