Chapter 155. Shimura Danzo’s Actions

Chapter 155 - 155. Shimura Danzo’s Actions After lunch, Tsunade informed Pakura and decisively left with Hanekawa. Negotiating an alliance between two ninja villages wasn't something that could be resolved quickly; such matters often required several days of discussion. Given Tsunade's personality, she had no intention of wasting time on it. "Want to head to the casino?" Tsunade asked Hanekawa, turning to him. "No, I want to train," Hanekawa replied, shaking his head. "Aren't you tired?" Tsunade reached out, patting his head. "You've been on a month-long mission in the Land of Frost. You should take a few days to rest." "I've already rested for two days," Hanekawa said, looking at her as she stood so close. As he'd grown taller, Tsunade had to stand closer, sometimes even tiptoeing, just to pat his head. Hanekawa often took the opportunity to admire her unabashedly. Her fair skin and striking features always drew his attention. "No need to rush," Tsunade said confidently. "There won't be any fighting for at least half a month, so take this time to relax!" Hanekawa thought about it for a moment and understood. An alliance between the Sand Village and the Leaf Village would take time, as would mobilizing ninja and preparing logistics. The same went for the Cloud Village. The Third Raikage would need time to recover from his injuries, and they too would require time to prepare for war. All in all, half a month was a reasonable estimate—assuming the Stone and Mist Villages didn't make any sudden moves. "Let's go!" Tsunade grabbed Hanekawa's hand and headed for the casino without waiting for his response. After a few steps, she noticed something strange. Many passersby were giving them subtle looks. Tsunade realized the issue—holding hands with Hanekawa while walking happily down the street might be easily misunderstood. She instinctively tried to let go, but her hand remained held. "What's wrong?" Hanekawa asked, still holding her hand. "Nothing," Tsunade said, shaking her head and dismissing her stray thoughts. As for the looks from others, her personality ensured she didn't care. At the casino, Tsunade expertly took her seat at the gambling table. Hanekawa, catching the faint scent of her fragrance, closed his eyes. He had grown accustomed to doing his own thing while accompanying her at the casino. Today, he focused on studying the Lightning Release Chakra Mode. After receiving the shadow clone's memories, he had spent the past few days absorbing and digesting the information. The ultimate goal of his Earth Release training was to eventually master Wood Release, but that would take a lot of time. In contrast, mastering Lightning Release Chakra Mode was more immediate and could significantly enhance his combat strength. The only issue was its distinctive appearance, which made it difficult to use openly. However, as a last resort in a life-or-death situation, it was invaluable. Hanekawa soon identified a challenge. While the Lightning Release Chakra Mode wasn't inherently difficult to learn—its difficulty was ranked B in the original story—mastering it required exceptional physical strength. The mode's true power could only be unlocked with a superhuman body. Why, despite its B-rank difficulty, had only the Third and Fourth Raikages been able to use it in the Cloud Village? The answer lay in their extraordinary physical strength. Fortunately, the training method for enhancing one's body strength was clearly outlined in the technique. There were two main components: regular physical training and further activation of the Lightning Chakra's vitality. Hanekawa opened his eyes and saw Tsunade counting her winnings with excitement. He couldn't help but smile. She was such a money-lover. Then again, calling her that wasn't entirely accurate. Tsunade was quite generous with her wealth, so it was likely the thrill of gambling that she enjoyed. Hanekawa returned his focus to his training plan. There wasn't much to change; he would stick to his existing routine. The good news was that this time he wouldn't have to wear the green jumpsuit—Might Guy wasn't in the village, after all. He just hoped not to run into Might Duy. By dusk, Tsunade left the casino, satisfied. She had gambled all day and thoroughly enjoyed herself. In the afternoon, with Hanekawa's participation, her luck turned, and she managed to win back everything she had lost in the morning. "See you tomorrow, sensei," Hanekawa said before heading home. When he opened the door, he found Kurenai Yuhi sitting on the sofa with a skewer of three-colored dango in her hand. "When did you go out to buy dango?" Hanekawa asked casually as he approached. "This afternoon," Kurenai replied with a bright smile. "It's a shame you weren't there." "From the way you're talking, something interesting must have happened this afternoon?" Hanekawa raised an eyebrow and sat beside her. "Kushina and I went shopping," Kurenai said mysteriously. "Guess who we ran into?" "Shisui and the others?" Hanekawa guessed. Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy were still in the Land of Frost, so they were definitely out of the question. The most likely guesses were Shisui Uchiha, Asuma Sarutobi, and Shizune. "Congratulations... you're wrong!" Kurenai said smugly, a sly smile on her face. "Then who was it?" Hanekawa asked, poking her cheek playfully. "It was Anko Mitarashi," Kurenai replied after a brief pause. She raised the skewer of dango and asked, "Want some?" "I'll have one," Hanekawa said, taking the skewer and biting into it. "Anko was very enthusiastic," Kurenai remarked, pointing at the dango. "She bought this for me." "Don't eat too much of these high-calorie snacks," Hanekawa said, handing the dango back to her. "You don't want to gain weight." "Ninjas don't get fat!" Kurenai said in confusion. "Eat enough, and anyone can gain weight," Hanekawa replied, giving an example. "Look at the Akimichi clan." "No one eats enough dango to get like that!" Kurenai laughed, shaking her head as she took a small bite of the skewer. Suddenly, her heart raced, and her cheeks grew warm. Sharing a single skewer of dango like this felt oddly intimate. Strange... they had shared food like this before, so why did it feel different now? "It's possible," Hanekawa muttered, recalling Anko's slightly plump form from the original story, which made him twitch slightly. "Not me!" Kurenai said confidently, glancing at him. "I intend to keep my figure in shape!" "You're in great shape," Hanekawa said, looking her over appreciatively. "Pervert!" Kurenai's face turned red as she glared at him. "What's perverted about that?" Hanekawa said seriously. "I was complimenting you." "I don't believe you!" Kurenai retorted, pulling back and sitting cross-legged on the sofa as if guarding herself, even adjusting her collar. Hanekawa couldn't help but glance down at her. Her slender legs were fair and smooth, her small feet rosy at the tips. Her skin had a youthful glow, flawless and without blemishes. "What are your plans for tomorrow?" Hanekawa asked, clearing his throat to break the tension. "Training," Kurenai replied, her eyes bright with curiosity. "Do you have something planned?" "I do," Hanekawa said, meeting her gaze. Sensing her misunderstanding, he clarified, "I'm planning to focus on taijutsu for a while." "Taijutsu?" Kurenai blinked in surprise. "Yeah," Hanekawa explained. "It's similar to what I've been doing—physical training." Kurenai felt a pang of disappointment. She wouldn't be able to train with him as she had before, given her focus on genjutsu and Water Release. "Don't worry," Hanekawa said, patting her head. "I'm not training all the time." "Hmm," Kurenai muttered, pouting. "Stop patting my head." "Then what should I pat?" Hanekawa asked instinctively, only realizing his mistake after speaking. "Pervert!" Kurenai's face turned crimson. She jumped up in a panic, barefoot, and stomped on his leg before darting off the sofa and storming out of the room. "Why the insults again?" Hanekawa sighed, rubbing his leg where she'd stepped on him. --- The next morning. "Here," Kurenai said stiffly at the breakfast table, pushing a glass of milk toward him. "Thanks," Hanekawa replied with a smile. "What's so funny?" Kurenai frowned, rolling her eyes. "If you don't want it, give it back." "Of course I'll drink it," Hanekawa said, taking the glass and sipping from it. "That's more like it," Kurenai muttered, her expression softening into a smile. "I wonder when Uncle Shinku will be back," Hanekawa mused, setting down the glass and taking a bite of bread. "In a couple of days, probably," Kurenai replied casually. After breakfast, Hanekawa left the house at a leisurely pace, heading to the First Training Ground on the outskirts of the Leaf Village. Just as he was about to start running, a familiar figure in green appeared in his path, and his expression stiffened. "Hanekawa!" Might Duy appeared before him like a flash, grinning. "Want to train together?" "..." Hanekawa sighed internally before nodding. "Let's go! Youth is about giving your all!" Might Duy exclaimed, pulling out a green jumpsuit as if by magic. "Next time, for sure!" Hanekawa shouted, turning and running away. "You can't leave regrets in your youth!" Might Duy stood stunned for a moment before chasing after him. What ensued was a wild game of tag. --- By late morning, Hanekawa was sitting on the ground, panting heavily. He glanced at the tireless Might Duy, feeling a headache coming on. "Uncle Duy..." Hanekawa started. Hanekawa had a sudden idea and smiled. "How about I tell you some stories about Guy?" Might Duy instantly forgot about the green jumpsuit and looked at him with eager anticipation. Hanekawa began recounting the missions he had undertaken over the past month alongside Might Guy. "Ahh! That's wonderful!" Duy's body trembled, and tears streamed down his face. "...?" Hanekawa suddenly had a bad feeling. He quickly got up and stepped back, successfully dodging Duy's attempt to embrace him while sobbing. "Guy's youth is finally being fulfilled!" Duy said excitedly, clenching his fists. "I can't fall behind! Today, I'll run an extra thousand laps!" Hanekawa's face turned pale. An extra thousand laps? That could be deadly! --- As night fell, Hanekawa lay motionless on the ground, utterly exhausted. The excessive training had worn him out both physically and mentally. However, it wasn't without its benefits. For instance, he discovered that his B-rank skill "Markless Healing" could even repair the physical damage caused by overtraining. In other words, he could train as hard as he wanted without worrying about the consequences. "Your body is in great shape," Might Duy said, sitting next to him, also drenched in sweat. "It's still far behind yours, Uncle Duy," Hanekawa replied weakly. "You mentioned you have about half a month to train this time?" Duy suddenly recalled, asking curiously. "Yeah," Hanekawa replied casually. "In that case, why not learn the Eight Gates?" Duy said, his energy instantly renewed. "I think you have the potential to master it!" "Me?" Hanekawa was stunned and instinctively asked, "Can I learn the Eight Gates in just half a month?" "Of course not," Duy shook his head. "But you can try mastering the first three gates." "That sounds doable," Hanekawa said, sitting up. He didn't hesitate to express his gratitude. "Thank you, Uncle Duy." The Eight Gates' first three gates are relatively safe, with no significant side effects, making them a great enhancement technique. S~eaʀᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the original story, even Kakashi Hatake had learned the Eight Gates, though he could only open the first gate. The later gates, however, had severe side effects and weren't worth learning unless necessary. Additionally, opening the higher gates impaired chakra control, rendering most jutsu unusable except for taijutsu. "No need to thank me," Duy said, flashing his trademark gleaming smile. "I believe you will inherit the will of youth!" "..." Hanekawa lay back down. His idea of youth was enjoying life surrounded by beautiful girls. --- A week later, April arrived. The Leaf Village successfully formed an alliance with the Sand Village, gaining access to its territory and a promise of military support in critical times. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shikaku Nara proved themselves to be cunning strategists. Hanekawa had initially expected a coalition of ninja forces from the Leaf and Sand Villages to attack the Cloud Village. Instead, the Sand Village would face the Cloud Village alone, with the Leaf Village only offering logistical support. In addition, the Sand Village's leadership struggle temporarily settled. With Rasa seriously injured and the looming war, Chiyo proposed that Pakura temporarily assume the position of Kazekage and oversee frontline command. Hanekawa's predictions had come true, though it had little to do with him. --- "The first gate of the Eight Gates is called the Gate of Opening," Duy explained seriously, breaking away from his usual eccentric demeanor. "It unlocks the brain's limits, allowing your body to perform at 100% capacity." Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. Humans rarely operate at full capacity. There's a saying from his previous life: I once punched through steel in a fit of rage. Opening the Gate of Opening essentially keeps one in that heightened state of anger, able to unleash their full power at any time. For a taijutsu ninja, it was like activating a cheat code. For others, the benefits were less significant due to the strain it placed on the body. --- Meanwhile, at an Akatsuki base in the Land of Rain. Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan sat together, discussing a letter from Hanzo. "What do you think of this?" Yahiko asked, holding up the letter. The letter was simple: it proposed that Rain Village and Akatsuki stop fighting and work together to build a better Land of Rain. "Hanzo killed so many of our members. We can't just let it go!" Nagato said, frowning. "But I don't want the Land of Rain to sink further into the quagmire of war," Yahiko said, hesitation and conflict evident on his face. They had founded Akatsuki to bring peace, and now a chance for peace was before them. Yahiko was reluctant to let it slip away. "It's a pity Jiraiya-sensei isn't here," Yahiko sighed, rubbing his temples. "We could have asked for his advice." "Why not notify the Leaf Village?" Konan suddenly suggested. __ New entry: This Danzo Is Weird Patreon.com/rashta Be a member so you can read: New. 440 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird 1. 300 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto 2. 560 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother 3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin 4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete)