Chapter 40: Nintaijutsu.

"First of all, Kirigakure did not attack Konoha. Even if Kirigakure and Konoha are allies, my ally's ally is not necessarily my ally." Zenkichi sat down slowly in front of Tsunade and said casually. "Secondly, there is no formal alliance treaty between Kirigakure and Konoha. When we signed our agreement, you attacked me." "After that, I made a scene and left Konoha with you. In other words, there was no real alliance treaty at all. Kirigakure already showed a great deal of restraint by not retaliating against Konoha." Zenkichi continued with a lazy expression, "Finally, you stayed as a hostage to prevent Konoha from stirring up trouble. This is a one-sided restriction. Do you understand?" "Only Konoha is bound by this arrangement. Kirigakure isn't restricted at all. That's the price of your sneak attack—try to understand that." Tsunade glared at Zenkichi angrily, but he returned her gaze with indifference. She sighed in frustration, her expression conflicted. "What exactly do you want?" Zenkichi replied flatly, "What I want has nothing to do with you. Just do your job." "I told you to share your medical ninjutsu with Kirigakure, yet you haven't done it." "And since you've been in my home, you've done nothing but slack off and ignore your duties as a maid." "If this continues, I'll consider making you repay your debt with your life. Are we clear?" Tsunade slammed the table, furious. "How dare you!" Zenkichi's face turned serious as he stared her down in silence. Feeling the pressure, Tsunade's tone softened. "If you let me go, I'll consider handing over the medical ninjutsu." Zenkichi smiled. "Don't worry. Once things stabilize in Konoha, I'll let you return." "Until then, you're not only going to share your medical ninjutsu with Kirigakure—you're also going to help me perfect a new technique." Due to the unique physical limits in the shinobi world, the Rokushiki (Six Styles) cannot function purely as taijutsu. Unless someone opens the Eight Gates to surpass their physical limits, it's nearly impossible to perform the techniques in their original form. But if they are transformed into a form of nintaijutsu, they can become far more accessible. Tsunade's monstrous strength technique is an example of instant application—like taijutsu, but powered by chakra. She looked at Zenkichi suspiciously. "You're not joking?" Zenkichi met her gaze seriously. "This is no joke." Once Konoha stabilizes, the Fourth Hokage will be chosen. If Tsunade returns at that point, her position will be awkward. It would be like a prince who was captured and released after the second prince has taken the throne. Even if she isn't targeted, the leadership in Konoha—already manipulated by Zenkichi—will likely continue fighting among themselves. Eventually, Tsunade will grow disillusioned with Konoha, just like in the original timeline, and leave. By then, Zenkichi would have a real chance to recruit her, further paving the way for Kirigakure's influence over Konoha. If even the granddaughter of the First Hokage no longer believes in the village, will the other shinobi still be willing to fight for it? (*Clarification: The protagonist doesn't want to destroy Konoha outright. His goal is to unify and reform the shinobi world—not become another unstoppable villain who slaughters the Five Great Villages. Public support is key. It defines whether he's seen as a tyrant or a savior.*) Tsunade thought for a while before sighing. "Fine. I accept. I'll hand over the medical ninjutsu I've mastered to Kirigakure." Zenkichi raised an eyebrow. "No hesitation this time?" Tsunade replied coldly, "Hmph. As if I had a choice. If I want to leave, I have to trust you." Zenkichi offered a half-hearted compliment. "Wise choice, young Lady Tsunade. You'll thank yourself later." Tsunade got to work creating scrolls to record her medical ninjutsu techniques. She also began writing manuals that documented her medical knowledge. As Tsunade busied herself, Zenkichi remained as relaxed as ever. His main daily task was taking his three apprentices fishing and drinking tea under an umbrella. Momochi Zabuza complained, "We've already mastered the Water-Walking Technique. Why are we doing this boring work?" Zenkichi answered casually, "You think I'm just training your skills? Wrong. I'm training your mindset too." "Momochi Zabuza, your attitude is a mess. You're impulsive and short-tempered. How can a ninja complete missions like that?" "If you don't fix this flaw, I'll throw you out of the team. I won't let you disgrace me." Zabuza, caught off guard, quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Sensei Zenkichi. I was wrong—I won't do it again." Seeing that Zabuza was genuinely remorseful, Zenkichi nodded with satisfaction. At least this guy's still salvageable. "Zenkichi-sensei, about that taijutsu you mentioned..." Mizunashi Yukine approached Zenkichi with a hopeful look. "We're still preparing for that," Zenkichi said calmly. "Learn other things first. Don't worry—it won't be long." That night, Zenkichi drafted the Six Styles Nintaijutsu Training Method and handed it to Tsunade. She took the scroll and asked, "What's this?" "Read it first," Zenkichi said lightly. "Then we'll talk." After reading for a bit, Tsunade frowned. "This is taijutsu? It seems too idealistic..." "It's not feasible. No ordinary human could physically pull this off." Zenkichi smiled. "What about turning it into nintaijutsu? Use chakra to boost your physical limits." "I'll use taijutsu, you use ninjutsu. Combine them into nintaijutsu—it becomes ours. That was the deal. You agreed to help me perfect it." Tsunade hesitated. If this technique truly came to fruition, it would be a powerful weapon. For Kirigakure to gain something like this... "You still want to leave, don't you?" Zenkichi picked up a nearby glass of water and spoke calmly. The words instantly made Tsunade falter. "You're so cruel..." she muttered, glaring bitterly at him. --- (☞゚ヮ゚)☞ Support me by sending powerstones. More Powerstones = Bonus Chapters. Win Win.