56-60

Chapter 56 Body Temperature

The treatment was scheduled three days later.

Due to her fear of blood, Tsunade couldn't perform the surgery herself, so this important task fell on Shizune.

As for having Kimimaro use a shadow clone to perform the surgery on himself, that was impossible.

Because when the main body was unconscious or in great pain, the chakra in the body would become chaotic, and the shadow clone would not be able to maintain itself.

So, they had to rely on Shizune.

She had to memorize the entire surgical procedure and execute it step by step, without any mistakes.

Three days was enough time for her.

During these three days, Kimimaro didn't continue his training but instead adjusted his condition.

The better his condition, the more beneficial it would be for the surgery.

"I wonder how effective tomorrow's surgery will be."

Kimimaro sighed, feeling a bit anxious.

He opened the window and looked at the starry sky outside.

He noticed Tsunade sitting alone on the roof.

She looked up at the moon, her lonely figure looking somewhat desolate.

Kimimaro tapped his toes and jumped onto the roof.

Tsunade heard the movement and looked over.

Kimimaro was taken aback when he saw her.

At this moment, Tsunade didn't have her usual strength. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she looked pitiful.

"Tsunade-senpai?"

Kimimaro tentatively called out. Tsunade turned her head, wiped the tears from her eyes, and then turned back.

"It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet? You're having surgery tomorrow."

Tsunade's tone carried a hint of reproach.

After two years of相处, their bond was already different.

In her eyes, Kimimaro was like her younger brother or apprentice.

If it were just because of a bet, she wouldn't have worked so hard to research the bloodline disease these past two years.

"I couldn't sleep, so I came out for some fresh air. I didn't expect Tsunade-senpai to be here too."

Kimimaro said, sitting down beside Tsunade.

The evening wind blew against their thin clothes, bringing a chill.

"Tsunade-senpai, I also heard from Shizune-nee that I look a lot like your deceased younger brother and lover, is that right?"

"That Shizune, she's such a chatterbox, always talking about everything."

Tsunade complained, then sighed.

"From the looks of it, Tsunade-senpai, it seems you still haven't let go of those two."

Tsunade gave a bitter smile and looked up at the full moon.

"How could I let go? I still remember that night when Dan died, it was also a full moon like this. He died right in front of me. No matter how hard I tried to save him, it was useless.

My hands could clearly feel his body temperature gradually disappearing, his blood gradually cooling.

He was only twenty-seven when he died, and his dream of becoming Hokage had not yet been realized. He died with unwillingness and regret, and as his lover, I couldn't do anything..."

Speaking of this, Tsunade's eyes couldn't help but well up with tears again.

Slap!

A cold hand was placed on her cheek, instantly pulling her out of her emotions.

"What are you doing?"

"Tsunade-senpai, this is my body temperature. Maybe one day, this body temperature will also disappear. But I hope that when you think of me, it's not the unwillingness of my death, not how much regret you have for me, but the interesting things between us during these two years.

I don't want to be a young man in your heart who struggled to survive but failed, but a healer who saved many patients.

I don't want to hear you reminisce about me and say how many regrets I had, but rather what I had. Can you do that for me, Tsunade-senpai?"

When Kimimaro said these words, he had a gentle smile on his face.

It was as if he wasn't talking about his own death, but just telling a heartwarming story.

Tsunade was stunned.

This was a perspective she had never considered before.

Her heart had always been filled with regret for Dan and Nawaki, and the happy times she spent with them had gradually been forgotten.

When she thought of them, Tsunade's heart only felt pain, no longer joy.

It was more like torture for her.

Kimimaro withdrew his hand and stood up.

"Tsunade-senpai, I hope you have a good dream tonight."

Watching Kimimaro's departing figure, Tsunade woke up as if from a dream.

"Not the unwillingness of death, but the joy of being together. Not how many regrets, but what I had..."

She murmured softly, feeling a sense of sudden enlightenment.

That night, she had a good dream.

In the dream, it was the beautiful time she once had with Dan and Nawaki.

She dreamed that she and Dan were married, and Dan became Hokage.

She dreamed that Nawaki grew up and became a responsible and strong person.

After more than ten years, Dan passed the Hokage position to Nawaki and then traveled the ninja world with her.

What a beautiful dream, but it was just a dream.

In the dream, she showed a long-lost happy smile.

Even her tears became joyful and lovely.

It seemed like a farewell.

The first ray of sunlight in the morning shone on Tsunade's face, waking her from her beautiful dream.

At the same time, there was also Shizune's call.

"Tsunade-sama, everything is ready."

Shizune's words instantly woke Tsunade up.

Today was an important day.

Operating room.

Kimimaro was already lying on the operating table.

"Kimimaro, Shizune will perform the surgery on you later. The main purpose of this surgery is to let your body adapt to the energy in your bones.

This energy is obtained through dilution. If this surgery is successful, it means that our research direction in the past two years has been correct. Your body can adapt to the energy in the bones, and we just need to gradually increase the intensity of the energy.

But if it fails, the research of these two years may be in vain."

"Tsunade-senpai, I understand. If it fails, it means this is my fate."

"Don't say such discouraging things. If it fails, it might confirm the conclusion I least want to see."

"What conclusion?"

Tsunade had never told him about the second conclusion, and now that he heard her mention it, Kimimaro was very curious.

"I'll tell you after the surgery. Now, cooperate with Shizune and complete the surgery."

Tsunade retreated to the edge of the operating room, preparing to watch Shizune perform the surgery on Kimimaro.

She originally wanted to go out, but she was really worried, so she finally decided to endure the pain of her blood phobia and stay by his side.

At this distance, she could barely handle it.

Shizune took a deep breath, looked at Kimimaro on the operating table, and said, "Kimimaro, I'm going to start."

"Thank you, Shizune-nee."

The surgery began.

Shizune infused chakra into the scalpel and cut open Kimimaro's skin.

Blood splattered!

Tsunade subconsciously closed her eyes, but in the end, she forced herself to open them.

Time passed by, and the surgery was more than halfway done.

The diluted energy had already entered Kimimaro's body.

The rest was to see his reaction.

If his reaction was good, it meant the surgery was successful.

But if there was a strong adverse reaction, it meant the surgery had failed.

In the operating room, the air was tense and still.

Just then, Kimimaro suddenly opened his eyes and let out a wail.

"Ah!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 57: Overcome

A shrill scream echoed through the operating room.

Kimimaro's body showed a severe adverse reaction, his flesh and blood being eroded by the energy.

The pain, even Kimimaro, who had trained his body to an astonishing level of strength over the past two years, couldn't bear it.

"It failed! Tsunade-sama!"

Shizune exclaimed.

"Quick! Quickly follow the method I taught you before and remove his corrupted flesh and blood immediately!"

Tsunade was anxious.

"Yes!"

Shizune immediately started the follow-up work, but Kimimaro's violent struggle made her movements very slow.

If she made a wrong cut, not only would she not be able to save him, but she might even directly end his life.

Tsunade watched from the side, her face full of worry.

She wanted to step forward, but out of fear of blood, she stopped, only able to anxiously watch.

"Kimimaro, hold on!"

Tsunade clenched her fists, making a creaking sound, showing how tightly she was gripping them.

Although Shizune's movements were slow, the corroded flesh was gradually being removed.

Just then, Kimimaro suddenly burst out, kicking her in the abdomen with his legs.

The astonishing force sent Shizune flying, crashing into the wall of the operating room.

Bang!

The wall cracked.

Shizune fainted!

"Shizune!"

Tsunade immediately went to help Shizune up, but found that she couldn't wake her up no matter what.

At this moment, Kimimaro was still screaming in pain, as if he had lost consciousness.

"Damn it... At this time, such an accident happened."

Tsunade gritted her teeth, put Shizune on the ground, and ran towards Kimimaro.

The surgery was not yet complete, and he was still bleeding.

Tsunade pressed the struggling Kimimaro onto the operating table, completely ignoring the splattering blood.

"Kimimaro! I won't let anything happen to you!"

Blue chakra emerged from her trembling hands, and Tsunade endured the pain to stop the bleeding for Kimimaro.

But how could trembling hands achieve precise chakra control and activate medical ninjutsu?

The blue light had no effect, and the blood continued to flow.

"Stop! Stop!"

Seeing the continuous flow of blood, Tsunade seemed to be back to that night.

That body whose blood couldn't be stopped, the person she loved the most.

"Tsunade..."

Kimimaro called her name in a low voice, and Tsunade looked at his young face.

In her mind, Kimimaro's image overlapped with Dan's!

"No! You can't die! Absolutely not! I won't allow you to die!"

Tsunade roared, and her trembling hands miraculously stopped at this moment.

Chakra output normally, and the hemostatic technique took effect instantly.

Kimimaro's bleeding stopped!

Tsunade struck while the iron was hot, mobilizing her chakra, and performing the Mystical Palm Technique!

Dozens of invisible chakra threads appeared on her hands, each with a chakra needle attached.

With her hands flying, she sutured all the wounds.

This was the first time she had used the Mystical Palm Technique on a human body, and she didn't expect it to go so smoothly.

With a swipe of her right hand, all the wounds disappeared.

Kimimaro's body was as if it had never undergone surgery.

Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief.

The treatment failed, but the aftereffects of the surgery were eliminated.

It was a blessing in disguise.

"Tsunade-sama... You... You overcame your fear of blood?"

The unconscious Shizune woke up at some point and saw Tsunade skillfully complete the surgery, her face full of surprise.

Tsunade heard this and only then reacted.

Looking at the still warm blood on her hands, Tsunade no longer felt any fear or pain in her heart.

She had succeeded.

"It seems I have."

"That's great!"

Shizune was overjoyed.

"Congratulations, Tsunade-senpai."

At this time, Kimimaro, who was pale on the operating table, also offered his congratulations.

The Mystical Palm Technique could allow patients to recover immediately after treatment. In theory, he wouldn't even need to stay in bed.

But he had just lost a lot of blood, so his pale face was normal.

In addition, his body also felt a sense of weakness.

"You still have the mood to congratulate me? The treatment failed, and our two years of effort were wasted."

Tsunade complained.

Seeing that Kimimaro was in good condition, she was relieved.

Kimimaro smiled helplessly.

"There's nothing we can do about it, we can only keep trying."

As he said that, he got off the operating table by himself.

Shizune quickly ran over to support him.

"Kimimaro, you should still rest a bit. I'll help you down."

"Okay."

Just as the two were about to leave, Tsunade suddenly said, "Shizune, after you take Kimimaro back to rest, come find me immediately."

"Ah? Okay."

Shizune was a bit confused, but she still responded.

After the two left, Tsunade looked around, feeling more and more that something was wrong.

In the room.

Tsunade sat on the tatami, her face livid.

"Tsunade-sama, I'm back."

Shizune pushed the door open and saw Tsunade's unsightly expression, her heart tightened.

Did something happen?

"Shizune, you should explain this to me."

"Explain what?"

"You still don't want to say it? Playing tricks in front of me, you think I didn't notice? That kick from Kimimaro couldn't possibly knock you unconscious directly. Even if it did, you couldn't have woken up so quickly.

You were pretending to faint! What were you trying to do? Kill Kimimaro? I really misjudged you!"

Tsunade was furious, and her right fist slammed onto the table, shattering it instantly.

Shizune quickly knelt in front of Tsunade.

"Tsunade-sama, actually... Actually, it wasn't me who wanted to pretend to faint, it was Kimimaro who asked me to."

"What?"

Tsunade was shocked, and her anger instantly extinguished, but her brows were still furrowed.

"What's going on?"

Shizune lowered her head, not daring to look at Tsunade, but still told her the cause and course of the incident.

"Last night, Kimimaro suddenly came to me..."

The memory flashed back to last night.

"What? You want me to pretend to faint during the last step of the surgery tomorrow? Are you crazy? You could die!"

Hearing Kimimaro's request, Shizune was completely stunned.

What kind of bizarre request was this?

"Don't worry, Shizune-nee. I know what I'm doing. Whether the surgery succeeds or fails, the last step isn't that dangerous. If you stop the treatment, I'll only be in a state of blood loss.

In that situation, I can control my chakra and stop the bleeding myself. I'll be fine."

"Then what are you trying to do? Why go through all this trouble with a perfectly good surgery? Even if you can control it, it's not as good as me treating you in time. If there's any accident, it could still be life-threatening."

Shizune didn't understand.

"I want to help Tsunade-senpai overcome her fear of blood. In a desperate situation, when she's the only medical ninja, I believe she can overcome her fear of blood, because she's Tsunade, the legendary medical ninja of the ninja world."

Shizune was stunned.

She didn't expect Kimimaro to be willing to take such a risk to help Tsunade.

"Shizune-nee, I hope you can help me this time, okay?"

"I..."

Looking at Kimimaro's sincere eyes, Shizune couldn't bring herself to refuse.

"Okay."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 58: The True Cause of the Disease

"That's how it is. Kimimaro asked me to cooperate with him in this act, with the goal of treating your fear of blood. I originally thought it wouldn't succeed, but unexpectedly, just as Kimimaro said, you overcame your psychological barrier and regained your ability as a medical master."

Shizune said, feeling somewhat excited.

Witnessing Tsunade's rebirth could be said to be her greatest wish.

Now that this wish had come true, she was naturally overjoyed.

At this moment, Tsunade felt as if she had been struck by lightning.

Was everything a scheme set up by that young man?

To cure her fear of blood, he actually went to such lengths.

He was risking his life to treat her illness.

For a moment, Tsunade's heart was filled with warmth.

"Tsunade-sama, don't blame Kimimaro, he did it for your own good."

After the joy, Shizune also began to worry that Tsunade would blame Kimimaro.

No one likes to be calculated.

Especially someone as proud as Tsunade.

Tsunade didn't answer Shizune's words, she directly got up and went to Kimimaro's room.

Shizune quickly followed.

Pushing open the door, Kimimaro was lying on the bed, sleeping soundly.

Pikachu sat beside him, looking at him with concern.

It didn't even shift its gaze when Tsunade entered.

Its focused and worried look made it even more adorable.

For the past two years, it had always been with Kimimaro, and their relationship was naturally excellent.

Seeing him so haggard now, Pikachu was very sad.

Looking at his even paler face, Tsunade didn't have any thoughts of blame, only heartache.

In this world, how many people would be willing to gamble their lives to save you?

"Silly boy."

Tsunade reached out, gently brushing away the messy hair from Kimimaro's face, and then placed her palm on his face.

Just like last night, when Kimimaro's hand was on her face.

"I won't let your body temperature disappear, definitely not."

Tsunade murmured softly, her words full of determination.

Suddenly, she frowned slightly, her pupils shrinking, as if she had discovered something.

But soon, her expression returned to normal.

"What's wrong, Tsunade-sama?"

Shizune asked immediately when she saw Tsunade's unusual expression.

"It's nothing. Kimimaro's condition is not bad, the Kaguya clan's bloodline has strong hematopoietic ability, he should be fine after a good sleep."

"That's great."

Just then, Kimimaro opened his eyes in a daze.

"Tsunade-senpai, Shizune-nee..."

"Don't move, your body is still very weak, just lie down."

Seeing that Kimimaro was about to get up, Tsunade quickly stopped him.

"I'm already much better."

"You're also a medical ninja, don't you know to follow the doctor's orders?"

Tsunade's furrowed brows carried a hint of anger.

Kimimaro smiled helplessly and obediently lay back down on the bed.

"Kimimaro, since you're awake, I'll tell you some things. These past two years, I've been researching how to make your body adapt to this energy, but you've seen the final result.

The failure of the surgery confirmed the conclusion I least wanted to see. That is, your body lacks the genes to cope with this energy. So, no matter how strong or weak this energy is, you can't withstand it, nor can you produce corresponding antibodies.

The bloodline disease you have, including your white hair that's different from other Kaguya clan members, should all be atavistic phenomena. The ancestor of the Kaguya clan was very powerful, and he could control this corrosive energy in the bones.

And you, you only inherited this energy, but lack the genes that allow your body to adapt to this energy, so this is the current situation.

The only solution to this disease is to complete your genes."

"Complete my genes?"

Kimimaro frowned.

"That's right. This treatment method is extremely difficult. The difficulty lies not in the treatment itself, but in finding the missing genes. If the Kaguya clan still existed and had enough samples, we might be able to extract the corresponding things from them.

Unfortunately, the Kaguya clan has disappeared, so there aren't enough samples. I can only extract from your genes and slowly cultivate them. The chances of success for this method are very slim.

With luck, it might succeed in three to five years. With bad luck, even after a hundred years, it might end in failure."

Tsunade said, feeling somewhat pessimistic.

Cultivating the missing link from existing genes was unimaginably difficult.

And in Kimimaro's current situation, he could only hold on for another seven years at most. She didn't have much time for experiments.

If she couldn't find the missing genes within seven years, he was doomed.

Hearing this, Kimimaro fell into deep thought.

Missing genes?

He had thought about this cause before, but he couldn't be sure.

Treating a disease couldn't be done based on guesswork, that was the practice of a quack doctor.

He needed to be 100% sure before he could think of a treatment plan based on the cause.

And now, he finally confirmed it, and also learned the corresponding treatment method from Tsunade.

From the previous experiments, it could be concluded that the terrifying energy in his bones should be the Shikotsumyaku.

And the person who could control this power was Kaguya Otsutsuki.

Kaguya Otsutsuki's genes should be the key to controlling the power of the Shikotsumyaku.

There were currently five known clans with Kaguya Otsutsuki's genes.

Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, Uzumaki, and Kaguya.

The missing genes in the Kaguya clan should be within the remaining four clans.

Based on this deduction, the other four clans should also be missing some genes that needed to be supplemented.

Just like the Sharingan of the Uchiha clan.

In the past, the endpoint of the Sharingan was thought to be the Mangekyo Sharingan, and there was no direction beyond that.

However, that was not the case. After Uchiha Madara fused with Uchiha Izuna's Mangekyo Sharingan, the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan came into being.

Later, he fused with Hashirama's cells and awakened the Rinnegan.

As the reincarnations of Asura and Indra, Hashirama and Madara had superior genes compared to ordinary clan members.

The combination of two genes and two types of chakra complemented the missing genes, and the Rinnegan was born.

If Hashirama had transplanted Madara's Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, he should also have been able to awaken the Rinnegan.

And Kimimaro, as the most powerful bloodline inheritor of the Kaguya clan in hundreds of years, should be the same as Hashirama and Madara.

It was just that their bloodline limits didn't cause as much damage to their bodies, while Kimimaro's bloodline limit was so strong that it threatened his life.

The bloodlines of the Senju and Uchiha clans could complement each other's genes, so which clan could complement the Kaguya clan's genes?

Senju for the body, Uchiha for the eyes.

And Kaguya was also about the body, so the clan that could complement the Kaguya genes couldn't be the Senju or Uzumaki, both of which were also about the body.

That left only two choices.

Hyuga and Uchiha!

The Uchiha clan complemented the Senju, so the possibility of them complementing the Kaguya clan was slightly lower.

That left only the Hyuga.

Most importantly, Kaguya Otsutsuki also had a pair of Byakugan.

Her third eye was also a Rinne Sharingan, not an ordinary Sharingan.

From this, it could be deduced that the Byakugan should be the bloodline limit manifested by Kimimaro's missing genes.

Thinking of this, he could already confirm the direction of the treatment plan.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 59: A Farewell Gift

"Kimimaro, don't be discouraged. I promise you, I will never let you die, definitely not!"

Seeing him silent, Tsunade thought he was in despair, and quickly expressed her determination.

Kimimaro came back to his senses and showed a gentle smile that only appeared in front of Tsunade.

"Tsunade-senpai, I believe you."

"Brat, don't always have that expression. It makes me feel like my comfort is unnecessary."

Although she said that, Tsunade's expression obviously looked much better.

Pikachu jumped onto Kimimaro's shoulder, rubbing its cheek against his face, the worry on its face disappearing, replaced by a silly smile.

"Pika!"

"Little guy, I'm sorry for making you worry."

"Pika! Pika!"

Kimimaro rubbed Pikachu's head and held it in his arms.

"Kimimaro, you should rest well for the next two days, and when you're fully rested, we'll start the next step of research."

"Okay, Tsunade-senpai."

The three of them chatted for a while, and then Tsunade and Shizune left, leaving Kimimaro alone in the room.

Looking at the closed door, his expression showed a hint of reluctance.

"Two years have passed, it's time for me to leave this place."

Knowing the true cause of his illness, he had already thought of a solution.

This solution didn't lie with Tsunade, but with the Byakugan.

Transplanting the Byakugan!

Completing his missing genes was the only way to control the increasingly powerful Shikotsumyaku within him.

This was currently the most likely solution.

If the Hyuga clan's Byakugan still didn't work, Kimimaro would also consider the Sharingan.

If that didn't work either, he could only plan for Kaguya Otsutsuki's Byakugan.

These three methods were increasingly difficult, and he could only start preparing from the easiest one.

Byakugan, Hyuga, Konoha!

A complete plan quickly formed in Kimimaro's mind.

Sound Ninja, Sand Hidden, Orochimaru, Konoha Crush Plan!

This was the best opportunity.

The plan to seize the Byakugan from the Hyuga clan was formed, and the rest was the treatment method.

Kimimaro's current medical skills were not much inferior to Tsunade's, so formulating a treatment method to complete his genes was not difficult.

But if he directly transplanted the Byakugan from the Hyuga clan onto himself, it might not be 100% compatible.

On the one hand, there might be rejection reactions, and on the other hand, there might be problems with the fusion taking too long.

If it was like Madara, who only completed gene fusion and awakened the Rinnegan decades after transplanting Hashirama's cells, Kimimaro's body would have already rotted away.

So, he needed to come up with a suitable method.

Simple transplantation might not achieve the results he wanted.

This was the key issue Kimimaro needed to think about next.

And he couldn't tell Tsunade about these thoughts.

If Tsunade knew he was targeting the Hyuga clan, she might not be willing to help him, and might even stop him.

Kimimaro didn't want to gamble, and he didn't want to fall out with Tsunade.

After two years of getting along, he also had a sisterly and teacher-like affection for Tsunade.

Unless absolutely necessary, he didn't want to destroy this bond.

He could complete the rest on his own.

Leaving was inevitable.

When he left the Sound Village, Kimimaro had also promised Orochimaru that he would return within two years at most.

Now, the time was almost up.

Everything was just right.

Three days later.

"You're leaving?"

Seeing Kimimaro proposing to leave, Tsunade and Shizune were both a bit surprised.

"Tsunade-senpai, Shizune-nee, there's something I need to do, and I must do it. After I complete this, I will definitely come back to find you."

"What is it that's so important? You have to go?"

Tsunade frowned, her bright brown eyes fixed on Kimimaro.

"I'm sorry, Tsunade-senpai, but I can't tell you about this matter." Kimimaro's face showed a hint of guilt.

"Kimimaro, your health is getting worse. If you leave Tsunade-sama's side and have an attack, it will be very dangerous. Whatever you need to do, we can go with you. That way, we can look after you on the road." Shizune said anxiously.

"I want to do this alone."

"You! How can you be so stubborn!" Even the usually good-tempered Shizune was a bit angry.

Tsunade sighed. "Alright, how long do you need to be gone?"

"Three months."

"Okay, you can go."

"Tsunade-sama! This is too dangerous!"

"Shizune, Kimimaro has his own ideas, we can't restrict him."

"Thank you for understanding, Tsunade-senpai." Kimimaro bowed deeply to Tsunade, expressing his apology.

"Kimimaro, I won't stop you from leaving. But after three months, you must come back to me safe and sound. Otherwise, I won't let you off easy." Tsunade showed a hint of a smile.

"Of course. Tsunade-senpai, you know I cherish my life."

"Hahaha." Tsunade laughed loudly, then said, "When are you leaving?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"So soon?"

"The sooner I go, the sooner I return."

"Alright."

The next morning, Tsunade and Shizune saw Kimimaro off at the edge of town.

"Kimimaro, be careful on your journey. I know you're very strong, but take this for self-defense, it will be safer. Maybe one day it will come in handy." Shizune handed Kimimaro a strange object that looked like a wrist guard.

The object had five launchers, each connected by a string. There were also five senbon on the launchers.

"What is this?" Kimimaro took it, a bit surprised.

"This is a ninja tool I made myself, called the Needle Bullet." Shizune said, pulling up the sleeve of her left arm, revealing an identical device.

"Pull the string, and when you release it, the senbon on top will shoot out. It's very fast." Shizune said, pulling one of the strings. Upon release, the senbon immediately shot out!

Whoosh!

The senbon embedded itself in a tree five meters away at an incredible speed.

"Such speed, such amazing power." Kimimaro exclaimed in admiration.

"The senbon is coated with a potent poison. Even a Kage-level shinobi would be affected by this toxin. There are five senbon in total. Pull as many strings as you want to release the corresponding number of senbon. You can retrieve them after use.

This kind of thing is suitable for sneak attacks. It's also suitable for turning the tide of a battle when your chakra is depleted. You're so smart, you can figure out how to use it. This is the antidote, keep it safe. Don't accidentally hurt yourself." Shizune took out another bottle of medicine and handed it to Kimimaro.

"Thank you, Shizune-nee." Kimimaro took it and expressed his gratitude.

If used properly, this thing could really turn the tide of a battle. Shizune's poison skills were definitely among the best in the ninja world, there was no doubt about that.

"Don't be so polite with me. Your safe return is more important than anything."

Looking at the smile on Shizune's face, Kimimaro's heart warmed.

It was so good to be here.

"Put it on and let me see if it fits."

"Okay."

Kimimaro attached the Needle Bullet to his left arm, and Shizune showed a satisfied smile again.

"It seems to fit well."

"Shizune-nee's hands are really skillful."

"You're such a smooth talker." Shizune patted his head gently.

"Shizune gave you a gift, so it wouldn't be right if I didn't give you anything." Tsunade said, taking out a scroll from her bosom and handing it to Kimimaro.

Looking at her smooth movements, it was obvious she had prepared it beforehand, yet she still acted reluctant.

What a tsundere.

"Destroy the scroll after reading it. Don't teach it to anyone else without my permission, understand?"

Hearing Tsunade say this, Kimimaro opened the scroll curiously.

"This is... the Strength of a Hundred Seal?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 60: Human Kindness

The Byakugou Seal, also known as the Byakugou Technique, is a technique developed by Tsunade on the foundation of the Yin Seal. It unleashes the full power of the Yin Seal, enhancing all aspects of the body's attributes. It's somewhat similar to Sage Mode but not as powerful.

Tsunade had mentioned the Byakugou Seal to Kimimaro when she taught him the Yin Seal before, but she didn't teach it to him then, saying the time wasn't right. Unexpectedly, she handed him the scroll of the Byakugou Technique directly now.

"Lady Tsunade, this..."

"Still want the Creation Rebirth technique I mentioned last time? Forget about it. With your current body condition, if you learn Creation Rebirth, your bloodline disease might immediately flare up and kill you."

Kimimaro gave a wry smile.

"Lady Tsunade, you know that's not what I meant."

"If it's not, then stop dawdling. Take it when it's given to you. Consider it a thank-you gift for curing my fear of blood."

Hearing this, Kimimaro didn't say anything more and put the scroll into his ninja tool bag.

"Lady Tsunade, Sister Shizune, thank you for the gifts. I have to go now, take care of yourselves. Lady Tsunade, drink less alcohol, it's not good for your health. Also, go to the casino less, your luck is really too bad. Sister Shizune, be careful when you're researching poisons."

"Alright, it's only three months, it's not long, don't be so sentimental, really."

Shizune rarely complained.

Tsunade hugged Kimimaro tightly.

The strange sensation startled him.

Ton Ton also walked to Pikachu's side, and the two cuties were expressing their farewell in their own way.

Both were quite reluctant.

"Pika Pika."

"Poyo Poyo."

Pikachu's small hands touched Ton Ton's little head, and Ton Ton seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.

In this strange scene, Pikachu looked like an old father.

"Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade's hug was very tight, as if she wanted to crush Kimimaro.

Suddenly, she whispered in Kimimaro's ear, in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Kimimaro, next time you come back, let me see your true face."

Kimimaro's whole body shook, his face full of disbelief.

Did Tsunade know his appearance was fake?

When did she find out?

Was it after the surgery last time when he was weak and exposed a flaw?

Before Kimimaro could ask, Tsunade had already let go of him, pulled the unprepared Shizune, and left directly.

"Let's go."

Waving her hand, Tsunade left with Shizune without looking back.

Looking at the two people quickly leaving, the expression on Kimimaro's face was a bit complicated.

"I'm sorry, Lady Tsunade."

Kimimaro set foot on the road back to the Sound Village.

On the other side, Shizune asked curiously, "Lady Tsunade, why did you teach the Byakugou Seal to Kimimaro in such a hurry? His Yin Seal hasn't even been condensed yet."

"I'm afraid there won't be a chance."

"No chance? How could there be no chance? Kimimaro said he's only going for three months. Is there danger in his mission this time?"

Shizune immediately became agitated.

"No, that's not the reason... Forget it, let's talk about it later."

Tsunade didn't want to say more, and Shizune could only put her doubts aside.

But she felt it was strange, why would Tsunade say such a thing.

Tsunade sighed and looked back in the direction Kimimaro had left.

Being able to disguise himself as Dan and Nawaki without her knowing.

In Tsunade's knowledge, probably only Orochimaru had this ability.

Therefore, in her deduction, the reason why this young man from the Kaguya clan could appear in front of her in this form must be Orochimaru's doing.

Only Orochimaru knew her past and weaknesses, knew the appearance of the people she cared about, and at the same time, would use such despicable means.

But Tsunade could also feel that Kimimaro's feelings for her were not fake.

She could also feel the struggle in Kimimaro's heart.

It was precisely because of this that Tsunade chose to help him even after seeing through the disguise.

Even if he was from Orochimaru's camp, it didn't matter too much.

After all, at this moment, Tsunade's impression of Orochimaru wasn't too bad. In her view, his defection from Konoha was just a microcosm of internal strife.

Orochimaru was just a scapegoat.

Because of this, she felt quite sympathetic towards him.

Even if she was tricked by Orochimaru, she would only be a little angry and wouldn't directly turn against him.

Growing up together since childhood, fighting side by side for many years, the bond between the three Sannin was hard for ordinary people to understand.

The reason for their complete break was the death of the Third Hokage.

And now, the Third Hokage was still alive and well.

Tsunade guessed that Kimimaro's departure this time was probably to discuss follow-up treatment with Orochimaru.

After all, Orochimaru had more say in genetics.

Thinking of this, Tsunade had a feeling that the next time she met Kimimaro, things might be different.

The Byakugou Seal was a way for her to settle things.

It was also to repay Kimimaro for curing her fear of blood.

Tsunade never liked owing favors.

If Kimimaro knew that Tsunade's guess was surprisingly accurate, he would probably give a wry smile.

"Shizune, let's go, let's go to the casino and have a good gamble! It's been a long time since I've had a big gambling spree!"

Tsunade decided to indulge herself.

"Ah? Lady Tsunade, no. You finally haven't gambled for two years."

"Stop talking nonsense, let's go!"

Looking at Tsunade's heroic back, Shizune burst into tears.

Her wallet was going to be empty again.

The big fat sheep was back in the ninja world.

Shizune was already starting to miss the days when Kimimaro was around.

Meanwhile,

Kimimaro was heading towards the Sound Village with Pikachu.

In his hand, he held a scroll, which was Orochimaru's previous message.

There was only one sentence written on it.

"The two-year period is up, return to the Sound Village immediately."

"It seems that Orochimaru's Konoha Crush plan has been finalized. Just in time, my plan also needs to rely on the Konoha Crush plan to be realized. But this way, I don't have much time left."

Usually, it would be extremely difficult to enter Konoha and attack the Hyuga clan.

But during the Konoha Crush plan, it would be much easier.

With Genin from various countries gathered, Konoha's defense would be severely weakened.

This would give Kimimaro a chance, and the best chance.

But before that, he had to come up with a treatment plan, otherwise, it would all be for nothing.

Whether he needed the Hyuga clan's cells, or their Byakugan, or both.

Furthermore, how to make the genes fuse and compensate for the defects of the Shikotsumyaku.

These were all things he had to consider.

"It seems there are a lot of things to do next. I must return to the Sound Village as soon as possible and formulate a plan. Orochimaru urging me to go back most likely means he needs my help somewhere."

Thinking of this, Kimimaro tapped his toes, and his speed immediately increased.

Shunpo!

After two years of training, although he didn't spend much time on Shunpo, his progress was also significant.

Once used, his speed was so fast that it was astonishing.

In the forest, white figures flashed continuously. Kimimaro's figure suddenly became shorter, shedding the image of Kaguya Kimimaro and transforming back into the handsome white-haired boy.

Kaguya Kimimaro, returns!

(End of Chapter)