"But seriously, how did you suddenly learn Wood Release? That's the First Hokage's signature technique! Even his descendants couldn't inherit it!"
Iruka couldn't help asking the question that was on every ninja's mind.
"Well, uh…"
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
Though the surrounding shinobi were busy with various tasks, they all seemed to glance over from time to time, making Naruto feel a bit uncomfortable.
"Ahem."
Just then, Shizune walked over. Upon seeing her, the others immediately focused intently on their own duties.
"Lady Tsunade has already stated that the origin of Naruto's Wood Release is top secret. Please refrain from further inquiries. All you need to know is this: Naruto is an ally to Konoha, not an enemy."
Shizune's voice was sharp and authoritative, leaving no room for argument.
Everyone quickly fell silent, dispersing to their own work as if nothing had happened.
"Thanks, Shizune-nee."
Naruto let out a sigh of relief, grateful for her help.
"It's nothing."
Shizune smiled and stepped closer.
She then looked at Iruka.
No words were needed—Iruka instantly understood.
"I've got things to take care of, so I'll be going now."
He left promptly. Though still curious, he wouldn't force Naruto to explain.
After ensuring no one was eavesdropping, Shizune leaned down and whispered in Naruto's ear:
"Naruto, listen. As for the SCPs, the screen, and the rewards we received—Lady Tsunade will find a way to cover it all up. Don't go blabbing, okay?"
"Don't worry, my lips are sealed. But… did Granny Tsunade say what we're supposed to do next?"
Naruto whispered back.
"Well… right now, she's busy dealing with the elders…"
Shizune replied, glancing toward the Hokage office.
At the same time, not far away, Sasuke stood watching Naruto's back with a bitter expression.
During the earlier assault by the Blood Pool creatures, he had been utterly powerless. It was Naruto who had saved him from certain death.
Even though Naruto had saved his life, Sasuke felt nothing but frustration.
"He used to be the dead last… Why is he so strong now while I'm still so weak…"
He clenched his fists and turned away in silence.
…
Inside the Hokage office, Konoha's two advisors—Homura and Koharu—along with Danzo, were grilling Tsunade about the recent string of events.
"Tsunade, you know something about those monsters and that bizarre pool, don't you? Why did they appear all of a sudden?!"
Homura shouted.
"And why does Jiraiya have the power of the Sage of Six Paths?! What's with Naruto's Wood Release?! After attending the Five Kage Summit, why did the Raikage, Mizukage, and Tsuchikage all come back with powerful summoned beasts?!"
Koharu fired question after question.
So much had happened—there was no way to keep it all quiet.
Tsunade, however, simply rested her chin in her hands and remained silent.
"Tsunade, do you really think staying silent means you're off the hook?"
Danzo stepped forward, eyes narrowed like a snake's.
"You should know just how important the power of the Sage of Six Paths and Wood Release are to Konoha. If Jiraiya and Naruto were able to gain them, doesn't that mean they can be replicated? As Hokage, you shouldn't keep such things to yourself. The greater good must come first."
He invoked her title and responsibility, using the "greater good" to pressure her into giving up confidential intel.
Ordinary people might've been cowed by Danzo's tactics.
But not Tsunade.
"Are you all done?"
Her voice was ice-cold, devoid of emotion, making the three elders visibly uneasy.
"I've already said this: the secrets involved are far too dangerous to reveal lightly. If I speak too much now, it will only incite panic. When the village has grown strong enough, I'll reveal everything."
Tsunade had made up her mind—there would be no disclosure of SCPs or related matters for now.
The Blood Pool creature incident alone proved it—Konoha, and even the entire shinobi world, was far too weak to handle such truths.
Knowing more would only make things worse.
"Are you serious? You're being completely selfish!"
Danzo stepped closer, furious.
"If that's the case, then we absolutely must make this public. And more than that, we need to study Jiraiya and Naruto, replicate their powers for every shinobi!"
His tone grew darker, sending chills down the spines of even Homura and Koharu.
"And the most critical question—why did the Nine-Tails escape? Do you realize how massive a loss that is?!"
But in the very next moment, a wave of crushing pressure fell upon them.
It felt like their entire bodies had been filled with molten lead, so heavy they were forced to hunch over.
"I already said, it's not the time to reveal these things. And don't even think about laying a finger on Jiraiya or Naruto. Don't think I don't know what you're up to. They are the future of the village. I won't allow you to mess with them!"
As Tsunade spoke, black lightning crackled in the air around her.
Each bolt that struck down increased the pressure on the three elders, nearly suffocating them.
This was Tsunade's Haoshoku Haki—Conqueror's Haki!
"As for strengthening the village… you don't have to worry. I've already found a power greater than Wood Release and the Sage of Six Paths."
As she finished speaking, sparks danced around her body and formed into a blazing fire dragon, which let out an earth-shaking roar toward the three elders.
"ROOOAAARR!!"
Though it was barely a meter long, the roar alone made them feel like they were facing an ancient, colossal dragon.
The looming threat of death closed in around them.
Their bodies froze—they couldn't move, couldn't even close their eyes.
The sense of helplessness was overwhelming.
Drenched in sweat, shivering, the three elders could do nothing as Tsunade finally withdrew her Haki and her Flame Red Dragon Fist.
"I've said what I needed to say. I hope you won't bring this up again. The only thing I'll tell you is this—I will protect the village and lead it to greater strength."
With that, Tsunade calmly returned to her paperwork, as if nothing had happened.
The two advisors realized they could no longer influence her. They left quietly to mind their own business.
Only Danzo remained defiant—but he too had no choice but to leave.
"Damn it. Tsunade is no longer under control. Why is she suddenly so strong?! At this rate, the position of Hokage will slip further and further from my grasp…"
Gripping his cane tightly, Danzo's face twisted in frustration.
"No… I must find a way to eliminate her!"
A dangerous thought began to take root in Danzo's mind.
(End of Chapter)
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