Chapter 1288: Exploration_3

Perhaps, this kind of sacrifice is actually the one with the smallest cost.

Tsunade knows that, in such a tense situation between the Land of Demons and Land of Fire, her direct perspective on Hakushi might lead to some criticism within Konoha Village. It could even be used by Danzo to attack her with public opinion and accuse her of unfounded collusion with foreign enemies.

In response to this, Tsunade does not back down.

She is merely speaking the truth, she has done everything she can for now, and it’s enough to have a clear conscience.

She believes that as the Hokage of Konoha Village, after her reminder, there must be understanding.

The anxiety about how to develop Konoha’s future has always been in her teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi’s heart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have consistently adopted a conservative balance policy to justify every action.

However, what Konoha needs now is not conservatism, but more openness.

Unlike her previous proposal for medical reform, this time if she wants to change, the resistance will be incredibly strong.

Even the entire aristocracy of the Land of Fire, including the Daimyo, who she has a good relationship with, will stand against her, becoming her enemies.

Just as Tsunade was writing a letter, Shizune returned from outside.

Unlike when she went out alone, she returned with someone accompanying her.

“Lady Tsunade, long time no see.”

Seeing an unexpected person, Tsunade raised her head, her expression slightly surprised.

Sarutobi Asuma.

Returning with Shizune was the second son of her teacher, Sarutobi Asuma.

In terms of relationship, he can be considered her ‘junior.’

“Asuma?”

“It’s me.”

Asuma bowed respectfully, then sat down.

“Speaking of which, I did hear that you had some ideological differences with Teacher Sarutobi, and then you left Konoha. I thought you must have gone to the Daimyo’s Mansion to organize a new Twelve Guardian Ninja.”

Tsunade said in surprise upon seeing Asuma.

“I was young and foolish, so I acted impulsively. However, I don’t regret becoming the Daimyo’s lapdog. It broadened my horizons, showed me a different world, and I made many friends.”

Asuma responded.

“Have you found your way back then?”

Tsunade joked with a smile.

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t have left Konoha again under the guise of traveling.”

Asuma chuckled wryly.

“Then you are…”

“I just happened to see Miss Shizune, so I guessed Lady Tsunade would be here.”

Asuma explained.

Shizune nodded as well, indicating it was so.

Tsunade nodded.

Even though it was unexpected, seeing the young junior felt pleasant.

“As for the Twelve Guardian Ninja… since there was a bit of a problem before, I might not return to the Daimyo’s Mansion. As for my father, I still cannot accept his ways of dealing with things. I know that both you and Lord Jiraiya left Konoha under the guise of traveling and gathering intelligence, forced by disappointment with my father.”

Asuma said with regret.

“It seems the young lad has grown up a bit. Indeed, between Teacher Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and me, there have been many disagreements. No, in dealing with things, Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and I have had differences in opinions.”

With Sarutobi, it’s still manageable, while Jiraiya pursued his own quest, believing in saving the world through the Child of Prophecy.

Regarding Hakushi, Tsunade knew that Jiraiya always hoped to redeem Hakushi, denying all of Hakushi’s actions.

Thinking of Hakushi’s presence as a threat to peace in the Ninja Realm, hoping he would stop exerting military threats.

This is based on the standpoint of Konoha and Land of Fire, inevitably.

Yet, Hakushi is no longer a Konoha ninja.

Since he is an upper-echelon figure in the Land of Demons, plotting for his nation’s interest over others is only natural.

Thus, Tsunade’s resentment is towards Hakushi betraying her trust, not towards his use of force to threaten other nations.

However, when interacting with Jiraiya, Tsunade never pointed this out or brought up matters related to Hakushi in front of Jiraiya, choosing silence as a way to muddle through.

Otherwise, if arguments continued, she might not even have a friend in Jiraiya.

Like Teacher Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo.

Both comrades-in-arms, yet cautious and adversarial toward each other, wishing for the other’s immediate downfall.

“This is the first time I’ve heard about it; I thought the Three Sannin were always in good relations.”

Asuma expressed surprise.

“If the relationship could really persist, I would wish for it too. But Orochimaru’s defection is proof that there could be differing ideas among the Three Sannin. Most of the time, humans are individual creatures, only considering their own interests. Orochimaru’s obsession with immortality through Forbidden Technique research isn’t surprising. It’s a longtime obsession, a reverence for life.”

What’s unexpected is that Orochimaru researched using the village’s civilians and ninjas, becoming a Renegade Ninja.

This was the aspect Tsunade couldn’t comprehend.

Maybe to sever all ties with Konoha completely, he resorted to such extreme means.

Asuma thought about it, and it seemed true.