Chapter 229: Tsunade's Power Grab Plan
After lunch, Hoshikawa returned to his own tent. He was eager to start learning Wood Release jutsu.
Hoshikawa sat on the carpet and pulled out the jutsu scroll given to him by Tsunade. He opened it and turned to the page for Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence.
He read for a moment, then heard footsteps. He instinctively looked up, spotting a pair of bare feet treading on the carpet, walking toward him. Without looking further, he knew exactly who it was: Tsunade.
"Master," Hoshikawa asked, "are you looking for me for something?"
"Learning Wood Release is not a simple matter. I'll watch over you. You can ask me anything you don't understand," Tsunade explained, sitting down a short distance away.
"Thank you, Master." Hoshikawa felt a wave of warmth in his heart. Calling it 'watching over' was just a cover; in reality, she was worried something might go wrong. With Tsunade there, he would get the most timely treatment if anything happened.
"You continue studying; don't mind me." Tsunade sat cross-legged, resting her chin on her hands, simply staring at Hoshikawa .
A look of distraction gradually crossed her face as she recalled his earlier request. Why is this brat acting like a child? Asking her not to leave him. The corner of Tsunade's mouth curled up, a faint smile gracing her lips.
Hoshikawa didn't know what she was thinking, fully immersing himself in the study of Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence. Wood Release, being a Kekkei Genkai, was indeed difficult. Deep Forest Emergence had two main difficulties:
Instantaneous Release of Massive Chakra: This required an extremely fast speed in refining and mobilizing chakra. Of course, the prerequisite was possessing chakra far exceeding that of a normal ninja.
Control Over the Entire Forest: After creating a forest, one must control the entire thing. This demanded an extremely high degree of chakra control. Otherwise, if the forest was created but uncontrollable, Deep Forest Emergence would become an indiscriminate offensive jutsu that harmed both friend and foe.
Fortunately, Hoshikawa already possessed all three requirements. Whether it was refining, mobilizing, or controlling chakra, he was highly proficient. He had to thank his experience learning Medical Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and various elemental jutsu for this. Now, he was reaping the benefits of his years of accumulation.
Night fell. It became much quieter outside the tent. The ninja who had been on missions during the day had returned to rest. However, there were patrols set up to guard against a sneak attack from Kumogakure.
Hoshikawa closed the jutsu scroll and let out a breath. Learning Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence would take some time. He wondered if Kumogakure and Danzō Shimura would give him that time.
But it didn't matter even if they didn't. Hoshikawa had already demonstrated Wood Release to Tsunade; she would now trust him one hundred percent. Even if she knew he was a spy, she would likely just laugh it off.
Hoshikawa returned to himself, suddenly hearing rhythmic breathing. He turned his head and saw that Tsunade had somehow shifted to lying on her side on the carpet, already deep asleep. She was probably bored watching him, combined with her fatigue, leading to her current state.
Hoshikawa walked up to her, took out a blanket, and covered her with it. Tsunade's eyelashes fluttered slightly, but she didn't open her eyes. Instead, she relaxed and slept even deeper.
Hoshikawa hesitated for a few seconds, then reached out and placed his hand on her soft golden hair. Seeing no reaction from her, he gently stroked it. Hoshikawa couldn't help but smile. That counts as payback for one past offense. The rest would have to wait for later.
Hoshikawa stood up and headed outside the tent.
"Hmph, brat!" Tsunade still didn't open her eyes, but she rolled over, pulling the blanket tighter around herself.
Outside the tent, bright firelight glowed; it was time for dinner. Since they were at the main camp, they didn't have to worry too much about the enemy, so they could start fires and cook.
"Hoshikawa ." A familiar voice sounded near his ear.
"Rin." Hoshikawa turned to Rin Nohara. In the night, the two purple marks on her face appeared dim.
"What's the situation with Root?" Hoshikawa asked.
"They are the same as before, staying at the main camp without any movements," Rin replied.
"Looks like I still have time," Hoshikawa touched his chin.
"Time for what?" Rin was a little confused.
"Time to train," Hoshikawa said casually. "Did you eat yet?"
"Seeing that you and Master hadn't come out, Kurenai and I ate first," Rin explained. If Hoshikawa wasn't cooking, they would eat with the main troop. Although the taste wasn't as good, as ninja, they couldn't be too picky in times like this.
"You worked hard. I'll cook for you guys tomorrow." Hoshikawa smiled and ruffled her hair.
"No... no problem." Rin lowered her head, her face slightly red, becoming very compliant.
"You go back and rest." Hoshikawa withdrew his hand and walked toward the river outside the main camp.
He spent half an hour making two bento boxes: one for himself, and one for Tsunade. Since he didn't know when Tsunade would wake up, he put it in a bento box. Hoshikawa put away the bento box and continued walking out.
He stopped when he reached an open clearing.
Mind's Eye of the Kagura! After confirming that no one was around, Hoshikawa began forming hand seals.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!
But halfway through the seals, Hoshikawa frowned. The chakra mobilization in his body was too slow; it couldn't keep up with his sealing speed and hadn't reached the required release standard. This had never happened before. However, the sheer volume of chakra required for Deep Forest Emergence was so vast that his first attempt at mobilization was delayed.
Hoshikawa continued forming seals. He didn't expect to succeed on the first try. Even with his numerous Titles, this was still Wood Release; it couldn't be that simple.
Two hours passed; the night deepened. Hoshikawa stopped training and returned to the tent.
"What took you so long?" Tsunade opened her eyes and asked.
"Practicing Wood Release," Hoshikawa explained. "I haven't let anyone else know yet. It can be a surprise for Kumogakure later."
"Are you really planning to defeat the Fourth Raikage and Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki?" Tsunade understood immediately.
"It was difficult before, but with Wood Release now, I think the possibility is quite high," Hoshikawa paused and countered, "What do you think, Master?"
"If your Wood Release has even a third of my grandfather's power, you could take down the Eight-Tails," Tsunade said after some thought. "It might be worth a try."
Hoshikawa twitched his lips. A third? She thought too highly of him. Given Hashirama Senju's chakra reserves, Hoshikawa felt he probably had less than one-tenth of it. However, coupled with the Chakra Enhanced Strength (Infuin), there might be a chance.
Hoshikawa 's current headache was the inability to gather so much chakra or mobilize it so quickly in a short time. But releasing the Chakra Enhanced Strength (also known as the Creation Rebirth or Byakugō no Jutsu) would easily solve both problems.
"This is a perfect opportunity for us to implement a plan," Tsunade sat up, scoffing. "My patience with that old man Danzō Shimura has reached its limit."
The blanket slipped from her body, revealing her taut top.
"Is Master suggesting that after capturing the Fourth Raikage or Killer B, we should take the opportunity to arrest Danzō Shimura?" Hoshikawa raised an eyebrow and asked.
"The only reason I haven't moved against him before is the fear of affecting this war," Tsunade said sternly. "But capturing one of the Fourth Raikage or Killer B would signal an assured victory, eliminating that concern."
"Master, what is your plan?" Hoshikawa nodded slightly and asked.
"That depends on when you can master Wood Release." Tsunade's attitude softened, and she smiled. "With Wood Release, if you go arrest Danzō Shimura, I guarantee no one will dare help him."
"Give me another half a month," Hoshikawa thought for a moment and replied.
"That's fine," Tsunade agreed immediately. "I can use this time to get a few things done myself."
"Like what?" Hoshikawa asked, curious.
"What else, exactly what you suggested before: sideline Orochimaru," Tsunade rubbed her forehead. "I'm starting to feel like I've boarded your pirate ship."
Hoshikawa was stunned. Tsunade planning to sideline Orochimaru was certainly unexpected. But, thinking about it, it made sense. As long as he could capture the Fourth Raikage or Killer B, she could move against both Orochimaru and Danzō Shimura.
However... if he failed, Konoha would surely fall into internal chaos, which would be a huge problem.
"Master, do you trust me that much?" Hoshikawa blinked and asked.
"To arrest Danzō Shimura, we must first weaken Orochimaru's command authority to prevent him from causing trouble," Tsunade glared at him.
Hoshikawa suddenly realized an issue. If he used Wood Release, the happiest person might not be Tsunade, but Orochimaru. He had long coveted Wood Release. Therefore, if Hoshikawa arrested Danzō, Orochimaru would likely stand aside, only to then set his sights on Hoshikawa .
Strength is everything. Hoshikawa wasn't afraid of Orochimaru, but he was annoyed by his numerous methods of survival. However, the current Orochimaru was not as strong as his counterpart in the original story. Hoshikawa recalled his previous idea: imprison Orochimaru and force him to prioritize research. After all, his research was highly valuable.
"You don't need to overthink it. All you need to do is master Wood Release," Tsunade changed the subject. "I'm hungry, do you have anything to eat?"
"Yes." Hoshikawa produced the bento box he had prepared earlier and began heating it with Fire Release chakra.
Tsunade felt the gentle warmth and drifted into thought. This was the first time she had taken such a risky step as sidelining Orochimaru. The root of it lay with Hoshikawa and his Wood Release. Although she hadn't said it outright, she was indeed gambling because of her trust in Hoshikawa . Neither the Fourth Raikage nor Killer B was easy to defeat. If she failed, Tsunade's reputation would be severely damaged. After all, a power grab like this would not be tolerated. But given her strength and status, she wouldn't face anything too severe; at worst, she just wouldn't become Hokage.
"It's ready, Master." Hoshikawa handed her the bento box.
"Thank you." Tsunade snapped out of her thoughts and accepted the bento box.
"There's no need for thanks between us." Hoshikawa helped open the bento box, and the aroma instantly spread.
Tsunade glanced at him, then picked up her chopsticks and began to eat.
"Master, do you need my help with your plan?" Hoshikawa watched her soft lips. "My relationship with the Hyūga Clan is decent."
"No need," Tsunade said, eating a piece of chicken. "Your relationships are my relationships."
"True." Hoshikawa nodded. In the ninja world, the master-student relationship was crucial and one of shared honor and disgrace. For example, he and Tsunade were viewed by many as a single entity or faction.
"I'll talk to Sakumo-san," Hoshikawa suddenly thought of something. With his current strength, even exposing his Lightning Release Chakra Mode, dealing with the Fourth Raikage or Killer B wasn't a major problem. However, capturing them alive was a different level of difficulty and required assistance. Shisui Uchiha was the best candidate.
"Fine," Tsunade thought for a moment and did not object.
"Master, are you going back tonight? Why not... sleep here?" Hoshikawa asked after Tsunade finished her bento.
"I'm not used to sleeping with two people." Tsunade paused, then stood up. "See you tomorrow."
"A pity." Hoshikawa put away the bento box and continued studying the Wood Release jutsu. It was still early; he couldn't waste time.
Hot July passed, and August arrived.
On the second day of August, Hoshikawa arrived at Tsunade's tent first thing in the morning.
"You really don't bother with formalities," Tsunade yawned and emerged from her sleeping bag. She had been awakened by Hoshikawa 's footsteps. This brat didn't even knock when she was sleeping.
"Because I know that with Master's strength, you'd certainly notice my arrival," Hoshikawa greeted her. "Good morning, Master."
"What's the rush so early?" Tsunade stood still and stretched. Sleeping with her clothes on, especially in a sleeping bag, wasn't comfortable.
"Have you forgotten what day it is today?" Hoshikawa asked, smiling.
"Hmm?" Tsunade's eyelashes fluttered, and a look of sudden realization crossed her face. "Oh, your birthday."
"It's your birthday too," Hoshikawa reminded her.
"I don't really care for birthdays," Tsunade said carelessly. "They have no meaning other than making one year older."
"Come with me." Hoshikawa took her hand and led her outside.
Tsunade regained her senses, stepped out of the tent, and pulled her hand back. She followed Hoshikawa , growing more and more confused about what he intended to do.
After half an hour, they finally stopped.
"This spot should work. There are no outsiders." Hoshikawa first used his Mind's Eye of the Kagura to sense the surroundings, then pressed his hands together in a seal.
Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!
Tsunade felt the ground tremble, and countless trees erupted from the earth and began to grow. In an instant, she was surrounded by a dense forest. Tsunade subconsciously bit her lip. Looking at the suddenly formed forest, she felt as if she had stepped back in time. After so many years, she was seeing Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence again, just like her grandfather used to do. In her mind, this was a profoundly special Wood Release jutsu.
Memories of the past flooded her mind, but finally, her gaze settled on Hoshikawa .
"Master, how is this birthday gift?" Hoshikawa asked, his face beaming.
Tsunade felt her heartbeat quicken slightly, and she was overcome by a long-lost feeling of genuine happiness. She smiled and said, "This birthday is very meaningful."
(End of Chapter)
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