Chapter 130

Chapter 130

**Chapter 130: The Deal Between Tsunade and Orochimaru**

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**Hokage’s Office**

“Danzo! Look at what you’ve done!”

For once, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, slammed his desk in genuine anger. Spread out before him was an unsealed scroll containing broken masks and several tongues floating in liquid.

The tongues bore the *Root Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal*, a chilling sight that caused Danzo’s expression to darken. Gritting his teeth, he protested, “Hiruzen, I merely gave them a nudge! How could I have predicted things would escalate so drastically?”

Danzo felt utterly wronged. He may have been ruthless, but even he wouldn’t have dared to provoke Tsunade directly. All he did was target Uzumaki Kushina a little, but his subordinates had bungled the situation terribly, making it impossible to clean up.

At the very least, they could’ve escaped and left no evidence! Instead, not only had they failed, but they had implicated him, exposing the situation for all to see.

“Danzo, Root has gone too far this time!”

Hiruzen’s anger was evident. Though the incident itself seemed minor, the fact that the Senju Clan had publicized it gave the issue far-reaching implications.

If even the prestigious Senju could be targeted by Konoha’s leadership, what did that mean for the other clans?

The message to other families was clear: *If the Senju can be bullied, what hope do we have?* Clans that had offered their elites to the village would now question whether they could trust Konoha to protect them.

“Danzo wasn’t entirely at fault,” Koharu Utatane interjected, attempting to mediate. “No one could have foreseen the situation escalating like this.”

Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement, adding, “Yes, Hiruzen. We can address the fallout in time. The Senju may still command respect, but they are far from their former glory.”

But Hiruzen sighed, shaking his head. “You don’t understand. This isn’t just about the Senju. The other great clans—Uchiha, Hyuga, even the Aburame—will all be more cautious of us now. We’ve lost their trust.”

Hiruzen’s sharp mind had already foreseen the long-term consequences. Danzo’s reckless actions had planted seeds of distrust, not just among the Senju, but across Konoha’s entire political framework.

“Hiruzen, we still have time,” Koharu insisted. “The Senju aren’t what they once were, and the Hyuga’s internal conflicts keep them in check. The Aburame are far too small a concern. The only real issue is keeping the Senju placated.”

Hiruzen exhaled deeply, puffing smoke from his pipe. He turned to Danzo with a steely glare.

“Root will lie low for the time being. You will provide the Senju with an explanation for this fiasco, and no one will touch Kushina again. Do I make myself clear?”

Danzo clenched his jaw but nodded reluctantly. “Fine. I’ll hand over a few scapegoats. They acted without authorization.”

Homura seemed satisfied with this concession, offering a small nod. “That should suffice to smooth things over for now. But the matter of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki...”

“That’s enough!” Hiruzen interrupted, slamming his hand on the table. “Haven’t you realized what’s happening here? Tsunade’s reaction wasn’t just anger. This was calculated. If Uzumaki Mito weren’t involved in this somehow, do you think Tsunade would be this bold?”

The room fell silent as Hiruzen voiced their unspoken fear.

“Uzumaki Mito…” Koharu muttered, her tone uneasy.

Hiruzen nodded grimly. “Yes. If she wasn’t pulling the strings, Tsunade wouldn’t have planned things so meticulously. Mito’s presence changes everything.”

Danzo’s expression darkened further. He’d been outmaneuvered, and the implications were clear: so long as Uzumaki Mito lived, the Senju were untouchable.

---

**The Secret Wood Release Research Facility**

After Konoha’s leadership grudgingly retreated, the research base bustled with activity. Scientists and medical-nin worked diligently, reporting updates to Tsunade.

“Lady Tsunade, the First Hokage’s cells have been safely secured.”

“Lady Tsunade, cell extraction is complete and ready for further testing.”

“Lady Tsunade…”

Tsunade listened to each report with a calm nod, her authoritative demeanor setting the tone for the entire operation.

“Impressive, isn’t it?” Orochimaru rasped. “This facility combines the best minds in Konoha. With you leading, progress will undoubtedly be swift.”

Though Orochimaru was an experienced researcher, even he couldn’t hide his delight at the sheer resources at his disposal. For him, this was a dream come true.

But Tsunade’s thoughts were far from cheerful. 'What an efficient team. As if I’d believe there’s no history of human experimentation in this village. Where else would these skills come from?

Her growing distrust of Konoha’s leadership had become a mountain in her heart—a permanent barrier between her and those in power.

“Proceed as planned,” she ordered coldly. Despite her inner turmoil, Tsunade’s command of the sprawling research effort was flawless.

Orochimaru’s golden snake-like eyes gleamed with amusement. “Tsunade, with you here, I have no doubt that the secrets of Wood Release will soon be ours.”

Tsunade responded with a sharp glare. “Cut to the point, Orochimaru. What do you want?”

Orochimaru chuckled, adjusting his medical mask. “You can’t oversee everything, Tsunade. There are... alternative labs outside your jurisdiction.”

His implication was clear. Root had set up a parallel facility to mirror their progress.

Tsunade’s expression didn’t change, but her voice turned icy. “And your task in all this?”

“I’m here to observe. Root’s secondary lab will replicate your findings, but it’s my responsibility to ensure both labs share their data.”

Tsunade snorted. “Fine. But every bit of data from that lab better find its way to me. This is your job, Orochimaru. And know this: if you hide anything from me, you’ll answer for it.”

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Tsunade, you’ve changed. You’re colder, sharper... I see ambition in your eyes now. Even you can’t resist the allure of Wood Release, can you?”

Tsunade’s gaze didn’t waver. “Call it what you want. But this isn’t just about me—it’s about the Senju. The data flows both ways, Orochimaru. That’s our deal. You deliver, and I’ll share what I find. Fail me, and we’re done.”

Orochimaru’s surprise gave way to giddy excitement. “Oh, Tsunade, how fascinating you’ve become. I look forward to seeing where this takes us.”

Tsunade didn’t respond. Her focus shifted to the giant cultivation tank holding the First Hokage’s cells.

'This is Senju power. This is my legacy.'

---

**Senju Clan Training Grounds**

At the training grounds, Uzumaki Kushina arrived mid-conversation. “Yosuke, the Wood Release research project was approved by Konoha’s leadership…”

Hearing this, Uchiha Mikoto chuckled, teasing, “Kushina, isn’t that classified information? Aren’t you afraid of spilling secrets?”

Kushina pouted. “Oh, come on. It’s not a secret to the Uchiha. Tsunade-nee pulled in a whole squad of Uchiha to guard the perimeter. Even the Hyuga and Aburame clans are involved.”

Yosuke maintained a calm exterior, but inside, his thoughts raced. 'Madara’s plans are progressing faster than I expected. Tsunade’s grown stronger too. She’s not the same woman who ignored Konoha’s politics. She’s dragging the Uchiha, Hyuga, and Aburame into this, tying them all together.'

“Tsunade’s growth is impressive,” Yosuke murmured to himself.

His thoughts shifted to the experiments. In the original timeline, Orochimaru’s Wood Release project failed, but it had accidentally created Yamato—a Wood Release user. Based on his calculations, Yamato must be around three to five years old now, meaning Danzo’s experiments on children were already underway.

'This is my chance to claim the First Hokage’s cells openly—and to shape the future.'

“Yosuke, are you even listening?” Kushina called out, snapping him back to the present. “This Flying Thunder God Technique isn’t easy, you know. It’s built on sealing techniques!”

Her smug expression made it clear she wanted him to ask for her help.

Yosuke smiled. “Kushina, you really are my lucky star.”

The offhand remark made Kushina blush furiously. Even Mikoto’s presence didn’t dampen the thrill of the moment.

Meanwhile, Yosuke’s mind continued working. 'I’ll use this opportunity to get closer to Orochimaru.'