Human Experimentation?
A trace of sadness and helplessness flashing in Tsunade's eyes.
Wood Release... The power that ended the Warring States period and ushered in the era of ninja villages—who could resist such temptation?
Even Tobirama, who had always deeply respected his brother, had conducted related experiments.
And now, the higher-ups of Konoha...
"The girl named Akeno is still recuperating, and as for Yamato, he's learning basic life skills from my assistant. I don't intend to inform Konoha's leadership about their existence," Kei stated his plan.
The reputation of Wood Release was too great—once exposed, who knew how many people would covet it?
At this moment, Akeno and Yamato couldn't even use chakra, let alone defend themselves. The longer they could remain hidden, the better.
"Hmm... When can you take me to see them?" Supporting herself off the ground, Tsunade stood up. After a moment of silence, she still wanted to see the two children. After all, the suffering they endured was because of Konoha and Wood Release.
They should have been nestled in their parents' loving embrace, growing up with care and affection...
"What's with that guilty expression? Were you the one conducting the human experiments? Did you give the order? Your ancestors' graves have been dug up already, and you're still feeling guilty?" Kei looked at Tsunade like she was an idiot, mocking her excessive empathy.
He just couldn't understand—why was it that the few people in Konoha with a conscience liked to take all the blame upon themselves? Meanwhile, the truly heartless ones would keep chanting for the village and Will of Fire like some kind of mantra.
"Shut up!"
"..." Kei clicked his tongue in annoyance, then turned and walked out of the room.
Seeing Kushina leaning on the railing at the end of the hallway, watching fireworks, he whispered something in her ear before heading home.
"Are you okay?" Kushina stepped forward and took Tsunade's arm as she exited the specimen room. Feeling the sweat-soaked fabric of her clothes, she asked with some concern.
"Phew~ I'm fine, just haven't been sleeping well lately. Want to sleep with me tonight?" Tsunade's gaze flicked toward Kei's retreating figure.
She couldn't beat him head-on right now. But no rush—she could get back at him through Kushina!
Enjoy your lonely night alone!
"Hehe~ Sure! It's been so long since I last cuddled with you." Kushina happily agreed.
Meanwhile, Kei, walking ahead, rolled his eyes so hard they nearly reached the sky.
Was this really necessary? Seriously?
"Is there food at home? I'm hungry."
"Of course! I prepped a lot of semi-finished dishes—just need to heat them up."
"Sake?"
"Got it! Your favorite sake—I stocked up plenty."
"..."
The night passed without incident.
---
The next morning, after a solid night's sleep, Kei woke up at exactly 8 AM. As usual, he went to the Root base, replaced his shadow clone that had been working overnight, and then headed to the medical room.
After two days of rest, Akeno, whose body had been severely depleted, was recovering well. Her previously dazed and weary big eyes were gradually becoming more lively. Yamato, who had refused to leave her side, was visibly relieved to see Akeno improving. Unconsciously, he had also started to develop a sense of trust toward Kei and Nonō. In just two days, he had already begun understanding some simple conversations.
After secretly treating Akeno with Medical Water Release: Jellyfish, Kei left the base.
The process of transferring control over the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal was still progressing steadily. At most, in half a month, the White Zetsu disguised as Danzō could finally step down.
Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, he returned home.
After enjoying a hearty breakfast with Kushina and Tsunade, he was just about to continue researching modifications to his Kotoamatsukami when the door was suddenly knocked on.
It was Jiraiya.
Dressed in full combat gear, he looked far less carefree and playful than usual. His face carried an unusual seriousness and weight.
After entering the living room and taking a seat, Tsunade, barefoot and lazily leaning against the sofa, yawned. Seeing Jiraiya remain silent for a long time, she impatiently knocked on the table in front of her.
"Is this your first time going to war?"
"Tsunade… something feels off this time." Jiraiya pondered for a moment before looking at Tsunade and Kei, who was about to leave.
"What feels off?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow, her expression turning serious.
"This morning, I reviewed the deployment list in the Hokage's office. More than half of the troops are composed of ninjas from the great ninja clans. The lineup is quite strong."
"Ninja clan members are generally stronger than civilian-born ninjas. Since the mission is to intimidate the enemy, the stronger, the better."
"Yeah… but something about it just feels wrong." Jiraiya chuckled lightly—maybe he was just overthinking it?
"I'll keep an eye on things for you." Tsunade didn't dismiss Jiraiya's concerns outright. After a brief silence, she reassured him.
"Hahaha! Alright! When a man goes to war, he should do it boldly—it's the only way to show true spirit!"
Jiraiya laughed heartily. Having said what he needed to, he waved at Kei and Kushina before leaving.
Watching his retreating figure, Kei couldn't help but marvel—Jiraiya's instincts were ridiculously sharp. That deployment list had been carefully revised by the Third Hokage and the other council members.
Yet Jiraiya had seen through the issue at a glance.
"What's going on?" Tsunade, lost in thought on the sofa for a while, turned to Kei, who was drinking water.
Jiraiya's concerns might have seemed vague, but having grown up with him, she knew he was always reliable when it came to serious matters. And sometimes, a ninja's intuition was more trustworthy than logic and evidence.
"I don't know."
"…Sigh. To be honest, let's put our disputes behind us for now. After the high-level meeting that day, intelligence came in—Kiri and Suna have already reached an agreement..."
Kei scratched his cheek and revealed the truth.
Because of Kiri's unexpected involvement, there was a high likelihood that Suna and Iwa would also come to an agreement and jointly attack Konoha.
As a result, Konoha's leadership had to adjust their initial strategy.
Considering multiple factors, the 1,000-man vanguard unit originally sent under the guise of "intimidation" would still be deployed. However, their real purpose was no longer just intimidation.
Instead, they were to serve as bait—positioned in the open to draw enemy attention, creating the best possible conditions for the hidden ambush units.
Even knowing this unit could suffer heavy losses, the roster had to be revised accordingly.
But the fact that the Third Hokage hadn't told Jiraiya—was it because he feared Jiraiya's personality would interfere with the plan?
"Who proposed this…?" Tsunade slumped back into the sofa.
This was a strategic decision affecting the entire village. Now that she knew, what could she even do?
Without hesitation, Kei firmly said, "Danzō."