Sarutobi finally understood what Tsunade intended to do.
As Hokage, it wasn't appropriate for him to intervene personally—but Tsunade was another matter entirely.
Besides, she was the granddaughter of Uzumaki Mito.
Even if Ryoma were hurt in the process, Mito would hardly hold it against him.
The truth was, Ryoma had become far too arrogant lately.
Awakening the Senju clan's Wood Release was already astonishing, but to go further and slaughter ten Root operatives—forcing Danzo into retreat—was a different matter altogether.
It was about time the boy learned there are always higher mountains and stronger people.
But the moment Tsunade released her chakra, Ryoma's eyes lit up. He felt an immense surge of chakra pouring through the Wood Dragon, sinking into the ground, and then rushing back into his body!
The chakra traveled through his feet, surging straight into the Yin Seal at his forehead.
"Is she… charging me?"
The mark of the Yin Seal on Ryoma's forehead glowed faintly, though hidden beneath his Konoha forehead protector, so no one noticed.
Tsunade remained confident at first—but soon her expression changed.
Her stored Yin Seal chakra, accumulated over more than two years, was already half drained, yet Ryoma stood there calm and unfazed.
Something wasn't right.
Sarutobi's face darkened. "Ryoma! Don't force yourself—it's dangerous!"
Ryoma only smiled. "No need to worry, Hokage-sama. I'm not forcing anything. I simply want to see what gives you such confidence. To act without understanding the situation—if even Grandma Mito herself stood before me, I'd still teach her a lesson today."
Kushina stirred awake at that moment, her long lashes fluttering. Rubbing her eyes, she blinked and gasped when she saw the scene before her.
"H-Hokage-sama?! And… Sister Tsunade?!"
The cold air sobered her up instantly. When she realized Tsunade and Ryoma were clashing, tears welled in her eyes.
"Ryoma, what's going on?!"
Tsunade snorted. "Kushina, good timing. This brat tried to take advantage of you while you were drunk!"
Kushina immediately shook her head. "That's impossible! Sister Tsunade, you must be mistaken—Ryoma would never do that."
Tsunade nearly spat blood.
This brat… don't take his side over me!
Ryoma chuckled. "See, Tsunade? Even Kushina knows the truth. Looks like you're the blind one here."
"Ryoma!" Kushina frowned, glaring at him. "Don't talk to Sister Tsunade like that!"
Ryoma shrugged. "She didn't even ask me—just attacked outright. She claims she's protecting your reputation, but if she ruins mine, doesn't that ruin yours too? This woman doesn't think with her head… only with her chest."
Tsunade's anger boiled over. She flared her chakra to the maximum.
But all of it vanished the instant it poured into Ryoma's body—absorbed like rain into a bottomless ocean.
Sweat broke out across Tsunade's brow. She hadn't expected Ryoma to be such a monster.
Sarutobi, seeing her struggle, quickly spoke. "Enough, Ryoma! Let's all take a step back."
But Ryoma ignored him. With a gesture, his Wood Dragon coiled tighter around Tsunade, pinning her arms.
A thick vine sprouted and lashed against her rear.
Smack!
The crisp sound echoed in stunned silence.
Everyone stared at Ryoma in shock.
Ryoma spoke calmly: "If I don't discipline her now, what happens when she causes trouble outside? That would disgrace Konoha, shame the Senju name, and embarrass even you, Hokage-sama."
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing Option Three: Confront Tsunade and 'educate' her.
Reward: S-rank Ninjutsu – Creation Rebirth: Strength of a Hundred Technique!]
Ryoma was very satisfied.
Tsunade's face flushed crimson, blood trickling down as the Strength of a Hundred Technique erupted in full force.
With both hands, she tore the Wooden Dragon apart.
"Go to hell!"
Golden chakra flared around her legs, condensing into a dazzling aura as she shot forward like a streak of light, aiming a vicious kick at Ryoma.
Taijutsu – Painful Sky Leg.
When driven into the earth, this technique could shatter and crack the ground itself. If it landed on a person—no one could say what would remain.
But Tsunade no longer cared. All that mattered was releasing the fury that had been festering in her heart ever since Ryoma provoked her.
"Don't!"
Kushina suddenly threw herself in front of Ryoma.
Tsunade's eyes widened. That kick—she couldn't stop it now!
"Kushina, move!"
Both the Third Hokage and Jiraiya shouted in alarm, rushing forward to intervene.
But Ryoma's hand seals were faster.
Not one seal, but three in rapid succession.
In that instant, Tsunade froze as she saw two black markings streak across Ryoma's face, tracing from his eyes down to meet at his forehead and chin.
"That's… the Strength of a Hundred Technique?!"
The ground trembled as three massive Wooden Dragons erupted around her, coiling tightly in successive layers, trapping her within.
Boom!
In the blink of an eye, Tsunade's vision vanished in darkness as she was slammed into the earth with crushing force.
Her mind reeled even as she hit the ground, the only thought lingering—
Was I… blinded?
...
TN:
Hope you Enjoy~😊