"What do you mean, explain what?"
Shigeo told them everything about being struck with Orochimaru's Ten no Juin (Heavenly Curse Mark), the illness that followed, and how the curse mark eventually disappeared.
When Tsunade heard this, her face showed shock. Two years ago, when Orochimaru defected from Konoha, Mitarashi Anko along with ten other children had been given his curse marks. After their conditions worsened, nine of them died—only Anko survived.
Later, the Third Hokage had asked Tsunade to try to remove Anko's curse mark. She attempted many methods, but there was nothing she could do. Not only could she not dispel it, but Anko continued to suffer from its effects, even now still bearing the mark.
That Shigeo's curse mark had simply disappeared from his body—this was something she was hearing for the first time.
"Sensei, do you think the curse mark vanished because of my training in Sennin no Jutsu (Sage Art)?" Shigeo asked again.
"I can't say for sure. I don't know much about Orochimaru's Heavenly Curse Mark. But I think you already have an answer in your heart. Shigeo, from today onward, stay by my side. I will teach you medical ninjutsu. I believe you will be the one to discover how to defeat Orochimaru." Tsunade said firmly.
"Alright!" Shigeo agreed.
From then on, he followed Shizune and Tsunade, beginning systematic training in medical ninjutsu.
Tsunade taught him without holding back, and Shizune supported him wholeheartedly. Within half a year, Shigeo's medical skills had improved tremendously.
Tsunade also brought Shigeo to Shikkotsu Forest. After observing him, the Great Slug Sage confirmed that Orochimaru's curse mark had truly been absorbed into Shigeo's body.
The Great Slug Sage even gifted him a pill—after consuming it, his body would be immune to all poisons. Even if Orochimaru attempted to plant another curse mark, it would have no effect.
Tsunade was outraged at the favoritism, exclaiming that in her long life she had never been granted such a treasure, yet this boy had received it after just two hours! The pill, the Sen Seigan (Sage Purification Pill), had required a hundred years of refining, and was the guardian treasure of Shikkotsu Forest.
The Great Slug Sage laughed, nearly spraying Tsunade with sticky mucus. "You girl, haven't you taken enough benefits from me? This child—I like him. Why shouldn't I give him a pill?"
Tsunade smiled, patting Shigeo's head. "Shigeo, make sure to thank the Sage. This pill took a hundred years of its effort to refine!"
Shigeo finally understood the rarity of the gift and bowed deeply.
The Great Slug Sage waved its feelers happily. "No need for thanks. This pill was prepared for one with fate. It belongs to you."
Tsunade could only mutter, "Biased! Totally biased!"
Another blob of mucus flew toward her. Dodging, Tsunade grabbed Shigeo and dragged him out of the cave.
Once they left Shikkotsu Forest, Tsunade gave Shigeo a new mission—his graduation test. If he could complete it, it would prove his medical skills had reached her standards.
In the shinobi world, Tsunade dared to say she was second in medical ninjutsu, but no one could claim to be first above her. If Shigeo could earn her acknowledgment, then his graduation would be complete.
Shigeo, hearing the challenge in her words, smiled. "What's the task? Tell me."
"In the southern coastal region of the Land of Rivers, there's a city called Mubō City. I want you to find a woman named Muyouka. Help her achieve what she desires. If you can resolve it perfectly, then you will truly be an outstanding medical ninja."
"Outstanding or not, I don't care. But I'll take the job. As for the commission fee you took, Sensei, just split it half with me." Shigeo grinned, holding up two fingers.
"This—what!?" Tsunade instantly clutched her chest, blushing. "How did you know I accepted money? This is only a test, it has nothing to do with money!"
Shigeo smirked. He knew Tsunade hadn't gambled in half a year while teaching him, and now that he was graduating, she finally had time. Of course she would need gambling money.
"So you really didn't take payment?" Shigeo took two steps forward. His dark blue eyes, though unfocused, seemed to pierce into her.
Her hand pressed tighter against her chest. And from the way that area looked slightly fuller than usual, Shigeo guessed where she had hidden the payment.
"Fine, fine. So you did take it. I won't argue over it. I'll just wish Sensei good luck at the tables—may you win every bet. Don't worry, I'll complete the task perfectly. Goodbye!"
Adjusting his pack, Shigeo waved to Tsunade and Shizune and left the town.
Shizune looked reluctant to see him go. Tsunade, however, held her chest and sighed. "That brat, nothing can be hidden from him… but finally, I'm free again."
"A little gambling is harmless, but too much—"
Shizune began to advise, but Tsunade cut her off with a hand. "Don't say it. Shigeo just blessed me with luck. Don't ruin it! Let's go find a table!"
Mubō City—situated where the southern Land of Rivers meets the western Land of Wind, along the northern coastline. High mountains, flowing rivers, and open seas framed the city, its tall walls shrouded in mist.
From the hillside outside, Shigeo looked down at the valley below, where two groups of shinobi were quarreling.
In the hour he had been resting there, he had already seen five or six different squads of shinobi heading into Mubō City.
Now, one side—a three-man team from Sunagakure—was shouting at a three-man team from Iwagakure.
"How could this be? Mubō City's ruler, Lady Muyouka, entrusted the mission to us Sunagakure shinobi. How could she also hire others?"
"If you don't believe us, go to the city and ask. You came from the Wind Country side, so maybe you didn't encounter others. But we came from the north, and along the way we saw shinobi from Kumo and even Konoha. They too were on missions to protect Mubō City. This isn't a secret anymore. We've no reason to lie." one Iwagakure shinobi explained.
Another teammate added, "Why would we deceive you? The situation is strange, so we shared what we learned. If you don't believe us, investigate in the city yourself. Why quarrel here?"
(End of Chapter)
[50 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter]
[10 Reviews = 5 Extra Chapter]
[Check out my Patreon to read 20+ chapters ahead]
[[email protected]/Zukooo]
[Thanks for your support!]