33: Chapter 33 Crimson SproutThe temporary lodging was dimly lit.
Naruto was shirtless, and Tsunade was skillfully cleaning the wound on his ribs that had been cut by the Kusanagi sword.
The stinging sensation of the alcohol touching his wound caused Naruto's muscles to tense slightly, but his face remained expressionless as he quietly watched the flickering lights, his brain racing.
Although he won the battle against Orochimaru, it was like a bucket of cold water, waking him up.
He recalled the Root's ambush, how Danzo could attack him without restraint from within Konoha, simply because he was an unstable Jinchūriki.
Individuals are weak and vulnerable in the face of massive organizational malice, whether in terms of combat power, economy, or intelligence.
Whether it was the Third Hokage's tender indifference or the advisors' tacit approval of his departure, it all pointed to one thing—in the eyes of those in power, he was always an object to be managed, rather than an independent "person" who needed to be treated equally.
Konoha never truly belonged to him, nor could it ever be his support.
Even Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin, could only rely on subordinates like Kabuto Yakushi and various tricks after being severely injured and losing most of his power in the confrontation with Orochimaru.
This confirms the fact that there are limits to going it alone in this world.
To achieve true security and freedom, one must possess one's own power system—a network that can function, protect, and achieve its goals even without one's direct involvement.
Controlling the Dark Side "Shamo" and the near-successful implantation of a cursed seal on Kabuto Yakushi made him truly realize the terrifying power he possessed—a weapon that could bypass years of loyalty and fear and directly control the souls of others.
This is no longer a minor prank, but a force powerful enough to rewrite the rules.
It would be a waste to use this power only to deal with a few minor characters.
The Tsunade before me is one of the legendary Sannin, possessing top-tier combat skills and unparalleled medical resources.However, she is addicted to alcohol, avoids her past, has a lot of power but nowhere to use it, and is even troubled by money.
This is undoubtedly a huge waste of resources.If only she could be tied to one's own war machine…
Thoughts pieced together like fragments.
He was no longer content with simply becoming stronger and then returning to Konoha to fight for that elusive recognition.That path was too passive and too ridiculous.
He wants to take the initiative.
He wanted to create a place that truly belonged to him, not one that he begged for, but one that he built himself, a place that would force all forces—including Konoha, Akatsuki, and even the entire ninja world—to take seriously!
"Tsk, Orochimaru, even in that grotesque state, his methods are still so disgusting."
Tsunade's words interrupted his thoughts, her tone still tinged with anger.
Naruto didn't reply, but instead suddenly asked a seemingly unrelated question: "Grandma, where do we get our money when we're out here?"
He needs to guide Tsunade's thinking beyond mere survival to a broader perspective.
Tsunade paused, a hint of unease flashing across her face: ".There's always a way.Take on some medical cases from the black market, or.help people solve some problems."
"Unstable," Naruto said incisively, his eyes bright as he looked at her."Besides, the money comes slowly, the risks are high, and we're easily exposed.We're like rootless duckweed, not knowing where we'll land tomorrow.This time it's Orochimaru, but what about next time?Can we always manage to defeat him by sheer luck?"
Tsunade frowned; she had to admit that Naruto had hit a nerve.
A life of wandering may seem free, but it is actually full of uncertainty.
Naruto continued to advance his line of thought, speaking calmly: "After the Konoha Crush plan, the old balance was broken, border frictions between countries increased, the mission system became chaotic, and the business volume of the black market and underground gold exchange will definitely skyrocket."
"Chaos means the collapse of the old order, but it also means.the opportunity to establish new rules."
"You want to get involved in the black market?" Tsunade realized something.
"It's not about interfering." Naruto leaned forward slightly, his blue eyes flashing with a cold yet wise light under the lamplight."It's about rebuilding order.We'll establish a platform, a more efficient and trustworthy intermediary than any existing black market."
"We offer what others cannot—for example, a safety guarantee personally given by you, 'Tsunade-hime,' and medical support that far exceeds what is usually available."
He outlined his vision ahead of his time: "All transactions conducted through our platform must comply with our rules.We charge commissions, but at the same time provide protection and penalties."
"For those who follow the rules, this is paradise; for those who don't.we'll take care of them.What we want to do is not become the biggest mercenaries or assassins, but become.the rule of the black market."
Tsunade's heart skipped a beat.This idea was too grand, too insane!
However, it cannot be denied that this idea is extremely attractive, especially the core point proposed by Naruto—using her unique medical abilities and reputation as a prerequisite.
This meant she was no longer alone, but had become the core of a newly emerging and powerful force.
"Do you know how difficult this is?We have no foundation whatsoever."
Tsunade's voice was a little hoarse, but her eyes no longer showed doubt, but rather a clear emotion.
"So we need the first starting point."
Naruto was confident."A place that's chaotic enough, with its order collapsed, yet still has some value.For example.the Land of Waves, which is in a power vacuum because of Gato's death, but has abundant maritime resources?"
"Or perhaps, a gold exchange in a small country on the verge of civil war?This kind of information isn't hard to come by."
He subtly provided some information from the "raccoon".
Tsunade was completely astonished.
She looked at Naruto, as if seeing the boy for the first time truly for the first time.
He not only possesses talent, but also a terrifying ability to strategize.
A strange emotion began to grow in her heart.
The long-standing despondency seemed to be shattered by the scenery described by this young man and the confidence he displayed.
She felt a long-lost urge to participate in making history.
Naruto noticed the change in her eyes and suddenly moved closer, so close that they could feel each other's breath.
He raised his hand and gently brushed a stray strand of golden hair across Tsunade's forehead, the gesture carrying a tender and ambiguous quality that was different from his usual demeanor.
"So, Mother-in-law,"
His voice was low and seductive, "Instead of drifting away aimlessly and numbing yourself with alcohol, why not come with me?"
"Not as those being protected, but as partners.Together."
This sudden invitation to get closer made Tsunade's heart skip a beat.
Her cheeks felt slightly hot, but she didn't flinch.
Looking into those confident blue eyes so close to her, she seemed to see a reflection of her younger self, but with a greater sense of wisdom.
In the quiet night, a subtle atmosphere, somewhere between ally and lover, quietly arises.
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