Guiding the Slug Sage

Of course, Jueming could not say that directly.

Instead, he changed his approach.

"Slug Sage, I need your help with my training."

"Only if I become stronger can I find the culprit who abducted Princess Tsunade..."

"Otherwise, Princess Tsunade could disappear at any time. If something were to happen to her, we would have no way to answer to the late Lord Hashirama..."

Jueming stood very close to the Slug Sage.

His words and breath made her shrink back.

"You and Princess Tsunade have been comrades and companions for many years. You wouldn't just stand by and watch her die, would you..."

Obviously.

Something had gone wrong with Tsunade's mental state.

For three days, she had remained at home, lying down without moving.

Other than eating and drinking, she simply kept herself buried beneath the blankets.

Someone as strong-willed as her would find it difficult to recover once she got trapped in a mental dead end.

For example...

After Dan Katō's death, Tsunade had developed Hemophobia.

"I'll help... I'll help..."

The Slug Sage answered haltingly.

She raised her head and glanced at Jueming, then immediately lowered it again.

As though she had been threatened by a villain.

"That's wonderful..."

The next moment.

Senju Jueming, the human, took a small step back.

A gentle smile returned to his face.

As though the darkness from before had merely been an illusion.

"Princess Tsunade is an important member of my clan. Although you are helping out of contractual obligation and friendship, Slug Sage, I must still thank you on behalf of the Senju Clan..."

Jueming thanked her solemnly.

That only left the Slug Sage somewhat at a loss.

Because...

The change had come far too quickly.

She could not help wondering whether she had simply been overthinking things...

"To show my gratitude, please