Several years ago, Houka attacked the Hokage Building and failed to assassinate the Third Hokage. In the end, he defected from Konoha and became an S-rank Missing-nin.
Tsunade heard the bad news while gambling. She had just "once again" lost so badly that she was about to use Shizune to settle her debts, so she naturally caused a huge scene at **, then only managed to escape after being chased through several streets by ** thugs.
"What are you trying to say?"
Tsunade crossed her arms, looking at Nara Shikaku with slight displeasure.
Nara Shikaku found her expression both amusing and exasperating. Shaking his head, he said, "The Fifth Hokage seems somewhat dissatisfied with me."
"Hmph!"
Tsunade snorted coldly but said nothing.
Even without her saying it, Nara Shikaku could guess the reason.
Everyone knew that Houka's mentor was Tsunade, one of the Sannin.
In Tsunade's eyes, perhaps people like Nara Shikaku—Houka's friends who had failed to stop him from defecting—were all "guilty."
"If you have something to say, say it!" Tsunade said. "If you want me to send Anbu after him, I advise you not to open your mouth!"
"The Fifth Hokage's temper truly hasn't changed at all." Nara Shikaku shrugged. "But that isn't what I wanted to say!"
Tsunade showed an impatient expression, urging him with her eyes to get to the point.
"Before coming here, and even after sitting down, I'd been hesitating over whether to tell you. It wasn't until you so firmly refused to send Anbu after Houka just now that I was truly relieved." Nara Shikaku's expression gradually turned grave. "The reason I had the Anbu withdraw is because this may be the Ninja World's greatest secret!"
"The Ninja World's greatest secret?" Tsunade was somewhat startled. "And it has something to do with Houka?