Tsunade's cheeks reddened. As a top medical ninja, she had naturally figured out why Kimura Takuya had a nosebleed.
Normally, she might have teased a boy going through puberty.
But she was the Hokage now!
"Ahem."
Lord Hokage coughed and cleared her throat.
"Since you've dealt with Orochimaru, and you were responsible for the earlier explosion in the Forest of Death, this mission is canceled for now. Stay in the village so we can respond to any moves the other nations make."
With one crisis after another striking Konoha, Akatsuki would hardly be the only ones drawn in. The other nations were watching too.
Especially the ambitious Kumogakure.
It was unlikely to pass up the turmoil of Konoha's change of Hokage. Tsunade's decision made sense.
"Master, Orochimaru isn't the sort to die that easily."
"I know. You don't need to remind me. I was on his team for years, so of course I know he won't die that easily.
"But you've at least wounded him badly this time. He has a secret technique for coming back to life, but regaining his strength afterward won't be easy.
"I'll make arrangements from here."
"I see. I'll leave it all to you, Master."
Kimura Takuya didn't argue. As long as his master was prepared, that was enough. He had only raised the concern to give her a warning.
He didn't want Orochimaru to return and catch Konoha off guard.
There was one thing Tsunade hadn't said aloud.
Konoha had originally faced two major threats. The first, Orochimaru, was gone for now.
The other—the hidden expert she had suspected—turned out to be her own apprentice.
Not only was that threat gone, but she had gained a fighter beyond Kage Level who could kill Orochimaru.
Sending Kimura Takuya away instead of keeping him close now