Uzumaki Kuming's poisoning and coma had weighed on many people's minds. Besides Tsunade, who was hurrying back to Konoha, Orochimaru had also been summoned by the Third Hokage.
Although Tsunade was currently Konoha's most skilled medical ninja, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that when it came to studying poisons, Orochimaru was every bit her equal—and in some areas, even surpassed her. Uzumaki Kuming's importance to Konoha went without saying.
The Third Hokage absolutely would not allow the slightest mishap in the process of treating Uzumaki Kuming.
Four days after Kuming returned to Konoha, Tsunade and Orochimaru finally made it back.
At Konoha Hospital, Kushina, who had been worrying herself sick over Kuming, finally found a lifeline. As soon as Tsunade entered the hospital, Kushina took her by the hand and hurried toward the secret ward.
"Lady Tsunade, I really have to ask you for help this time. Please, no matter what, save Kuming."
"He's the only younger brother I have."
When Kushina saw Tsunade, the tears she had held back for so many days finally spilled over. She clutched Tsunade's hand and spoke through her sobs. In Konoha, her only family now was Tsunade and her brother, along with Kuming. Ever since Uzumaki Mito passed away, Kushina had always regarded Tsunade as her own older sister.
So in front of Tsunade, Kushina let her guard down.
"Kushina, don't worry."
"You have to remember, during the Second Shinobi World War, I was the one who neutralized Granny Chiyo's poisons!"
Seeing Kushina in tears, Tsunade gently embraced her. Then, guided by the Anbu, she headed toward Uzumaki Kuming's ward. Orochimaru followed silently behind Tsunade. He raised an eyebrow slightly when Kushina began to cry, but otherwise showed no reaction.
Kuming's ward was at the end of a corridor on the hospital's fifth floor. Four