Tsunade Hime

Yakushi Nonō led Uchiha Iori towards Tsunade's resting place.

The number of hidden sentries along the way had clearly increased, making it even more tightly guarded than the main camp where Orochimaru was located.

Reaching a secluded mountainside, Yakushi Nonō channeled chakra into an inconspicuous spot, and the rock face vibrated slightly.

"Shizune, a healer skilled in treatment is coming with the village's reinforcements. I hope they can examine Lady Tsunade's condition. Please inform her," Yakushi Nonō said to the mountainside.

Iori stared at the mountainside with some curiosity, activating his Mangekyō Sharingan. After a careful search, he discovered special runes carved into it.

Iori meticulously analyzed the runes and found that their primary purpose was to conceal chakra fluctuations.

Few in the Ninja World could see through them; besides the Byakugan, Sharingan, and Mind's Eye of the Kagura, not many ninjutsu or kekkei genkai could detect the flaws.

"Can you tell me about the runes? I'm very curious," Iori asked directly, his tone filled with curiosity.

"I have some insights into runes myself. If you need it, we can exchange research."

"This is a clan-inherited sealing jutsu of Lady Tsunade. If Lord Uchiha Iori wishes to learn it, you can discuss it with Lady Tsunade," Yakushi Nonō said.

[A Senju secret? No, apart from the Flying Thunder God, I haven't heard of any famous sealing jutsus from the Senju.]

[Inheritance can be paternal or maternal. This must be a sealing jutsu from the Uzumaki Clan.]

[Speaking of which, after the Land of Whirlpools fell, the core members of the Uzumaki Clan were almost wiped out. Some clan members scattered across the land. These people would make excellent subordinates.]

[Although they likely have no good feelings towards Konoha, I am an Uchiha.]

[Nagato has likely had his eyes transplanted by Madara. After the Third Great Ninja War ends, I'll go find Karin's mother and any other potential survivors.]

Uchiha Iori didn't join the conversation, silently contemplating future strategies. Sealing jutsu was the most suitable indigenous ninjutsu to combine with magecraft.

If he could obtain the essence of the Uzumaki Clan's sealing jutsu, the progress of Iori's magecraft localization plan would surely advance significantly.

Gulp!

The stone wall slid away, revealing an entrance. A few torches were lit inside, casting a dim glow within the cave.

Dan Katō's niece, Shizune, stood at the entrance, awaiting the arrival of Uchiha Iori and Yakushi Nonō.

They were acquaintances, having met at the Ninja Academy. After Shizune left Konoha with Tsunade, they hadn't seen each other since.

"Long time no see, Shizune," Iori greeted first. After many years, Shizune looked much more mature.

"Long time no see, Senior Iori," Shizune replied, appearing somewhat haggard. In the years since her uncle's death, Tsunade had been her only family.

Even though Tsunade often drank, gambled, and frequently borrowed money, sometimes leaving her unable to afford food, her care and education for Shizune were genuine. Their bond was very deep, like mother and daughter.

"Senior Iori, can you really heal Senior Tsunade?" Although she had brought Iori in, Shizune couldn't help but ask.

Back at the Ninja Academy, Iori was known for his beautiful swordsmanship. After awakening his Sharingan, not even a genin could defeat him.

Uchiha Style Kenjutsu combined with Fire Release was beautiful and deadly, but she had never heard of him having any skill in medical ninjutsu.

Iori nodded, then shook his head. "I don't know, but I can try. Lady Tsunade's trauma is likely psychological. Specific treatment will depend on the situation."

Shizune didn't say anything more. She was desperate now, resorting to any means possible. After all, battles were never without bloodshed.

If Tsunade couldn't be cured and refused to withdraw early, and if the Sunagakure Ninja broke through the defenses, Tsunade, rendered combat-incapable, would have little chance of survival.

[It's just dying alongside Lady Tsunade. I've already accepted it. Perhaps that would be a good outcome too.] Shizune lowered her head, thinking to herself.

"Don't be afraid. Even if I can't heal Lady Tsunade, I won't let the front line fall," Iori said, as if sensing her thoughts. He reached out and gently patted her head to comfort her.

"Since I'm here, we will win!"

Shizune was inspired by Uchiha Iori's confidence and smiled.

At this moment, they arrived at Tsunade's residence. Shizune opened the door and saw Tsunade curled up on the bed, her face contorted in pain, her body weak.

"Lady Tsunade, what's wrong? Is there anything I can do for you?" Shizune hurried forward and supported the swaying Tsunade.

"Nawaki... Nawaki... why..." Tsunade murmured in a low voice, her eyes vacant.

Her brother's tragic death was like a sharp blade, constantly piercing her heart.

She often dreamed of Nawaki, his face covered in blood, asking her, "Why didn't you save me?"

Although she knew Nawaki wouldn't blame her, the guilt within her never ceased.

She tightly clutched the necklace in her hand; it was the embodiment of her nightmare. Both Nawaki and Dan Katō had died not long after she gifted them the necklace.

At the time, Dan Katō and Tsunade had only just confirmed their romantic relationship, and their feelings weren't yet deeply profound. However, the guilt of causing the death of her loved ones was the source of Tsunade's hemophobia.

Shizune tightly hugged Tsunade, trying to soothe her emotions with her warm embrace.

Seeing this, Iori didn't stand idly by. He decided to first test the effectiveness of "PainBreaker." If the effect was unsatisfactory, he would consider psychological treatment.

He consumed a Military Ration Pill, adjusted his breathing, projected his staff, and cast a golden radiance upon Tsunade.

The light particles fell upon Tsunade. Although her expression softened slightly, the deep-seated fear within her could not be dispelled.

Shizune looked at Tsunade's expression and said dejectedly, "It seems the effect is not good. We can't cure Lady Tsunade."

"Senior Iori, thank you for coming to help, but Lady Tsunade is not well right now. Please return for now."

"I will notify you again when Lady Tsunade has recovered a bit."

"Thank you again for your help."

Iori heard this and put away his staff, saying to Shizune, "I have another treatment method, but it requires the use of genjutsu to assist."

"Lady Tsunade is suffering from a psychological ailment; her body is perfectly healthy, she simply cannot face reality mentally."

"Iori-senpai, will your treatment cause harm to Lady Tsunade? How certain are you?" Shizune's fingers rubbed against each other, her voice hesitant.

"The situation cannot get any worse. As for certainty, it is hard to say; such things vary from person to person." Iori waved his hand, offering no guarantees.

Shizune looked at Tsunade's pained expression, a wave of sorrow washing over her.

She made up her mind: "Iori-senpai, please treat Lady Tsunade. If there are any issues, I will take full responsibility. Please, give it your all."

"Rest assured, it will not get any worse." Iori stepped forward and activated his Mangekyō Sharingan.

"This is a new technique I recently developed, and it is currently my most powerful genjutsu."