Anomaly

The moon, the plaza in front of the temple.

Taiichi stood in the middle of the plaza, his indifferent gaze fixed on the few remaining members of the Otsutsuki, including Katsuya Otsutsuki, and remained silent.

Under such "cold" gazes, Katsuya Otsutsuki finally struggled to his feet and, as the clan leader, issued an order.

"Go—move all the hidden books here." After saying this simple sentence, he seemed to have used up all his strength. His already weak body staggered a few steps, and a tear flashed in the corner of his eye, a tear of endless regret and dereliction of duty.

The remaining clansmen moved numbly, piling up all the clan's treasured books, scrolls, research materials, and secret technique records like a small mountain in the center of the square.

Each scroll, carrying the accumulated wisdom of the Otsutsuki over a thousand years, now serves as proof of their submission.

Taiichi carefully checked everything to make sure there were no obvious omissions or alterations. Then, he returned to the Giant Tenseigan.

With his hands forming intricate sealing hand seals, tadpole-like Sealing Talisman runes flew out from Taiichi's palms, crawling up the huge blue-white sphere like ants, wrapping around it again and again.

Katsuya Otsutsuki was below, took in all of this and naturally understood what Taiichi was doing.

To put it bluntly, it means they don't trust their submission yet. This is a way of sealing off the Giant Tenseigan to prevent them from causing trouble later.

He stepped forward, intending to tell Taiichi that this was unnecessary, as it would affect the energy flow of the Giant Tenseigan.

But she stopped halfway through lifting her leg. "Forget it, forget it. It's only natural for him to do that. Why should I go looking for trouble?"

At that moment, a flash of bright light appeared, and Taiichi had completed the sealing.

On the original Giant Tenseigan, several dense rings of runes were rotating regularly around it, with some runes even penetrating deep into the Tenseigan, as if Tenseigan to maintain their own existence.

Taiichi approached Katsuya, acting as if he were no outsider, and immediately began giving orders to Katsuya.

"Send a few people, along with these scriptures, and you," Taiichi pointed at Katsuya, "To return with me to Konoha to meet the Hokage and discuss the future arrangements for your clan."

Katsuya nodded silently and selected three of his clansmen who were less seriously injured and relatively calm to accompany him.

"Oh, tell your people, whatever you do, don't go over to the Giant Tenseigan. The seal I set up not only isolates the inside from the outside, but it will also automatically attack anyone whose identity is unknown. Getting close rashly could be fatal."

Katsuya paused slightly as he was about to turn around. Thinking that they would be working together in the future, he spoke up, reminding Katsuya, "The Giant Tenseigan is already running low on energy. Your sealing array seems to be drawing power from it. Given the Tenseigan's current state, I'm afraid it won't be able to continue."

Upon hearing Taiichi's usually indifferent face finally broke into a smile. Being able to offer suggestions was the first step towards truly integrating into Konoha, at least proving that the other party had such intentions.

"Don't worry, my Sealing Jutsu not only has the functions I mentioned before, but it can also accelerate the recovery speed of the Tenseigan's energy. Haven't you noticed the changes around you?"

Taiichi's reminder made Katsuya notice his surroundings. The previously dim sky had indeed brightened up a bit, and even the vanished "Sun Barrier" barrier had reappeared with a thin layer. This change made Katsuya look at Taiichi with new respect once again.

This guy is not only incredibly strong, but his Sealing Jutsu are also at this level—it's simply...

Katsuya Otsutsuki silently lowered his head, turned around and left to help his clansmen clean up the mess.

The Moon Otsutsuki Clan, already reduced to only 81 members due to civil war, has now suffered this "natural disaster." How many of them are truly capable of running and moving?

He hadn't thought about it carefully before due to various external factors, but now that his mind Matsushita, a chill crept into his entire body.

"I, Katsuya Otsutsuki, am a sinner of the Moon Otsutsuki Clan! Ancestor Hamura, I have failed the Ōtsutsuki Clan!"

Katsuya Otsutsuki closed his eyes tightly, enduring the stinging sensation. He had already made up his mind: once this incident was completely resolved, he would commit suicide before the portrait of the temple's ancestor to atone for his sins!

Just then, Taiichi's voice rang out from behind.

"By the way, Chief Katsuya. Those clansmen I severely wounded in the previous battle," he pointed to the wounded, "Judging from your appearance, it seems you have no ability to fully heal them? If this continues, they will either suffer and linger on in agony, or they will soon die from their injuries."

Katsuya and the surrounding clansmen shuddered, their gazes involuntarily turning to their severely wounded companions, their eyes filled with grief and helplessness.

While the Otsutsuki on the moon possesses the power of the Tenseigan and is unparalleled in Puppet making, they are indeed lacking in advanced Medical Ninjutsu, especially when it comes to treating severe internal and external injuries and limb regeneration.

Taiichi's voice continued, but now, to Katsuya's ears, it sounded like heavenly music, "If you wish, you can take them back to Konoha. Konoha's medical capabilities are sufficient to heal them, or at least allow them to live peacefully."

Taiichi knows his limits when he strikes; those injured by him are seriously wounded, but they don't lose limbs. However, those unlucky ones who are injured by the Nine-Tails or caught in the aftermath of the battle may not be so fortunate.

However, Taiichi was unaware of Tsunade and Orochimaru's latest research findings, which included a technology capable of even regenerating organs, enough to restore the health of these Otsutsuki clan members.

Upon hearing Taiichi's words, Katsuya Otsutsuki could no longer hold back his tears, which streamed down his face.

The Ōtsutsuki Clan has been saved!

Katsuya looked up to the sky, calmed himself down, turned around and bowed deeply to Taiichi, sincerely thanking him, "Thank you for your magnanimity, Taiichi. Our clan will forever remember this kindness."

Taiichi smiled, not taking it to heart, "Hurry up and get busy. The sooner you finish packing and leave, the sooner the injured clansmen can receive treatment."

"Yes, Mr. Taiichi."

At this moment, Katsuya Otsutsuki had completely lowered his guard. After speaking, he turned around and quickly left the place. The contrast between his previous and current state of mind was completely different.

"Hey kid, aren't you Medical Ninja yourself? Why don't you help them heal?"

Once Nine-Tails was far away, Katsuya jumped onto Taiichi's shoulder and looked at Taiichi's unfathomable expression, asking in confusion.

"If I'm the one who injured someone, and I go to treat them, they'll take it for granted, as if it's compensation."

But the village was different. The village had remained outside the situation; helping them with treatment was a demonstration of their power, an act of kindness.

The Nine-Tails- tailed fox's face remained puzzled, but instead deepened, its eyes almost creased together.

"I don't understand. You humans are so troublesome, always going around in circles, it's never pleasant at all."

Konoha, Taiichi courtyard.

The cool Gekko spilled into the meticulously maintained courtyard. Tsunade lay alone on a rattan recliner, a small cup of sake on a low table beside her.

Judging from the wine cups and the wine in them, it was clear that their owner had no intention of tasting them.

Tsunade back, her gaze piercing through the sparse branches and leaves in the courtyard, fixed on the bright moon hanging in the night sky.

Ever since Taiichi left Konoha, this has become Tsunade's nightly ritual.

During the day, she was like an invisible machine that started precisely, arriving at Konoha Hospital early in the morning, burying herself in mountains of documents and various medical plans, her efficiency so high that all her subordinates were secretly alarmed.

In the evening, she would go home on time, eat a quick meal, then bring out this recliner and gaze at the moon in a daze. The cup of sake seemed to be a symbolic companion, present but never touched.

This unusual calm weighed heavily on the hearts of Mizuki and the others who lived together. They exchanged glances, silently conveying the same question: Is this really Lady Tsunade?

That's so unlike Tsunade!

In my memory, every time Taiichi went out, it caused chaos. It was common for him to be nowhere to be found in the hospital, and the owners of izakayas and gambling dens always had this generous and hot-tempered regular customer.

If it weren't for the Third Kazekage and Fourth Hokage Hokage subtly and overtly keeping things under control, and Tsunade herself retaining a sliver of reverence for her duty, Konoha's medical system would probably have been in complete chaos long ago.

Alcoholism, gambling addiction, and a volatile temper—that's the Tsunade they know.

And now? They work at sunrise and rest at sunset, as disciplined as a model ninja. One day like this, two days like this, and everyone can barely convince themselves that perhaps Lady Tsunade has finally "grown up."

But on the third night, seeing the silent, gazing figures in the courtyard, Mizuki and the others could no longer suppress their unease.

"This... this is very strange." Mizuki said in a low voice to her companion, her brows furrowed. "Lady Tsunade is so quiet, so frighteningly quiet. She hasn't even mentioned the empty wine cellar again."

That wine cellar was once one of Tsunade's lifelines.

Her companion nodded worriedly, "Yes, before, when Taiichi left, she would always find some excuse to vent, but now—it's too peaceful."

They dared not ask Tsunade, nor dared they speculate. This unusual sense of heaviness ultimately led them to make a decision: they had to find someone!

Shizune is now living a very comfortable life. Since moving into Taiichi with Tsunade, she no longer has to watch over that huge "burden" like a mother hen.

With her solid Chunin skills and impressive Medical Ninjutsu, she is very popular among the Chunin ranks in Konoha.

In her spare time, she would form or join Chunin squads to carry out missions; when Tsunade was busy at the hospital, she would also follow behind to help out, her days were fulfilling and regular.

That day, Shizune returned to the village after completing a B-level mission. The mission was successfully completed, adding another achievement to her resume, which made her quite happy.

For a female ninja who doesn't have to worry about making a living, watching her strength and contributions accumulate little by little is one of the rare pleasures.

She pushed open the door with light steps, a relaxed smile on her face as if she had just returned from a mission.

However, this relief didn't last long. She immediately saw Mizuki walking towards her anxiously.

"Miss Shizune! You're finally back!" Mizuki's voice was filled with obvious anxiety as she practically rushed to Shizune's side.

"What's wrong, Mizuki? Why are you so flustered?" Shizune's heart skipped a beat, and her smile vanished.

Mizuki took a deep breath and poured out Tsunade's unusual behavior over the past few days.

Mizuki's description was filled with confusion and worry, and finally she couldn't help but ask, "Miss Shizune, do you think Lady Tsunade... has something happened to her? We're really worried about her!"

When Shizune first heard this, her astonishment was almost impossible to hide. Lady Tsunade —works on time? Doesn't drink at night, only gazes at the moon? A workaholic?

Each of these words, taken individually, seemed like a fantasy, yet they were combined and happening to Tsunade. After the initial shock, a deep sense of worry instantly gripped her.

This is too unusual! Something fishy must be going on!

"I understand, Mizuki. Thank you for keeping an eye out. I'll go check it out right away!"

Without hesitation, Shizune turned and strode quickly toward Konoha Hospital, not even bothering to tidy up the Ninja Tool Pouch she had just put down.

She had to see it for herself.

The hospital was brightly lit, and the corridors were filled with the mixed smells of disinfectant and herbs. Shizune walked confidently Earth Flow Tsunade's office. The door was ajar; she gently pushed it open a crack.

Tsunade sitting upright behind her large desk, her brows slightly furrowed, intently reviewing a thick document.

The lamplight illuminated her focused profile, and the pen scratched across the paper. She didn't even notice the noise at the door.

In the past, this scene would have made Shizune jump for joy. But now, combined with Mizuki's description, Shizune only felt a chill creep up her spine.

This focus—this quietness—this "normality"—no matter how you look at it, there's an eerie sense of incongruity.

"Lady Tsunade?" Shizune pushed open the door and called softly.

Tsunade looked up at the sound and saw Shizune. A genuine joy flashed in her eyes. "Shizune? You're back from the mission? Did it go well?"

"Yes, everything went smoothly." Shizune approached the desk, her gaze sweeping over the pile of documents in front of Tsunade. "You—"

--Still busy?

"Yes, there's a backlog." Tsunade rubbed her temples, her tone calm. "Konoha is currently in a crucial period of rebuilding and strengthening, and medical care is of paramount importance; we cannot afford to neglect it."

She pointed to a stack of documents beside her, "These are all plans that need to be implemented as soon as possible."

The bureaucratic tone made Shizune's heart skip a beat. She tentatively asked, "Then... would you like me to help you with some things? You can rest for a bit too?"

"No need." Tsunade, her tone even carrying a hint of gentle refusal. "You just got back and you must be tired. I can handle this myself. You should go and rest."

"Lady Tsunade, I'm not tired, I—"

"Alright, Shizune." Tsunade's tone left no room for argument. "I don't need any help here. You go about your business. Don't hold me up."

She even picked up a document, making a gesture as if she wanted to continue reviewing it, clearly indicating that she was seeing the guest out.

Shizune opened her mouth, but seeing Tsunade's lowered head, she ultimately swallowed her words. "----Yes, Lady Tsunade. You should rest early too."

She quietly left the office and gently closed the door behind her.

Standing in the corridor, Shizune's expression shifted between light and dark.

Confirmed!

Lady Tsunade is definitely suspicious!

This aloofness, this rigid workaholic attitude, is not her at all!

But what's the problem? Is it physical discomfort? Or, like Hemophobia back then, is it due to some kind of huge psychological trauma?

The more I think about Shizune, the more anxious I become.

For the rest of the day, Shizune turned down all mission invitations and didn't go to the hospital to help, instead spending as much time as possible by Tsunade's side.

She "bumps into" Tsunade in the hospital corridor and "coincidentally" eats at the same table in the cafeteria, trying to find answers from the subtle clues in their daily lives.

However, Tsunade did nothing but work. She even expressed her dissatisfaction with Shizune's "leisurely" lifestyle.

During lunch break, Shizune sat quietly to the side. Tsunade finished reviewing a document, looked up and saw her, her brows immediately furrowing. "Shizune, are you very free today? As my Tsunade, how can you be so lazy?"

There are so many unaccepted missions in the Mission Hall, and your Medical Ninjutsu is only at this level, how can you still have time to stand here daydreaming!