Konoha Hospital
The director's office
["Dan!"
Thanks to Tsunade's desperate efforts, Dan Katō was finally brought back from the brink. Treatment with the Mystical Palm Technique had healed his internal injuries and external wounds.
As a master medic, Tsunade knew what this meant. She had finally saved Dan, and the person she loved most had almost died right before her eyes.
Overcome with joy, Tsunade wept and gathered Dan into her arms.
"Tsunade..."
Just brought back from the brink, Dan was extremely weak. He called Tsunade's name softly.
"Dan! You've lost too much blood and need to recover. I'll take you to Konoha!"
Hearing Dan's voice dispelled Tsunade's fear and anxiety. After more than half an hour of channeling chakra to save him, she had used up most of hers.
Only then did she notice how exhausted she was. She gasped for breath.
"Tsunade, we still need your support at the front!"
At an inopportune moment, the other two members of the four-person team spoke up to remind her.
Their mission was to escort Tsunade to the front, where she would counter the latest poison developed by Hidden Sand.
While passing through the Land of Rain, they were attacked by Hidden Sand. Dan Katō was gravely wounded in close combat—and died.
"Tsunade, go to the front. Konoha's shinobi need you," Dan urged in a weak voice.
"Dan!"
"Tsunade, what's gotten into you today?" Dan smiled. His smile had always been so warm, but with his face so pale, it only made her heart ache.
"Dan!"
But Tsunade was acting completely out of character. Tears streamed down her face, and all she could do was call his name.
At that moment, there was no trace of the heroic woman Tsunade was known to be. She was just an ordinary woman.
"Tsunade!