100% Strength!

"So that's how it is? I understand."

Takizawa Dan kept his expression composed, putting on a humble, enlightened look.

Though he knew Tsunade had misunderstood him, he was more inclined to let the misunderstanding stand.

After all, judging by Tsunade's reaction, using one hundred percent of her muscle strength was already her limit. There was no point asking her more questions.

So he would just have to find a way to break through on his own and see if he could make any progress!

"All right, let's stop here for today. Training is like anything else—you can't rush it. You have to balance work and rest, and manage your time sensibly." Tsunade smiled and patted Takizawa Dan's head, feeling very pleased.

In her eyes, her student was hardworking and talented. Most importantly, he was clever. Not only could he quickly master what she taught him, he could even apply it to other things.

For a teacher, a student like that was undoubtedly the most gratifying and satisfying.

"Lady Tsunade, little brother Dan, dinner's ready!"

Just then, Shizune appeared, holding a rice paddle high. She wore an apron that accentuated her curvy figure. She pushed open the courtyard gate and called to them.

"Haha, all right! Shizune, you go on ahead. We'll wash our hands and be right there!"

Tsunade nodded.

Since dinner was ready, Takizawa Dan followed Tsunade to the table.

Ever since Tsunade had quit gambling, her daily income had been quite substantial, and the family's finances had improved considerably.

One obvious sign was that Shizune had started using plenty of meat and other ingredients in her cooking. No two meals were ever the same, and Takizawa Dan had been eating to his heart's content.

"Haha, this is delicious! I never knew you were such a good cook, Shizune. How did I not notice before?"

Tsunade exclaimed in amazement, rapidly picking up food with her chopsticks.

"Haha... Lady Tsunade, it's mainly because before, ninety-eight percent of our household expenses went toward your gambling..." Shizune said awkwardly. "So all we could afford to eat were the cheapest daikon and kelp. No matter how many different ways you prepare those two things, you can't make them taste all that good. The best I could do was make sure you didn't get tired of eating them..."

"Hmm... You've got a point..."

Tsunade blushed and scratched her head.

Before Takizawa Dan came along, only she knew how wildly she had gambled.

"Haha, but that doesn't matter now. You've quit gambling, so our standard of living can keep getting better. We have little brother Dan to thank for that!"

As she spoke, Shizune shot Takizawa Dan a string of flirtatious glances.

She wasn't a fool. She had been by Lady Tsunade's side for twenty years, and whenever she tried to persuade her to quit gambling, Lady Tsunade would impatiently brush her off and carry on as usual.

But on the very first day Takizawa Dan arrived, Lady Tsunade had quit gambling completely. It was nothing short of a miracle!

And Takizawa Dan was surely the reason behind it! Though he looked only thirteen, there was an indescribable magic about him.

At that moment, Shizune made up her mind. Even if it was only to keep Lady Tsunade from gambling again, she would make sure Takizawa Dan stayed!

No matter the cost.

After dinner, Takizawa Dan told Tsunade and Shizune he was heading out, then left the house alone.

Though he had found a warmth in this home unlike anything he had ever known as an orphan, in his heart, Tsunade, who was older than him, was like a mother, while Shizune, who was younger, was like an older sister...

In his previous life, both his parents had died, leaving him an orphan to live alone. Otherwise, he might never have become such a complete shut-in.

And after coming to the world of Naruto, he had spent thirteen years without anyone by his side.

So in his heart, he regarded Tsunade and Shizune as incredibly important family. For them, Takizawa Dan would be willing to risk his life!

But that love had come too suddenly, and for someone as used to being alone as Takizawa Dan, it was also a heavy burden. So he had found an excuse to step outside by himself and clear his head.

Konoha was as bustling as ever that night. The shops run by ordinary people were brightly lit, and passersby came and went. Their chatter mingled with children's bell-like giggles and the relieved smiles of people unwinding after a long day.

Konoha really was a place that could bring people joy!

After strolling through the night market, Takizawa Dan couldn't help reflecting on it.

Perhaps he had been too self-absorbed in the past, shutting himself off from all the beautiful things around him. That was why he had been so pessimistic and miserable.

Really, many things weren't such a big deal once you stepped out and faced them.

Moving through the crowd, Takizawa Dan soon reached the back hills.

Night had fallen, and the sky was completely dark. The back hills, already rarely visited, were now utterly deserted.

Cold winds blew in gusts. A flock of crows cawed overhead as they flew past, giving him a chill.

Hunching his shoulders and tightening his clothes, Takizawa Dan decided to head back.

How had he ended up in the back hills without even realizing it, at this hour?

This was downright strange.

But just as Takizawa Dan was about to leave, a sudden chill prickled at his back!

And there was more than one presence!

"Who's there?!"

Takizawa Dan immediately spun around and shouted in alarm.

At his voice, four figures sprang from between the trees and landed in front of him.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

They had hidden themselves in such a clever spot that even Takizawa Dan's extraordinary perceptiveness hadn't detected them!

Enemies?

Takizawa Dan cautiously backed away, but when he got a good look at them, he froze.

He knew these four!

One had two heads, one had six arms, one was a huge fat man, and one was a red-haired, foul-tempered woman...

They were Kidomaru, Tayuya, Sakon and Ukon, and Jirobo!

Weren't these Orochimaru's subordinates and bodyguards, the Sound Four, who kidnapped Sasuke in the original story?

In the manga and anime, the Sound Four's individual battles against Naruto and the others were a famous part of the "Sasuke Retrieval" arc—epic and unforgettable.

Why were they specifically here?

"Heh, heh, heh. Just as expected, he took the bait! Tayuya, that Soul-Bewitching Incense of yours really works. This kid came all the way to the back hills without even realizing it!"

Kidomaru's six arms waved about, making him look unnerving and grotesque. He turned to the only woman beside him, Tayuya, and grinned.

"Hmph, enough talk. Let's take him down first!"

Tayuya snorted coldly, curling her lip.

"You're Orochimaru's people? What do you want with me?"

Takizawa Dan immediately went on guard.