One Hundred Percent Power!

"Is that so? I understand."

Takizawa Dan kept his expression neutral, feigning a look of humility and sudden realization.

Although he understood in his heart that Tsunade had misinterpreted him, he was more inclined to let the misunderstanding stand.

After all, judging by Tsunade's state, being able to exert one hundred percent of her muscular strength was already her limit; no matter how much he asked, it would be useless.

Therefore, he would have to find a breakthrough on his own and see if he could change anything!

"Well, let's stop training here for today. Training, like everything else, shouldn't be rushed. You need a balance of work and rest, and to allocate your time reasonably." Tsunade smiled and patted Takizawa Dan's head, feeling very satisfied.

In her eyes, this disciple of hers was not only hardworking and talented, but most importantly, he had a brilliant mind. He not only learned what she taught quickly but could even draw inferences about other cases from one instance.

For a master, such a disciple was undoubtedly the most gratifying and fulfilling.

"Lady Tsunade, Little Brother Dan, dinner is ready!"

At that moment, Shizune appeared, holding a rice scoop high. She wore an apron that perfectly outlined her curvaceous figure as she pushed open the courtyard gate and called out to the two of them.

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

Tsunade nodded and said.

Since dinner was served, Takizawa Dan followed Tsunade and sat down at the dining table.

Ever since Tsunade had quit gambling, her daily salary had been quite generous, which had significantly improved the household's financial situation.

One typical reflection of this was that Shizune now used abundant meat and ingredients for her cooking, and every meal was different, which truly satisfied Takizawa Dan's appetite.

"Haha, this is delicious! I never realized you were such an excellent cook, Shizune. How did I not notice this before?"

Tsunade exclaimed with a look of amazement while quickly picking up food with her chopsticks.

"Haha... Lady Tsunade, it was mainly because before, ninety-eight percent of our expenses went toward your gambling..." Shizune said with some embarrassment. "So, the only things we could afford to eat were the cheapest radishes and kelp. No matter how you prepared those two things, it was impossible to make anything truly delicious. The best I could do was ensure you wouldn't get tired of eating them..."

"Mm... that makes sense..."

Tsunade's face flushed, and she scratched her head immediately.

Only she knew how crazy her gambling had been before Takizawa Dan arrived.

"Haha, but that doesn't matter anymore. Now that you've quit gambling, our standard of living has risen accordingly. We have Little Brother Dan to thank for that!"

As Shizune spoke, she cast a flirtatious glance at Takizawa Dan.

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

But on the very first day Takizawa Dan arrived, Lady Tsunade had actually quit gambling entirely. One had to admit, this was nothing short of an incredible miracle!

And this miracle must have been triggered by Takizawa Dan! This boy, who looked only thirteen years old, possessed an indescribable magic.

At that moment, Shizune made up her mind: even if it was just to ensure Lady Tsunade never touched gambling again, she had to keep Takizawa Dan here!

At any cost.

After finishing dinner, Takizawa Dan said goodbye to Tsunade and Shizune and walked out of the house alone.

Although he had been an orphan since childhood, he felt unprecedented warmth in this home. In his heart, the older Tsunade was like a mother to him, and the younger Shizune was like a sister...

In his previous life, he had lost both parents and lived alone as an orphan, which was why he had become such a thorough shut-in.

After arriving in the world of Naruto alone, he had spent thirteen years without any companionship.

Therefore, he regarded Tsunade and Shizune as incredibly important family members. They were worth Takizawa Dan risking his life to protect!

However, this love had come too suddenly and felt too heavy for someone like Takizawa Dan, who was used to being alone. So, he took this opportunity to step out for some air and adjust his mood.

The night in Konoha was as busy as ever. Shops run by civilians were brightly lit, pedestrians passed by from time to time, accompanied by the silver-bell laughter of children and the relieved smiles of people relaxing after a long day of work.

Konoha really was a place that could bring people laughter!

Strolling through the night market, Takizawa Dan couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Perhaps in the past, he had been too self-absorbed, shutting out all the beauty of the world, which was why he had lived so pessimistically and sorrowfully.

In fact, for many things, as long as you step out, it really isn't a big deal.

Passing through the crowd, Takizawa Dan soon arrived at the back mountain.

Because it was late at night, the sky had turned completely dark, making the already secluded back mountain even more deserted.

Gusts of cold wind blew, and a flock of crows flew overhead, cawing, which gave one a chilling sensation.

Shrinking his neck and pulling his clothes tighter, Takizawa Dan intended to head back.

How did he end up at the back mountain without realizing it at this hour?

It was truly inexplicable.

However, just as Takizawa Dan was about to turn and leave, he suddenly felt a chill behind him!

And it wasn't just one!

"Who is it?!"

Takizawa Dan immediately turned around and shouted vigilantly.

Following his voice, four figures leaped out from the gaps in the forest and landed before Takizawa Dan.

Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!

They had hidden in such tricky positions that even with Takizawa Dan's exceptional perception, he had failed to detect them entirely!

Are they enemies?

Takizawa Dan retreated in vigilance, but when he focused his eyes and saw their appearances clearly, he was momentarily stunned.

These four people...

He recognized them!

A person with two heads, a person with six arms, a large fat man, and a rough-looking red-haired woman...

They were none other than Kidomaru, Tayuya, Sakon and Ukon, and Jirobo!

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

In the manga and anime, the individual battles between the Sound Four and Naruto's group were a famous segment of the "Sasuke Retrieval" arc—soul-stirring and deeply impressive.

Why were they here specifically?

"Tsk, tsk, tsk, he really took the bait! Tayuya, your bewitching incense is truly useful; this brat wandered into the back mountain without even realizing it!"

Kidomaru's six arms danced about, a sight that was both heart-palpitating and skin-crawling, as he laughed toward the only woman beside him, Tayuya.

"Hmph, enough with the nonsense. Let's take this brat down first!"

Tayuya let out a cold snort and said with a curl of her lip.

"Are you people from Orochimaru? What do you want with me?"

Takizawa Dan immediately grew wary.