Chapter 226: Senju and Uchiha
Land of Whirlpool, Hidden Mist jurisdiction.
In bed, Tsunade rolled over in Sōji's arms and propped her chin on her hand, her elbow resting on the pillow. Facing his profile, she suddenly asked a question.
"On a serious note, what are your plans after the New Year festival?"
"Ao is overseeing the reconstruction here in the Land of Whirlpool. I've gone through the survey data and budget sheets. Shikaku works himself to death when he puts in overtime, so nothing should go wrong. What about you?"
"I'll be preparing for the Chunin Ninja Exams in June!"
As he spoke, Sōji drew his gaze away from the window and turned toward Tsunade's profile. "Before that, though, I might need to make a trip to the Land of Rice Fields."
"The Land of Rice Fields?"
Tsunade frowned slightly at that. "You're going to see Orochimaru?"
"Yes!"
Sōji did not evade the question, answering frankly instead. "He's one of the few people in the Shinobi World I'd be willing to collaborate with on scientific research."
"Although Orochimaru is nominally a rogue ninja from Konoha, the research technology he possesses has
irreplaceable value for our preparations for the fighting ahead."
"I wasn't strong enough before and worried I couldn't keep him under control. But that's no longer a concern."
Tsunade fell silent at that.
She did not immediately object. She knew Orochimaru's abilities well. As a fellow member of the Sannin, she understood that snake-like man better than anyone.
Dangerous, mad, but unquestionably a genius!
Tsunade had once been utterly disappointed in him, but that was because he had crossed the boundaries of human decency, not because she doubted his abilities.
"Are you sure you can handle him?"
"Yes!" Sōji gave a one-word answer.
Tsunade stared at him for