At Shin's words, a faint smile touched Tsunade's lips. After looking around and finding everyone watching her, she explained:
"When it comes to interrogation and applying psychological pressure, Ibiki Morino is a professional. I'm sure anyone who can hold out under his pressure will have a decent ability to handle stress.
"And that's a quality a Chunin needs. After all, once you become a Chunin, you're responsible for leading Genin on missions. Without the ability to cope with pressure, you'll only end up making a mess of things."
Before Shin Uchiha could respond to Tsunade, the Jōnin in the office nodded thoughtfully.
Seeing this, Shin Uchiha said nothing more on the subject. He turned his gaze back to the enormous crystal ball and asked:
"By the way, Tsunade, where are Kazekage Rasa of Sunagakure and Mizukage Mei Terumi of Kirigakure? Why aren't you accompanying them on the opening day of the Chunin Ninja Exams?"
At Shin Uchiha's question, Tsunade took the warm water Shizune handed her, drank a sip, and rolled her eyes at him before saying:
"This Hokage isn't feeling well, so I sent the old Third Hokage in my place. He's pretty familiar with that Kazekage anyway. Let him put what he has left to good use."
Shin Uchiha said nothing further. Of course, he understood what Tsunade meant.
After all, Orochimaru's current situation was inseparable from what the Third Hokage had done back then. That being the case, making him bear the consequences Orochimaru brought upon them was only fitting for a former Third Hokage.
Just then, Asuma, who had been keeping out of Shin Uchiha's way, stepped forward. His eyes fixed on Tsunade and Shin Uchiha beside her as he spoke:
"Fifth Hokage, I have something to report to you."
Tsunade frowned slightly at Asuma Sarutobi's