Tsunade stood in a hazy halo of light; she could feel that all external distractions had been stripped away.
This consciousness space was once linked to her by Dan Katō.
There was no malice here; it was as if she had returned to the time when they first met.
Suddenly, the surrounding scenery stabilized.
It was a Konoha training ground at dusk, the setting sun turning the trees gold.
This is the place she remembers where she had countless dates with Dan Katō, discussing how they would change the Shinobi World as medical-nin.
This figure, so familiar it was almost unbearable, carrying with it a sense of familiarity that haunted her dreams, slowly walked towards her:
Dan Katō seemed unchanged, still wearing his usual ninja outfit, with that gentle smile that reassured her.
He looked exactly the same as the day he left, as if time had never passed.
"Is Duan really you?"
Tsunade's voice trembled; she could hardly believe her eyes.
She instinctively took a step forward, but then abruptly stopped. Reason in her mind reminded her that this was just an illusion, but her emotions overwhelmed her like a flood.
"It's me, but this isn't me either. This is my longing for you, my deepest obsession with you. I miss you so much, my Princess Tsunade."
They stopped using that affectionate nickname that belonged only between them.
His voice was deep and clear, filled with exceptional tenderness and gentleness:
"You're still the same as always, your brows are so furrowed. Have you run into some trouble this time?"
My obsession currently resides in Mukai's consciousness, along with two other mysterious obsessions, which I'll keep a secret for now.
Dan Katō winked playfully at her, just like the little jokes they shared when they were deeply in love, instantly shattering the psychological defenses Tsunade had tried to build.
"I..." Tsunade opened her mouth, wanting to say a thousand words but finding them stuck in her throat.
Her tears flowed uncontrollably, transforming into countless tiny sparks of light that rushed directly towards Dan Katō.
Dan Katō's figure appeared somewhat translucent in the light of the consciousness space.
But the love and concern in his eyes were incredibly genuine.
His conscious obsession also clung to Tsunade's consciousness:
"Through Mukai, I know you've been struggling."
Mukai seems to have eyes that can see through the fog; it was he who told me that my hemophobia is now very severe.
It's all my fault. Like Yahiko, who sacrificed himself this time, I was too slow and naive when it came to political struggles.
Those corrupt vested interests will not be willing to relinquish power.
"It doesn't matter if I die, but I'm so sorry for causing you such a huge blow."
Tsunade shook her head vigorously, her voice trembling with tears:
"I sensed something was wrong too, but I couldn't avenge you. I'm so useless. That's the village Grandpa founded, how could it have turned out like this?"
"Waaah..."
Tsunade cried like a child, as if she wanted to cry out all the grievances she had held back for so many years.
Dan Katō smiled and said:
"I know that you are facing the complex and intertwined forces alone for the sake of Konoha."
They secretly cultivate their own power and eliminate anyone who might pose a threat to them.
I know you care about Konoha, and I know my Princess Tsunade is incredibly strong, so strong it breaks my heart.
Dan Katō reached out, seemingly wanting to touch Tsunade's cheek.
But the finger seemed to pass through light and shadow, unable to truly touch it:
"Do you remember? The last time we stood here, you told me that you wanted to reform the medical-nin system and establish a frontline medical system."
You said, "I never want to see my comrades die in front of me again."
His gaze was filled with pity:
"Now, in Mukai Xiangjun's plans for the future, I see another path, another path to cut off the meaningless killing among ninjas."
This path is more captivating than simply healing and saving lives. It's hard to imagine that a child like him could bring about such a change in the Land of Wind.
"My princess, Lord Orochimaru has stopped on the path of corruption due to the influence of Mukai. He seems to believe in the path that Mukai Xiangjun has chosen."
Lord Jiraiya was still struggling with the guidance of fate, but could only helplessly face one tragedy after another.
The person Mukai wants you to help this time is Nagato, one of the three children you three met in the Land of Rain, Lord Jiraiya's Nagato.
Yahiko has already died as a result of the conspiracy of Hanzo of the Salamander and Danzo, a conspiracy as simple as it was back then.
"Don't go and challenge those dark things on your own. I think you should sit down and have a proper discussion with Lord Orochimaru Lord Jiraiya."
Seeing you again has relieved my obsession, and I can now return to my Pure Land.
However, my consciousness will still reside in Mukai's sea of consciousness. If you have any questions about Ninjutsu, you can also consult Mukai!
Take good care of yourself, my Princess Tsunade! Another mysterious person is getting impatient!
"Stop! Don't go!"
Tsunade's tears transformed into countless stars, and the figure in her arms gradually dissipated, becoming a giant ball of light amidst the myriad stars.
Then, the surrounding scenery shifted again, the twilight of the training ground faded, and it transformed into a sunny afternoon in the backyard of the Senju Clan mansion, filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.
Tsunade wiped away tears she couldn't touch, and as she was wondering what was happening, she suddenly heard...
A vibrant, youthful voice rang out:
"Elder sister!"
Tsunade's heart clenched again.
She turned around abruptly and saw the energetic Nawaki, dressed in a green ninja vest.
His arrogant face, brimming with enthusiasm and dreams, ran towards her.
" Nawaki... it really is you!"
Tsunade's voice choked with emotion.
She reached out and hugged the small Nawaki to her chest.
Unlike the complex emotions she felt towards Dan Katō, she felt endless love, guilt, and pain for her younger brother Nawaki.
"Sister, don't cry. I've already passed on the family secret technique you asked me to teach to Katō- nii to Mukai- jun!"
He was an amazing ninja!
You wouldn't believe how many Konoha' lingering resentment he gained when his spirit left his body unintentionally that day!
Although he wasn't Konoha ninja, his ideals had long surpassed those of the village!
"Not only that, he also created all sorts of amazing Puppet Mecha!"
Oh, right, sister, Mukai promised to make a powerful Nawaki Mech specifically for my consciousness in the future!
I'm so excited just thinking about it!
Nawaki excitedly pointed to the headband with Forehead Protector character for "patience" written on it, and said like it was a treasure:
Mukai's ambition is to change the world with the power of technology and mechs!
He said that in the future, all ninjas will wear the same Forehead Protector, and there will be no more disputes or infighting!
I believe he can definitely do it, right?
" Nawaki, I..."
Tsunade wanted to speak, but didn't know where to begin.
Nawaki, however, seemed oblivious to her pain, continuing to gaze at her with his bright eyes:
"Sister, you're amazing now!"
I've heard that you're the strongest medical-nin, one of the Sannin!
You can definitely overcome hemophobia, I believe in you!
He buried his head in Tsunade, with a childlike dependence and trust, and whispered:
"That really powerful guy, Mukai, said he would avenge me and Katō- nii!"
There are also Yahiko's enemies, and many, many other enemies. He is not afraid of those bad people who hold great power at all!
I'm already so happy to see my sister!
Future sister, just wait and see the majestic power of the Nawaki Mech!
Oh, and another obsession is with Hatake Sakumo. He said he'd save his obsession for seeing Kakashi, so he won't come to say hello to his sister!
Go, sister!
The Nawaki's figure gradually dissipated, transforming into a giant ball of light in the sea of stars.
Only the energetic words, "Sister, keep going!" echoed in the air.
The scene completely collapsed, Tsunade returned to reality.
She held the struggling Mukai in her arms, her eyes closed, tears streaming down her face.