CHAPTER 228: 228. TSUNADE’S POWER SEIZURE PLAN AND BIRTHDAY

After lunch, Hanekawa returned to his tent. He was eager to learn the Wood Release ninjutsu. Sitting on the carpet, he took out the ninjutsu scroll given by Tsunade. He opened it to the page on Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees. As he studied it, he heard footsteps. Without looking up, he knew it was Tsunade.

"Sensei," Hanekawa greeted, "Do you need something?"

"Learning Wood Release isn’t easy. I’ll watch over you. If you have any questions, ask me," Tsunade explained as she sat down nearby.

"Thank you, Sensei," Hanekawa felt a warmth in his heart. Tsunade’s presence meant she was worried about him. If anything went wrong, she could provide immediate treatment.

"Continue your studies, don’t mind me," Tsunade said, sitting cross-legged, resting her chin on her hands, and staring at Hanekawa. Her mind wandered, recalling his earlier request. This kid, acting like a child, asking her not to leave him. A faint smile appeared on her lips.

Hanekawa, unaware of her thoughts, focused entirely on Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees. Wood Release, a Kekkei Genkai, was indeed challenging, especially this technique. It had two main difficulties: releasing a massive amount of chakra instantly, requiring rapid chakra extraction and mobilization, and controlling the entire forest created, demanding high chakra control. Fortunately, Hanekawa met all these requirements, thanks to his prior training in medical ninjutsu, genjutsu, and various elemental techniques.

As night fell, the camp grew quiet. Hanekawa closed the scroll, exhaling deeply. Mastering Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees would take time. He wondered if the Cloud Village or Danzo would give him that time. But it didn’t matter. He had already shown Tsunade his Wood Release, earning her complete trust. Even if she knew he was a spy, she would likely just laugh it off.

Suddenly, he heard rhythmic breathing. Turning, he saw Tsunade had fallen asleep on the carpet. She must have been bored and tired from watching him. Hanekawa covered her with a blanket. Her eyelashes fluttered, but she didn’t wake, instead relaxing further into sleep. Hanekawa hesitated, then gently touched her golden hair. Seeing no reaction, he smiled. This was a small revenge, but not complete. He’d settle the rest later.

Hanekawa stood and walked out of the tent. Outside, the camp was alive with the glow of fires. It was dinner time. Since they were at the main camp, they didn’t need to worry much about enemies, so cooking over open flames was allowed.

"Hanekawa," a familiar voice called.

"Rin," Hanekawa turned to see Nohara Rin. In the dim light, the purple markings on her face seemed faint.

"How’s the Root situation?" Hanekawa asked.

"They’re the same as before, staying in the main camp without any movement," Rin replied.

"It seems we still have time," Hanekawa mused.

"Time for what?" Rin asked, confused.

"Time to train," Hanekawa said casually. "Have you eaten?"

"We saw you and sensei didn’t come out, so we ate with Kurenai," Rin explained. If Hanekawa didn’t cook, they ate with the main group. The food wasn’t as good, but as ninjas, they couldn’t be picky.

"Thanks for your hard work. I’ll cook for you tomorrow," Hanekawa smiled, patting her head.

"It’s... it’s fine," Rin blushed, lowering her head.

"Go rest," Hanekawa said, withdrawing his hand and heading to the river outside the camp. Half an hour later, he made two bento boxes, one for himself and one for Tsunade. He didn’t know when she’d wake, so he packed hers.

Hanekawa continued walking until he reached a clearing. He stopped, using his Mind’s Eye to ensure no one was around, then began forming hand seals.

Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!

But halfway through, he frowned. His chakra mobilization was too slow, not keeping up with his hand seals or meeting the release requirements. This had never happened before. But Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees required an immense amount of chakra, making his first attempt sluggish.

Hanekawa continued forming seals. He didn’t expect to succeed on the first try. Despite his many abilities, Wood Release wasn’t something to be mastered easily.

Two hours later, the night deepened. Hanekawa stopped training and returned to the tent.

"Why were you gone so long?" Tsunade asked, opening her eyes.

"Practicing Wood Release," Hanekawa explained. "I haven’t told anyone else yet. It’ll be a surprise for the Cloud Village."

"Do you really plan to defeat the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee?" Tsunade understood immediately.

"It was difficult before, but with Wood Release, I think it’s possible," Hanekawa paused, then asked, "What do you think, Sensei?"

"If your Wood Release can reach a third of my grandfather’s power, you can take down the Eight-Tails," Tsunade thought for a moment. "It’s worth a try."

Hanekawa’s mouth twitched. A third? She really overestimated him. Hashirama’s chakra levels were immense; Hanekawa doubted he even had a tenth of that. But with the Strength of a Hundred Seal, perhaps there was a slim chance.

Hanekawa’s current headache was the inability to gather and mobilize chakra quickly enough. But releasing the Strength of a Hundred Seal could solve that.

"This could work to our advantage," Tsunade sat up, a cold smile on her face. "I’ve reached my limit with Danzo."

The blanket fell from her, revealing her elastic top.

"Sensei, do you mean after capturing the Fourth Raikage or Killer Bee, we should also capture Danzo?" Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.

"Previously, I didn’t move against him because I was worried about affecting the war," Tsunade said sternly. "But if we can capture the Fourth Raikage or Killer Bee, victory is assured, and we won’t need to worry."

"Sensei, what’s your plan?" Hanekawa nodded slightly.

"That depends on how quickly you can master Wood Release," Tsunade’s tone softened, smiling. "With Wood Release, you can capture Danzo, and I guarantee no one will dare to help him."

"Give me half a month," Hanekawa thought for a moment.

"That’s fine," Tsunade agreed readily. "I can use that time to do some things."

"Like what?" Hanekawa was curious.

"Just what you suggested earlier, sidelining Orochimaru," Tsunade rubbed her forehead. "I feel like I’ve boarded your pirate ship."

Hanekawa was momentarily stunned. Tsunade planning to sideline Orochimaru was unexpected. But thinking about it, it made sense. If he could capture the Fourth Raikage or Killer Bee, they could move against Orochimaru and Danzo. But if they failed, the Leaf Village would descend into chaos, creating a huge problem.

"Sensei, do you trust me that much?" Hanekawa blinked.

"To capture Danzo, we must first weaken Orochimaru’s command to prevent him from causing trouble," Tsunade gave him a look.

Hanekawa suddenly thought of something. If he used Wood Release, the happiest person might not be Tsunade, but Orochimaru. He had long coveted Wood Release. Therefore, if Hanekawa captured Danzo, Orochimaru would likely stand by and then set his sights on him.

In the ninja world, strength was everything. Hanekawa wasn’t afraid of Orochimaru, but his survival skills were annoying. However, Orochimaru wasn’t as powerful as in the original story. Hanekawa recalled his earlier idea of imprisoning Orochimaru and forcing him to focus on research. After all, his inventions were valuable.

"You don’t need to think too much. Just focus on learning Wood Release," Tsunade changed the subject. "I’m hungry. Do you have any food?"

"Yes," Hanekawa took out the bento box he prepared earlier and used Fire Release chakra to heat it.

Tsunade felt the warmth and couldn’t help but drift into thought. This was the first time she had taken such a risky step as sidelining Orochimaru. The root of it all was Hanekawa and his Wood Release. Though she hadn’t said it outright, she was indeed betting on her trust in him. Neither the Fourth Raikage nor Killer Bee would be easy to defeat. If they failed, Tsunade’s reputation would take a hit. Power grabs weren’t tolerated. But with her strength and status, she wouldn’t face serious consequences, at most losing her position as Hokage.

"Here, Sensei," Hanekawa handed her the bento box.

"Thank you," Tsunade snapped out of her thoughts and took the box.

"No need for thanks between us," Hanekawa opened the box for her, releasing a fragrant aroma.

Tsunade glanced at him, then picked up her chopsticks and started eating.

"Sensei, do you need my help with your plan?" Hanekawa watched her soft lips. "I have a good relationship with the Hyuga clan."

"No need," Tsunade ate a piece of chicken. "Your connections are my connections."

"True," Hanekawa nodded.

In the ninja world, the teacher-student relationship was crucial, almost like sharing glory and shame. For example, he and Tsunade were seen as one entity or faction by many.

"I’ll talk to Uncle Sakumo," Hanekawa suddenly remembered. With his current strength, using the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, he could handle the Fourth Raikage or Killer Bee without much trouble. But capturing them alive was another matter; he would need help. Shisui Uchiha was the best candidate.

"Alright," Tsunade thought for a moment and didn’t stop him.

"Sensei, are you going back? Why not... sleep here?" Hanekawa asked after Tsunade finished eating.

"I’m not used to sleeping with others," Tsunade paused, then stood up. "See you tomorrow."

"What a pity," Hanekawa put away the bento box and continued studying the Wood Release ninjutsu. It was still early; he couldn’t waste time.

The hot July passed, and August arrived. On the second day of August, Hanekawa went to Tsunade’s tent early in the morning.

"You really don’t stand on ceremony," Tsunade yawned, getting out of her sleeping bag. She had been woken by Hanekawa’s footsteps. This kid didn’t even knock when she was sleeping.

"I knew you’d sense my arrival with your abilities," Hanekawa greeted. "Good morning, Sensei."

"What brings you here so early?" Tsunade stretched, standing still. Sleeping in clothes wasn’t comfortable, especially in a sleeping bag.

"Have you forgotten what day it is?" Hanekawa smiled.

"Hmm?" Tsunade’s eyelashes fluttered, and she soon realized. "Oh, your birthday."

"And yours," Hanekawa reminded.

"I don’t care much for birthdays," Tsunade said indifferently. "They only remind me I’m getting older."

"Come with me," Hanekawa took her hand and led her outside.

Tsunade, realizing what was happening, withdrew her hand once outside the tent. She followed Hanekawa, growing more puzzled about his intentions.

Half an hour later, they stopped.

"Here’s good, no one’s around," Hanekawa used his Mind’s Eye to sense the surroundings, then formed hand seals.

Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!

Tsunade felt the ground tremble as countless trees sprouted and grew. In an instant, they were surrounded by a dense forest. Tsunade bit her lip unconsciously. Seeing this sudden forest, she felt as if she had traveled through time. After so many years, she once again witnessed Hashirama’s Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees. In her heart, this was a special Wood Release ninjutsu. Memories flooded her mind, and she finally focused on Hanekawa.

"Sensei, how’s this birthday gift?" Hanekawa asked with a smile.

Tsunade felt her heartbeat quicken slightly, experiencing a long-lost joy. She smiled and said, "This birthday is meaningful."