In fact, this conversation shouldn't have even been heard by Uchiha Kai.
It was likely that the Third Hokage had instructed Orochimaru this way, fearing that Uchiha Kai might become proud and complacent if he heard it.
However, Orochimaru had gradually started to take on Uchiha Kai's appearance, spending all his time in the library of the mental network world, so he naturally wouldn't pay attention to the confidentiality rules that the Third Hokage had requested.
At the very least, he wouldn't deliberately hide anything from Uchiha Kai.
At this moment, Tsunade, coming back to her senses, couldn't help but complain, "Hey, hey, hey, are you really Orochimaru and not someone using a transformation technique? How can you praise a young person like this?"
Orochimaru maintained a faint smile. "I'm just stating the truth. In fact, I think the teacher has underestimated Kai's talent. What he has said is far less impressive than Kai's true potential. Kai actually has the ambition surpassing the First Hokage and the wisdom of the Second Hokage."
"I can't tell you the exact reason right now, but you only need to know this: when it comes to Kai, just trust him. He really does have the means to cure your hemophobia."
Hearing this, Tsunade increasingly felt that this Orochimaru wasn't the real one. Based on her knowledge of him, this proud scientific madman would never respect others.
Even when they were beaten by Hanzo and given the humiliating title of 'Legendary Sannin,' Orochimaru only thought, "One day, I'll surpass Hanzo."
To praise someone to this extent, as if blindly worshiping them, was completely unlike something Orochimaru would do.
This surprise made Tsunade sober up from the alcohol, and she couldn't help but look carefully at Orochimaru, wanting to confirm if it was really him.
In the end, even though she didn't want to admit it, Tsunade had to confirm that it was truly Orochimaru.
So, was Orochimaru's praise of Uchiha Kai real? Did Uchiha Kai really have such incredible talent?
Thinking this, Tsunade looked at Uchiha Kai, hesitated for a moment, and asked, "Can you really cure my hemophobia?"
Uchiha Kai smiled and nodded. "If you cooperate with the treatment, Tsunade-san, I'm ninety percent sure I can cure your hemophobia. And I'll also give you a surprise that you'll never forget."
Tsunade: "…This sounds like you're trying to trick me. What kind of surprise could make me never forget it?"
Uchiha Kai: "I can't tell you, but the surprise is something Orochimaru-san guarantees for me."
Orochimaru nodded. "Tsunade, I can guarantee that the surprise Kai said is real. It will definitely make you never forget it."
As they spoke, Orochimaru seemed to have thought of something, and the smile on his face even carried a hint of gentleness.
This made Tsunade widen her eyes, once again doubting whether Orochimaru had been swapped out for someone else.
Could such a gentle smile really come from the current Orochimaru?
How many years had it been since the last time she saw him?
It seemed... since the death of Nawaki, Orochimaru hadn't smiled like this again, right?
Thinking about this, Tsunade felt a sharp pain in her heart, and the feelings of discomfort and disgust surged up, making her unconsciously grit her teeth.
Finally, she poured herself another glass of wine and drank it in one go, using the alcohol's warmth to suppress the negative emotions rising in her chest.
Then, Tsunade slammed the glass down with a "clink." Her slightly flushed face, a bit tipsy, turned to Uchiha Kai, and she said in a deep voice, "Alright, I'll trust you this time. Just tell me how I need to cooperate with the treatment. Hemophobia is truly a huge problem for me. If there's a chance, I'll do everything I can to cure this illness."
Her resolve was firm, and her voice strong, reflecting Tsunade's determined spirit. It was a far cry from her first appearance in the main storyline, where she was full of despair.
Now, she had the aura of a heroic woman, like the one during the Fourth Great Ninja War.
It made sense, considering in the original story she had been plagued by hemophobia for over a decade, and had fallen into a slump during that time.
Her spirit had been nearly broken, which was why she didn't have the same bold and willing-to-face-any-crisis attitude that she had now.
Orochimaru merely smiled in response, not surprised. After all, he knew both of his old friends very well, and he had anticipated that convincing Tsunade would be easy.
Uchiha Kai, however, was a bit surprised. After all, Tsunade's early portrayal in the original story left a deep impression of her giving up on everything.
Now, he understood—depending on the time, a person's choice in the same situation could be completely different.
After that, the group walked toward Orochimaru's house, where Tsunade's treatment would take place.
Uchiha Kai refused to let Tsunade receive treatment at his own home.
The reason was simple: he was afraid that Tsunade, in a fit of emotion, would turn his house into ruins.
Orochimaru: "So, Kai, does this mean Tsunade will destroy my house?"
Uchiha Kai: "Your new lab will be finished soon. Even if your house is destroyed, it won't affect your research."
Orochimaru: "...Can't argue with that. Fine, let's do it this way."
That's the deal between Uchiha Kai and Orochimaru.
Soon, the news that Uchiha Kai and his group were heading to Orochimaru's house spread quickly within Konoha's various ninja clans and high-ranking officials.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen heard about it, he smiled, impressed with Kai's efficiency.
However, when Shimura Danzo found out, his brow furrowed deeply. A bad feeling suddenly arose in him.
"Going to Orochimaru's house? What for? And that Uchiha Kai, the cursed Uchiha, is going too?"
"Could it be... they're going to treat Tsunade's hemophobia? Impossible! Tsunade's issue isn't a disease; it's just an excuse she uses after her will broke down to avoid battle."
"A weak-willed person like her has no chance of recovery, and there's no need for it!"
"Hmph. Let me see what you're going to do with Tsunade. I don't believe someone like her, who broke under pressure and abandoned the ninja way, can ever stand up again!"
In the shadows of the ninja world, Danzo was confident.
After all, with his experience and understanding of life, he had seen many ninja like Tsunade, whose will had shattered.
None of them could rise again; they all became worthless.
So, Danzo did nothing but ordered Root to keep watch. He let Uchiha Kai and the others enter Orochimaru's house without interference, and the treatment for Tsunade's hemophobia began.
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