LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 30: Chapter 30
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Noticing Tsunade's eager expression, Orochimaru's face twisted into a chilling smile. He refrained from further explanation, choosing to savor the moment.
"The timing of my arrival seems to have served as excellent advertising," Gensou remarked with a faint smile, observing Tsunade's changing demeanor.
He raised his cracked hand and, speaking from experience, addressed Tsunade, "Though it lacks the sensations of a living body, you can still converse, share love, and express feelings while wandering the world together."
'Of course, this is all assuming they're not controlled by the caster,' he thought but didn't voice this last part. After all, he had no deep connection to Tsunade. If she indeed chose to let Orochimaru resurrect her loved ones, it would make for an interesting spectacle.
Gensou would very much enjoy such a scene. Tsunade, caught between hope and reality, grew increasingly conflicted. Observing her distress, Shizune grew more anxious.
"Tsunade-sama..." she began, hoping to dissuade Tsunade from trusting Orochimaru.
Gensou, however, turned his attention to Shizune and asked, "Shizune, correct?"
Shizune was taken aback, surprised that someone of Gensou's stature knew her name. She assumed he was there for Tsunade. Feeling insignificant, she struggled to comprehend his interest in her.
Gensou didn't give her much time to ponder, directly asking, "I've heard that Dan was your only uncle. So, you must have inherited his legacy. Do you have the scroll for the Spirit Transformation Technique?"
"The Spirit... Transformation Technique?" Shizune was stunned again. She hadn't expected the legendary Gensou to be interested in that.
Before she could answer, Tsunade, snapping out of her daze upon hearing Dan's name, patted Shizune's tense shoulder. She faced Gensou, composed herself, and frowned, asking, "What are your intentions?"
"It's simple," Gensou replied, spreading his hands. "I need the scroll for the Spirit Transformation Technique. In exchange, you can name your terms."
"Ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, Kekkei Genkai, historical secrets, ninja intelligence, gold and silver, or even my personal assistance. I can kill anyone you name, including the Five Kage."
"Just state your terms, and I will fulfill them. The only price is the Spirit Transformation Technique. How about it? Is this deal generous enough?"
Gensou's offer was sincere. Even Orochimaru, listening nearby, felt tempted.
Unfortunately, he didn't possess the Spirit Transformation Technique, so he could only watch silently.
Tsunade hadn't expected such an offer from Gensou. To be honest, while the Spirit Transformation Technique was an S-ranked soul technique, agreeing to Gensou's deal would be profitable.
Just considering the Kekkei Genkai, if Gensou were to teach the development of one, it could create a new clan. This was far more valuable than the Spirit Transformation Technique.
Anyone else might have eagerly agreed, knowing they had nothing to lose. But Tsunade, though deeply scarred, was rational when her emotions weren't involved.
"Why would someone like you need the Spirit Transformation Technique?" she asked, scrutinizing Gensou.
She couldn't understand why Gensou would specifically seek this secret technique. Moreover, despite his calm demeanor, Tsunade hadn't forgotten that this man was responsible for one of the deadliest battles in history, resulting in the deaths of several Kage, only to be stopped by her grandfather.
"It seems the Spirit Transformation Technique is indeed in your possession," Gensou said, noting Shizune's expression and Tsunade's response, confirming the fact.
He continued, "As they say, one can use external things to refine oneself. Soul techniques are rare, and as such a renowned technique, the Spirit Transformation Technique piques my curiosity. Exploring and researching chakra is my greatest joy."
"So, how about it? Is the deal on? I assure you, you won't regret the reward."
"Tsunade-sama," Shizune looked to Tsunade. She had the scroll for the Spirit Transformation Technique but followed Tsunade's lead.
Though tempted by Gensou's offer, Shizune instinctively distrusted him. Being from Konoha, she couldn't shake her wariness towards such a historical adversary, especially one who remained in the world in a reanimated state, seeking such a powerful technique.
Despite Gensou's seemingly reasonable explanation, Shizune's doubts outweighed her trust. With her extensive experience, Tsunade trusted Gensou's words even less.
"I refuse," she said without hesitation.
As the princess of Konoha, Tsunade never lacked resources. While Gensou's offer was enticing, her current lifestyle revolved around gambling, living day by day without grand ambitions.
More importantly, regardless of Gensou's true intentions, the best response to such a significant figure was to deny any of his requests, no matter the reward.
After all, someone of his stature could never be underestimated.
"I see..." Gensou sighed softly, his calm demeanor fading as he realized Tsunade's resolute refusal.
Before arriving, he had anticipated various responses from Tsunade and Shizune, the most likely being an outright rejection.
Given Tsunade's fiery temper, he had hoped to avoid conflict. After all, forcing the issue could lead to unnecessary complications. If he defeated or killed them, where would the scroll be?
After carefully inspecting Tsunade and Shizune's attire, Gensou concluded they didn't carry the scroll with them. Such an important item was likely stored securely, not carried around.
If a fight ensued without acquiring the scroll, it would be a loss.
"What a pity. I genuinely came here with sincere intentions," Gensou said calmly, his face devoid of its previous warmth.
Though he hadn't moved, nor used any chakra, both Shizune and Kabuto felt an overwhelming pressure settle upon them.
"So, this is the peak of a Warring States-era ninja? Incredible! He hasn't done anything, yet I feel a chilling pressure," Kabuto thought, his body instinctively tense.
Compared to the younger Shizune and Kabuto, the two seasoned Konoha Sannin stood firm.
Tsunade, clenching her fists, made her knuckles crack as she met Gensou's gaze, defiantly asking, "What? Are you going to resort to force if rejected?"
(End of Chapter)