nucmednet Chapter 738 Hope
Chapter 738 Hope
He didn't want to be tied up in a small prison, and he certainly didn't want it to affect his cooperation plan with Orochimaru.
“Princess Tsunade, I…” Zhang Hai tried to refuse tactfully, but Tsunade didn’t give him a chance to speak and shoved the document into his hand. He reluctantly took the document and glanced at it casually. When he saw the words “Guardian: Senju Tsunade” on the document, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.
“You can help out in prison, and under my supervision.” Tsunade seemed to see through his thoughts as she explained, “This way you can be useful and continue to undergo rehabilitation, a win-win situation, isn’t it?” Her tone was unquestionable, clearly indicating that she had already made her decision.
Zhang Hai instantly understood. Tsunade hadn't come to visit him in prison at all; she was clearly there to recruit him! She had her eye on his abilities and wanted to tie him to her side and make him work for her. A wave of anxiety washed over him. Didn't this mean his secret collaboration with Orochimaru would face even greater risks? Naturally, his expression didn't reveal any joy; instead, it carried a hint of hidden worry.
Seeing Zhang Hai's expression, Tsunade frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure flashing in her eyes. She assumed Zhang Hai was unwilling to accept her arrangement, and her tone became somewhat dangerous: "What? You're not willing? Don't forget, you're a serious criminal now. Giving you this opportunity is already an act of leniency!" Her voice carried a warning, as if she might erupt at any moment.
Zhang Hai inwardly cried out in alarm, immediately concealing his worry and replacing it with an exaggerated expression of "surprise." He abruptly stood up, bowed deeply to Tsunade, and said with such emotion that he seemed about to cry, "Oh, no! Princess Tsunade, you are like a second mother to me! I never dreamed that you would give me such a wonderful opportunity! I am so moved! You are rescuing me from this quagmire!"
As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Tsunade's expression. Seeing that the anger on Tsunade's face had eased slightly, he immediately pressed on, his voice filled with gratitude: "Your great kindness is something I, Zhang Hai, could never repay even if I were to die! I will do my utmost in prison, serving you faithfully, doing everything I can for you..."
"Enough!" Tsunade couldn't take Zhang Hai's cheesy flattery any longer. Finally, she couldn't hold back and slapped him hard on the head. She glared at him, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Who wants to be your mother! Stop with the grinning! And speak properly!"
Zhang Hai covered his head, but his face still wore a fawning smile. He looked at Tsunade with a hint of innocence and grievance in his eyes: "Princess Tsunade, your words are so hurtful. I was just sincerely expressing my gratitude to you. Look at you, so graceful and charming, you don't look like a mother at all! You're practically eternally youthful and ageless!" He continued to flatter her, but in his heart, he was secretly plotting how to continue his plans under Tsunade's watchful eye.
"Princess Tsunade, you're too kind. Since you don't want to be my mother, then... how about you adopt me as your younger brother? I promise I'll serve you faithfully, even unto death!" Zhang Hai continued shamelessly, his eyes gleaming with cunning. He knew Tsunade was easily swayed by flattery and liked being complimented, so he decided to go all out with his flattery.
Looking at Zhang Hai's glib tongue, Tsunade knew he was just flattering her, but her dissatisfaction dissipated considerably. A slight, enigmatic smile played on her lips: "Little brother? Your mouth is even more slippery than mine. Fine, since you're so eager, I'll be the older sister!"
"That's wonderful! Big Sister!" Zhang Hai immediately beamed, as if he had truly received a tremendous advantage, his tone filled with joy. In his heart, however, he silently apologized to Orochimaru in the distance. What a twist of fate! One moment he was affectionately calling Orochimaru "Uncle," and the next he was acknowledging Tsunade as "Big Sister." This web of relationships was becoming increasingly complex. However, for survival and for his plans, this was all necessary pretense.
Tsunade looked at Zhang Hai's "tearful gratitude" and shook her head, a helpless smile on her face. She said nothing more, turned, and walked out of the cell. Zhang Hai immediately followed, filled with curiosity about this so-called "new prison."
Emerging from the torture chamber and passing through several heavily guarded corridors, Tsunade led Zhang Hai to a heavy iron door deep within the prison. As the door slowly opened, the scene that greeted them instantly stunned Zhang Hai.
This isn't a prison; it's clearly a luxurious mansion!
The mansion's exterior, constructed of bluish-gray stone slabs, exudes a calm and rustic charm. The sturdy steel roof contrasts beautifully with the warm tones of the interior wood veneer, creating a unique blend of cool and warm styles. Sunlight streams through enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, making the entire space bright and airy. It boasts a full range of modern amenities, including a steaming hot spring cave, where rising steam carries a faint scent of sulfur.
Zhang Hai looked around, his eyes filled with disbelief. Pointing at everything around him, he stammered, "This...this is really a prison?"
Upon hearing this, Tsunade frowned impatiently, her tone somewhat sharp: "It's a new prison! You've asked three times already! You've read the documents, it's written clearly there!" She was clearly annoyed by Zhang Hai's "making a fuss" reaction.
Seeing Tsunade's outburst, Zhang Hai immediately concealed his surprise. He knew perfectly well that while Tsunade outwardly appeared to lose everything gambling, she was actually a hidden millionaire. Moreover, as a medical ninja, especially one of the "Legendary Sannin," she was never short of money. This luxurious prison was likely built with her own savings.
Tsunade ignored Zhang Hai's inner grumbling and walked straight into the mansion. She pointed to a warm and comfortable room with a soft bed and all kinds of daily necessities.
“From now on, you… cough cough!” Tsunade was about to say “you will be locked up here from now on,” but she suddenly realized that she had let something slip, so she quickly coughed and changed her words, “I mean, you will live in this prison from now on. This is your private room.”