nucmednet Chapter 617 Stunned
Chapter 617 Stunned
Orochimaru's golden eyes narrowed slightly upon hearing this, but he didn't press the matter further. He wasn't sure if he believed Zhang Hai's explanation, but he didn't expose him.
For a moment, only the sounds of the three eating quietly and the occasional soft chewing sounds from Xiao Nan filled the room.
However, this tranquility didn't last long. A short while later, with a loud bang, the door was violently kicked open. Tsunade strode in with a sour face, her expression ashen, radiating an aura of rage that warned others to stay away. Seeing the food completely devoured on the table, veins bulged on her forehead, and she slammed her hand on the remaining half of the table. With a deafening crash, the table shattered into pieces, splinters flying everywhere! This scene left the other three people in the room speechless.
Without a doubt, Tsunade lost money. As the "easy target," her loss displeased those around her, and those around her suffered the consequences. The clever Orochimaru, sensing the danger, immediately made an excuse and slipped away with lightning speed, fearing the consequences of Tsunade's wrath. Zhang Hai also wanted to escape, but he knew he couldn't hide forever, and his weaknesses—his unprotected body during his Spirit Transformation technique and his supposed "life-saving grace"—were still in Tsunade's hands. Ultimately, he could only choose to endure. He sat there silently, his face contorted in a grimace, waiting for Tsunade's anger to subside.
Zhang Hai had initially considered helping Tsunade win her money back, but considering that if Tsunade got interested and continued gambling, no amount of money would be enough to cover her losses, he quickly dismissed this "dangerous" idea. He didn't want to get himself into even bigger trouble.
Konan was clearly still shaken after witnessing Tsunade slam her hand on the table in anger. She glanced cautiously at Tsunade, then moved closer to Zhang Hai, sitting next to him the whole way and keeping a one-body distance from Tsunade, afraid of becoming a victim of Tsunade's rage as well.
Of course, traveling with Tsunade had its advantages. Taking advantage of Tsunade's slightly calmed anger and her preparations for the rest of the journey, Zhang Hai seized the opportunity to ask her about the antidote pills that had proven so effective on the Sand Village battlefield. He was very interested in this ability to instantly analyze and counteract various poisons.
Tsunade glanced at him, her tone slightly teasing: "What, you want to learn how to detoxify too?"
Zhang Hai nodded and replied sincerely, "Yes, Lady Tsunade. This ability can save countless lives on the battlefield."
Tsunade crossed her arms, looking at him with a half-smile, and then slowly stated her conditions: "Alright, if you really want to learn, it's not impossible..." She paused, her tone slightly teasing, "Call me 'teacher' and let me hear it."
Tsunade's words, "Call me teacher," made Zhang Hai's lips twitch. He couldn't help but retort, "Hey, hey, hey, Lady Tsunade, you said before that you wouldn't compete with anyone for students!" He tried to shut her up with Tsunade's own words.
However, Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, arguing confidently, "Zhang Hai, you asked me to teach you yourself, it wasn't me trying to steal your student! It's a completely different matter!" Her face was filled with a shameless expression that said, "That's just how I am, what can you do about it?" Zhang Hai was speechless.
Zhang Hai knew that arguing any further was pointless. He could only put on a "I give up" expression and said in a low voice, "Fine, since Lady Tsunade is unwilling to teach, then I'll go back and research the antidote myself..." He deliberately emphasized the words "research myself" in an attempt to arouse Tsunade's competitive spirit.
Sure enough, Tsunade's face darkened instantly upon hearing this, and veins bulged on her forehead. She suddenly raised her fist and threatened, "What did you say, brat? You want to do your own research?! Believe me or not, I'll beat you up right now and show you what I'm capable of!" Her fist swung in front of Zhang Hai's eyes, carrying a power capable of splitting mountains and shattering rocks.
Zhang Hai immediately shut his mouth, knowing that Tsunade was really going to take action.
After their bickering ended, Tsunade, though still sharp-tongued, eventually taught Zhang Hai the method of detoxification. She began explaining the principles of medical ninjutsu, the components of various toxins, and countermeasures, employing the same rote learning method she had used with Shizune and other medical ninjas in the hospital. Tsunade recited various obscure medical terms and chakra theories, while Zhang Hai, like a sponge, absorbed the knowledge continuously. Using his Sharingan and photographic memory, he memorized every detail Tsunade spoke. Konan, standing nearby, also listened attentively. Although she had never encountered ninjutsu before and didn't understand its intricacies, she silently took notes, knowing that this knowledge might be useful in the future.
After several days of travel, the three gradually became familiar with each other. Konan was no longer as taciturn as before, occasionally saying a few words, but she was still depressed, clearly finding it hard to part with Yahiko and Nagato. She would often stare into the distance, her eyes filled with longing.
Zhang Hai saw through Konan's thoughts; he knew what Yahiko and Nagato meant to her. One night, he went to Konan's side and gently comforted her, "Don't worry, Konan. Yahiko and Nagato have Jiraiya's guidance; they'll grow up quickly." His tone was sincere, with a hint of assurance. "Once you become a ninja and have the ability to protect yourself, I'll also reunite you. I mean what I say." He held out his hand, his little finger slightly raised, a hint of playfulness mixed with seriousness. "If you don't believe me, we can pinky swear."
Looking at Zhang Hai's sincere expression, a glimmer of light flashed in Xiao Nan's blue eyes. She hesitated for a moment, then finally extended her small hand, gently hooking her little finger with Zhang Hai's, her voice barely a whisper: "Okay...pinky promise." As their little fingers intertwined, a long-lost smile appeared on Xiao Nan's face, a smile that, though somewhat shy, was genuine. At that moment, she seemed to feel a warmth and a hope for the future.
Finally, the outline of Konoha Village appeared in the distance. When the three arrived, the village was brightly decorated and filled with a joyous atmosphere. Smiles adorned everyone's faces; children chased and played in the streets, and vendors hawked their wares. The previous gloom had vanished, and the village was bustling with activity. Clearly, Hatake Sakumo and White Fang had brought news of peace back to the village. The Second Shinobi World War was finally over, and everyone could begin to live a peaceful life.
Konan, who had always lived in the gloomy and oppressive environment of Amegakure, was completely stunned when she saw the bustling and vibrant scene of Konoha.