Chapter 124: Tsunade's Magical Contract

“You’re really generous, giving such a precious thing to Kushina so easily.” Tsunade belched loudly, completely abandoning any semblance of a ladylike demeanor as she spoke to Kahn. If it weren’t for her stunning looks and enviable figure, it would be hard to associate Tsunade with femininity at all.

She poured herself another drink, and after finishing it, her expression turned slightly more serious as she asked, “Are you interested in Kushina?”

But to Kahn, Tsunade’s seriousness held no intimidation; her flushed cheeks and slightly glazed eyes—typical signs of intoxication—made her, when silent, the most beautiful woman in the ninja world.

“Kushina must be important in Konoha, but even after being wronged, she still comes to me, an outsider. Tsunade, you really should reflect on that,” Kahn said, sidestepping her question to criticize her instead. “The Deadlock Virus Antidote is expensive, but I wouldn’t be stingy with a friend—provided that friend truly cares about me.”

“You’re talking about me, aren’t you?” Tsunade’s dissatisfaction showed, her voice soft like a purring kitten. It was baffling how a woman in her thirties could still wield such charm.

“I’ve argued with the old man too, but they...” Seeing Tsunade’s sudden melancholy, Kahn shook his head and advised, “Forget it, Tsunade. If it’s troubling, don’t get involved. Besides, it’s not bad that Kushina is improving her strength. At least she’ll be able to protect herself.”

“Well, actually, I came for something else. That antidote from last time...” Tsunade changed the subject, a bit embarrassed as she spoke of another matter. She found researching that soothing antidote quite interesting, especially since it contained a special power. Unfortunately, the samples were too few, and recently she had been busy spreading medical ninjutsu and preparing for war, so she hadn’t come to see Kahn sooner.

“You came for this, didn’t you? I’ll give you the antidote, but when are you going to pay back your gambling debts? Casinos outside Konoha are making profits, but Konoha’s casino isn’t even pulling its weight. What do you think the reason is?” Kahn said as he placed several vials on the table. Tsunade hesitated; if she turned up the heat slowly, she might eventually stand apart from Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The group led by Orochimaru could also represent Konoha, and those old corrupt officials could be swept into the dustbin of history.

“I’ll pay you back. I just need to treat a few nobles first, then I’ll have the money,” Tsunade said, scratching her golden hair sheepishly before focusing on the potions Kahn had laid out.

“There’s a healing potion, a blood replenishing potion, and a beauty potion. The first two do exactly what their names suggest. The last one is more magical—it makes the user more beautiful, more charming.”

Tsunade looked skeptical. “That sounds too fake. How can such a potion exist?”

Kahn rolled his eyes. “Don’t be so ignorant. The farthest place you’ve been is probably the Land of Rain. You haven’t even seen the entire ninja world, let alone the world beyond it.”

He still had stronger truth serums and love potions but refrained from using them. After thinking it over, Kahn decided against it. Such potions were powerful, but if a ninja figured out their secrets, it would be embarrassing—and he didn’t want to make an enemy for no reason.

“My time is short; I’m heading to the battlefield soon. Let me borrow these for research first, consider it a debt I owe you,” Tsunade said happily, ready to take the potions back to Konoha Hospital. But just as she was about to leave, Kahn grabbed her wrist.

“Wait a moment. Let’s make an IOU first.”

Kahn pulled out a scroll made of parchment. He wrote down the date and the event, specifying that payment must be made within five years, or else Tsunade would have to pay a stipulated sum of money—though he left the amount unspecified.

Tsunade was in a hurry and didn’t notice much as Kahn finished writing, then pressed a seal onto the paper. Without showing any sign of drunkenness, she hurried toward the hospital.

Besides, it was supposed to be her treating Kahn.

(The chapter is not yet finished!)

Chapter 124: Tsunade’s Magical Contract

“As expected, that’s the lesson for skipping out on the bill, Tsunade. Next time, remember not to sign contracts with strangers...” Kahn shook his head. Unfortunately, Tsunade couldn’t hear him anymore. Then Kahn touched the parchment gently, and intricate magical scripts appeared on it—a magical contract. If Tsunade failed to fulfill it, she might face severe consequences.

This magical contract was special, inspired by unbreakable oaths but less severe. If one party was stronger, they could break it. It was once used by ancient sorcerers to bind servants but was later banned by the Ministry of Magic.

Recently, Kushina had been training with the Tailed Beast Orb and Tailed Beast Mode, so she’d reduced visits to Kahn. News that she could enter the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode had already reached Hiruzen Sarutobi and other high-ranking officials.

For them, this was both good and bad news: an uncontrollable Nine-Tails Jinchuriki wielded the beast’s power.

Fortunately, it was wartime, so Kushina’s growing strength was a boon to Konoha. Had this happened during peacetime, Sarutobi wouldn’t even sleep soundly.

Still, precautions were necessary. After some thought, Sarutobi summoned Danzo and decisively ordered the removal of all sealed personnel from Root. However, he allowed Danzo to recruit more people from the Konoha ninja clans and the Ninja Academy to replenish Root.

...

Some time later, Sarutobi was in his office handling affairs. Many Earth ninjas had appeared near the Land of Grass border. If reinforcements weren’t sent, the border defenses could be vulnerable to an Earth ninja surprise attack.

“We must dispatch troops. Jiraiya will command them, with assistance from Shikamaru of the Nara clan. Also, some Uchiha clan members should join...” Sarutobi quickly planned a ninja reinforcement team but still had to call a Jonin meeting to inform them. During peacetime, it might take months to hold such a meeting, but wartime meant daily meetings.

“And Sakumo... sigh, you’ll go with the team. I hope you can redeem yourself on the Grass Country battlefield.”

Before Sarutobi could add Sakumo Hatake’s name to the list, an ANBU squad came to report that Sakumo and Kahn, the Propaganda Lord, were here to see him.

Sarutobi’s expression shifted slightly; a bad feeling crept in, but he still let them in.

Upon seeing Sakumo, Sarutobi put down his pipe and smiled kindly. “Sakumo, Lord Kahn, what brings you here?”

“Lord Hokage, I came to see you,” Sakumo began. He had thought long and hard at home and consulted Kakashi before making this decision.

“During the last mission, my personal mistake caused great losses to Konoha and the Land of Fire. Even if you forgive me, Lord Hokage, I feel deeply ashamed. Therefore, I wish to apply to become a member of the Guardian Ninjas to make amends.”

Sakumo’s words shocked Sarutobi. After a few seconds, he recovered.

“Sakumo, the rotation of the Guardian Ninjas is time-bound; there are no vacancies now. If you truly want to make amends, then...” Before Sarutobi could finish, Kahn interrupted with a smile.

“Third Hokage, this is a letter from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire. I think you should read it first. It’s a coincidence—I’ve been in contact with the Daimyo, and we just discussed this matter.”

After speaking, an ANBU took the scroll from Kahn’s hand and placed it on Sarutobi’s desk.

When Sarutobi opened and read the letter, his expression grew complicated.

The Daimyo promised the greatest support during wartime—doubling funding. That was very tempting for Sarutobi. Due to insufficient funds, Mitoemon and Koharu were constantly anxious, and with only two battlefields supported, Konoha’s treasury was nearly depleted.

Was it worth using Sakumo as a Guardian Ninja in exchange for the Daimyo’s financial backing?

If Sakumo...

(The chapter is not yet finished!)

Chapter 124: Tsunade’s Magical Contract

If Sakumo stayed in Konoha, he would be a sharp blade piercing the enemy’s rear, able to disrupt the course of a battlefield.

But if Sakumo became a Guardian Ninja, he would still be a Konoha ninja, and Konoha would receive abundant funding and supplies. Even if the Cloud Ninja plotted against Konoha, the village would be prepared.

Sarutobi made his choice quickly and didn’t even consult Danzo, Mitoemon, or Koharu. Though it pained him, as Hokage he was forced to use his subordinates to barter with the Daimyo for funds.

Though Danzo had caused the problem, Sakumo’s desire to become Guardian Ninja was undoubtedly related to Kahn—that much Sarutobi was certain of.

After some thought, Sarutobi forced a smile and said to Sakumo and Kahn, “I understand. If this is your wish, Sakumo, I approve. You will be notified once the Guardian Ninja rotation is arranged.”

“Thank you, Lord Hokage,” Sakumo said. He left the Hokage office with Kahn, suddenly feeling a great weight lifted, as if pulled from a whirlpool—no longer having to face agonizing choices every morning.

“Thank you for your help, Mr. Kahn,” Sakumo said earnestly as they walked. Without Kahn, he had seriously considered proving himself through death.

“No problem. The Guardian Ninja rotation should be decided soon. If you have time, why not help me train Kushina a bit? She needs experience fighting strong opponents. With your skills, you could teach her a lot,” Kahn smiled at Sakumo. Kushina had mentioned it to him before. Luckily, Sakumo was about to leave Konoha, so he could train her.

“Kushina? Uzumaki Kushina...” Sakumo’s expression grew thoughtful. He vaguely guessed her identity—an ordinary sealing class ninja wouldn’t have ANBU protection. Only high-level figures or the highly confidential Nine-Tails Jinchuriki could enjoy such protection.

Though the higher-ups kept this secret, Sakumo had met the First Hokage and had heard about the previous Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

“I understand. Then during my remaining days here, I’ll teach Uzumaki Kushina some of my combat experience.”

Sakumo agreed, unaware of Kushina’s true identity unless the ANBU stopped him.

Seeing Sakumo’s agreement, Kahn said immediately, “She’s probably training at the Senju clan grounds. Let’s go now.”

Chapter 124: Tsunade’s Magical Contract