Chapter 21: Tsunade First Meeting, Live Tyrant Release, and Natural Energy Rampage
While Naraku observed Tsunade, Tsunade was also sizing up the boy in front of her.
At 1.7 meters tall, Naraku's posture was straight and elegant like a young poplar tree. The loose robe draped over him did nothing to diminish his presence—instead, it only accentuated his outstanding aura. His facial features were sharply defined, handsome with a faint air of unruliness. Deep black pupils drew people in endlessly. The slight upward curve of his lips carried an almost imperceptible smile.
Even though Tsunade wasn't the romantic type, as a young woman in her prime, the influence of hormones gave her a fleeting "love at first sight" feeling when she looked at Naraku.
The eight-year-old Naraku, unaffected by such hormones, noticed Tsunade's slight blush and asked: "Tsunade-sama, is Nawaki home?"
Tsunade snapped back to reality and quickly replied: "He's here. And you are…?"
"Just call me Naraku," he answered with a gentle smile.
Tsunade searched her memory but drew a blank. The only Naraku she knew of was an eight-year-old forging prodigy rumored to be quite skilled.
"Come in first. I'll go get Nawaki," Tsunade invited him inside.
Nawaki looked at Naraku with confusion—he had no idea who this person was!
"Nawaki, it's me—Naraku. The one who forged Kirikabe Ichimonji," Naraku reminded him directly.
Nawaki immediately asked: "Master Naraku, how did you grow so tall in just six months?"
"Secret. Not important right now." Naraku skipped the question and got to the point. "Nawaki, I want to forge a very powerful ninja tool for you. But I'll need help from your teacher, Lord Orochimaru."
Nawaki didn't hide anything: "Orochimaru-sensei is out on a mission. It might take a while before he returns."
Naraku recalled that the Second Shinobi World War would begin next year. He guessed Orochimaru was already at the border—explaining the earlier kills of those two Iwa chūnin.
"Master Naraku, why do you need Orochimaru-sensei? Can I help instead?" Nawaki asked.
Naraku explained: "I'm planning to forge a powerful ninja tool for you—one that provides strong defense and other combat boosts. But it requires incorporating a terrifyingly powerful creature as material. I need help subduing that creature. This being has incredible adaptability and vitality—not something ordinary ninjas can handle. The helper will also need to be proficient in powerful sealing techniques!"
Tsunade, well aware of Naraku's forging talent, stepped forward immediately when she heard it was for her brother: "Can I do it?"
Naraku nodded, then shook his head: "Tsunade-sama naturally can—but it's still not enough. We need at least one more powerful helper. Tsunade-sama, do you know anyone?"
He had originally planned to ask Sakumo, but Sakumo was currently out of the village.
Tsunade felt a little unconvinced. Her current strength, while not quite at the level of Hiruzen-sensei, was still among Konoha's peak. If even she wasn't enough, what kind of creature was this—a tailed beast?
But since Naraku insisted, she decided to find Jiraiya. He was currently outside the village but still in the Land of Fire. With his speed, he could arrive in half a day.
...
The next day, in a forest outside Konoha.
Naraku, Nawaki, Tsunade, and Jiraiya walked through the trees.
Nawaki asked: "Master Naraku, where is this dangerous creature?"
Naraku looked at the open clearing ahead: "It can be right here. Tsunade-sama, Sage Jiraiya—are you both ready?"
Tsunade nodded: "Let me see what kind of terrifying creature this is!"
Jiraiya shivered dramatically: "What dangerous beast could scare me, the great Toad Sage Jiraiya?"
Naraku silently chanted in his mind: Release [Gold: Special Dragon-Type Dangerous Species – Tyrant (Live)]
Ding... [Gold: Special Dragon-Type Dangerous Species – Tyrant (Live)] has been released.
With a deafening roar, a bizarre creature appeared.
Its head resembled a kangaroo's but was far more savage. Six eyes—two large primary pupils and four smaller secondary ones—burned vivid red like flames, radiating bloodlust that sent chills down the spine. Its mouth was packed with rows of razor-sharp fangs. Its body was muscular, covered in black fur. Four thick limbs ended in wicked claws. Spikes and protrusions ran along its back and tail.
Overall, the creature exuded a bloodthirsty, overwhelmingly powerful, and deeply mysterious presence.
Naraku quickly pulled Nawaki back, leaving the battlefield to Tsunade and Jiraiya.
Both Tsunade and Jiraiya's expressions turned grave. The apex-predator pressure radiating from Tyrant made them feel the weight of its existence.
They bit their thumbs and slammed their hands on the ground simultaneously.
Summoning Technique!
Two massive clouds of smoke erupted. Two colossal beings appeared on the battlefield.
Tsunade called out: "Lady Katsuyu! Please!"
Katsuyu replied in a girlish voice: "Of course, Lady Tsunade!"
Gamabunta exclaimed in shock: "Jiraiya, what the hell is that thing? It looks hideous!"
Jiraiya answered: "Boss, this thing's main strength is insane vitality! Just be careful and let's go!"
Gamabunta drew his long sword.
Tyrant had arrived in the ninja world. Thanks to its powerful adaptability, it quickly adjusted to the environment. As time passed, it sensed natural energy—massive amounts pouring into its body.
The violent influx of natural energy made its body grow even stronger. With more time, it would become even more terrifying.
Jiraiya, though not yet fully mastering Sage Mode, could still sense the enormous natural energy surging into Tyrant. He cursed inwardly.
Tsunade, unaware of this, immediately ordered: "Katsuyu—acid attack!"
Katsuyu puffed up her mouth and spat an enormous volume of corrosive acid straight at Tyrant.
Tyrant, busy devouring natural energy, couldn't dodge in time. The acid splashed across its body. Its fur corroded instantly—but its tough skin resisted, causing it excruciating pain!
Tyrant let out another roar—this one infused with natural energy, far more powerful.
Everyone present covered their ears against the deafening, nature-energy-enhanced bellow.
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