Hearing Orochimaru mention that person, Tsunade couldn't help but exclaim, "Where did you see him?"
"Of course in Konoha."
Tsunade frowned and asked, "Why would you go to Konoha? What exactly have you done?"
"Nothing much," Orochimaru replied indifferently. "I simply returned and killed that old man, the Third Hokage."
Tsunade's expression darkened. "You really did it…"
"There's no need to look so terrifying," Orochimaru sneered. "All tangible things will disappear one day, just like people. In that sense, he was far superior to you. Back then, over 20,000 Allied Forces fell at his hands."
At this number, Hakuto behind Tsunade couldn't help but gasp.
"Enough!" Tsunade snapped angrily. "Disappear from my sight now."
Kabuto Yakushi, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke up, "That won't do. Only you can heal Lord Orochimaru's hands, and we won't ask for your help for free. How about we make a deal?"
Tsunade openly displayed her killing intent and said, "I'll count to five. Vanish within this time frame, or else I'll make you disappear."
Orochimaru's pair of sinister pupils stared past Tsunade directly at Hakuto. Facing the threat, he coldly declared, "Tsunade, you aren't nearly as lovable as your daughter. As for me—I've changed my mind."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed, not yet understanding the meaning behind Orochimaru's words.
Suddenly, Orochimaru's neck stretched forward, his bloodstained mouth opening wide, revealing sharp teeth. In an instant, he launched a lightning-fast attack toward Hakuto.
"Zzeng…"
The sword rang out.
A streak of light split into countless illusions and surged forward. The coldness of the blade filled the sky and earth, dazzling lights around them turning into blades. It was like countless stars falling from the heavens, their blinding brilliance impossible to gaze upon directly. It seemed as though this place would be torn in two.
A powerful sense of life-and-death danger surged within Orochimaru. This wasn't just a simple threat from Tsunade—it was genuine killing intent.
Mid-attack, Orochimaru forced himself to stop and retracted his neck.
Between the four face-to-face opponents appeared a familiar sword—the Blade of Indifference.
A voice filled with murderous intent suddenly came: "The Blade of Indifference hasn't been unsheathed in many years. This sword was a gift from you, and I certainly don't want it to come out just to kill its former owner."
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately looked around for the source of the voice.
Tsunade trembled all over, her head slowly turning. From afar, she saw a face untouched by time. Although he had changed somewhat, she still recognized him instantly, tears welling up in her eyes.
The newcomer was none other than Anya, who had arrived just in time. Genzo, who had been at his side, had already discreetly vanished without a trace.
Looking at the Blade of Indifference before him and recalling his past with Anya, Orochimaru couldn't help but speak with a trace of resentment in his voice, "Former owner? Heh heh, you still remember this sword was my gift."
Anya stepped forward, his stone-faced gaze fixed on Orochimaru as he said, "Leave first. Help me stop Jiraiya. This is a day for my family to reunite, and I don't want anyone disturbing it."
"You dare treat us like this?" Kabuto Yakushi thought angrily, his heart burning with rage.
Orochimaru raised a hand to stop him. His eyes narrowing slightly, he nodded and said, "Fine, I can guarantee no one will interrupt you."
After saying that, Orochimaru quickly vanished along with Kabuto Yakushi.
After the troublemakers left, Anya's expression softened. Facing Tsunade—who was still confused and hadn't fully recovered—he stepped forward and pulled her into a tight embrace, whispering gently, "You've worked hard all these years."
Still overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, Tsunade leaned weakly against Anya. Breathing in his natural scent, she felt completely dazed.
"So... you're really my father?"
Hakuto's simple question jolted Tsunade back to reality. Reacting instantly, she shoved Anya away forcefully and almost hysterically screamed, "Get lost! I swore I'd never see you again in this life!"
Anya smiled faintly, completely undisturbed by Tsunade's anger. He walked toward the young girl and gently brushed her long hair. Though he already knew her name, he couldn't help but ask, "What's your name?"
"Hakuto. And yours?"
"I'm called Anya. Sorry it took me so long to meet you." For the first time, Anya's face showed traces of nervousness.
"I told you to get lost—didn't I make myself clear?" Tsunade positioned herself between father and daughter, glaring daggers at Anya. Though countless words filled her heart, the painful memory prevented her from ever forgiving him completely.
Anya apologized sincerely, "It was my mistake back then—I didn't consider your feelings. But your decision broke my heart too. I'm sorry; I didn't know..."
"Stop spouting useless nonsense. If you won't leave, we'll go instead."
Tsunade refused to listen further. She grabbed Hakuto and prepared to leave.
However, surprisingly obedient as she usually was, Hakuto didn't move. Instead, she faced Tsunade and asked, "Can I speak with him alone for just a while?"
"No." Without hesitation, Tsunade flatly refused.
Hakuto's eyes reddened as a look of wronged sorrow filled her face, "Don't you think it's too harsh taking me away like this?"
"You..." Tsunade's eyes also turned red. Facing Hakuto, she finally gave in, overwhelmed by a surge of sadness and resentment. How could this be fair? I've taken care of you all these years—and now he just shows up?
In the end, without uttering a word, Tsunade let go of Hakuto's hand and walked away without looking back.
Shizune, cradling a little pig in her arms, had somehow slipped in unnoticed. She quietly shot Anya a knowing look before chasing after Tsunade.
After Tsunade departed, Hakuto—who moments ago wore a pitiful expression—giggled playfully, just like a mischievous sprite, "I knew this trick would work on her every time."
"You were faking it?" Even Anya had been deceived.
"Yes, I was."
Examining Anya carefully, Hakuto couldn't help but nod approvingly, "Very good—you match exactly what I imagined my father would be like. By the way, what's wrong with your eyes? I can't even tell if they're real or not."
"Regarding my eyes, Anya had never mentioned them to anyone before, but facing her own daughter, she honestly explained, 'I overused my eye abilities, so I temporarily sealed them away. They can be activated whenever needed, though it would be too much of a strain on me.'
'Oh, that's how it is. Your body also feels very strange, as if you were just born not long ago, carrying the scent unique to babies.' Hakuto leaned in and took a whiff.
Anya smiled and said, 'You're really sharp. My previous body was critically ill; this one was reconstructed using Sage Chakra and hasn't yet returned to its optimal condition.'
'Yeah, I've got the gist of it now.' Hakuto nodded and began getting to the main topic. 'Now tell me, why did you abandon us mother and daughter?'
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