This was Uchiha Kei's first time interacting with Tsunade up close. Whether it was the complex history between the Senju and the Uchiha, or simply Tsunade's general unwillingness to engage with unfamiliar people, he wasn't sure.
Although he had seen her many times before, it had never gone beyond a brief greeting. Now, sitting beside her with Orochimaru in between, this was the closest he'd ever been.
What could he say…
Her figure was downright explosive. And she didn't have that middle-aged aunt vibe that only appears in fanfics—she looked every bit the cool, confident woman in her twenties.
Even more impressively, this look would last her all the way through Boruto without changing.
Currently, she was only in her early thirties. Even without her Strength of a Hundred Seal keeping her youthful, she was at the peak of feminine allure.
Mature, beautiful—even the smell of alcohol clinging to her didn't diminish the way she could send a normal man's hormones into overdrive.
Of course, that was all from an outsider's point of view. To Orochimaru and Uchiha Kei, Tsunade's magnetic charm wasn't all that effective.
Orochimaru, obviously, was more interested in knowledge than women.
As for Uchiha Kei, sure—he liked pretty girls, and yes, he liked mature women too. But he was never the type to actively chase. He only accepted things passively.
Why? Because once you're grinding away at your career, who's got the time to fool around? It's a classic workaholic syndrome.
Not to mention, with Uchiha Kei's current status, if he really wanted a woman, there were plenty of eligible Uchiha girls lined up. And if he used marriage as a political tool, beauties from every major Hidden Leaf clan would also line up for him.
Don't underestimate Uchiha Kei's current value—once you hit a certain level of status and power, women really do start to come as "bonus content."
That said, Kei had no such ambitions. He didn't want to let down Uzumaki Kikyo—especially after the girl recently said something wild during their last meeting.
She had whispered to him, all flustered and anxious, that she wouldn't even mind if he married Uchiha Naori too, as long as she could stay by his side.
That nervous, puppy-like expression of hers stirred something deep in Kei's heart. He knew, from that moment, he could never betray this girl.
But that was a private matter between him and Kikyo. Regardless of what the future held, she would always have a place by his side.
After greeting Tsunade, Orochimaru got straight to the point:
"I'm here because Kei-kun invited me. It was through him that I learned about your current condition. Also, Kei-kun was entrusted by the teacher to help treat your hemophobia."
Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise. She glanced at Kei instinctively.
"The old man… seriously? He actually asked an Uchiha to treat my hemophobia? Is he being serious?"
Realizing that sounded bad, and still buzzed from the alcohol, she quickly added, "Kei-kun, don't take it the wrong way. I'm not targeting you specifically. It's just… the old man and those other old fossils around him have always been biased against the Uchiha. That's why I'm surprised."
Kei just smiled and told her it was fine—he didn't mind.
Orochimaru picked up the thread: "Tsunade, you've been out of the village for over a month, so you don't know the many secret changes that have occurred during that time.
"These days, aside from Shimura Danzō who still holds a grudge against the Uchiha, the rest of the Hidden Leaf leadership has changed their view. Many clan leaders have already improved relations with the Uchiha."
"Of course, that alone wouldn't make the teacher value Kei-kun so highly. What truly made the teacher appreciate him was his wisdom and talent."
"Kei-kun's insight and intellect far surpass those of the average Uchiha—or anyone in the Hidden Leaf, for that matter. He's on another level entirely."
"Did you know? Just a few days ago, the teacher privately discussed Kei-kun with me. He said Kei-kun possessed the grand vision of the First Hokage and the wisdom of the Second."
"Nearly all of the major transformations in the Hidden Leaf lately are tied to Kei-kun's brilliance. He's ushered in a whole new era."
High praise. Unapologetic, enthusiastic praise.
Orochimaru's admiration for Uchiha Kei was already approaching 60% of what Minato had expressed.
Considering how different Orochimaru's personality was from Minato's, such admiration was shocking. He was one of the proud Legendary Sannin—so for him to speak like this was practically earth-shattering.
Tsunade looked completely dumbfounded, mouth slightly agape, staring blankly at Orochimaru. Kei, too, looked at him in surprise.
He couldn't help but ask, "The Third really said that about me?"
Orochimaru nodded with a smile: "Yes, Kei-kun. The teacher admires you greatly. He's full of hope and expectation. He even laments that your lacking ninja talent may limit your future—otherwise, you could've easily contended with Minato for the title of Fifth Hokage."
Kei immediately shook his head. "I have zero interest in the Hokage position. Fifth Hokage, Sixth, whatever—others can fight for that."
As he said this, he glanced at Tsunade—after all, she was the one who would become Fifth Hokage in the original timeline.
Still, he was genuinely surprised by Hiruzen Sarutobi's praise. Comparing him to Hashirama's grand vision and Tobirama's wisdom? That was way too flattering—it almost felt like a setup.
Thankfully, Orochimaru had already set up a soundproof barrier earlier, making sure no one outside could hear. Otherwise, Kei would've been in huge trouble.
Orochimaru, being as thoughtful as ever, knew how far to go. He only dared say these things with the barrier up.
In fact, the Third probably told him not to repeat it to Kei at all—worried the praise might go to his head.
But Orochimaru, who now spent most of his time hiding out in the mental library network Kei had created, didn't bother with that confidentiality anymore.
At this moment, Tsunade finally found her voice and grumbled, "Oi, are you really Orochimaru and not someone using the Transformation Jutsu? Since when do you praise young people like this?"
Orochimaru maintained his gentle smile. "I'm merely stating the truth. In fact, I believe the teacher underestimated Kei-kun. What he said doesn't even come close—Kei-kun has talents beyond even the First and Second Hokage."
"As for the details, I can't tell you yet. You just need to trust him. Kei-kun truly does have the means to treat your hemophobia."
That made Tsunade more suspicious than ever. Based on her knowledge of Orochimaru—the arrogant science freak who looked down on everyone—this kind of over-the-top praise felt impossible.
Even when Hanzo crushed the three of them and mockingly dubbed them the "Legendary Sannin," Orochimaru's only response was, "I'll surpass Hanzo one day."
This level of worship? Completely out of character.
It sobered her up. She stared hard at Orochimaru, trying to confirm if he was the real deal.
And in the end, even though she hated to admit it… yes, this really was Orochimaru.
So… was his praise for Uchiha Kei real? Did Kei really have that kind of genius?
She turned to look at him, hesitated briefly, then asked: "Can you really cure my hemophobia?"
Uchiha Kei smiled and nodded. "If you cooperate with the treatment, I'm 90% confident I can cure you—and I'll even throw in a surprise you'll never forget."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "That sounds like you're trying to scam me. What kind of surprise would make it unforgettable?"
Kei shrugged. "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise. But Orochimaru-san can vouch for me."
Orochimaru nodded. "Tsunade, I guarantee Kei-kun's surprise is real. It'll stay with you forever."
He smiled softly at the memory.
Tsunade's eyes went wide again. That kind of gentle expression—was this really Orochimaru?!
She hadn't seen him smile like that in years… probably not since Nawaki's death.
That thought hit her hard. Her chest tightened with grief and disgust, and she drained another cup of sake to bury the rising emotions.
Then, slamming her cup on the table, her flushed face turned toward Kei.
"Fine. I'll trust you two. Tell me what I need to do for the treatment! Hemophobia has been a nightmare—I'll do whatever it takes to get rid of it."
Her voice was steady and powerful—a glimpse of the future heroine who would fight in the Fourth Great Ninja War.
It made sense. In the original story, she'd suffered from hemophobia for over a decade, growing despondent and self-destructive. But now, the difference in timing had brought out a completely different side of her—bold, resolute, ready to face her demons.
Orochimaru just smiled. He wasn't surprised—he knew both his old teammates better than anyone.
Kei, however, was a little stunned. He'd expected the sluggish, disillusioned Tsunade from the canon. But this? This was something else entirely.
After that, the group headed to Orochimaru's home. The treatment would take place there.
Kei had refused to let Tsunade come to his place—for good reason. He was afraid she'd get too emotional and smash the place to bits.
Orochimaru: "So basically, Kei-kun, you're fine with her wrecking my house instead?"
Uchiha Kei: "Your new lab's almost finished, right? Even if she trashes your place, it won't stop your research."
Orochimaru: "...Can't argue with that. Fine, let's go with it."
And that, ladies and gentlemen, was Uchiha Kei and Orochimaru's little deal.
Naturally, the fact that the two of them had gone to Orochimaru's house with Tsunade didn't go unnoticed. Word spread quickly among the Hidden Leaf's clans and elders.
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled when he heard. "As expected of Kei-kun. So efficient."
But Shimura Danzō frowned deeply. A terrible premonition gnawed at him.
"They went to Orochimaru's place? And that damned Uchiha brat Kei went too?
"Could it be... they're trying to cure Tsunade's hemophobia? Ridiculous. That's not an illness—it's just a coward's excuse to run from battle."
"Someone that mentally weak has no hope of recovery!"
"Hmph. Let's see what you try to pull. There's no way a washed-up ninja who abandoned the shinobi path can bounce back!"
The shadow of the Leaf was confident.
In his eyes, broken-hearted shinobi like Tsunade were irredeemable. He'd seen too many of them. None had ever recovered. All had become worthless trash.
So, with full confidence, Danzō did nothing—except send some Root members to observe.
And thus, Uchiha Kei, Orochimaru, and Tsunade began her treatment—inside Orochimaru's home.