Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

After Dinner in the Senju Residence

After dinner, Senju Sousuke led Chiba to the study.

"Uncle Sousuke, do you have something to ask me in private?" A trace of doubt flashed across Uchiha Chiba's eyes.

"That's right," Senju Sousuke nodded. "I spoke with Hiruzen about your proposed solution, but we've encountered a problem we can't solve. I wanted to ask if there's an answer in the ancient book you mentioned."

"What's the issue?" Chiba asked.

Taking a deep breath, Senju Sousuke said in a serious tone, "Chiba, as you know, the defensive power of tailed beasts is comparable to steel. Ordinary ninjutsu can barely harm them, let alone conventional weapons."

"So, I need to know—how do we sever a tailed beast's tail?"

Uchiha Chiba fell into deep thought. He hadn't considered this question before.

"Uncle Sousuke, give me a moment. I read that book when I was a child, so I need some time to recall its contents."

"Of course, Chiba. Take your time. I'm not in a rush," Senju Sousuke reassured him, though his eagerness was evident.

Chiba nodded and focused, pondering the challenge.

How can I cut off a tailed beast's tail?

As time passed, Senju Sousuke grew slightly anxious, but he remained silent, not wanting to interrupt Chiba's concentration.

Finally, Chiba clapped his hands. "I've got it!"

"Oh? What's the solution?" Senju Sousuke's expression lit up with hope.

Chiba glanced at him, noting his anticipation, and explained, "There is a way, but it will take some time. Would that be acceptable, Uncle Sousuke?"

Senju Sousuke frowned, contemplating the potential delay. After a brief silence, he said, "As long as it's not too long, I can accept it."

Chiba took a deep breath. "I know a secret technique that allows a blade to cut through steel. However, I'm not yet proficient in it."

Pausing for a moment, he continued, "And... I don't know swordsmanship."

In reality, Chiba was thinking of the sword techniques from One Piece. If those swordsmen could cut steel effortlessly, then severing a tailed beast's tail shouldn't be impossible. However, he lacked both the physical training and mastery of Haki needed to perform such feats.

Still, he didn't need to reach the level of a great swordsman—just that of an average one. After all, mastering the ability to cut steel was a crucial step for any swordsman.

With that, combined with Haki and the Eight Gates technique, he believed he could succeed.

Senju Sousuke, however, furrowed his brows again. "Swordsmanship isn't an issue. I can ask Hiruzen to arrange a teacher for you. But how long will it take for you to master this secret technique?"

Chiba hesitated. He genuinely had no idea how long it would take him—a complete beginner—to reach the level of a competent swordsman.

After some thought, he recalled the events of that night with Tsunade and steeled himself. "Give me two months. I can do it in two months."

"Two months?" Senju Sousuke was silent for a moment before slamming his palm on the table. "Alright, two months it is!"

After making the declaration, he felt it was unfair to put the hopes of the Senju clan entirely on a child. He softened his tone and added, "Chiba, don't push yourself too hard. Just do your best. We'll continue looking for other solutions as well."

"Understood," Chiba nodded.

To be honest, he wasn't fully confident that he could reach the level of a swordsman in just two months. But there were things that had to be attempted, regardless of the odds.

"Alright, Chiba. You should go check on Tsunade now. Tomorrow, I'll speak to Hiruzen about arranging a swordsmanship instructor for you."

With that, Chiba left the study.

Outside Tsunade's Room

Arriving at Tsunade's door with a tray of dinner, Chiba knocked gently.

"Sister Tsunade, I brought you dinner."

…

No response.

Chiba knocked again. "Sister Tsunade, are you inside?"

Inside the room.

Hearing Chiba's voice, Tsunade instinctively wanted to answer. But then, memories of what he had done earlier resurfaced, causing her face to flush red once again.

After hesitating for a while, she decided to ignore him.

From outside, Chiba's voice sounded again.

"Alright then, I'll leave your dinner here at the door. Please remember to eat, Sister Tsunade. I'll be leaving now."

Hearing this, Tsunade sighed in relief.

She waited a moment before cautiously opening the door. Seeing that Chiba was nowhere in sight, she bent down to pick up the tray.

But just as she reached for it—

A hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Tsunade looked up in surprise, only to see Chiba smiling down at her. In a hushed voice, she warned, "Let go of me, or I'll call someone."

But in her flustered state, she completely forgot that she was a trained ninja and didn't even think to resist.

Chiba ignored her threat and asked, "I was knocking for quite a while. Why didn't Tsunade-sama answer?"

"Hmph! Why should I answer you, you pervert?" Tsunade huffed, though her tone lacked real anger.

Chiba chuckled. "Sister Tsunade, you're being unfair. You can kiss me, but I can't kiss you?"

Tsunade had never heard the phrase double standards before, but she understood its meaning from his words. She huffed again. "How is that the same? Besides, you were the one who—"

Her voice trailed off into an embarrassed whisper. If Chiba hadn't been so close, he wouldn't have caught the last part of her sentence.

A faint blush crept across her face again.

Chiba coughed lightly and said, "Ahem. I couldn't help it. Who told you to be so beautiful, Sister Tsunade? So, in a way, you have to take some responsibility for this too."

"What did you say?!" Tsunade glared at him. "You're blaming me? You were the one who—!"

Seeing her anger rise, Chiba quickly backtracked.

"Ahem, no, no! I mean, it's all my fault!" he said, quickly retreating like Nawaki would in the face of her wrath.