This was the first time Uchiha Kai was up close with Tsunade.
It wasn't clear if it was because of the complicated relationship between the Senju and Uchiha clans, or if Tsunade simply didn't like interacting with unfamiliar people.
Either way, although Uchiha Kai had seen Tsunade many times before, they had only exchanged brief greetings and hadn't really talked.
Now, sitting next to Tsunade, with only Orochimaru between them, this was the closest he had ever been to her.
How should I put it...
Her figure was truly striking, and there was no trace of the "aunt" vibe that some fanfics might give her. She looked like a woman in her twenties.
And this appearance would remain unchanged, even in the Boruto era.
However, Tsunade's actual age was only a little over thirty. Even without the seal to maintain youth, she was still in the prime of her womanly charm.
Mature, beautiful—though the smell of alcohol was strong on her, it didn't reduce the magnetic allure that could drive any normal man wild.
Of course, all of this was seen from an outsider's perspective. For Orochimaru and Uchiha Kai, Tsunade's charm, which most men couldn't resist, wasn't particularly appealing to them.
Orochimaru was not bothered by female attraction; for him, knowledge was far more valuable.
As for Uchiha Kai, he could confidently say he liked both young girls and mature women, but he would never actively pursue anyone. He preferred to passively accept affection.
Why?
Because after focusing on his career, it was hard to find time for such things. It's a common problem for ambitious people.
Besides, with Uchiha Kai's current status, if he wanted a woman, there were plenty of eligible women from his clan waiting for him to choose.
Even if he used marriage as a tool, there were beautiful women from all the major ninja clans in Konoha lined up to be with him.
Don't underestimate Uchiha Kai's personal value. When your status and power reach a certain point, women really become just a "bonus."
Of course, Uchiha Kai wasn't that thoughtful. The main reason was that he didn't want to disappoint Uzumaki Kikyō, especially recently.
The girl seemed to have imagined something on her own. The last time they met, she secretly told him that it would be fine if he brought Uchiha Naori home to marry as well.
The girl's careful, little beast-like appearance, as though she was afraid of being abandoned, touched Uchiha Kai's heart and made him realize that he could never let this girl down in this lifetime.
However, this was a matter between Uchiha Kai and Uzumaki Kikyō, so there was no need to talk too much about it.
No matter what happens in the future, there will always be a place for Kikyō by Kai's side.
After greeting Tsunade, Orochimaru said, "I came here because of Kai-kun's invitation. It was through him that I learned about the problems you are facing, Tsunade. Also, Kai-kun has been entrusted by the teacher to treat your blood phobia."
Upon hearing this, Tsunade showed a surprised expression and instinctively glanced at Uchiha Kai.
"What does the old man think? He actually sent an Uchiha to treat my blood phobia? Is he serious?"
Realizing her slip, she waved her hand as the alcohol still lingered, saying, "Kai-kun, don't misunderstand. It's just that the old man and the other old-timers have always been so opposed to the Uchiha, so I find it strange."
Uchiha Kai just smiled and said it was fine, showing that he didn't mind.
Orochimaru then continued, "Tsunade, you've been away from the village for more than a month, so you don't know about many of the hidden changes in the village during that time."
"Now, among the higher-ups in Konoha, aside from Danzo Shimura, who still holds a great prejudice against the Uchiha clan, the others have all changed their views."
"At least, the clans that belong to the Konoha Gaming Company have already improved relations."
"Of course, if it were just this, Kai-kun wouldn't have earned such favor from the teacher. The real reason the teacher values Kai-kun so much is Kai-kun's wisdom and talent."
"Kai-kun's insight and wisdom far surpass the Uchiha, and even surpass that of others in Konoha. He has truly reached an extremely high level."
"Did you know? A few days ago, the teacher privately talked to me about Kai-kun, and at that time, he said that Kai-kun possesses the great vision of the First Hokage and the wisdom of the Second Hokage."
"Now, almost all of Konoha's huge changes are related to Kai-kun. It's his wisdom that brought Konoha a whole new wind."
Admiration, blatant admiration.
Orochimaru's praise of Uchiha Kai was already at about sixty percent of what Minato had said about him.
Considering that Orochimaru and Minato have completely different personalities, the fact that this proud member of the Legendary Sannin could praise Uchiha Kai so much was undoubtedly groundbreaking.
At least, Tsunade was staring at Orochimaru with wide eyes, her mouth half-open, dumbfounded.
Uchiha Kai also looked at Orochimaru in surprise and couldn't help but ask, "Did the Third Hokage really say this about me?"
Orochimaru smiled and nodded. "Yes, Kai-kun. The teacher's praise for you is unreserved. He even expressed his feelings and expectations. And, he also regretted that your lack of talent as a ninja has lowered your potential. Otherwise, you would have had the chance to compete with Minato for the position of Fifth Hokage."
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Kai immediately shook his head. "I have no interest in the Hokage position. As for the Fifth Hokage, let others compete for it."
As he spoke, he glanced at Tsunade, since, according to normal history, she was supposed to be the Fifth Hokage.
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen thinking so highly of him still surprised him.
To be compared to the vision of the First Hokage and the wisdom of the Second Hokage was almost absurd, as it was really too high, and those who didn't know might think they were trying to flatter him to his detriment.
Luckily, the partition had been set up by Orochimaru earlier with a soundproof barrier, so only the three of them could hear the conversation. Otherwise, the words would definitely bring great trouble to Uchiha Kai if they were to spread.
However, Orochimaru was a person who understood boundaries. It was precisely because of the barrier that he could speak these words.
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