Chapter 71: Call Me Grandpa

"Are you from Konoha?" Tsunade asked, her eyes narrowing suspiciously.

Shishou nodded, confirming her guess.

"Then why haven't I heard of you or seen you before?" Tsunade pressed, her brow furrowing.

Shishou raised an eyebrow and retorted, "How many years has it been since you last returned to Konoha? How would you even know about me?"

Tsunade realized the truth in his words and could only give an awkward laugh in response. She had been away from Konoha ever since she took Shizune with her after her graduation from the Ninja Academy.

"Listen, Tsunade-sama," Shishou began, "since I've shared my secret with you, how about you teach me Senju Hashirama's Wood Release techniques?"

Now that he had revealed his identity, Shishou didn't hold back. Despite being able to use the Advent of a World of Flowering Trees with the help of the Three-Tails' chakra, he knew that this technique was just an advanced version of the basic Wood Release technique, Tree Creation. However, the other techniques like Wood Dragon, Wood Golem, and True Several Thousand Hands required more advanced learning.

"You should show some respect to my grandfather," Tsunade snapped, glaring at Shishou. "But if you really are from Konoha, I don't see any problem giving you those Wood Release techniques. I'll confirm your identity when I get back to Konoha, and then I'll give them to you. How does that sound?"

As if you really respected your grandfather, Shishou thought, but said nothing. Instead, he shook his head and refused, "No, thanks. I'll figure it out myself."

He had no intention of revealing his identity to the higher-ups in Konoha. Although this might make him more valuable to them, it would also mean constant surveillance, making it difficult for him to operate freely. Plus, he was harboring Uchiha survivors, and exposing his identity was out of the question. His ultimate goal was to consume the Otsutsuki clan members when they arrived, becoming a progenitor and gaining immortality. The position of Hokage held no appeal for him.

"Why?" Tsunade asked, puzzled. "It's just a matter of confirming your identity. It's not like we would do anything to you. Besides, I already know what you look like. I could find out about you as soon as I return."

"Are you sure you know what I look like?" Shishou asked with a sly smile.

His facial features began to shift, and he transformed into Senju Hashirama. "Come here, dear granddaughter, call me Grandpa."

Then he changed into Senju Tobirama. "Come here, dear granddaughter, call me Great Uncle."

Finally, he reverted to his original form. Shishou's transformation was thanks to the advanced application of his Phosphorus Worms, which covered his face and allowed him to change his appearance at will.

Tsunade's scalp tingled with unease as she clenched her teeth. "Who are you really?"

"Tsunade-sama, I am indeed from Konoha," Shishou assured her. "I just don't want the higher-ups to know my identity. If you don't believe me, I can share some Konoha secrets with you."

"That's not necessary," Tsunade shook her head. She was inclined to believe Shishou's claim about being from Konoha, especially since he had saved her and brought Shizune here for treatment. This alone made her trust him enough to believe he had no ill intentions.

With a puff of smoke, Tsunade summoned a small slug from which she retrieved a scroll and handed it to Shishou. "This is the method for training in Wood Release. While it's not a manual for specific techniques, it will help you master the basics."

Shishou took the scroll and quickly began memorizing its contents.

"Ahem," Tsunade coughed, "you can take your time to read it later."

Shishou glanced at her, smiling knowingly as he continued to memorize the scroll's contents. He suspected the scroll might be enchanted with a tracking mechanism linked to Katsuyu. Tsunade's nervous expression confirmed his suspicion. The scroll was indeed a trap to trace his identity once it returned to Konoha.

Seeing her plan exposed, Tsunade blushed slightly, embarrassed.

Half an hour later, Shishou had memorized the entire scroll. He handed it back to Tsunade. "All done."

"You remembered it all?" Tsunade asked, astonished. If true, his talent was indeed extraordinary. No wonder he could awaken a power even she hadn't achieved.

"You really don't want anyone to know your identity in Konoha?" she asked, still puzzled by his decision.

"Tsunade-sama, let's make a bet," Shishou suggested, rubbing his temples from the strain of rapid memorization. "You can't share any information about me with anyone else. I'll give you one year to find out who I am in Konoha using any method you like. If you find me, I'll grant you three requests. If you fail, you owe me one request. And we'll continue this yearly until you succeed. Deal?"

Tsunade, intrigued by the challenge, saw no harm in agreeing. She believed her extensive network in Konoha would make it easy to find him, even without disclosing his details. For such a sure-win bet, Tsunade eagerly accepted.

"Deal," she said, extending her hand.

Shishou looked at her soft, delicate hand and hesitated for a moment before shaking it.

"Deal," he echoed.