No wonder people say the Nara clan has high IQ but low EQ, Xin thought to himself. You practically dug your own grave with that one. Tsunade not hitting you would've been a miracle.
Xin rolled his eyes. "Next time, just stay out of her way. That woman has no sense of timing when it comes to whooping people, unless you're stronger than her. Otherwise, you're just asking for it."
Shikaku shook his head so fast it was almost comical. No way! There's not gonna be a next time. You two can hug, kiss, whatever you'll never hear a peep out of me.
As if to punctuate his resolve, Shikaku pressed a warm towel against his throbbing eye and hissed in pain.
Peeking over at Xin, who was casually lounging on his makeshift cot, Shikaku's curiosity got the better of him. "Xin, that jutsu you used earlier today..."
"Ah, that? It's called Lightning Style: Thunderburst," Xin said, making up a name on the spot.
Whether or not anyone believed it didn't really matter. Hell, even he didn't believe it.
"It's simple, really," Xin continued, not missing a beat. "You just focus your lightning- nature chakra and throw it. Super easy."
"....."
Yeah, right! You're full of crap! Shikaku thought, giving up on the conversation. He was interested in the jutsu, sure, but he was also curious about the whole situation with Tsunade. But the dull ache in his eye was a clear reminder not to dig too deep. One panda eye was bad enough; two would be unbearable.
Xin might not throw punches, but Tsunade sure as hell would.
"Usagi Xin, Lord Danzo requests your presence," a voice called from the entrance to the tent.
Anbu operative had arrived with a message, breaking up the conversation.
Danzo? He wants to see me?
Xin thought as he sat up, surprised. 'That was fast. They had just returned to camp, and Danzo already knew everything that had happened? And he's calling for me specifically?'
It seemed Danzo's grip over Anbu and his Root division was tighter than Xin had imagined.
"Hold the fort here while I'm gone, and grab some fresh supplies from the logistics team," Xin said, patting Shikaku's shoulder as he stood. He followed Anbu out of the tent and headed toward the command center.
As the advisor to the Hokage and one of Konoha's top officials, Danzo's accommodations were far more luxurious than what other wounded soldiers could hope for.
While most were crammed into the medical tents, Danzo reclined in a comfortable bed, tucked away in the command center's private rest area.
Surrounded by a cadre of Anbu and Root operatives, Danzo looked more like a feudal lord than a patient.
Must be nice to be in charge, Xin thought as he approached.