Slayer: Look directly at the Seraph, standing on the sun

Chapter 656 Sharingan

He discovered that while using the "Reverse" eye technique with both eyes simultaneously could instantly rewind time, the physical and mental burden it placed on him was enormous. Each use caused his eyes to bleed and even resulted in temporary blindness. Although this power was formidable, it was not a trump card that could be used indiscriminately.

"The Sharingan is ultimately just icing on the cake," Zhang Hai thought to himself. He knew that while the Sharingan's abilities were powerful, over-reliance on it would only cause him to lose himself. His true pursuit was his unique swordsmanship.

The sword is an extension of his soul, the source of his power. He wants to hone his swordsmanship to its ultimate level, so that it can surpass any ninjutsu and become a true "sword that can cut through all techniques."

squeak-

The heavy iron gate was pushed open again. Zhang Hai looked up and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes when he saw the figure standing in the doorway.

The person who arrived was none other than Tsunade.

She was dressed in simple casual clothes, her face showing a hint of fatigue, but her eyes were filled with worry. The moment Zhang Hai saw Tsunade, a complex emotion welled up inside him. He remembered the pills Tsunade had secretly slipped to him during his last visit, and her undisguised concern.

He knew that his relationship with Tsunade had subtly changed. From the initial mentor and student to... a deeper bond. Perhaps, this bond had already transcended ordinary friendship.

"Zhang Hai." Tsunade's voice was slightly hoarse as she walked up to Zhang Hai, her eyes filled with scrutiny. "Are you alright?"

Zhang Hai nodded, a weary smile on his face: "Thanks to you, I'm still alive."

Tsunade looked at Zhang Hai's disheveled appearance, a hint of heartache flashing in her eyes, but then her gaze fell on Zhang Hai's neck. There, the necklace of the First Hokage, which she had personally given him, should have been hanging. However, at this moment, the necklace was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is my necklace?" Tsunade's voice suddenly turned serious, her gaze fixed on Zhang Hai, as if trying to read something from his face.

Zhang Hai's heart skipped a beat. The necklace?! He had almost forgotten about it!

That necklace… he used it to pay off a debt to Orochimaru after his last battle with “Shadow Madara”! In exchange for some experimental materials and technology provided by Orochimaru! At the time, he was so eager to improve his strength that he didn’t care about the necklace’s whereabouts.

Zhang Hai inwardly groaned. What should he do? If he told Tsunade the truth, she would be furious. But if he kept it a secret… given Tsunade's personality, she probably wouldn't let him off easily.

A flicker of struggle crossed his eyes, but ultimately, he decided to conceal the truth.

Zhang Hai lowered his head, his face showing pain and indignation. His hands were clenched into fists, and his body trembled slightly, as if he was trying his best to suppress his inner emotions.

“That necklace… was lost during the last mission.” Zhang Hai’s voice was hoarse and low, carrying a hint of barely perceptible grief and regret. “I… I couldn’t protect it…”

He lowered his head even further, so that Tsunade wouldn't see any expression on his face.

Upon hearing this, Tsunade's suspicion vanished instantly. Looking at Zhang Hai's pained and indignant expression, a pang of heartache surged within her. She knew that the necklace held immense significance for him. It was a gift she had given him, a token of her approval. If it were truly lost, Zhang Hai would be devastated.

"It's alright," Tsunade said softly, her tone carrying a hint of comfort. "Since it's lost, then... we can find it again. Or, I can give you another one."

She had no doubt whatsoever, attributing Zhang Hai's pain solely to his deep affection for the necklace.

"However..." Tsunade paused, her tone becoming serious again, "After you get out of prison, you're not allowed to run around like before! And you're not allowed to use a knife to attack people again! Do you hear me?!"

Although her voice carried a hint of reproach, her eyes were filled with concern and worry. She knew Zhang Hai was very strong, but she was even more worried that he would be dragged into danger again.

Zhang Hai looked up and saw Tsunade's worried eyes, a warm feeling welling up inside him. He knew that Tsunade truly cared about him and genuinely wanted him to be safe and sound.

He nodded and said in a hoarse voice, "I will listen to you, Lady Tsunade."

"You're not allowed to take a knife anymore?" Zhang Hai's eyes showed a hint of confusion upon hearing this. He was a swordsman ninja; how could he fight without a knife?

Tsunade looked at Zhang Hai's puzzled expression, a sense of helplessness washing over her. She knew Zhang Hai's personality, and she knew what the sword meant to him. But for Zhang Hai's safety, she had to do it.

"Just listen to me!" Tsunade said firmly. Then, she took a document from her pocket and handed it to Zhang Hai.

"This is a decision made at a high-level meeting." Tsunade's voice carried an undeniable command. "After you are released from prison, you will join the medical department. From now on, you will follow me and focus on learning medical ninjutsu to become an excellent medical ninja!"

Zhang Hai took the document and saw the words "Transferred to Konoha Medical Department after release from prison" written on it. His lips twitched involuntarily.

A medical ninja? Him? An Uchiha ninja specializing in swordsmanship and assassination, becoming a medical ninja?! This was the most absurd joke he had ever heard in his life!

He chuckled, but then politely agreed, "Yes, Lady Tsunade. I... I will definitely study medical ninjutsu diligently." He had already planned in his heart that when the time was right, he would not hesitate to break free from this constraint.

Tsunade looked at Zhang Hai's "obedient" appearance, a hint of satisfaction flashing in her eyes. She then took out another document from her bosom and handed it to Zhang Hai.

"This is the document that removes your status as a serious offender," Tsunade said, her tone slightly relaxed. "The higher-ups have also agreed to transfer you from the serious offender's cell to a regular cell. The environment there will be much better, and you will regain some of your freedom."

Zhang Hai took the document and glanced at it. He saw that it stated he could be transferred to a place called "a specially constructed ordinary prison cell." However, his face showed no joy, but rather a hint of dissatisfaction.

“No need.” Zhang Hai handed the documents back to Tsunade and said calmly, “I’ll stay in the severe punishment cell. It’s fine here, quiet.”

Tsunade was stunned upon hearing this. She looked at Zhang Hai with suspicion in her eyes, as if she were looking at a fool.

"Have you gone mad from being locked up like that?" Tsunade's voice carried a hint of disbelief. "A normal prison cell is a hundred times better than the hardest-duty cell! And you actually refused?!"