In this darkness…
Tsunade gripped the light orb tightly.
Pure instinct.
But…
The darkness seemed to swell, intangible yet felt, expanding, pressing, as if she'd plunged into an endless abyss, swallowed by tidal waves of shadow.
What truly terrified her was the orb shrinking, fading, as the darkness grew.
Only in utter blackness do people realize how vital, how precious, everyday light is.
"No—!" Tsunade screamed, but no sound reached her ears.
Had she even opened her mouth?
Did she still have a body? No heartbeat. The all-consuming darkness seemed to devour every human sense.
Fear festered.
The dimming orb was her last hope.
But it…
Vanished completely in her horror.
A crushing darkness engulfed her.
Why?
She hadn't let go.
Even now, without bodily sensation, her mind clung fiercely to the orb.
Yet it was gone.
When Nawaki died, she wasn't there, regretting she couldn't hold on. When Dan died, she was there—same result. No matter how hard she tried, hope slipped through her fingers, like this light.
Another failure…?
Tsunade's will sank.
To Shen Mo and the others…
She looked like a frail girl, curled up on the ground, hair soaked with sweat, face pale, eyes shut, and—
The item in her hand glowed so faintly it was barely visible.
"What kind of trial is this?" Sasuke muttered.
"A trial of the heart," Shen Mo said, staring at Tsunade.
If she gave up, let go, she'd fail Holy Light's approval.
Stalemate? Same outcome.
"What if she fails?" Sasuke pressed.
"Nothing happens," Shen Mo said, glancing at him. "She'd just need a steeper price to change her fate—a price not everyone can pay."
"…" Sasuke clenched his fists.
That hit home.
He'd spent two hundred million for his strength, yet it wasn't enough to face that man.
Seize fate yourself, or brute-force it with a massive cost?
Damn it!
Sasuke watched Tsunade, hoping she'd pass.
Meanwhile, Tsunade…
Was nearing her limit.
In absolute darkness, even moments torment the mind. She had to keep willing her grip, unsure if it mattered.
Her spirit tired.
Fear of darkness peaked.
A whisper in her ear.
Give up.
You've failed.
Medical skills and potions from cans can protect a revived Nawaki.
But—
I won't give up!
Tsunade roared in her mind.
Even if not for Nawaki…
She loathed her weak, despairing self.
Even if the light truly vanished…
She refused to be the one who caved to darkness again.
Right.
Holding the light didn't matter now.
She wanted to grasp…
A self that could defy darkness.
This will, this voice, grew louder in her heart.
She felt new light.
Not from her hand.
From her heart.
At first, like an illusion, flickering in her mind, then swelling, piercing the outer darkness.
Even—
Her numb palm felt heat.
To her joy…
The holy light she held never truly faded. Even in the darkest moment, it lingered in her grip, hidden by her tight hold, unseen, unfelt, but ever-present.
Now…
This holy light merged with her inner glow, inseparable, blazing hotter.
It banished all darkness, turning her surroundings into a radiant world. Before her, a warm, holy being with six wings appeared.
"Holy Light was never in your hand."
It raised a palm to Tsunade's forehead, drawing near.
"As long as your heart's light endures, Holy Light is forever with you."
With words—maybe from within…
At its touch…
All the world's light surged into her.
Tsunade, bathed in holy radiance.
…
Opening her eyes, Tsunade saw Shen Mo smiling at her.
"Congrats, you passed."
Shen Mo's grin was bright—not just for crafting a big-spending client, but for proving his read on Tsunade.
She'd despaired once.
But given hope, she'd claw out of darkness.
Tsunade pressed a hand to her chest.
She felt it.
A wisp of Holy Light in her heart.
Faint, but she was confident it'd grow strong.
"Thank you," she said, looking at Shen Mo, her golden eyes brimming with gratitude.
"For what?" Shen Mo blinked, shrugging, chuckling. "I'm just a merchant, nothing more."
"…" Tsunade stayed silent.
Her second heartfelt thanks ever.
But—
"Why didn't you explain the trial?" she said, teeth gritted, still shaken. "Saying 'don't let go'—the light vanished! What if I'd checked if it fell?"
"Fell…?" Shen Mo deadpanned. "I warned enough. More wouldn't help."
"Hmph," Tsunade huffed, arms crossed. "Anyway, I passed, right?"
"Yep," Shen Mo said, his merchant's smile returning. "Want a set of Level 3 Paladin Series cans? High revival chance."
Tsunade now had new anticipation—no need to dangle revival.
And the first revival was for Kakashi…
Shen Mo's smile was easy.
Kakashi, ready for a wild ride?
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