Chapter 273:
Tsunade knew deep down that everything Orochimaru said was true.
She also knew that his current attitude was entirely within her expectations.
Still, as the granddaughter of the First Hokage, she felt an obligation to try.
"I know, Orochimaru, I know everything!" Tsunade said softly, her expression tinged with sadness. "What happened back then… it was unfair to you. But no matter what, the teacher… he was only doing it for the village."
"All I'm asking is for you to talk to him. No matter how the conversation turns out, I promise I won't press you any further."
"Is that really the case?" Orochimaru asked, his golden eyes narrowing.
"This is all I can do," Tsunade said firmly, her eyes full of determination.
Tsunade couldn't reconcile her personal feelings with the survival of the village. But this was the only way she could live with herself. At the very least, she had to make an effort.
If she tried her best and it still didn't work? Then at least she could say she did everything she could.