In a small grove not far from the Anbu base, Hanekawa stood still.
His Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan trembled slightly as a surge of ocular power erupted.
A cold, eerie aura swirled around him, gradually solidifying into skeletal arms and ribs.
Hanekawa exhaled softly.
Two months after obtaining the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he had finally unlocked the Susanoo.
Although it was only in its initial form, it was undoubtedly a significant breakthrough.
The hardest part was always going from zero to one, not from one to a hundred.
Susanoo was the third power hidden within the Mangekyō Sharingan, known as the power of the gods.
But how to activate it, Hanekawa didn't know. He could only experiment.
Fortunately, this power already existed within his eyes, so he eventually succeeded.
"Is it white?"
Hanekawa turned his head slightly, glancing at the Susanoo.
In the original story, each person's Susanoo had a different color.
For example, Itachi Uchiha's was red, Kakashi Hatake's (or Obito Uchiha's) was cyan, Sasuke Uchiha's was purple, and so on.
From the known Susanoo colors, white wasn't among them.
Hanekawa's heart stirred, and he dismissed the Susanoo.
Today was August 2nd, Tsunade's and his birthday.
It had been two months since the trip to the Land of Wind's desert.
During this time, he had been experimenting with Susanoo, but he hadn't neglected improving his proficiency in Lightning Release, Wind Release, and Fire Release.
Now, he had finally achieved it all, earning the Elite Jonin traits for Lightning Release, Wind Release, and Fire Release.
Like Earth Release and Water Release, they each provided a 150% boost to ninjutsu power.
Additionally, the B-grade talent trait "Seven Attributes Special Jonin" had been upgraded.
[A-grade Talent Trait: Seven Attributes Jonin.]
[Activation Condition: Possess Elite Jonin traits for Yin, Yang, Wind, Fire, Lightning, Earth, and Water Release.]
[Effect: Mastery of the seven chakra natures increases by 200%, and resistance to ninjutsu of the seven chakra natures increases by 150%.]
The effect was the same as the B-grade talent trait "Seven Attributes Special Jonin," but the boost was higher.
Compared to chakra nature mastery, Hanekawa felt that chakra ninjutsu resistance was more useful.
Especially Yin Release resistance, which was genjutsu resistance.
With 150% resistance and the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he could now ignore most genjutsu.
After obtaining the A-grade talent trait "Seven Attributes Jonin," he was only one step away from the S-grade talent trait "Invincible Shadow."
The remaining step was the A-grade talent trait "Seven Kekkei Genkai." What he lacked now was the number and proficiency of ninjutsu.
Hanekawa hadn't learned Explosion Release.
He had forgotten that the Sharingan was also a type of Kekkei Genkai.
After obtaining the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, the progress bar for the A-grade talent trait "Seven Kekkei Genkai" had surged by one-seventh.
This meant he had fully mastered one Kekkei Genkai.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
Hanekawa returned to his office at the Anbu base.
"Hanekawa!"
Yūhi Kurenai, who had been waiting on the sofa, immediately stood up and ran to him.
"How long have you been waiting?"
Hanekawa was slightly startled, then took her small hand in his, gently caressing it.
"About ten minutes."
Kurenai tilted her head and asked, "How are you going to make it up to me?"
"What kind of compensation do you want?"
Hanekawa couldn't help but smile.
"Then let's go on a mission together."
Kurenai pouted and said, "It's been a long time since we last went on a mission together!"
Hanekawa felt a bit awkward upon hearing this.
He had promised Kurenai and Rin Nohara before that he would go on missions with them when he had time.
But for the past few months, he had been buried in training and hadn't kept his promise.
"We'll go in a couple of days."
Hanekawa suddenly thought of something, let go of her hand, and pulled out a document from his desk drawer.
"What's this?"
Kurenai asked curiously.
"It's a mission."
Hanekawa handed her the document.
Kurenai's eyes lit up, and she immediately opened the file.
After glancing at it, she let out a soft exclamation.
The document wasn't about a mission but about a ninja's profile.
His name was Hiruko, a contemporary of the Sannin.
He had defected from the Leaf Village after being discovered by Hiruzen Sarutobi for secretly researching forbidden jutsu.
Two days ago, the Anbu had discovered Hiruko in the Land of Water, where he had killed a ninja from the Hidden Mist Village.
The attitude towards rogue ninjas was consistent across all villages: once discovered, they were to be captured or executed.
In other words, although this document wasn't a mission, it was essentially the same.
"Great!"
Kurenai closed the file and said excitedly, "Finally, we can leave the village!"
So leaving the village was your goal all along.
Hanekawa raised his hand and tapped her forehead, saying, "Hiruko isn't an easy opponent."
Hidan's research was on the Chimera Technique.
Its effect was to fuse a ninja or summoning beast with one's own body, even merging Kekkei Genkai.
After fusing five Kekkei Genkai, one could obtain an immortal body.
In the original story, Hiruko had already fused Steel Release, Swift Release, Dark Release, and Storm Release.
The Hidden Mist ninja he had killed possessed Dark Release.
His fifth Kekkei Genkai was the Sharingan, and he had kidnapped Kakashi Hatake.
The result, as expected, was that he was defeated by Naruto Uzumaki and the others.
"But we have you, don't we?"
Kurenai smiled and leaned forward, hugging his arm.
Hanekawa immediately felt his arm sink into softness.
Although Kurenai wasn't as voluptuous as Samui or Tsunade, she had grown up and was no longer a little girl.
"It's noon. Let's go to the izakaya."
Hanekawa raised his left hand and patted her head.
With no war ongoing, the ninja world had entered a relatively peaceful era.
Kakashi Hatake and Shisui Uchiha no longer had to be as busy with missions as before and were now staying in the Leaf Village.
Additionally, since Hanekawa was now the Hokage's assistant, today's birthday celebration was particularly lively.
With so many people, it was impossible to have a meal at home, so they decided to go to the izakaya instead.
"Okay."
Kurenai nodded but didn't let go.
The two left the office.
After just a few steps, Hanekawa saw Samui.
She stood in the hallway, her impressive figure hard to miss.
Samui glanced at Kurenai, and the anticipation in her heart faded.
She slowly walked forward, bowed slightly, and said in a cold tone, "Lord Hanekawa."
"Do you need something?"
Hanekawa asked casually.
"Here are the details of the missions accepted this month."
Samui handed him a scroll, speaking in a businesslike manner.
Every month, the missions accepted by Leaf Village ninjas in the Land of Lightning were compiled and submitted to Hanekawa for review.
But usually, they were submitted on the first of the month, and today was already the second.
Hanekawa guessed the reason was that she probably knew today was his birthday.
This girl was really considerate.
"I'm going out for lunch now. Leave it on my desk."
Hanekawa blinked and said, "I'll find you when I have time."
"Yes, Lord Hanekawa."
Samui took the scroll and left without expression.
"She seems so cold."
Kurenai watched her figure and sighed.
"She's a ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village. Naturally, she wouldn't be friendly with us."
Hanekawa chuckled.
"True."
Kurenai nodded in understanding.
But there was no helping it.
If the Leaf Village hadn't defeated the Hidden Cloud Village, the Leaf Village's fate would have been equally tragic.
Fortunately, they were the final victors.
"Is the teacher still in the Hokage's office?"
Hanekawa left the Anbu base and looked at the Hokage Building, asking.
"She went to the izakaya a long time ago."
Kurenai smiled and said, "She might already be enjoying some fine wine."
"Why is she so enthusiastic today?"
Hanekawa asked, puzzled.
"Lord Hiashi said he brought back a few jars of fine wine from the Land of Lightning."
Kurenai explained.
The five great nations and villages in the ninja world each had their own specialties.
One of the Land of Lightning and Hidden Cloud Village's specialties was wine.
In the original story, when Naruto Uzumaki got married, the Fourth Raikage gifted several jars of fine wine.
"No wonder."
Hanekawa's face showed understanding.
The two chatted as they walked and soon arrived at the izakaya where the birthday celebration was being held.
An izakaya was a Japanese-style tavern, usually not very large.
But this was the largest izakaya in the Leaf Village, capable of accommodating dozens of people at once.
"Hanekawa!"
Asuma Sarutobi, sharp-eyed, spotted Hanekawa entering and immediately stood up to greet him.
The others, who had been chatting, stopped and turned their attention to him.
Only Tsunade, after leisurely finishing a cup of wine, looked at Hanekawa.
But when she noticed Kurenai and Hanekawa holding hands, she couldn't help but pout.
"Thank you all for coming."
Hanekawa returned the greetings one by one, smiling, "No need for lengthy speeches. Let's eat!"
"Hanekawa, where are you sitting?"
Kurenai glanced at Shizune and the others, who were waving at her, and asked.
"I'll sit with Sensei first."
Hanekawa thought for a moment and said, "I'll join you later."
"Okay."
Kurenai didn't ask further and let go of his hand, walking over to Shizune and Rin Nohara.
Hanekawa, now the Hokage's assistant, couldn't be as casual as before.
She was always considerate and wouldn't interfere at critical moments.
"Sensei."
Hanekawa walked over and sat down beside Tsunade.
Her face already had a faint blush, indicating she was slightly tipsy.
"You're late. Penalty drink."
Tsunade handed her wine cup to Hanekawa.
"Yes, Sensei."
Hanekawa was now of drinking age, an adult, so he didn't refuse as he had before.
He took the cup and drank it all in one go.
Tsunade looked at the empty cup and suddenly realized it was hers.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she slightly turned her head, avoiding his gaze.
The birthday celebration officially began.
Hanekawa looked around.
Aside from Kakashi Hatake and Asuma Sarutobi, who were his peers, there were also Sakumo Hatake, Minato Namikaze, Fugaku Uchiha, Mikoto Uchiha, Hiashi Hyūga, and Shibi Aburame.
It was no exaggeration to say that the elite middle and upper echelons of the Leaf Village had gathered here.
Kushina Uzumaki wasn't present. She was eight months pregnant and couldn't move around easily.
Halfway through the meal, Hanekawa excused himself and went to the next table.
"Hanekawa."
Asuma Sarutobi, seeing Hanekawa approach, immediately raised his wine cup and said, "Happy birthday!"
Kakashi Hatake, Shisui Uchiha, Might Guy, and Shizune followed suit, raising their cups.
Not all were filled with wine; some had juice.
"Thank you, everyone."
Hanekawa clinked cups with them, smiling.
"You came at the right time!"
Asuma Sarutobi picked up a wine jar and said, "In terms of strength, I'm no match for you, but in drinking, you're no match for me!"
"When did you learn to drink?"
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.
"Not just drinking, he also smokes."
Shizune chuckled, exposing him.
"I was under too much pressure and needed to relax."
Asuma Sarutobi coughed lightly.
"That's so you."
Hanekawa couldn't help but laugh.
In the original story, Asuma Sarutobi was always seen with cigarettes and alcohol, sporting a beard.
He looked much older than his peers, Kakashi Hatake and Kurenai.
"Want to have a drinking contest?"
Asuma Sarutobi asked eagerly.
"No!"
Before Hanekawa could respond, Kurenai cut in.
She sat up straight, her face serious.
"It's only noon. Let's not drink too much."
Hanekawa smiled and patted her head.
"..."
Asuma Sarutobi fell silent.
Damn it!
Is having a girlfriend that great?
Before the drinking contest even started, he had already lost.
So painful!
Asuma Sarutobi said dejectedly, "Then let's just have a couple of drinks."
"It's a shame we didn't get to eat Hanekawa-senpai's cooking."
Shisui Uchiha said regretfully.
"True."
Might Guy gave a thumbs-up and said, "The food at the izakaya is good, but it's nowhere near as good as Hanekawa's."
As a taijutsu specialist, he wasn't particularly picky about taste.
But with Hanekawa's trait-enhanced cooking, the food was simply irresistible.
"I don't know how you do it, making such delicious food."
Shizune said somewhat sheepishly.
The ninja world still retained feudal-era systems like daimyos and nobles, so there was still a concept of the ideal wife and mother.
In the original story, most kunoichi were skilled at cooking, including Shizune.
Rin Nohara nodded in agreement.
She subconsciously glanced at Kurenai, feeling a pang of envy.
"What's there to regret?"
Hanekawa said nonchalantly, "When I have time, I'll treat you all to a meal."
"Deal!"
Asuma Sarutobi said with a smile, "Now, let's drink!"
After several rounds of drinks, the birthday celebration came to an end.
Although Hanekawa had been drinking, he wasn't drunk, thanks to the Yin Seal's ability to regulate his body.
Asuma Sarutobi, however, had drunk quite a bit and was thoroughly tipsy.
Hanekawa asked Kakashi Hatake and Shisui Uchiha to take him home.
As for Kurenai, Rin Nohara, and Shizune, they hadn't been drinking, so there was no need to worry.
But Tsunade had drunk the most and was now slumped on the table, half-asleep.
Hanekawa wasn't surprised at all.
He shook his head and first saw off Minato Namikaze and Kurenai.
When sending off Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha, they stopped at the door.
"Hanekawa."
Mikoto Uchiha said softly, "I want to ask you for a favor."
"What is it?"
Hanekawa asked curiously.
"My newborn son, I want you to name him."
Mikoto Uchiha replied.
Hanekawa was taken aback.
Name him?
In the original story, wasn't it Fugaku Uchiha who named him?
Hanekawa suddenly realized something.
The reason they named him Sasuke Uchiha was to show goodwill to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Because Hiruzen's father was named Sasuke Sarutobi.
This was a custom in the ninja world, naming children after someone they admired or respected.
In short, Fugaku Uchiha hoped Sasuke Uchiha would become as strong a ninja as Sasuke Sarutobi.
But now, due to Hanekawa's butterfly effect, Hiruzen Sarutobi had stepped down early and was no longer Hokage.
Fugaku Uchiha no longer needed to name his son Sasuke Uchiha.
The problem was, without the name Sasuke, it just didn't feel right.
"How about Sasuke Uchiha?"
Hanekawa hesitated for a few seconds before asking.
Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha were both startled.
They immediately thought of Sasuke Sarutobi.
Sasuke Sarutobi didn't have much screen time in the original story, but in the Leaf Village, he was quite famous.
Was this a tribute?
If it was a tribute, why Sasuke Sarutobi and not Hashirama Senju or Tobirama Senju?
"Since it's your suggestion, let's go with Sasuke."
Fugaku Uchiha thought for a moment and said, "After all, you're his future teacher."
Although he didn't quite understand why Hanekawa suggested this name, they had asked Hanekawa to name their son to build a closer relationship.
Whatever the name, they had to accept it.
Hanekawa breathed a sigh of relief.
At least the name Sasuke was preserved.
"I'll visit when Sasuke's hundred-day celebration comes."
Hanekawa raised his hand, bidding farewell to Fugaku Uchiha and Mikoto Uchiha.
Everyone at the izakaya had left, leaving only Tsunade.
"Time to go home, Sensei."
Hanekawa walked over and said.
"Go home?"
Tsunade shook her head, propped herself up, and said, "We... we're continuing to drink!"
"Se..."
Hanekawa was about to speak but was interrupted.
Tsunade reached out, draped her arm over his shoulder, and pulled him into her embrace.
A soft fragrance mixed with the scent of alcohol overwhelmed him.
Hanekawa's face was buried in her chest.
"Drink!"
Tsunade brought a wine cup to his lips.
"Sensei!"
Hanekawa shouted loudly.
Tsunade was startled and sobered up a bit.
She let go of Hanekawa and mumbled, "No... no drinking? Why... why shout so... loudly?"
"Sensei."
Hanekawa took her wine cup and said, "I'll take you home."
"You... you're bold!"
Tsunade raised her head and glared at him.
Her face was flushed, and her entire body seemed to radiate a faint heat, exuding a seductive charm.
With her collar loosened, revealing a large expanse of fair skin, Hanekawa felt his mouth go dry.
"What... what are you thinking?"
Tsunade poked his face with her finger and asked.
"Nothing."
Hanekawa snapped out of it and used the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"You brat!"
Tsunade, seeing the familiar living room, angrily said, "You didn't let me drink! I... I'll punish you!"
"You're drunk. How are you going to punish me?"
Hanekawa wasn't scared; instead, he found her adorable.
"Come here!"
Tsunade beckoned him.
"What is it?"
Hanekawa leaned down, bringing his face close to hers.
Tsunade reached out and grabbed his face.
She stared at Hanekawa, who was so close, and suddenly her heart skipped a beat, and she froze.
Hanekawa subconsciously swallowed.
Tsunade was too close.
Her blushing face, moist lips, and dazed eyes exuded an indescribable allure.
Tsunade noticed his gaze and smirked.
Unable to suppress her emotions, she stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his.
Hanekawa's eyes widened in surprise.
The fragrance and the taste of alcohol filled his mouth.
He instinctively wrapped his arms around Tsunade's soft, voluptuous body and engaged in a passionate kiss.
Tsunade closed her eyes, the blush on her face spreading to her ears.
This time, it wasn't from the alcohol but from embarrassment.
So this is what kissing feels like?
Her heart raced, and she breathed lightly, letting out an enticing sound.
After what felt like an eternity.
Tsunade pushed Hanekawa away and ran into her room.
She closed the door, covered her face, and felt her body go weak, an indescribable tingling sensation spreading through her.
Hanekawa came to his senses and licked his lips.
Tsunade was indeed soft all over.
Whether it was her lips or her body.
"So you can be shy too."
Hanekawa couldn't help but laugh.
Tsunade was indeed different.
He had thought he would be the one to take the first step, but she had beaten him to it.
But being drunk didn't count.
Hanekawa planned to talk to her after she sobered up.
He stood still, took a few deep breaths, and finally calmed down.
Hanekawa glanced at the sky.
It was still early afternoon.
Tsunade would probably wake up by evening.
Hanekawa thought of Samui and disappeared, reappearing in his office at the Anbu base.
But to his surprise, Samui was in his office.
She sat on the sofa, her eyes closed, her long legs slightly together.
Her body leaned to the left, her right arm propped on the armrest, supporting her head.
Her left hand lightly pressed against her low-cut, light gray outfit, accentuating her curves.
Hanekawa thought for a moment and decided not to disturb her sleep.
He sat at his desk and casually picked up a document.
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.
He saw a familiar name—Shinnō.
The document was an application.
Shinnō, a wandering medical ninja, hoped to enter the Leaf Hospital for an exchange program.
Hanekawa narrowed his eyes.
This was clearly a lie.
Because he knew Shinnō's true identity—the leader of the Hidden Sky Village.
The Hidden Sky Village had been defeated by the Leaf Village during the Second Great Ninja War and had since disappeared.
But in reality, Shinnō hadn't given up.
He had been wandering around, collecting secret techniques from various villages.
Eventually, he built a flying fortress called the Ancor Vantian.
The Ancor Vantian used the so-called Zero-Tails as its energy source and was equipped with chakra cannons.
The most powerful cannon could rival a Tailed Beast Bomb.
The Zero-Tails, known as the Tailless Tailed Beast, was a physical entity composed of dark chakra, with a snake-like body and a masked face.
It fed on the darkness in people's hearts, generating massive amounts of dark chakra, giving it the size and chakra of a Tailed Beast.
The sealing technique Shinnō used to seal the Zero-Tails was from the Leaf Village.
In other words, under the guise of exchanging medical ninjutsu, he was actually here to steal sealing techniques.
And not just sealing techniques—he also knew the Eight Gates.
He likely stole it from Might Duy and Might Guy.
Hanekawa stroked his chin.
His first instinct was to capture Shinnō.
But there was no need.
Shinnō wanted the Leaf's sealing techniques and the Eight Gates, while Hanekawa wanted his Ancor Vantian and medical ninjutsu.
As a major antagonist in the movies, Shinnō wasn't an ordinary jonin but an elite one.
Especially in medical ninjutsu, he was quite skilled.
Shinnō had two unique forbidden medical techniques.
The first was the Forbidden Medical Technique: Body Revival.
Its effect was to activate the cells in one's body, enhancing physical abilities.
Hanekawa was no stranger to activation—his Lightning Release Chakra Mode used Lightning Release chakra to activate his body.
But the Forbidden Medical Technique: Body Revival used Yang Release chakra.
The second was the Forbidden Medical Technique: Body Regeneration.
Its effect was to reassemble one's body even if it was torn apart.
In other words, as long as the body or organs weren't destroyed, one could become immortal.
These two forbidden techniques were extremely useful for both Hanekawa and Tsunade, significantly boosting their strength.
Additionally, the Ancor Vantian and the Zero-Tails were also valuable.
The Zero-Tails could even be sealed inside a ninja, creating a Zero-Tails Jinchūriki.
But based on the current timeline, Shinnō hadn't fully completed the Ancor Vantian and the Zero-Tails.
Hanekawa decided to play the long game.
Let Shinnō steal the sealing techniques, and even cooperate with him.
When the time was right, he would reap the rewards.
Hanekawa picked up a pen and wrote two lines on the document.
Have the crows monitor Shinnō but do not interfere.
The crows were the code name for the Uchiha jonin who had joined the Anbu.
He was powerful and had the Sharingan, making it difficult for Shinnō to detect him.
After writing, Hanekawa set the document aside and picked up the next one.
After some time.
Samui's eyelashes fluttered, and she woke up.
She subconsciously yawned, her consciousness gradually returning.
"Lord Hanekawa!"
Samui noticed Hanekawa, her eyes lighting up as she quickly stood up.
"How long have you been waiting here?"
Hanekawa set down the document and asked.
"Not long."
Samui shook her head.
"Come here."
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.
"Yes!"
Samui walked over to him.
Hanekawa looked up, studying her.
His gaze started at her face, then traveled down, taking in her voluptuous figure, before finally settling on her fair thighs.
"Do you know what mistake you made?"
Hanekawa asked softly.
"N-no."
Samui's heart skipped a beat, and she looked nervous.
"You lied just now."
Hanekawa raised his hand and slapped her butt.
"Sorry!"
Samui gasped and instinctively apologized.
"How long did you wait?"
Hanekawa caressed her butt, feeling its softness, and asked again.
"About two hours."
Samui's body tensed, and a charming blush spread across her beautiful face.
Two hours?
So she had been waiting since noon?
"Was there something important?"
Hanekawa looked at Samui's flushed face and asked, "Or was there a problem with this month's missions?"
"N-no problem."
Samui lowered her head and said softly, "I wanted to give you a birthday gift."
"What is it?"
Hanekawa's hand slid down, caressing her thigh.
Her thigh was soft, fair, and warm, feeling wonderful to the touch.
"This."
Samui bit her lip and handed him a scroll.
Hanekawa took the scroll, infused it with chakra, and found five sets of qipaos and five sets of secretary uniforms inside.
"Which... which one do you like? I'll wear it next time."
Samui's voice trembled slightly.
Hanekawa was momentarily stunned, feeling touched.
After a moment's thought, he said, "I like them all."
Samui subconsciously looked up at him, a hint of confusion on her face.
"Next time, wear the secretary uniform."
Hanekawa took her hand, kissed it, and said.
"Okay."
Samui's heart fluttered, and she obediently agreed.
Hanekawa gently pulled her closer.
He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and rested his head against her chest.
Since Hanekawa was sitting in his office chair and Samui was standing, he felt the soft pressure on his head.
Samui, blushing, slowly reached out and wrapped her arms around his head.
"When are you returning to the Hidden Cloud Village?"
Hanekawa inhaled her faint fragrance and asked.
"Next month."
Samui pursed her lips.
For some reason, she felt a strong sense of reluctance.
"I'll be back soon."
Samui added.
"Have you had lunch?"
Hanekawa smiled and patted her butt, feeling the softness, and asked.
"N-no."
Samui let out a soft moan.
"Let's go. I'll take you to eat."
Hanekawa released Samui's warm body and asked, "Where do you want to go?"
"Anywhere is fine."
Samui hesitated, then asked tentatively, "Can... can I have your cooking?"
"Of course."
Hanekawa stood up, looking at her glossy lips, and said, "But I need to collect payment first."
He leaned down and captured her lips.
Samui's body stiffened, but she quickly responded, albeit clumsily.
Hanekawa's hands weren't idle.
He quickly found her "mountains" and gently squeezed, his fingers sinking into soft flesh.
Samui's face turned crimson, but she didn't dare resist.
"Good girl."
Hanekawa released her and said, "Wait here."
He took a step back and disappeared.
Samui's legs gave out, and she collapsed into the office chair.
She gasped for breath, subconsciously licking her lips, her mind filled with thoughts of Hanekawa.
A wave of tenderness washed over her, and her eyes glistened with moisture.
Half an hour later, Hanekawa reappeared.
He set down two lunch boxes and said, "Eat."
"Thank you, Lord Hanekawa."
Samui had regained her composure, though a faint blush remained on her face.
"Just the two of us. No need to call me 'Lord.' Just use my name."
Hanekawa smiled, "Like before."
Before?
Samui remembered their first meeting.
She smiled softly and said, "Okay."
"Are you settling in well in the Leaf Village?"
Hanekawa watched Samui eat gracefully and asked.
"A bit uncomfortable."
Samui answered honestly.
"What exactly is uncomfortable?"
Hanekawa poured her a glass of water.
"Aside from handing out missions, there's nothing else to do."
Samui smiled sheepishly, "Atsui often complains about being bored."
"Is that so?"
Hanekawa thought for a moment, "Then I'll allow you to take on Leaf Village missions."
After the Fourth Raikage and Mabui left, only eight Cloud ninjas remained in the Leaf Village.
Having two squads take on missions wouldn't affect the Leaf ninjas.
"Really?"
Samui couldn't help but feel delighted.
"I always keep my word."
Hanekawa patted her head, "I'll have Haru give you a special pass."
"Thank you, Lo... Hanekawa."
Samui swallowed the word "Lord."
"Finish your meal."
Hanekawa withdrew his hand and went to the sofa.
Sitting down, he took out a Boil Release ninjutsu scroll and began reading.
His top priority now was obtaining the A-grade trait "Seven Kekkei Genkai."
Currently, he had mastered four Kekkei Genkai.
Sharingan, Wood Release, Lava Release, and Ice Release.
The remaining three were Boil Release, Scorch Release, and Storm Release.
The ninjutsu Hanekawa was reading was called Boil Release: Unrivaled Strength.
It shared the same name as Tsunade's superhuman strength but was different.
Superhuman strength was pure physical power.
Boil Release: Unrivaled Strength, on the other hand, raised chakra to its boiling point before explosively releasing it.
"I'm done, Hanekawa."
Samui set down her chopsticks.
"Okay."
Hanekawa didn't look up, "You can go back now."
Samui opened her mouth.
She didn't want to leave but didn't dare disturb him, so she reluctantly agreed.
After memorizing Boil Release: Unrivaled Strength, Hanekawa went to the Anbu training ground to practice.
Time passed quickly, and soon it was dusk.
Hanekawa dispersed his chakra and exhaled.
He suddenly raised an eyebrow, spotting Haru in the distance.
"What is it?"
Hanekawa asked.
"I've followed your instructions and approved Shinnō's application."
Haru replied, "After entering the Leaf Village, he went straight to the Leaf Hospital."
"Understood."
Hanekawa nodded, "Keep me updated on his movements."
"Yes."
Haru quickly responded.
"Time to clock out."
Hanekawa waved his hand and disappeared.
He reappeared in Tsunade's living room.
"Sensei, when did you wake up?"
Hanekawa steadied himself and saw Tsunade sitting on the sofa.
"Just now."
Tsunade pretended to be calm and took a sip of water.
But the memory of their kiss earlier flooded her mind.
She never expected to do something like that while drunk.
Although she didn't regret it, she couldn't help feeling awkward.
"How's your body?"
Hanekawa walked over and sat beside her.
"A few jars of wine are nothing."
Tsunade glanced at him, nonchalant.
"That's good."
Hanekawa took out a wooden jewelry box, "A birthday gift for you."
"What is it?"
Tsunade was slightly startled and took the box.
"It's a necklace."
Hanekawa opened the box for her, "What do you think?"
Tsunade was stunned.
The necklace resembled the First Hokage's necklace, looking like a matching set.
Her eyes narrowed, noticing it wasn't a chakra crystal but a Flying Thunder God mark.
This brat's intentions were crystal clear.
"It's quite nice."
Tsunade took out the special Flying Thunder God necklace and put it on.
She casually tossed it, and the necklace slid down her fair skin, disappearing into her cleavage.
Hanekawa watched enviously.
"I didn't prepare a gift for you."
Tsunade looked at Hanekawa.
"It's fine."
Hanekawa blinked, "I already received my gift earlier."
"What gift..."
Tsunade suddenly stopped.
She realized what Hanekawa meant.
The kiss.
Tsunade averted her gaze and took another sip of water.
The cool water helped her regain her composure.
"Sensei, there's something I need to tell you."
Hanekawa suddenly remembered Hidan, "I plan to go on a mission tomorrow with Kurenai and Rin."
"What mission?"
Tsunade asked curiously.
"The Anbu discovered Hiruko's trail. He appeared in the Hidden Mist Village."
Hanekawa explained.
"Hiruko?"
Tsunade was surprised, "He was a classmate of mine, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya."
No wonder.
Hanekawa understood why Hiruko was friends with the Sannin in the original story.
They were classmates.
"Sensei, are you coming?"
Hanekawa asked expectantly.
"Sorry."
Tsunade shook her head, "I'm the Hokage. There's too much work to do."
She wanted to go but couldn't get away.
"It's fine."
Hanekawa wasn't surprised, "The three of us are enough."
The Fourth Hokage and the Hokage's assistant going on a mission together.
To those who didn't know, it was hunting a rogue ninja. To those who did, it was like attacking the Hidden Mist Village.
The Hidden Mist Village would definitely be on edge.
"Okay, be careful."
Tsunade set down her cup.
"Sensei."
Hanekawa reached out and took her hands.
"What is it?"
Tsunade looked down, hesitated, but didn't pull away.
"Do you remember what happened after lunch?"
Hanekawa stared at her, smiling.
"I... I only remember finishing lunch, going home, and sleeping until now."
Tsunade bit her lip, trying to sound calm.
"And then?"
Hanekawa pressed.
"Nothing else, just that."
Tsunade met his gaze, her heart tightening.
"It seems Sensei needs help."
Hanekawa didn't wait for her response and leaned in, kissing her.
Tsunade's body stiffened, her pupils contracting as she looked at him in surprise.
She instinctively wanted to struggle but sighed and closed her eyes.
Soon, her breathing became slightly erratic, and a faint blush spread across her face.
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.
Without the alcohol, only her fragrance remained.
After a long while, they parted.
"Sensei, do you remember now?"
Hanekawa smiled.
"Brat!"
Tsunade glared at him, "I'm your teacher!"
She raised her leg and kicked.
Hanekawa reacted quickly, stepping back and catching her foot.
He coughed lightly, "Even as a teacher, you shouldn't lie."
"Let go!"
Tsunade's face darkened.
"Yes, Sensei."
Hanekawa quickly released her foot.
Tsunade stood and walked over to him.
She smirked and suddenly laughed, "I still don't remember."
With that, she wrapped her arms around Hanekawa's neck and pulled him in.
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