In August, the dawn breaks early in the Leaf Village.
Tsunade opened her eyes and saw sunlight streaming through the window.
She yawned, realizing she had woken up unusually early today, even before Hanekawa's usual knock on her door.
Tsunade couldn't sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, she remembered what had happened the day before.
She took a few deep breaths, telling herself that falling in love was no big deal—even though she had never experienced it before.
Tsunade calmed down a bit.
She got out of bed and was about to change her clothes when she heard a knock at the door.
Tsunade paused, walked to the door, and opened it.
"Good morning, Sensei."
Hanekawa's gaze fell on her mature figure.
The oversized nightgown clung tightly to her body, accentuating her perfect and exaggerated curves.
Paired with her stunning beauty, she truly stood out in the entire ninja world.
"Good morning."
Tsunade noticed his intense gaze and suppressed the fluttering in her heart as she spoke.
"Breakfast will be ready soon. Go wash up, and I'll wait for you."
Hanekawa stepped forward and hugged her.
The warmth of his embrace made Tsunade feel a bit dazed.
She quickly snapped out of it and said, "You need to let me go so I can wash up."
"My apologies."
Hanekawa reluctantly released her.
Seeing this, Tsunade couldn't help but laugh.
This brat could be quite adorable when he acted foolishly.
Tsunade raised her hand, tapped his forehead, closed the door, changed her clothes, and then headed to the bathroom.
Ten minutes later, the two sat facing each other at the dining table.
"Are you planning to promote to jonin?"
Tsunade picked up a piece of grilled fish and asked.
Hanekawa looked up at her in confusion, unsure why she had suddenly brought this up.
"You're leading a mission today, right? Typically, missions of this level should be led by a jonin."
Tsunade paused, then smiled lightly, "Besides, with your strength, you should have been a jonin long ago, not a chunin."
Hiruko was a jonin.
Missions involving jonin should be led by a jonin.
"If it's your wish, then I'll comply."
Hanekawa thought for a moment and replied.
Previously, he hadn't promoted to jonin to have an excuse to go on missions with Tsunade.
But now, the situation was completely different.
Tsunade was the Hokage, and he was the Hokage's assistant. It was unlikely they would go on missions together anymore.
Of course, the most important thing was that they no longer needed missions to deepen their relationship.
After all, last night had essentially confirmed their relationship.
Additionally, since Hanekawa was also going to be the teacher of Sasuke Uchiha, Hinata Hyuga, and Naruto Uzumaki, promoting to jonin was a necessity.
"After breakfast, you can go to the Hokage Building to get your jonin vest and ninja certification."
Tsunade nodded slightly.
"That simple?"
Hanekawa smiled and asked, "No assessment?"
"What assessment?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes, "Do you want to fight me or something?"
Typically, jonin assessments had two aspects.
The first was strength, such as proficiency in ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu, with no obvious weaknesses.
The second was ability, such as leadership and analytical skills.
Hanekawa excelled in both areas.
In terms of strength, there was no need to elaborate—it was hard to find a ninja in the Leaf Village stronger than him.
As for ability, he had already proven himself during the Third Great Ninja War.
If there really had to be an assessment, as she said, it would have to be a fight with her.
"I wouldn't dare."
Hanekawa shook his head, "I was just asking."
"I knew you wouldn't dare."
Tsunade snorted but quickly couldn't hold back her smile.
Because of what happened yesterday, her mood had been great, and she couldn't bring herself to be angry.
"Sensei, you're so beautiful."
Hanekawa looked at her smile and complimented.
"Sweet talker."
Tsunade put on a stern face, "Eat!"
"Yes, Sensei."
Hanekawa picked up his chopsticks and placed a piece of grilled fish in her bowl.
Breakfast ended quickly.
Hanekawa took the dishes to the kitchen.
Tsunade went to the entrance, put on her shoes, and then sat on the sofa to wait.
"Sensei."
In less than ten minutes, Hanekawa reappeared in the living room.
"Let's go."
Tsunade, as usual, took his hand, ready for him to use the Flying Thunder God Technique to take her to the Hokage Building.
"Spatial teleportation isn't very safe."
Hanekawa made up an excuse as he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her slender waist.
A faint fragrance filled the air.
Her soft, voluptuous body fell into his embrace.
Hanekawa could clearly feel the weight of her ample bosom.
This really wasn't safe—such a dangerous situation!
Tsunade couldn't help but glare at him.
Why hadn't he mentioned this before when using the Flying Thunder God Technique?
Hanekawa coughed lightly, completely ignoring her.
He was determined to take advantage of the situation first.
Flying Thunder God Technique!
The two appeared in the Hokage's office.
"Let go!"
Tsunade struggled a couple of times but couldn't break free.
Instead, her movements caused her to bump into him with her chest.
"Sensei."
Hanekawa blinked and asked, "I'm about to go on a mission. Shouldn't you give me something?"
Tsunade immediately understood what he wanted.
She looked up at him.
As she was thinking, Hanekawa leaned down and captured her lips.
Tsunade shot him a dissatisfied glance, but her body quickly softened.
She clung tightly to Hanekawa, her delicate face flushing slightly.
Until she suddenly opened her eyes and pushed him away.
"Brat!"
Tsunade shouted in embarrassment.
Hanekawa was momentarily lost in thought.
He couldn't resist measuring Tsunade's "assets."
Indeed, it was slightly better than Samui's.
As for Tsunade's anger, he didn't take it to heart.
Once was enough; with time, he could break through the final barrier.
"I'm leaving, Sensei."
Hanekawa immediately put on a well-behaved expression.
"..."
Tsunade rolled her eyes and said fiercely, "Be careful out there!"
"Sensei, your heart is so soft."
Hanekawa smiled and said.
After all, he had just felt it.
"Is that so?"
Tsunade's voice turned cold as she raised her leg and kicked.
Hanekawa instinctively brought his hands together.
*Bang!*
He was pushed back several steps, reaching the door of the Hokage's office.
"Sensei, goodbye!"
Hanekawa closed the door and made a quick escape.
Tsunade watched him disappear before slowly coming back to her senses.
She lowered her head slightly and placed her hand over her chest.
The gentle touch seemed to linger.
A tingling sensation spread through her body, making her heart race.
How strange.
Tsunade bit her lip, feeling as though everything had become different.
But deep down, she didn't resist.
After living for so many years, perhaps it was time to try something new.
---
Hanekawa arrived at the Ninja Records Office.
After stating his purpose, he received his ninja certification and jonin vest.
Hanekawa took a couple of steps, then remembered something, and also registered Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara as jonin.
After completing this, he returned to the Anbu base.
He had agreed with Kurenai and Rin to set off at 9 a.m.
With over an hour left, there was no need to arrive early at the village gate to wait.
"Congratulations on becoming a jonin, Lord Hanekawa."
Aoba noticed the ninja certification in his hand, paused for a moment, and said.
But after saying it, she felt it was a bit odd.
So, he had only been a chunin before.
In the history of the Leaf Village, Hanekawa was the first ninja to become the head of the Anbu while still a chunin.
"Thank you."
Hanekawa opened the ninja certification and casually asked, "Anything to report?"
The ninja certification was somewhat like a household register from his previous life, stating the year and month he became a jonin.
"The Anbu have discovered Mukade's trail."
Haru replied, "He's currently in the Sand Village."
Hanekawa's eyes narrowed.
He hasn't defected yet?
Thinking about it, that made sense.
According to the original story, after Mukade defected, Yamato led Naruto and the others to chase him, accidentally entering Roran.
In other words, this plot wouldn't happen for another decade or so.
It seemed he needed to guide things along.
"Just keep an eye on him."
Hanekawa thought for a moment and said.
He wasn't in a hurry now that Mukade had been found. He could go whenever he wanted.
The Dragon Vein's time travel was unpredictable, so he could afford to wait until his strength improved further.
"Yes."
Haru nodded, then added, "Just now, Shinnō met Might Guy under the pretext of physical training."
"As expected."
Hanekawa chuckled, "You don't need to interfere."
"Yes."
Haru bowed slightly and left.
---
At 9 a.m., Hanekawa arrived at the village gate on time.
"Hanekawa!"
Kurenai ran up to him, smiling as she greeted him.
Since they were going on a mission, she wore a ninja vest over her clothes.
Paired with her ponytail, she looked less like a girl and more heroic than usual.
"You should call me captain now."
Hanekawa pinched her fair cheek and said.
"Captain?"
Kurenai was slightly stunned.
"I'm a jonin now."
Hanekawa explained with a smile.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Kurenai pouted, somewhat displeased, "I was planning to become a jonin with you."
She had already mastered Tobirama Senju's water-style ninjutsu, and her strength had long reached jonin level.
But there was a catch.
Her chakra reserves were far inferior to Tobirama's.
Thus, Kurenai could only become an elite water-style jonin, not a second Tobirama or Kisame Hoshigaki.
"Look at this."
Hanekawa handed her the ninja certification.
"Is this... mine?"
Kurenai opened the certification and widened her eyes in surprise.
It was her jonin certification.
"I promoted you to jonin as well."
Hanekawa explained.
As the Hokage's assistant, he had the authority to assess jonin promotions.
Plus, Kurenai's strength was more than sufficient, so it was a simple matter.
The same applied to Rin Nohara.
In terms of medical ninjutsu alone, she was already at jonin level.
With the Spirit Transformation Technique, she also had some combat and support capabilities.
"That's great!"
Kurenai beamed, proudly saying, "From now on, I'm a jonin!"
Hanekawa patted her head, lost in thought.
How could he improve Kurenai's strength?
After learning genjutsu and water-style ninjutsu, her strength had clearly hit a bottleneck.
Progressing further would be difficult.
After all, she didn't have a Kekkei Genkai.
What about using the Chimera Technique?
But from the original story, this forbidden technique wasn't fully perfected.
Moreover, aside from requiring the sacrifice of five Kekkei Genkai users, it had side effects.
After using the Chimera Technique, Hiruko gradually turned into a child.
Kekkei Genkai users were already rare in the ninja world, let alone powerful ones.
Finding five random Kekkei Genkai users was something Hanekawa could do.
But he couldn't guarantee their quality.
Hanekawa suddenly thought of Orochimaru.
With his talent, he could definitely improve the Chimera Technique.
Plus, he had cloning technology, which could replicate the most powerful Kekkei Genkai in the ninja world.
If successful, the Chimera Technique could not only enhance Kurenai and Rin's strength but could also be promoted within the Leaf Village.
Hanekawa could use this opportunity to cultivate a loyal squad of Kekkei Genkai users.
But this would obviously take time.
After all, Orochimaru hadn't delved much into cloning technology yet, as he was focused on his Body Replacement Technique.
Fortunately, time was something Hanekawa had plenty of.
"What are you thinking about?"
Kurenai waved her hand in front of his face, asking.
"Nothing."
Hanekawa shook his head.
"Rin!"
Kurenai was about to ask more when she saw Rin approaching, so she waved to her.
"Sorry I'm late."
Rin smiled apologetically.
"It's fine. We just got here too."
Hanekawa grabbed her wrist, "I'll use the Flying Thunder God Technique to take us there."
Rin's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded subconsciously.
"Wait!"
Kurenai quickly said, "We finally get to go on a mission together. Let's travel normally!"
"Alright."
Hanekawa let go, "It's not urgent anyway."
He had already sent the Anbu to monitor and track Hiruko.
Even if they delayed a few days, he wouldn't escape.
"Yay!"
Kurenai immediately grabbed Hanekawa's hand and pulled him along.
After a few steps, she suddenly remembered something and reached out to Rin.
Rin was momentarily stunned but then walked over and took her hand.
Hanekawa's expression turned strange.
What kind of odd trio was this?
Come to think of it, he had a "Three's Company" trait.
Maybe he could use this opportunity to upgrade it.
The three headed southeast, quickly leaving the Leaf Village.
They traveled at a moderate pace, occasionally stopping to enjoy the scenery.
Hanekawa wasn't in a hurry either. In his free time, he studied ninjutsu scrolls.
By evening, they reached the southeastern border of the Land of Fire.
"Let's rest here."
Hanekawa looked around and said.
"You cook, and I'll set up the tent!"
Kurenai rubbed her hands together eagerly.
"No need for that trouble."
Hanekawa smiled, "I'll perform a magic trick for you."
Kurenai and Rin looked at him curiously.
Wood Release: Four Pillar House!
Hanekawa formed hand seals and slapped the ground.
The earth rose, roots breaking through the soil, and in an instant, a complex wooden house formed.
"There's a ninjutsu like this?"
Kurenai was stunned.
"This... this is so convenient."
Rin couldn't help but marvel.
"Let's go inside."
Hanekawa pushed open the door and said.
___
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