After some thorough discussion, Hiruzen and Mito finally agreed to Hoshiyomi's idea. Even though the chances of success weren't great, it was still the best solution they had at the moment.
Tsunade's eyes lit up when she heard about the Eight Inner Gates. She earnestly told Hoshiyomi:
"Don't worry, Hoshiyomi. Train as hard as you want—no matter what kind of injury you suffer, I'll heal you."
She wasn't just saying that. Tsunade's natural talent in medical ninjutsu had already become obvious to everyone. Even Mito Uzumaki had been surprised that Tsunade could instinctively grasp and begin mastering advanced techniques like the Mystic Palm Technique without any formal guidance.
It wasn't just her fine chakra control that was remarkable, but her terrifying learning ability. She had a kind of instinctual, almost animal-like intuition when it came to medical knowledge.
Ever since Mito discovered her talent—thanks to the infamous pen-spinning incident—Tsunade had covered ground in just a few years that would take others over a decade.
She could memorize complex medical theory after a single glance. The kind of genius that made others despair.
With the decision made that Hoshiyomi would train in the Eight Gates to break the Terrifying Death Limit curse, he left the Senju compound and returned home empty-handed for now.
Mito had already sent someone to transcribe the Eight Gates scroll and would have it delivered to his home that evening.
———
When Hoshiyomi got back, he practiced sword forms in the courtyard until his mother, Rie, returned from work.
Seeing her son for the first time in what felt like forever, she smiled warmly.
"Come help your mom carry the groceries—tonight we're having a feast!"
She'd gotten off early from the hospital today, having heard that the Chūnin Exam team had returned. She had bought a ton of ingredients to welcome her son home properly.
While she was cooking, Hoshiyomi casually mentioned that he had been promoted to Chūnin. Rie said:
"Chūnin? Pfft, your father was a Jōnin. Don't get cocky. Life's long—keep working hard, you hear?"
But inside, she was over the moon. Her son—just ten years old—was already a Chūnin. If her late husband, Eiichi, could see him now, he'd probably be even prouder than she was.
Eiichi's dream had been half-fulfilled. As long as their son didn't take on dangerous missions, the Gekkō clan's revival was basically guaranteed.
Still, being a shinobi was always dangerous. Rie thought, I need to find a girlfriend for my boy. Someone reliable.
The real battle wasn't over yet—not until she could report to the ancestors that she had a grandson. Dr. Shinō's daughter was about the same age as Hoshiyomi and wasn't bad looking either.
Then there was Chief Ichikaku's daughter—slightly older, but prettier. Definitely someone to keep in mind.
My boy's so talented and handsome. No way Ichikaku wouldn't approve. Hm… which one would make a better daughter-in-law? Tough choice.
Wait—this wasn't just about her. She had to consider Hoshiyomi's opinion too. Maybe over the next few days, she could arrange some visits and see which girl he preferred.
With all these thoughts racing through her head, Rie's hands didn't slow for a second. Before long, she had a full table of delicious food ready.
It had been a while since Hoshiyomi had eaten his mom's cooking. Tonight, he practically devoured everything—nearly swallowed his tongue.
Rie, still unaware of the Terrifying Death Limit curse, smiled as she watched her son gobble down food. She picked at dishes and placed more in his bowl, saying things like,
"Slow down, no one's taking it from you."
What Hoshiyomi didn't know was that Rie's mind was still stuck on Dr. Shinō's daughter… until the doorbell rang.
She wiped her hands and went to answer it.
Opening the door, she was met with a bright-eyed, blonde-haired young girl standing at the threshold, looking up at her and asking:
"Good evening, ma'am. Does Gekkō Hoshiyomi live here?"
In that instant, Rie's mind went blank—bam. All thoughts of Shinō and Ichikaku's daughters vanished into thin air.
Compared to the stunningly beautiful girl in front of her, those two were nothing but country bumpkins. (Jeanne d'Arc: I feel vaguely insulted…)
From the very first glance, Rie had already mentally labeled this girl as daughter-in-law material.
That sneaky little brat, she thought. Didn't say a word and now drops this kind of bombshell on me?
Rie immediately plastered on a radiant smile.
"Yes, he's just inside eating. Come in! Have you eaten yet? Why not join us? I'm a very good cook, you know!"
Tsunade—who had come to deliver the Eight Gates scroll—was taken aback by the sheer enthusiasm. She found herself being ushered inside before she could protest.
Along the way, Rie kept gently prying for information.
Flustered, Tsunade introduced herself:
"Ah, I'm Tsunade. I'm Hoshiyomi's classmate… and teammate from his special training sessions. You know about the special training, right?"
Rie's eyes practically sparkled.
That rascal! He never mentioned he had such a pretty girl around. Ugh, kids these days... Can't leave this to chance—I'll need to give him a nudge!
Rie suddenly put on a theatrically delighted face:
"Oh, so you're Tsunade? You don't know how often Hoshiyomi talks about you at home!"
"And now that I see you… wow. You're even prettier than he said. He once told me that you're more beautiful than every other girl he's ever met combined. I thought he was exaggerating—but now I see he was being modest!"
Eh... wha...?
Tsunade stood stunned.
Wait a second. Are we… talking about the same Hoshiyomi? The guy who's constantly making sarcastic digs at me?
He really talks about me at home? And says I'm pretty? No way… but Hoshiyomi's mom wouldn't lie, would she? That means...
Could it be? No, no way… Could Hoshiyomi actually... like me?
In a flash, memories from the Academy surfaced. Her friend Ayako's voice echoed in her mind:
"Books say that boys sometimes act mean toward girls they like… it's just their way of trying to get close."
"I think Hoshiyomi has a crush on you…"
Tsunade's face turned beet red.
Rie, watching from the side, silently cheered.
Yes! There's something here! I knew it—what girl shows up at night just to 'drop something off'?
Looks like I won't need to coach him after all—he's already brought her home!
With a sly smile, Rie gave Tsunade a gentle push and said,
"Come on, since you're here, stay for dinner. You're the first girl to visit him at home. You've got to try my cooking."
Tsunade wanted to politely decline—she'd already eaten—but for several seconds, she just stammered:
"Uh… no, I… I really shouldn't…"
"Oh, nonsense! Come in, come in. Hoshiyomi! You glutton—look who's here!"