It was evening.
"You… you…" Shizune stared at Kitazawa in disbelief, so stunned she couldn't form a complete sentence for a while.
"What about me, Senior Sister Shizune?" Kitazawa responded with a bright smile.
"..." Shizune opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated. Last night, Kitazawa hadn't fully grasped the key points of anesthesia—but tonight, he had completely mastered it.
More than that, she noticed something else. His control over the Yang Release chakra nature transformation had improved significantly.
"You really haven't learned medical ninjutsu before?" Tsunade, who had been silently observing, couldn't help but ask.
"No," Kitazawa replied. "I've read a few medical books out of interest, but I never had anyone to teach me actual medical ninjutsu."
Those qualified to teach medical ninjutsu were all medical-nin, and while Tsunade was often away, she was still the head of Konoha Hospital. If Kitazawa had learned from someone, she'd know—so lying wasn't an option.
"That's enough for today's training," Tsunade said after a moment of silence. "Go call Kurenai and Yakumo down."
"Understood." Kitazawa nodded.
It was time to complete Kurama Yakumo's fourth ninjutsu.
He turned and headed toward the stairs.
"Tsunade-sama…" Shizune finally snapped out of her daze and asked, half-questioning her own worth, "Am I… not a medical ninjutsu genius anymore?"
"Your talent surpasses most people." Tsunade paused before continuing. "But… you still can't compare to Kitazawa."
"I know I can't compare, but… the gap is just too much." Shizune sighed, feeling a pang of helplessness.
Tsunade fell into deep thought.
By all rights, she should report Kitazawa's exceptional talent to Sarutobi Hiruzen. Knowing him, he'd insist she take Kitazawa as a formal student.
There were two reasons for this. First, training another top-tier medical ninja was always a priority—especially since Tsunade, due to her hemophobia, had become half-inactive in that field. Second, it would be a reason to keep her in Konoha longer.
With her status, Tsunade didn't need to do much to provide both tangible and intangible value to the village simply by staying.
But right now… she wasn't sure if she wanted to stay. Her feelings toward Konoha were complicated. So for the time being, she decided to postpone the matter.
---
Kitazawa reached the rooftop.
He spotted Kurama Yakumo painting quietly—but where was Kurenai?
Scanning the surroundings, he noticed her on a nearby tree… practicing Rasengan.
"Kurenai." He waved.
Upon seeing him, Kurenai leapt down gracefully and landed in front of him, her red dress fluttering with the movement.
Kitazawa couldn't help but enjoy the view.
"Stop staring!" Kurenai caught his gaze and rolled her eyes.
"I wasn't staring—you were imagining things." Kitazawa grinned, patted her soft thigh, and added, "Don't slander me like that!"
Kurenai's eyes widened.
This shameless man! She clenched her fists instinctively, scanning Kitazawa for a good spot to hit in retaliation.
"Aren't you worried Yakumo might see us?" Kitazawa coughed lightly, preemptively shifting the focus.
"Hmph! I'll let you go—for now!" Kurenai huffed, her dress trembling slightly from her movement. In the end, she stepped on his foot in mock punishment.
Kitazawa chuckled. Teasing Kurenai was becoming more enjoyable by the day.
And clearly, she was getting used to his touch.
The three of them headed downstairs and rejoined the others in the living room.
There was no unnecessary chatter—everyone focused on finalizing Yakumo's fourth ninjutsu.
The moon rose high into the sky.
Normally, they finished by 9 p.m., but today's session extended to 10.
"It's done!" Kurenai smiled excitedly.
"Yes, finally." Shizune let out a long breath. "This one took forever."
Although she wasn't part of the original Psychological Medical Ninjutsu Development Team, she had followed Tsunade and contributed to this new technique.
"What should we name this jutsu?" Tsunade asked, her face relaxed at last.
This ninjutsu was tough to create—nearly B-rank in complexity. She had no doubt Hiruzen wouldn't get away with paying just 1 million ryo this time.
He'd need to offer more. And with that extra cash, she'd head off for another good round of gambling. Just the thought made her smile.
"Why not call it Memory Reconstruction Technique?" Kurenai offered after a brief pause.
"The technique seals a portion of memory, not reconstructs it." Shizune thought aloud. "'Reconstruction' might not be the right word. 'Sealing' fits better."
"That works too." Kurenai nodded. A name was just a name—no need to argue.
"What do you think, Kitazawa?" Shizune turned and asked.
"I'm not very good at naming things," Kitazawa admitted.
"Come on, just suggest something—so we can say you were involved." Shizune smiled teasingly.
"Sealing memory is really about sealing emotions..." Kitazawa mused for a moment.
"How about the Forgetfulness Technique?"
"Let's go with Memory Sealing Jutsu." Tsunade stood and declared. "That's enough for tonight. I'm heading out."
"Tsunade-sama, what's wrong?" Kurenai immediately noticed her odd expression.
Kitazawa was also taken aback—then realized. It was the word 'forget'—it had stirred Tsunade's buried memories.
"I'll go check on her." He followed her out, knowing that even if unintentional, his words had touched a sore spot.
Shizune figured out the reason, too. She stood for a moment, hesitated, and finally sat down again. She had tried countless times to persuade Tsunade to let go of the past—yet nothing ever worked.
But maybe… if it were someone else, the result might be different.
---
"Tsunade-sama." Kitazawa caught up with her.
"Why is it you? Where's Shizune?" Tsunade glanced sideways, frowning.
"Just now…" Kitazawa started to speak but stopped mid-sentence.
"You're really sharp." Tsunade immediately understood, turned her gaze toward the night sky, her eyes filled with complexity. "You should head back. There's no need to follow me."
"Where are you going this late, Tsunade-sama?" Kitazawa asked calmly. "Maybe I can help."
"You can… Hmm, actually, you came at the perfect time." Tsunade's expression shifted slightly as she asked, "Do you have money on you?"
She and Shizune had already lost everything at the casino.
"You're going to the casino?" Kitazawa asked, unfazed.
When people feel down, they often turn to the things they enjoy.
"Is that not allowed?" Tsunade stretched out her hand and said, "I'll pay you back after the old man gives me the money tomorrow."
"Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa suddenly asked, struck by a thought, "Do you know how to bet on alcohol?"
"What's alcohol betting?" Tsunade blinked in confusion.
"It's gambling and drinking at the same time," Kitazawa explained.
"There's such a thing?" Tsunade's eyes lit up instantly, like shining gems in the night. Her two greatest pleasures were drinking and gambling. A game that combined both? That was double the enjoyment.
"There is," Kitazawa smiled, "I'll treat you to a drink. Want to go?"
"Let's go!" Tsunade didn't hesitate.
She was in a bad mood, and when someone invited her to drink, she wasn't about to say no. Before Kitazawa could react, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him toward a familiar izakaya.
"Tsunade-sama, slow down!" Kitazawa struggled to keep up.
"You're a special jonin, aren't you? Can't even handle this pace?" Tsunade glanced at him and said, "You need to work on your physique."
"..." Kitazawa's mouth twitched. You have Senju blood. I don't.
"Even as a medical ninja, you can't always hide behind your teammates." Tsunade released his wrist, clenched her fists, and added, "A true medical ninja can fight and win."
"I've heard Lady Tsunade is a powerhouse in taijutsu," Kitazawa said with a wink. "So, can you teach me?"
"You're not shy at all, are you?" Tsunade gave him a sideways glance and waved her hand. "We'll talk about that after you master medical ninjutsu."
They entered the izakaya. Since it was late, the place was nearly empty.
Tsunade walked confidently into a private booth and ordered food and sake. Clearly, she was a regular—the owner even brought over a free plate of peanuts.
"So? What's this alcohol betting game all about?" Tsunade asked impatiently, not even waiting for Kitazawa to sit down.
Kitazawa's gaze momentarily drifted to her round, curvaceous hips. In terms of maturity and allure, there were few kunoichi in the ninja world who could rival Tsunade.
"It's actually very simple—just finger-guessing," Kitazawa explained. "We guess numbers using our fingers. Whoever guesses wrong drinks."
"How do you play finger-guessing?" Tsunade leaned forward, intrigued.
"You use ten fingers," Kitazawa said, raising his hands. He began explaining the finger-guessing game from his previous life.
It originated as a traditional drinking game. In the version Kitazawa taught, both players show any number of fingers and say a number aloud. If someone correctly guesses the sum of both sides' fingers, they win.
"This is brilliant!" Tsunade exclaimed. "You're smarter than you look."
To her, the game wasn't just about luck—it involved observation, bluffing, and quick judgment. For a gambler, that was thrilling.
And since sake was the wager, even losing had its perks. For the first time, Tsunade felt she had found a gambling method that truly suited her.
"Please enjoy, guests." The proprietress brought in the food and wine, then discreetly left them alone.
"Let's do this!" Tsunade stood up, taking off her tea-green coat to reveal her sleeveless top.
She leaned over the table, picked up the sake bottle with a smooth twist of her wrist, and poured two full cups.
Kitazawa, seated across from her, could only watch the necklace sway gently on her pale chest as she moved.
At this moment, I envy that necklace most.
"Stop dawdling!" Tsunade sat down again, her white arm already extended.
"Tsunade-sama, please go easy. I'm not a great drinker," Kitazawa said with a wry smile.
"I love watching bad drinkers get drunk," Tsunade smirked.
"In that case, I've got no choice but to beat you," Kitazawa said, eyes sharpening.
"The winner will be me!" Tsunade's voice was firm, her eyes gleaming with fierce competitiveness. "Let's begin!"
Of course, reality proved once again—Tsunade could never win a gamble.
"Damn it!" She downed twelve cups of sake in a row, and her beautiful face flushed red.
"Tsunade-sama, I'll join you for a glass." Kitazawa reached for his drink, but Tsunade suddenly grabbed his wrist.
"You… what do you mean by that?" Tsunade leaned forward. Her sleeveless top slipped slightly, and the wide neckline exposed a deep, distracting view.
Who turned on the flash? Kitazawa instinctively averted his eyes.
"I lost. I don't need you drinking on my behalf!" She released his hand with a huff. "Keep going!"
Kitazawa had no choice but to resume their finger-guessing game.
"You brat… you're just lucky tonight!" Tsunade shook her head and downed another cup.
She was visibly tipsy now, her voice thick with the scent of alcohol, her movements slow and languid. But what made it truly dangerous was her alluring, swaying figure.
"Lady Tsunade, don't just drink—have something to eat." Kitazawa sighed inwardly, offering a gentle reminder. Lucky? It's clearly your terrible luck.
"You're so annoying!" Tsunade slapped the table. "Drinking should be refreshing!"
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Kitazawa picked up a piece of chicken with his chopsticks and brought it to her lips.
Tsunade was silent for a moment, then parted her soft lips and took a bite. She chewed thoughtfully, swallowed, and mumbled, "The last person who fed me like this… was my little brother…"
Her eyes drifted to the wine glass in her hand, unfocused, her mind wandering into memory.
Nawaki fed her not out of affection, but because her cooking was terrible. Rather than suffer alone, he dragged her along.
"Some things are in the past," Kitazawa said gently, raising his glass. "But some things can still be changed. You should look ahead, Tsunade-sama."
"What do you know?" Tsunade shot him a glare.
"I really don't." Kitazawa replied honestly, "My parents died early. I've never truly experienced the pain of losing family."
"…" Tsunade took a deep breath and drank again. Only then did she remember—Kitazawa had lost both his parents at a young age and had been living alone ever since.
"If you don't eat, the food will get cold, Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa said, lifting a bowl toward her.
"You're so irritating!" Tsunade grumbled but still reached out and took the chopsticks from his hand. She set down her cup and began eating. Her cheeks puffed up slightly as she stuffed herself with food.
"Was the person you mentioned just now… Nawaki?" Kitazawa asked while pouring her another drink.
"You know of him?" Tsunade downed the wine in one gulp, her face growing redder.
"I've heard his name," Kitazawa answered truthfully. "But I don't know the full story."
"He was a bright, cheerful boy… always dreaming of becoming Hokage. Ever since he was small…" Tsunade's voice trailed off. She set her cup down and began recounting Nawaki's story in bits and pieces.
She hadn't talked about him in years. Now, once she started, she couldn't stop.
Kitazawa simply listened. He was a patient listener—almost unnaturally so.
And since Nawaki's story wasn't detailed in the original timeline, he took it as a touching expansion of canon.
"…And that's all… It turns out… his story was so short…" Suddenly, Tsunade stood, grabbed the wine pot, and began drinking straight from it.
The crystal-clear liquid trickled from the corner of her lips, down her slender neck, disappearing into her pale skin.
She drained it all and slammed the pot down on the table. She was drunk now, gazing at Kitazawa in a daze.
Their eyes met. Tsunade saw his calm, gentle gaze—and her heart skipped.
"Tsunade-sama, it's late. Let me take you home." Kitazawa spoke softly, seeing that her emotions had mostly run their course.
"…Yeah… Time to go…" Tsunade turned to leave.
"Your coat…" Kitazawa noticed she had left behind her tea-green overcoat and tried to stop her.
But before he could finish, a loud bang cut him off.
Tsunade had walked straight through the door. She shook her head, held her forehead, and muttered, "Who… Who just hit me?!"
Kitazawa watched her wage war against a stationary object and couldn't help but chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?!" Tsunade snapped, scowling. "Come here and help me!"
"Yes, Lady Tsunade." Kitazawa walked over, opened the door for her.
"I should make you run into it!" Tsunade kicked the door and stumbled outside.
Kitazawa shook his head, grabbed her coat, and quickly followed.
She wasn't walking fast.
After settling the bill with the proprietress, he caught up easily and gently grabbed her wrist to steady her.
"Did you… Did you pay?" Tsunade asked, still swaying.
"Would you really skip out on the bill?" Kitazawa smiled.
"What do you mean 'skip out'? I… I never skip out on a tab!" Tsunade patted his back and slurred, "Don't talk nonsense!"
"So all those IOUs written by Senior Sister Shizune are fake?" Kitazawa teased with a smirk.
"What?!" Tsunade froze, then burst out, "She told you about those?! That's treason!"
"I saw them by accident." Kitazawa coughed lightly. "It wasn't her fault."
"Those IOUs…" Tsunade bit her finger and muttered, "They gave them to me willingly!"
"…" Kitazawa was speechless.
But thinking about it, she wasn't wrong. With her status, most people lent her money voluntarily.
"Enough! Stop asking questions!" Tsunade suddenly leaned against him, murmuring, "I'm tired. Take me home."
Kitazawa caught her by the waist.
She fell into his arms. Her scent, mixed with the faint aroma of alcohol, filled the air.
With her warmth pressed against him, Kitazawa could feel the softness and fullness of her figure as he carefully supported her back toward the house.
"You two…" Shizune opened the door just then—and froze. She stared, wide-eyed, at the sight of Tsunade nestled in Kitazawa's arms.