"Y-Y-Yuzuru-sama, that's enough, that's enough… you're giving me way too much."
"These things are so precious… I'm almost overwhelmed just holding them."
Nohara Rin felt like her whole body was burning. Her head spun, light and hazy.
Medical ninjutsu scrolls were piled up like mountains—every single one of them at least B-rank.
And among them… there were even two S-rank scrolls…
If word of this got out, other people would probably be jealous to death, wouldn't they?
"Rin, a medical ninja is the core member of a squad. The responsibility you carry is heavier than anyone else's."
"Take these scrolls back and study them slowly. From now on, every day, I'll train with you here on this training ground."
Uchiha Yuzuru stuffed all the scrolls into Rin's arms in one go—and took the opportunity to pat her head.
With Rin's talent, now that she had access to this many resources, she would at the very least become an elite jōnin in the future.
Rin looked at Uchiha Yuzuru with gratitude, already unsure what to say anymore.
Not only had he fulfilled her dream of becoming a medical ninja, he had handed her so many priceless techniques to learn…
And he was even going to train with her every single day…
Even in her dreams, Rin had never dared to hope for something like this.
After all, he was…
the strongest person in the ninja world right now—Uchiha Yuzuru!!!
After thinking it through again and again, Rin could only drop to her knees and bow deeply, her voice firm.
"Yuzuru-sama, I can never repay your kindness. If there is ever anything you need me for, I will do it—even if it costs me my life!"
Uchiha Yuzuru smiled and helped her up.
"Alright, alright. I'll remember what you said."
For the next period of time, Rin spent her days following Tsunade at the Konoha Hospital, learning everything about the work of medical ninja.
At night, she studied offensive power alongside Uchiha Yuzuru.
Rin worked hard—each time training until her body and mind were completely exhausted.
Because Yuzuru had told her: the role of a medical ninja wasn't limited to healing comrades. A medical ninja also needed strong combat ability.
And just like that, three months passed.
The weather had grown gradually hotter.
Rin had already adapted to her early-out-late-back lifestyle, and she had even gained a bit of reputation in the Konoha Hospital.
Working together with Shizune, she could already handle things independently.
Morning.
Rin arrived at the Konoha Hospital early as usual.
She glanced toward Shizune, who was busy working in the office, and couldn't help asking, "Shizune, Tsunade-sama didn't come today?"
Shizune's face lit up with a small smile.
"Rin, Tsunade-sama is pregnant."
"Huh? Pregnant?!"
"R-Really?"
Rin covered her mouth, staring in shock.
Shizune finished organizing a stack of documents and set them down in front of Rin, smiling.
"Of course it's real. How would I dare joke about something like that?"
"So until the baby is born, Tsunade-sama won't be coming to work at the hospital anymore."
"From now on, do your best!"
Hearing that, Rin nodded hard.
"I understand."
Uchiha Clan Compound.
In the courtyard.
Tsunade tossed the cards in her hand onto the table with a sour expression, annoyed.
"I lost again."
Kushina smiled brightly as she pulled the money toward herself.
"Tsunade-nee, are you still playing?"
Tsunade snorted.
"Of course. But… I'm checking the cards!"
Kushina happily agreed.
"Fine, fine. Do whatever you want."
While Tsunade was busy inspecting the deck, Shizune and Rin walked in carrying a basket of fruit.
Seeing everyone playing cards, Rin bowed respectfully.
"Tsunade-sensei, Kushina-sama, Mikoto-sama…"
Tsunade smiled.
"Rin, why are you here?"
Rin handed the fruit to Mikoto and said softly, "Sensei, I heard from Shizune that you're pregnant, so I came to visit."
Tsunade hummed and gathered up the cards in her hand.
"Then I'll be counting on you and Shizune at the hospital. If anything comes up, you can come find me anytime."
Rin nodded obediently.
"Understood."
After chatting for a bit, Rin left.
Once she was gone, Tsunade got up and returned to her room.
Not long after, Uchiha Yuzuru walked in.
Tsunade spoke softly.
"Yuzuru… you can't do any of that messy stuff right now."
Yuzuru held a steamed bun in his hand, muttering, "I'm not that immature. I know what I should do—and what I shouldn't."
Tsunade snorted and struggled up from his arms, then said quietly, "If you know, then behave."
Then she pointed outside.
"Shizune is staying next door. Tonight, you'll go sleep with her."
Yuzuru raised an eyebrow.
"Huh? Isn't that… kind of not okay?"
Tsunade gave him a sideways look and snorted.
"Don't act like you're being noble after getting a bargain. I already told Shizune in advance."
"She's been living here with me this whole time—she's practically been in an awkward position. Stop pretending to be some gentleman."
"And if you're going to revive the Uchiha Clan, you're carrying the responsibility of being an example for your people. We wives won't drag you down."
"Go on. Don't make us feel guilty!"
Even after Tsunade shoved him out of the room, Yuzuru was still dazed.
No way…
So now people just deliver the food straight to your mouth?
If he didn't go looking for women, his own wives would feel guilty instead.
Was this… the charm of a persona?
The next day, it was almost noon when Shizune finally arrived at the Konoha Hospital, holding Tonton in her arms.
Rin immediately walked over, curious.
"Shizune, why are you so late today?"
Shizune's face instantly turned red. She lowered her head, stammering, not sure how to answer.
Seeing her like that, Rin clearly misunderstood.
Concerned, she asked, "Shizune, what's wrong? Are you feeling sick? Did someone bully you?"
With Rin looking like she wouldn't drop the matter, Shizune had no choice but to lean close and whisper a simple explanation into her ear.
The next second, Rin covered her mouth in shock.
"Shizune… you and Yuzuru-sama…"
"Hah?!"
Seeing Rin's reaction, Shizune said in a low voice, "Keep it down. Do you really have to be that shocked?"
"Yuzuru-sama has everything—he's basically the perfect husband in the hearts of countless women. Of course I'm no exception."
"Don't tell me you've never thought about… something happening between you and Yuzuru-sama?"
Rin froze, murmuring, "But you're Tsunade-sama's disciple… does Tsunade-sama know about this?"
Shizune nodded.
"Of course she knows. Yesterday's whole thing was arranged by Tsunade-sama herself."
In that instant, Rin felt dizzy—as if the world had turned unreal.
Thoughts she'd never even dared to imagine before began flashing through her mind one after another.
And for some reason…
a faint feeling of relief quietly appeared in her heart.
Seeing Rin spacing out, Shizune leaned closer and teased with a smile.
"Rin, I mean… Yuzuru-sama treats you so well. Do you want to offer yourself to him too?"
Rin jolted in fright—but she didn't say anything.
Yuzuru-sama…
Would he… be interested in her?