She gently touched the foreheads of the two kids, her voice soft yet chiding, "Alright, we're in public. Let's not make a scene."
Even Uchiha Xingliu felt a bit embarrassed. After all, his soul wasn't that of a child. Tsunade's childish antics were understandable, but he couldn't believe he got caught up in it too.
He quickly blamed it on his body. Must be the hormones making him act like a kid.
Trying to save face, or maybe just not wanting to be the only one embarrassed, he asked with an innocent look, "By the way, Big Sis, you mentioned you're Tsunade's grandma. How old are you?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, a chill ran down his spine. He turned to see Uzumaki Mito, who was still smiling, but there was an icy edge to it now.
Tsunade, on the other hand, had already made a quick escape, claiming she needed the bathroom.
Left alone, Xingliu swallowed hard and tried to play it cool. "I misspoke. I meant to ask if I could call you Mito Sis."
Mito's smile returned to its warm, gentle state, and the oppressive aura vanished like a bad dream. Suddenly, the sun seemed to shine brighter.
"Of course, you can call me Mito Sis. You and Tsunade can call me whatever you like. Just be more careful with your words next time, okay?"
Xingliu let out a long breath, relieved he had dodged a bullet. *No matter the world, a woman's age is always a taboo.*
Just then, Tsunade reappeared, glancing at Mito's now-pleasant demeanor. She sighed in relief and resumed eating her barbecue as if nothing had happened. Xingliu ground his teeth in frustration.
He couldn't believe Tsunade bailed on him so quickly. He hadn't even seen her slip away. And she was so practiced at it—clearly not her first rodeo.
This made him a bit apprehensive about living with Mito. But he couldn't afford to offend her. As for Tsunade, what could a little kid do?
His stomach growled, so Xingliu decided to take it out on the food, challenging Tsunade to a barbecue showdown.
Chopsticks clashed, and the meat disappeared rapidly. Neither gave an inch, but neither dared touch the meat in front of Mito. They weren't foolish enough to provoke the big boss.
As the night wore on and more patrons left Yakiniku Q, their little 'war' came to an end. Tsunade lay back, her belly full, clearly having overstuffed herself to compete with Xingliu.
She eyed his flat stomach with a hint of resentment. She'd expected it, but losing an eating contest still stung.
After all, Tsunade was still a child. Caring about such things was normal. Xingliu, on the other hand, was just having fun.
Watching Tsunade pat her stomach, Xingliu delivered the final blow. "You should only eat until you're about 70% full. Overeating's bad for digestion."
He gave her a look, hoping she'd get the hint, then turned to Mito. "Mito Sis, I can't move in today. I've got a lot to sort out at home. Can I come the day after tomorrow?"
Mito nodded, understanding the need for some time. "Of course. I'll come to get you in the morning, and we'll handle the paperwork at the Hokage Building."
Xingliu stood and bowed deeply. "Thank you for taking me in. I'll repay your kindness, no matter what."
Mito smiled, helping him up. "It's no trouble. It's my honor to take in such a kind child."
Xingliu knew she hadn't caught the deeper meaning in his words. He was aware Mito had her reasons for adopting him, but he didn't mind. It benefited him too.
*Actions speak louder than intentions. It's what you do that counts.*
His suggestion might have been self-serving, but it meant the orphanage got to eat barbecue twice a month. Whatever his motives, the outcome was good.
Unlike future Hokages who claimed to act for Konoha's sake but did nothing beneficial, Mito's adoption brought real advantages.
With Mito's protection, his plans could change. His AFK System needed time to develop. If Danzo, with his Uchiha hatred, saw his talent, Xingliu might be eliminated before he could grow.
Originally, he planned to focus on medical skills until he could protect himself. But with Mito's backing, he could accelerate his plans.
His promise to repay Mito wasn't empty. He'd ensure the Uzumaki Clan thrived in the future.
After settling the bill, Mito led Tsunade and Xingliu out into the cool night air, which felt refreshing after the hot barbecue.
Mito released Xingliu's hand, holding Tsunade's as she faced him. "Remember, I'll pick you up the day after tomorrow. Don't oversleep."
"We're heading off now. Be careful on your way home, alright?"
Xingliu nodded, waving them off. "Don't worry, Sis. My place is close by."
They parted ways, and soon Xingliu was at his doorstep. A pile of books awaited him, with a note on top.
*I knocked for a while, but no one answered, so I left the medical books here. Make sure to study them well. - Uchiha Xuan*
He didn't need to read the note to know who it was from. No one else would leave such a stack of books.
Carrying them inside, Xingliu arranged them neatly and reflected on the day's events.
Being told to enroll in the Ninja Academy, meeting the young Sannin and Might Duy, and then unexpectedly being adopted by Mito. One thing after another.
*Plans never keep up with change.*
His original plan to slowly get close to Tsunade and the others was obsolete before it even began. Time to rethink his strategy.
He still needed to study medical knowledge and level up through his AFK System. But personal strength was crucial too.
*Two AFK slots just aren't enough. When will the system unlock more?*
He wondered if his Uchiha Bloodline skill included the Sharingan. If so, leveling it might free up a slot.
The Uchiha Bloodline was at green level. Upgrading it could lead to Indra's bloodline or a fragment of the Six Paths.
Indra's Mangekyou Sharingan was eternal from the start, and his three-tomoe Sharingan could wield divine power—Susanoo.
If upgrading the bloodline also advanced the Sharingan, he'd have an extra slot to ease his current dilemma.
He needed to test this theory. Xingliu opened the system, replacing the One Tomoe Sharingan (Green) with Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (Green) in the AFK slot.
He'd find out soon enough.