Hanekawa arrived at Tsunade's house but paused before knocking. Instead, he unrolled the scroll Tsuchihashi had given him.
The Lightning Style training thod looked straightforward on the surface, but as he read through it, a problem beca apparent. His body was still too young—fully developed physiology was essential for safely channeling Lightning Style chakra. He'd need to wait at least two years before attempting the advanced techniques.
Great. Another skill locked behind a level requirent.
However, the scroll did offer an alternative: a rigorous body conditioning regin more effective than simple running drills. It wasn't ideal, but it was sothing.
Hanekawa rolled up the scroll and knocked.
Tsunade answered monts later in loose pajamas, clearly fresh from bed. Her blonde hair was still tousled, and she looked thoroughly unimpressed with the early morning visit.
"Good morning, Teacher," Hanekawa greeted politely.
"Mm." Tsunade nodded, then suddenly thrust out her hand. "Here. A key."
Hanekawa examined the two keys—one large, one small. "Why are there two?"
"The smaller one opens the room next door," Tsunade said with a yawn. "If I'm not up, you can let yourself in and sleep there instead of standing around like a lost puppy."
"Teacher, you're completely ignoring the Ninja Code—"
She flicked his forehead.
"Ow!"
"You're a student. Stop trying to manage your teacher's life," she said flatly. "Now go cook breakfast."
"Yes, ma'am." Hanekawa took a few steps toward the kitchen, then turned back. "And I'm not controlling you—I'm offering constructive advice."
He bolted into the kitchen before she could retaliate.
"Brat!" Tsunade called after him, but she was smiling.
She returned to her room and changed into proper clothes. When she erged, she'd tied her blonde hair into two neat ponytails that frad her face. She settled at the dining table, adjusting the ties while she waited.
Hanekawa erged with a steaming bowl of beef ran and set it before her.
Don't stare. Don't stare. Absolutely do not—
"Where's the beef?" Tsunade asked, already picking up her chopsticks.
"I bought it on the way over," he said, forcing his attention elsewhere.
"Not bad. You're learning how to take care of things." She took a sip, leaving a faint sheen of broth on her lips.
Okay, that's not fair.
"This isn't my ho," Hanekawa corrected, pushing down increasingly chaotic thoughts.
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"You have a key. It's your ho now." Tsunade took another bite, completely oblivious to his internal crisis.
Wait, does that an I'm being kept? No—actually, I'm the one funding this arrangent. If anything, she's being kept.
"Aren't you supposed to be on holiday?" Tsunade asked, studying him. "Why are you here again?"
"Because I'm a dutiful student," Hanekawa said smoothly. "I was worried you wouldn't rember to eat."
"I'm not that helpless." She rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward.
The tsundere act is officially retired, Hanekawa noted. And that eye-roll is actually kind of—
He killed that thought imdiately.
"Since you're here anyway," Tsunade said, changing the subject, "want to co with to the casino?"
There it is. The legendary Tsunade gambling addiction, right on schedule.
"I'm still a child," Hanekawa said. "Casinos probably aren't appropriate."
"So?" Tsunade slurped her ran without missing a beat. "What's your point?"
"I should be practicing instead."
Tsunade set down her chopsticks. "You're right. Cultivation requires balance—knowing when to push and when to rest. How about this: co with as my guest. I promise you won't be bored."
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see." She smiled mysteriously.
Great. A riddle. Just what I needed today.
He stood and collected her empty bowl. "I'll wash these first."
"What's with that reaction?" Tsunade asked, annoyed.
"Just being helpful, Teacher."
A few minutes later, they were walking through Konoha's streets. As they progressed, the crowds thinned and the buildings beca more sparse. Eventually, they reached a quiet residential area with almost no foot traffic.
This is either Uzumaki Kushina's place or I'm about to get kidnapped. Fifty-fifty odds.
Tsunade pointed ahead. "Almost there."
A two-story wooden house ca into view, and before Hanekawa could fully process it, the front door exploded open.
"Lady Tsunade!"
A blur of crimson hair rocketed toward them at impressive speed. Uzumaki Kushina skidded to a halt, her red hair still swirling from the montum, her face bright with excitent.
"Kushina," Tsunade greeted with a slight smile. "This is—"
"Hanekawa!" Kushina interrupted, her eyes lighting up. "Minato and I t you before! I didn't know you were Lady Tsunade's student!"
"Just recently," Tsunade confird.
"Welco, Hanekawa-chan!" Kushina grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward the house. "See that cherry tree? Minato planted it! And there's a peach tree in the back—you can eat fresh peaches in two months! There's also a swing if you want to—"
Before he could respond, she reached over and ruffled his hair.
Is she always this enthusiastic, or am I just that charming?
Tsunade followed behind them, her expression caught between amusent and sothing that looked suspiciously like jealousy.
Inside, Kushina settled Hanekawa on the sofa and imdiately launched into questions about the final exams.
"How did you beat Kakashi?" she asked eagerly.
"Knife work," Hanekawa said simply.
"Details! I need details!"
He gave her a brief rundown. Her eyes went wide.
"That's incredible!" she exclaid. "I wish I had students to teach. The Nine-Tails thing makes it... complicated."
She paused, studying him thoughtfully. "Are you interested in sealing techniques?"
"Kushina," Tsunade interjected smoothly, "he's still young. He hasn't even started dical ninjutsu yet."
"True," Kushina admitted with a sheepish smile. "We can talk about it when you're older, Hanekawa-chan."
"I'd like that," Hanekawa agreed.
Sealing techniques are basically cheat codes in this world. Absolutely worth learning.
He turned to acknowledge Tsunade's agreent and found her staring at him with an expression that could only be described as murderous.
Oh. Oh no. She thinks Kushina is trying to steal as a student.
Hanekawa suddenly beca very interested in the floor.
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