"Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu."
"Water Release: Great Waterball Jutsu."
The two jutsu clashed fiercely, producing a burst of white steam.
In this situation, neither side could see clearly.
Suddenly, a figure dashed through the smoke. Tōshirō was startled as the opponent closed in swiftly, leading with a powerful thrust punch.
Tsunade's punch was extraordinarily forceful, enough to make even Tōshirō hesitate to take it head-on.
The more Tōshirō backed off, the more Tsunade pressed forward. Without activating his Sharingan, Tōshirō found himself struggling against her relentless assault.
Tōshirō thought to himself: It's been too long since I fought seriously. Tsunade has suddenly learned so many jutsu I've never seen before.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu."
A water dragon coiled beside Tsunade. Tōshirō's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
The Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu is among the most powerful techniques in Water Release.
What shocked Tōshirō wasn't that Tsunade could perform this jutsu but how quickly she did it.
If he remembered correctly, this jutsu typically required a complex sequence of 44 hand seals.
But just now, Tsunade had seemingly only performed four: Rat, Dragon, Rabbit, Tiger.
She had reduced the required seals by over tenfold—how could that not shock Tōshirō ?
A water dragon soared toward him with astonishing speed, making it nearly impossible to dodge. Tōshirō didn't dare underestimate it and quickly used his Ice Release defensive technique, creating a ring of ice walls around himself as solid as steel.
The water dragon struck the ice wall, disappearing like waves into the sea.
Before Tōshirō could smile, a figure charged through. The strong reflection of light off the ice illuminated a vortex of spiraling water in her hand, shaped into a drill.
"Water Release: Hard Whirlpool Slash."
The seemingly indestructible ice wall was torn apart like paper by Tsunade's water drill.
What?!
Facing her incoming fist at such close range, Tōshirō's pupils contracted.
His Ice Release: Ice Fortress was his most robust defensive technique, capable of covering 360 degrees without any blind spots.
However, it had one fatal flaw—once breached, the ice walls would restrict his movement, leaving him vulnerable.
Tsunade shattered the ice wall with a single punch but stopped short of delivering further blows.
Tōshirō closed his eyes briefly, then exhaled in frustration as he reopened them. "You win."
Without the Sharingan, their strength wasn't vastly different, and with inaccurate intelligence, his loss wasn't unexpected.
"Hehe…" Tsunade's flawless face lit up with an adorable smile. With her slender fingers, she flicked his forehead.
"That hurts!"
Tōshirō rubbed the spot where she flicked him, complaining.
"Hmph, it's supposed to. Let it remind you how strong I am."
Though Tsunade harbored feelings for Tōshirō , she wouldn't hold back in a fight. On the contrary, she approached it with utmost seriousness.
The stronger she became, the more she could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him—and perhaps even make him rely on her.
Tōshirō asked, "How were you able to pinpoint my location earlier?"
Tsunade waved her hand, a proud smile on her face. "Don't you know who the Second Hokage is to me? When it comes to sensory skills, I've got a natural talent."
In this timeline, Tsunade, under Tōshirō's guidance, had made great strides in medical ninjutsu, inherited the Second Hokage's Water Release techniques, and developed exceptional sensory abilities.
Compared to her original self at the same age, this Tsunade was far stronger.
"Water Release, monstrous strength, and sensory abilities… what a troublesome combination," Tōshirō muttered, feeling somewhat targeted.
Water Release countered Fire Release.
Her monstrous strength shattered his Ice Release defenses.
And her sensory abilities perfectly avoided direct eye contact with his Sharingan.
"Alright, the warm-up's over. For the next combo jutsu, follow my lead," Tsunade said with a bit of smugness after winning.
"Do you even know how to execute combo jutsu?"
Tōshirō only had a general concept of combo jutsu but didn't know the specifics.
"Of course! I've done my homework," Tsunade said confidently. "Sarutobi-sensei has plenty of experience in this area."
Tōshirō nodded in understanding.
He still vividly remembered the Five Release: Great Combination Bullet technique.
Tsunade began explaining the principles behind combo jutsu.
Tōshirō indulged her teaching enthusiasm, silently listening.
When she finished, Tsunade asked, "I just explained all that—did you get it?"
Tōshirō replied, "I'll only know if I understood once we try."
"Alright, let's give it a shot."
The two of them infused chakra into their feet, walking onto the river's surface.
Tsunade performed hand seals, and the surrounding river water responded to her chakra. It rippled and churned before a water dragon burst forth, coiling like a snake.
Originally, the Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu required 44 hand seals. Senju Tobirama had refined it, reducing the seals to just four.
Tsunade had inherited his Water Release techniques.
Tōshirō seized the moment, performing his own hand seals. Cold air emanated from his body as he infused the water dragon with ice chakra.
The water dragon froze into an ice dragon, its scales glinting like crystals. Its scarlet eyes resembled embedded rubies, and frosty breath escaped its jaws.
The ice dragon radiated an intense chill. Even standing nearby, both Tōshirō and Tsunade felt the cold biting into their skin.
Before they could celebrate, something felt off. With a loud boom, the ice dragon exploded, shards scattering everywhere.
Reacting quickly, they coated themselves in chakra and retreated, but even so, they were grazed by the flying ice shards.
"So, we failed…"
Tōshirō chuckled bitterly. It seemed that combo jutsu wasn't so easy to execute.
"Giving up already?" Tsunade taunted.
Tōshirō scoffed, scanning their surroundings before closing his eyes.
Tsunade froze—was he about to…?
When Tōshirō reopened his eyes, they remained black. "Forget it."
"I thought you were going to use that power," Tsunade remarked, referring to the Sharingan.
The Sharingan could perceive chakra flows, making it significantly easier to perfect combo jutsu.
Tōshirō smirked lightly. "It's just a combo jutsu."
Not only was he being cautious, but he also didn't want to become overly reliant on the Sharingan.
"'Just a combo jutsu'? You're still so arrogant."
Tsunade chuckled softly, but she liked it…
"Let's continue."
"Alright."
The two of them continued training their combination jutsu, practicing tirelessly from morning until noon, leaving them utterly exhausted.
"Here, take this."
Looking at the black, unappealing object being handed to him, Tōshirō looked confused. "What is this?"
"A food pill."
Tōshirō stared at the oversized pill, much larger than a typical food pill, and after a long moment of consideration, he pushed it away.
Tsunade frowned.
"Regular food pills are already hard enough to stomach. If this one is made by you, I'm afraid it might kill me with how bad it tastes..."
It wasn't that Tōshirō had any particular grievance against Tsunade; he was just being honest. Tsunade's cooking skills were unquestionably a disaster. Even the finest ingredients, under her hands, would transform into ominous, dark substances emitting a noxious aura.
"I promise it doesn't taste bad this time."
Tsunade tried to persuade him. She had specially prepared this food pill for Tōshirō . To cater to his taste, she had added various seasonings, hoping to show off her nurturing side.
But if Tōshirō refused to eat it, how could she prove herself?
Tōshirō firmly rejected her offer. "Your promises have lost their value. The last time I trusted your assurances, I ended up with an upset stomach for days and nearly died on the toilet."
"But I was fine," Tsunade countered.
Your ridiculous Senju and Uzumaki constitution, combined into one indestructible body, can't possibly compare to my frail Uchiha physique...
Tōshirō groaned inwardly but kept his thoughts to himself. Either way, he wasn't going to eat anything Tsunade made ever again.
Tsunade opened her mouth to argue, but Tōshirō was already moving.
"Where are you going?"
"To catch some fish."
Tōshirō threw a few kunai, accurately spearing the fish swimming in the river. The kunai, tied with wire, allowed him to reel them back effortlessly.
Next, he used a fire-release jutsu to light a campfire.
Tōshirō performed these tasks with practiced ease, every movement smooth and efficient.
He skewered the fish on sticks, placing them over the fire to roast.
"Do you want some?"
Tōshirō waved at Tsunade.
"No."
Tsunade huffed, sulking.
The fire crackled as it burned, filling the air with the sound of popping wood. Tōshirō sat cross-legged on the ground, leaning back with his hands supporting him, his eyes drifting toward Tsunade, who continued to train alone.
Among their team, Tsunade was the most ambitious.
She was an idealist.
Upon learning of the darker side of the Land of Fire, instead of rashly lashing out, she chose to endure, integrate, and accumulate power.
As long as she maintained this determination, as long as nothing unexpected happened, the position of Hokage in the future would undoubtedly be hers.
Frankly, Tōshirō wasn't dead set on becoming Hokage himself.
Compared to a life of constant exposure and responsibility, he much preferred staying at home, perhaps as a househusband...
After all, if Tsunade became Hokage, what difference would it make?
The aroma of roasted fish snapped him out of his thoughts.
A gust of wind carried the tantalizing scent through the air. Tsunade, still training, caught a whiff and immediately felt unsettled.
It smells so good...
Tsunade swallowed hard, glancing occasionally at the smug man eating fish nearby.
To avoid being further tempted by the delicious aroma wafting through the air, she pulled out her food pill and quietly began to gnaw on it.
Unbelievable.
Saying my cooking is bad—utter nonsense! Or...ugh, it really is bad.
Tsunade grimaced, gagging as she struggled to swallow the food pill.
Turning her back to Tōshirō , she discreetly spat it out.
Damn you, Tōshirō .
You'll pay for this.
Daring to eat fish in front of me—I'll never forgive you.
"Tsunade, do you want some fish?"
Her ears perked up. "Well, if you insist..."
Pretending to be reluctant, she hurried over at lightning speed.
Tōshirō handed her a perfectly roasted fish. "Here you go."
Tsunade accepted it and began eating eagerly, much like a hungry orange tabby cat.
In no time, she had devoured half the fish before suddenly realizing something.
Wait, eating like this shows how much I enjoy his cooking, doesn't it?
She froze, stopping mid-bite, and noticed Tōshirō staring at her. Her heart started racing.
"W-What are you looking at, you perverted creep, watching me eat!"
Tōshirō extended his hand. "What are you talking about? I just wanted you to give me the fish back for a second."
"Y-You already gave it to me! It's mine now—you can't take it back!" She turned her head away with a huff.
Tōshirō replied matter-of-factly, "What strange nonsense are you saying? I just wanted to sprinkle some salt on it so it would taste better."
From his bag, Tōshirō pulled out a scroll. Spreading it open, he lightly tapped the inscriptions, causing a puff of white smoke to appear. When it cleared, a few bottles of seasoning had materialized.
As a ninja, traveling and living off the land was inevitable. At times like this, a proper meal was essential.
Tsunade blinked in surprise, handing the half-eaten fish back to him.
Tōshirō seasoned the fish and returned it to her.
Tsunade took it but didn't eat it right away.
"What's wrong?"
"I just thought you were going to charge me for the seasoning or something."
"Charge you?"
Tsunade raised a finger, thoughtfully analyzing. "Yeah, with your personality, isn't it typical for you to start asking for payment halfway through?"
Right...why didn't I think of that...
Tōshirō smacked his thigh and held out his hand. "Tsunade, pay up—250 ryō."
Tsunade: "..."
(End of Chapter)
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