"Do you understand chakra attributes?" Tsunade asked, her tone turning casual again after explaining the three major rules of being a medical ninja.
She leaned back into the sofa, her right arm draped over the back, exposing her fair skin. Her long legs crossed as her rounded toes flexed slightly.
Shinho nodded, sitting across from her with a perfect view.
"Chakra attributes are divided into Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, Earth, Yin, and Yang," Tsunade said offhandedly. "Only chakra with a Yang attribute can be used in medical ninjutsu."
"I've studied this at home," Shinho reminded her.
"Oh, right. You're Shibi's son." Tsunade paused, then asked, "Have you practiced tree climbing or water walking?"
"I have."
Even though the Aburame clan wasn't as prominent as some other ninja clans, they were still well-regarded in the Leaf Village. As the clan leader's son, Shinho had been laying a solid foundation since last year.
"Good, but you'll need to practice more," Tsunade commented. "Your chakra scalpel is currently only good for killing, not for healing."
"I've only been training with it for half a month," Shinho replied calmly.
Tsunade almost choked on her words. Learning the chakra scalpel in just two weeks was already extraordinary. The fact that he wasn't perfecting it yet was completely normal, especially given he was only six years old. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if the boy had said that on purpose.
Tsunade gave him a suspicious glance, crossing her arms in frustration, which caused her chest to rise and fall noticeably. Shinho's eyes twitched, but he maintained his composure.
Lucky that I'm just a kid. Unlucky that I'm just a kid, he thought.
"Ninjutsu involves both shape transformation and nature transformation," Tsunade explained, "but medical ninjutsu only involves shape transformation. The key to both is chakra control…"
Her professionalism was clear, and Shinho listened intently, more focused than ever. While his father had taught him the basics, Tsunade's insights were on another level.
"Do you understand?" Tsunade asked, pausing to take a sip of water after speaking for about fifteen minutes.
"Yes, thank you, sensei," Shinho answered earnestly.
"Go to the kitchen and get a fish," Tsunade ordered, now fully seeing him as her student and not just a random kid.
Shinho raised an eyebrow slightly. In the original story, Sakura's medical journey also started with a fish. With that thought, he felt reassured. He was truly on the right path, having secured Tsunade's mentorship.
He left the room to fetch the fish. Upon opening the door, he was surprised to find Shizune standing outside, though not in a way that suggested she had been eavesdropping.
"How did it go?" Shizune asked, her expression filled with concern.
"Smoothly," Shinho replied, feeling a warmth at her kindness. Shizune was proving to be a good senior.
Then, she ruffled his hair.
"Keep it up!" Shizune smiled, giving him an encouraging pat on the head.
"..."
Why do they all love to pat my head? Shinho wondered, dodging away from her hand.
Shizune didn't seem upset. By now, she was sure of Tsunade's intentions. From today onward, Shinho was officially her little junior.
I just hope Tsunade-sama stays in the village for a while, Shizune thought to herself. I can't handle another round of dodging debt collectors.
Returning with a fish in a water-filled basin, Shinho placed it on the coffee table.
"Fish are the best practice subjects for beginners," Tsunade explained as she grabbed the carp with her pale hands.
The fish struggled, sending water droplets flying around, several of which splashed onto Tsunade's clothes, leaving wet patches.
She swiftly slammed the carp, leaving it half-dead.
"Your task is simple," Tsunade said, pointing at the fish. "Heal it without damaging its nerves or muscles."
Shinho nodded, his expression serious. Fish were simpler than humans, but their nerves and muscles were much smaller, demanding exceptional chakra control.
"I'll leave you to practice," Tsunade said, stretching lazily. "I'm going to take a bath."
Shinho focused on the nearly motionless carp, placing his hands over it. He channeled his chakra—his true energy—into his hands, which began to glow with a faint green light.
In the background, he heard the sound of running water as Tsunade entered the bath. Focus, he reminded himself, pushing all distractions aside as he continued to heal the fish.
After some time, the bathroom door opened, and Tsunade emerged, her golden hair damp and clinging to her flushed skin. The scent of fresh soap surrounded her.
She bent over slightly, asking, "How's it going?"
Shinho looked up, locking eyes with her. He couldn't help but notice the deep, pale crevice between her breasts.
"I healed it, but not completely," Shinho answered, forcing his gaze up to her face. "The fish is alive, but its nerves and muscles are damaged."
"Even geniuses need time," Tsunade said, standing up and rolling her hair into a loose bun. "Keep practicing."
She walked over to a wardrobe, took out a hairdryer, and sat down on the sofa to dry her hair.
The ninja world's technology is strange, Shinho thought. They had electricity, televisions, and computers, so it wasn't surprising they had hairdryers too.
As night fell, Shinho felt exhausted. His true energy was entirely depleted. Over the past two hours, he had revived and then re-injured the fish countless times.
He didn't even remember how many cycles the poor creature had gone through.
I really am like a living Yama, he mused as a notification popped up.
[Achievement Unlocked: "The Living Yama." Reward: Bone Lance Gu.]
[Bone Lance Gu: A Rank 1 Gu that can form a bone spear to attack enemies.]
This was the second offensive Gu Shinho had obtained, the first being the Moonlight Gu. He felt pleased with this unexpected bonus.
When he glanced at Tsunade, he found her fast asleep. She lay on her side, her legs folded together, facing him. The force of gravity had caused a certain part of her chest to press together, creating a soft, white curve.
Shinho quickly looked away. Any more and I might explode.
After hesitating for a moment, he walked over and gently pulled a blanket over her.
As he left, Tsunade's eyes opened slightly. She smirked and muttered, "Not bad, kid."
"Shizune-nee-san," Shinho called out as he descended the stairs, carrying the basin.
"Here, let me," Shizune said, taking the basin and glancing at the lively fish inside. "You're better than me. On my first day, I went through nine fish."
You're the real living Yama, Shinho thought, wiping his hands. "I'll head home now. See you tomorrow, Shizune-nee-san."
"It's too dark for you to go alone," Shizune noted, glancing at the pitch-black sky outside. "Why not stay here? There's an extra room."
After thinking for a moment, Shinho agreed. I already told my father I might stay.
Shizune beamed. She put the basin back in the kitchen before heading to the bathroom to turn on the hot water.
"Shinho," she called out, smiling mischievously, "do you need me to help you bathe?"
"No, thank you," Shinho tightened his jacket, his suspicion growing. Is she planning something?