---
Lunch had been prepared by Ena Uzumaki.
The meal was unexpectedly refined. Initially, Natsume had ordered takeout, but after growing more familiar, Ena offered to cook, and to his surprise, she was quite skilled.
If Tsunade's cooking ability could be rated at a hundred, then Ena's easily surpassed a thousand. The gap was as vast as that between heaven and earth.
Natsume wasn't exaggerating about Tsunade's lack of culinary skill—it was something he'd experienced firsthand. Some people just weren't meant to be in the kitchen.
After the meal, Natsume encouraged Karin to return to her studies.
Karin had quite a talent for turning the most obscure quotes from "The Analects of Confucius" into fiery outbursts. At three years old, she already had the passionate temperament she'd display in her later years.
Natsume couldn't help but think she and Tsunade had a lot in common.
"Ah, this is nice," Natsume sighed as he stretched out on the sofa, basking in the warmth of the room. After a meal like that, a bit of relaxation was just what he needed.
Ena, her usual mischievous expression on her face, gently massaged his forehead with her right hand, occasionally running her fingers through his hair with her left. She relished these rare moments when she could dote on him.
Natsume didn't mind—who wouldn't enjoy such a soft pillow?
But the moment of peace couldn't last forever. Eventually, Natsume rose, getting ready to leave.
Just as he was about to head out, he remembered something important. "By the way, I'm officially a genin now. I'll be going on missions regularly, so if you don't see me for a few days, don't worry too much."
Rather than reassuring her, his words seemed to have the opposite effect.
With unexpected firmness, Ena said, "I should go with you. I can protect you."
Natsume chuckled, a warm smile forming on his lips. He gently pinched her cheek. "Don't worry. Genin missions aren't that dangerous. Besides, my squad leader is Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin."
Though hesitant, Ena eventually nodded, though the worry in her eyes didn't fade.
---
Later that evening, Natsume returned to the Senju compound where he and Tsunade lived. As he approached the entrance, he quickly checked to ensure he hadn't forgotten anything—especially the special charm Ena had given him earlier.
Upon entering, Natsume noticed that Tsunade wasn't watching TV like usual. Instead, she was pouring over a stack of detailed reports.
Curious, he took a closer look. It was information on Kumogakure, specifically about their top shinobi and current operations. Tsunade had clearly chosen this mission carefully.
One profile stood out—Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki. The document warned: Extremely dangerous. Avoid at all costs. It also mentioned that Killer B was currently in the Valley of Clouds and Lightning, yet to join the battle.
"If Killer B joins the conflict," Natsume mused, "it could escalate a small skirmish into a full-scale war." A war that might ignite the Fourth Great Ninja War, inviting other villages to exploit the chaos.
Despite Kumo's reputation for aggression, Natsume knew they weren't all reckless. There were brilliant minds like Mabui, the Raikage's strategic advisor, who could see the bigger picture.
For Natsume, even with the financial security from Gunma Casino and Gunma Bank, he understood money alone wouldn't protect the ninja world. If someone like Nagato unleashed the full power of the Rinnegan, everything could be destroyed in an instant. Strength was the only real solution.
Glancing at Tsunade, who was deep in thought, Natsume felt a sense of calm. She was in her element.
After a while, Tsunade stretched and, noticing Natsume, gave him a playful pinch on the cheek. "Let's eat," she said with a smile.
Shizune had already set the table. Over the past two years, her cooking had improved remarkably. Natsume often thought of her as more than Tsunade's apprentice—she was practically her personal assistant, given how often she was busy.
---
Later that night, Tsunade led Natsume to his room. Ever since she'd overcome her hemophobia two months ago, they no longer slept in the same room.
"Goodnight," Tsunade said softly as she tucked him in, ruffling his hair one last time. "It's winter now, so don't kick off the covers in the middle of the night."
Natsume felt a bit aggrieved. The only reason he'd kicked the covers off before was because it had been too warm when they used to share a bed. But he just smiled and nodded.
Tsunade lingered at the doorway, looking at him with a mix of fondness and sadness.
She knew he was growing up. Natsume wasn't a child anymore—he was almost ten, already nearly as tall as she was. In a few years, by ninja standards, he would be an adult.
Though Tsunade always appeared carefree, she understood the complexities of relationships, especially those between master and apprentice, mother and son, and siblings. Whatever bond they shared, she knew it wasn't a romantic one—nor could it ever be.
Sleeping in the same room would only complicate things further.
She sighed softly as she left. The thought of Natsume eventually growing up, distancing himself, and becoming interested in other girls left a hollow ache in her heart.
"If only I were twenty years younger," she thought wistfully.
---
The next morning, fresh snow blanketed the ground. After breakfast, Natsume's team officially assembled. Kabuto Yakushi had arrived, and with Shizune by their side, Team Tsunade was now complete.
Instead of assigning a mission, Tsunade presented them with a summoning scroll. "My summon is the Slug Sage from Shikkotsu Forest, one of the three great summoning beasts. As my apprentices, you all qualify to form contracts as well."
Natsume, Kabuto, and Shizune eagerly signed their names on the scroll. The Slug Sage wasn't just a summoning beast—it was a vital ally, especially for medical-nin.
As Natsume finished signing, he smiled. With Tsunade, Shizune, Kabuto, and the Slug Sage on their side, they were now a formidable team.
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