After polishing off enough food for three people, Tsunade collapsed onto the sofa with a satisfied groan. Takashi couldn't help but seriously suspect that this girl deliberately avoided eating just so she could come over and freeload, enjoying a feast every time.
Thankfully, Kushina had been buying more groceries lately. Otherwise, Tsunade's meal expenses would become a significant financial burden.
And of course, Tsunade was terrible with money, her pockets emptier than her own face after a night of gambling. Asking her for any meal money was nothing but a dream. If she didn't end up borrowing gambling money from you, you'd be lucky.
Speaking of which, they hadn't seen that little rich girl for a couple of days. What was she up to?
And just like that, speak of the devil and she appears.
Takashi had just finished tidying up the house when the little rich girl in question arrived. Kushina looked unusually down today, her entire demeanor drained, a hint of worry between her brows.
"Takashi, Tsunade-nee," Kushina greeted them, her voice even weaker than usual.
"What's going on? Who made you upset? Tell big sis and she'll go beat them up for you!"
Seeing Kushina like this, Tsunade sprang up from the sofa and hugged her comfortingly, "Did Nawaki make you mad again? Don't worry, sis will handle him. I'll make sure he doesn't dare come near you for ten days, maybe longer."
Although Nawaki liked Kushina like a little sister, boys at seven or eight could be terribly annoying.
Ever since Kushina came to Konoha, Nawaki had pulled his fair share of pranks that made her cry her eyes out.
"Really?" Kushina looked up at Tsunade, hope shining in her eyes.
"Of course! I'm your big sis Tsunade! Who dares to bully you? I'll get back at them for you."
"It's Grandma Mito."
"..."
You have to be kidding me.
Tsunade's enthusiasm vanished immediately. She let go of Kushina and flopped back onto the sofa like a salted fish, waving her hand dismissively with her back to Kushina.
"You'd better find someone else. I wouldn't dare. Your grandma would probably scold me along with you. Your big sis Tsunade's not capable of taking on that challenge."
If it had been anyone else, Tsunade might have just charged in, but if it was Uzumaki Mito who had been harsh to Kushina...
It was better to give up that thought as soon as possible. Otherwise, even Tsunade herself wouldn't escape unscathed.
"Tsunade-nee, you went back on your word." Kushina stared at her back, looking utterly pitiful. Tsunade simply pretended to sleep, ignoring everything she couldn't see or hear.
The silly way the two sisters interacted made Takashi burst out laughing.
Takashi smiled and ruffled Kushina's hair, then asked, "Kushina, what did Lady Mito do to bully you? Was it because you were being naughty and she had to spank you?"
"No way!"
Kushina shook her head vigorously, her face full of determination, "I'm always well-behaved. I never make trouble for Grandma Mito, so she would never spank me."
After saying that, Kushina frowned and sighed deeply.
"Takashi, Grandma Mito wants me to go to the Ninja Academy tomorrow, but I really don't want to go."
"That's not an option; you have to go to the Ninja Academy. It's a must." Tsunade suddenly sat up straight, looking very serious.
"Kushina, you need to understand your grandma's intentions, okay? Once you enter the Ninja Academy, you'll learn new things, make new friends, and meet classmates."
Going to the Academy, learning new skills, meeting more people, having classmates and, eventually, comrades and friends—it would help Kushina integrate better into Konoha.
After all, Uzumaki Mito wouldn't be around forever. If Kushina didn't grow attached to Konoha, it could lead to serious issues down the line.
"But what if my new classmates don't like me?" Kushina pouted.
"Hmm..."
Tsunade scratched her head, trying to remember how she had dealt with her classmates back in her own Academy days.
Oh yeah, she used her fists, didn't she?
Right, on her first day at school, she punched that annoying Jiraiya until he cried.
And then got scolded by Grandma at home.
Using fists to meet new classmates? Kushina definitely had the strength to do that, but could she fit in that way?
No, no, Kushina couldn't be that violent.
Tsunade shook her head hard, throwing those ridiculous thoughts out of her mind.
She glanced at Takashi, signaling that it was his turn to step in and help, considering he was Kushina's only friend in the village.
"Kushina, you're starting off on the wrong foot."
Unable to stand aside any longer, Takashi coughed lightly, correcting her perspective.
"Huh?" The little rich girl blinked, confused. "I am?"
"Yeah." Takashi snapped his fingers, crouching down so that he was eye-level with Kushina. "Think about it: your primary goal in going to the Academy is to learn. Everything else is secondary."
"Really?"
Kushina frowned, feeling that something was off, but on further thought, it seemed to make sense.
"..."
Tsunade had a feeling that Takashi wasn't going to say anything good.
"But what if my classmates don't like me or even try to bully me?" Kushina asked hesitantly.
Having only just arrived in Konoha, her activity was limited to the Senju compound, the market, and Takashi's place. She knew only a few people, and the thought of going to a new school, meeting unfamiliar faces, made her a bit scared.
Takashi grinned, showing a row of pearly white teeth. He placed his big hand on Kushina's head.
"Remember this, Kushina: sometimes, a fist can solve a lot of problems."
I knew it.
Tsunade facepalmed in exasperation.
Kushina's eyes lit up, wide and sparkling. "Really?"
"Of course," Takashi said. "If anyone dares to mess with you or make fun of you, just give 'em a good beating. And if any teachers or parents come looking for trouble, just tell them your sister is Tsunade! Let them take it up with Tsunade-nee. Even that nosy blonde brat can—"
"Hyuga Takashi! That's enough!"
Tsunade finally snapped.
Honestly, what kind of way was that to teach a kid?
'When in doubt, use your fists'?
Beat them senseless, then bring in someone influential to back you up? How absurd!
"Ahem!" With Tsunade losing her temper, Takashi toned it down a little, whispering to Kushina, "By the way, your sister Tsunade also made friends this way when she was in school..."
I'm out of here!
Before Tsunade's flying kick could land, Takashi, already prepared, made a swift getaway.
Left behind were Tsunade, fuming, and Kushina, her eyes wide with awe. It seemed like the little rich girl had learned something.
Could fists really solve everything?
Kushina almost got led astray, but Tsunade, still seething, took her away.
Standing at the door, Takashi winked at Kushina, making a punching gesture. Kushina giggled and nodded.
Let's hope no kid tries anything stupid tomorrow.