"She's doing much better now. Not like when Grandma Mito first passed away—back then, she could barely smile. If the old man had allowed it, I would have brought her here to the camp so you could keep her company," Tsunade said, her tone softening as she mentioned Kushina.
After the Nine-Tails transfer, Kushina's emotions had been tumultuous. Besides dealing with grief, she had to endure the relentless resistance of the Nine-Tails, which made her chakra burn and left her in physical pain. Tsunade's heart had been heavy, caught between worry for Kushina's well-being and fear of what the Nine-Tails might do if it managed to break free.
Shinki nodded, understanding the complexity of the situation. "It's good that she's getting better. Kushina is strong and resilient. With time, she'll learn to fully suppress the Nine-Tails."
The reality was that no one could help Kushina with this challenge—it was one she had to overcome on her own.
"How are things in the village?" Shinki asked.
"Don't get me started," Tsunade sighed. "Utatane Koharu's been making a fuss, trying to convince the old man to transfer the control of the medical system to her. When he refused, she started advocating for Danzo's release."
Shinki frowned. "It's typical. They're all power-hungry. Koharu had control over the medical system for years; now that it's under Akimichi Torifu, she must be seething."
"Exactly. It's all about forcing the Hokage's hand and rallying support for her own agenda," Tsunade said, her irritation evident.
Tsunade smirked slightly, the frustration giving way to humor. "Now that Torifu is the Hokage's assistant, he's stuck. Even though he hates the position, he can't back out. If he knew you suggested to Grandma that he take the post, he'd curse you for sure."
Shinki laughed, unbothered. "That was Lady Mito's decision, not mine."
"True," Tsunade said with a grin. Then her expression turned serious. "The village is preparing to send forces to the Rain Country in response to the Sand Village's provocations. This could lead to another war."
Konoha had been patient, putting up with the Sand Village's provocations while focusing on the smooth transition of the Nine-Tails' host. But now that Kushina had stabilized, Konoha wouldn't allow the Sand Village to push further. Responding to the provocations and weakening the Rain Village's growth were now priorities.
"War isn't imminent yet," Shinki said calmly. "For now, it's just posturing. Without crossing a line or sufficient preparation, full-scale war won't happen. At most, there will be small skirmishes."
He knew his role well. If conflict escalated, he'd stay in the camp's medical division, treating the injured instead of heading to the front lines.
Tsunade looked at him skeptically. "You say that, but you should be cautious. You call yourself a medical ninja, but you're stronger than most combatants."
Shinki laughed. "Look who's talking. You're the only medical ninja whose reputation on the battlefield is greater than any warrior's."
Tsunade crossed her arms. "I know, I know. But I'm not reckless anymore. Grandma's gone, and I have to shoulder more responsibilities. The most important one being you."
"Me?" Shinki raised an eyebrow, feeling Tsunade's eyes scrutinize him. He couldn't help but notice she seemed more formidable these days.
"Don't make jokes!" she snapped, shoving his hands away as he teasingly reached out. Their foreheads touched as she leaned in, eyes fierce. "Nawaki and I are safe because of our statuses. Kushina too, as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, will soon be untouchable. But you... you're vulnerable."
Tsunade's expression darkened as she muttered, "The Hyuga clan and their cursed seal... I hate that thing."
Before, Tsunade had no reservations about being on the front line. But now, she hesitated. She had to protect not only Kushina and Nawaki but also Shinki, who, unlike the rest, could be targeted.
"Damn the Hyuga clan," she growled.
"Agreed," Shinki said with a grin. His laughter was cut short when Tsunade glared at him. "How about a game?" he suggested to lighten the mood.
"Not in the mood," Tsunade said, standing up and swatting his hand away.
"Come on, humor me," Shinki said, gesturing for her to remove his forehead protector.
"Why? Most clan members cover their foreheads to hide the mark, but you want to show yours?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow but complied, pulling it off with more force than intended, as if hoping to avoid seeing the cursed seal that marred his skin.
But when she looked, she froze. Her hand, holding the protector, hovered mid-air. She rubbed her eyes and blinked, unable to believe it.
"The cursed seal on your forehead... It's gone?"
Shinki smirked and leaned in. "Remember when you asked why I smelled like paint at the hospital?"
Tsunade's mind raced, recalling how he'd explained it away as an accident while painting at home. He had even shown her paint-stained clothes, and she'd thought nothing of it.
"So, the cursed seal... it was painted on?" she asked, stunned. "But that's impossible. The caged bird seal is absolute; even my grandfather and granduncle couldn't remove it."
"Or maybe," Shinki said, tapping his own blue eyes, "these eyes aren't what everyone assumes they are."
Tsunade stared into his eyes, their deep blue depths holding a hint of power she hadn't fully grasped. If it wasn't a degeneration, then was it... evolution? Like the Uchiha's Sharingan?
For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of the revelation settling in.
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