In the living room, Shin and Kushina sat facing Tsunade. They had finished tidying up their rooms, and now Shin felt it was time to have a chat with Tsunade.
She knew he was hiding his strength. While she didn't know the extent of it, she knew he wasn't just an ordinary child.
If she told the Sandaime, knowing his personality, he would definitely have Anbu keep an eye on Shin.
Shin didn't want to be monitored. It would expose his secrets and complicate things.
"Lady Tsunade, there's something I need to talk to you about."
"Oh? Go ahead."
Tsunade took a sip from her cup, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
She wasn't stupid; she had a good idea what Shin wanted to talk about.
"Lady Tsunade, you're aware that I'm... not exactly normal, strength-wise."
Shin didn't beat around the bush. There was no point; it was already out in the open.
"Indeed. The speed you displayed when we were attacked was quite surprising."
Tsunade's gaze was intense. She had been genuinely shocked. Shin's speed rivaled her own.
It was hard to believe a five-year-old could move that fast.
"Well, it's not that unusual. People can exhibit superhuman strength in moments of danger. It was probably just an adrenaline rush."
Shin made up a flimsy excuse.
"Heh, you think I'm an idiot? I'm a Medical Ninja."
Tsunade scoffed. What Shin described was possible; people could unleash incredible power in life-or-death situations.
But such bursts came at a cost, either a shortened lifespan or even death.
Shin, however, was perfectly fine. This wasn't just an adrenaline rush. He was trying to fool her, and she wasn't falling for it.
"Okay, fine. I'm a bit stronger than I look. But I need you to keep it a secret, Lady Tsunade."
Shin knew Tsunade wasn't easily fooled, so he dropped the act. There was no point; it would only make her more suspicious.
"Why should I?"
Tsunade was puzzled. 'Why hide his talent?'
He was just a child, yet he could move with such speed. Regardless of the method, he was a genius.
"Lady Tsunade, have you ever heard the saying..."
"A tree that stands taller than the rest will be felled by the wind. A mound that rises above the shore will be eroded by the current. One who walks above others will be criticized by the masses."
"When someone is too exceptional, they attract not only admiration but also envy. And envy is a dangerous thing; it can twist people beyond recognition."
Shin's words startled Tsunade. She stared at him as if he were a monster.
"I haven't heard that saying before, but I understand the sentiment. You make a good point. I'm starting to doubt you're really a five-year-old."
Tsunade eyed him skeptically.
If these words had come from someone much older, she wouldn't have been surprised. But Shin was only five!
Shin coughed awkwardly. He might have overdone it with the profound act.
"Don't ask me how I know these things. I've always been too exceptional for my own good, always attracting envy and jealousy."
Shin tilted his chin up, a smug expression on his face. Tsunade burst out laughing.
"You're quite the character."
"It's not an act. It's the truth. I'm so used to an extraordinary life that I want to experience what it's like to be normal."
Tsunade and Kushina both stared at him, speechless. One word echoed in their minds: 'show-off!'
Shin smirked inwardly. He had successfully diverted her attention from his strength.
"Fine, I'll keep your secret. But you have to agree to a few conditions," Tsunade said.
"A few? Are you sure it's not just one?"
Shin smiled, but inwardly, he was groaning.
"Yes, a few, not one," Tsunade said triumphantly. 'Let's see how you weasel your way out of this, kid.'
"As long as they're not unreasonable, I suppose I can agree," Shin said cautiously.
Kushina's expression changed. She glared at Tsunade. "Don't you dare ask for anything outrageous!"
"Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you," Tsunade said, completely ignoring Kushina.
Kushina slammed her hand on the table, fuming. This woman was deliberately ignoring her!
"First, from now on, when I ruffle your hair or pinch your cheeks, you're not allowed to resist or dodge."
Shin's face fell. Kushina's expression mirrored his.
"Old hag! You just want to take advantage of Shin!" Kushina jumped onto her chair, glaring at Tsunade.
"What did you just call me?!"
Tsunade was furious. She was only sixteen, and this little girl was calling her an old hag?!
"You heard me. Cougar!" Kushina was fearless when it came to Shin.
"Little girl, if you weren't so young, I'd teach you some manners."
"Hmph, old hag, if I were your age, I'd be the one teaching 'you' some manners."
Tsunade and Kushina locked eyes, the air crackling with tension.
"Ahem, shouldn't we focus on the important matters at hand? I agree to your condition, Lady Tsunade," Shin interjected.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. Shin had been so resistant to her touch before, why the sudden change of heart? Was he up to something?
She wasn't going to underestimate him now.
In truth, Shin was playing the long game. He'd let her have her fun for now, but he'd get his revenge later, with interest.
He'd make her regret taking advantage of him.
"Shin, you agreed?!" Kushina looked at him, betrayed, then turned away, refusing to acknowledge him.
Seeing Kushina's anger, Tsunade felt a strange sense of satisfaction.
Then she mentally slapped herself. Why was she competing with a five-year-old?
"Now, on to my other conditions," Tsunade announced.
She watched Shin closely, trying to gauge his reaction.
But to her disappointment, his expression remained unchanged. He even gestured for her to continue.
Tsunade's suspicion grew. Something was off.
She had no idea that Shin was planning to settle the score in the future, with interest.
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