Chereads / Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One! / Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: Summoning Technique

Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: Summoning Technique

Sakumo and Nayuki treated the unfolding events as if they were listening to some juicy gossip, their expressions distant yet intrigued, their ears sharply attuned to every word.

"And what is this one called?" Katsuyu inquired, her gaze steady as she examined Kawakaze. An odd energy radiated from him—something she had only encountered in Hashirama's Cells before.

Tsunade stepped forward, her cheeks tinged with pink as she introduced him. "His name is Kawakaze Hatake. He's my... well, close friend," she said, hesitating just long enough to suggest there was more to the relationship than she admitted. The blush on her face deepened until it looked as though it had been painted on.

"What advice might Katsuyu have for someone like him?" she added, eager to steer the focus away from herself.

Kawakaze, meanwhile, was both fascinated and wary. This was his first time meeting Katsuyu, one of the three legendary Summoning Beasts, a mystical creature capable of both combat and miraculous healing.

"I sense in you the same potent cell activity as Hashirama," Katsuyu remarked. Her tone carried a hint of curiosity, as though uncovering a mystery. "If you're willing, I might be able to help you learn the Senjutsu of the Shikkotsu Forest."

"Then learn it," Tsunade interjected before Kawakaze could respond, summoning a massive scroll seemingly out of thin air. She unrolled it with a practiced motion, revealing a scroll several meters long, its surface crowded with the signatures of previous contract holders. Near the bottom was Tsunade's name, written in bold, unmistakable strokes.

"Sign your name, Kawakaze, with your blood," Tsunade instructed confidently. Her voice carried the weight of decision. With the Senju Clan diminished, she seemed eager to share this familial bond with the Hatake Clan.

Katsuyu watched without interference. This decision belonged to Tsunade, and it wasn't something so trivial as to warrant her intervention.

"Then, I won't be rude." Kawakaze bit his finger, allowing a bead of blood to form. With precise movements, he inscribed his name next to Tsunade's, forming the contract. As the blood sealed his commitment, he felt a faint stirring in his soul—a new connection being forged with a distant, enigmatic realm.

"Initially, you'll need to form hand seals," Tsunade explained, deftly rolling up the scroll and making it vanish with a spell. "But once you become familiar with Katsuyu, those will no longer be necessary."

She guided him through the seals for the Summoning Technique, and with his first attempt, the connection was made.

"If there's nothing further, I'll take my leave," Katsuyu announced, retreating into a puff of smoke without sampling so much as a morsel of the feast laid out. Compared to the greed and malice of the snakes of Ryūchi Cave, Katsuyu's behavior seemed almost saintly.

Sakumo, who had been watching everything unfold, couldn't hide his envy. Katsuyu was one of the three great Summoning Beasts of the ninja world, and Tsunade had been remarkably generous in offering this to Kawakaze.

"Kawakaze, are you serious about learning Senjutsu?" Sakumo asked, his mind still lingering on Katsuyu's ominous warning: "No one has ever survived."

Though Kawakaze often seemed carefree, Sakumo couldn't help but worry. This was his brother, after all, and no matter how rough around the edges he appeared, blood was thicker than water.

"If I get the chance, I want to try it," Kawakaze said firmly, his determination evident. Sakumo, however, couldn't grasp just how incredible Hashirama's Senjutsu was. He only knew its legendary reputation—how the combination of Senjutsu and Wood Release could manifest impossible power with nothing more than a clap of hands.

And when paired with something as epic as Fahai's BGM—a mythical chant of divine majesty—it felt like an invincible force of nature. The very thought of it made Kawakaze's blood boil. He had already made up his mind.

"It's best to be careful," Nayuki interjected with a note of caution. "Your safety comes first. 'No survivors' is not exactly reassuring."

"Kawakaze, think it over yourself. Whatever you decide, I support you," Tsunade added, raising her sake cup in a toast before taking a sip. The atmosphere of the banquet softened as the drinks flowed, and laughter filled the room. Tsunade, mindful of the last time she'd overindulged at the Hatake Clan's gathering, consciously slowed down, balancing her drinking with plenty of food. She wasn't eager to repeat past mistakes—not knowing what wild consequences might ensue.

Sakumo, ever the instigator, tried to get her to drink more, but Nayuki stepped in, slapping him lightly to bring him to his senses before escorting him off to bed.

As the night deepened, Kawakaze—tipsy but still hospitable—turned to Tsunade. "It's so late. Why don't you rest here for the night?"

Tsunade waved him off, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "No need, Kawakaze. I'm afraid you won't be able to control yourself."

Her words struck him dumb for a moment, but before he could respond, she stood, swaying slightly. Kawakaze hurried over, slipping an arm around her waist to steady her. Her hand instinctively rested on his shoulder as they staggered toward the door.

Outside, under the moon's soft glow, the two stood awkwardly.

"Go back," Tsunade said, wriggling free from his grip. "I can manage."

"Then I'll watch you go," Kawakaze replied, his voice softer now. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the alcohol and moonlight wove a spell around them. Kawakaze's breathing quickened, and his heart pounded in his chest. In the silvery light, Tsunade looked more beautiful than ever—her cheeks flushed, her golden hair catching the glow of the moon.

Without thinking, Kawakaze leaned in, cupping her face gently in his hands. He pressed his lips to hers, savoring the soft warmth. The world seemed to stand still.

Tsunade's eyes widened, her hands pressing against his chest in protest. Yet she didn't pull away entirely. A muffled "mmph" escaped her lips as Kawakaze's hands moved to cradle her head, pulling her closer. The kiss deepened, and their breaths mingled as they lost themselves in the moment.

Gradually, Tsunade's resistance faded. Her arms, once pushing him away, now circled his waist as if seeking support. They stayed locked in the kiss for what felt like an eternity, their lips parting only when they were both gasping for air. Strands of saliva connected their mouths as they pulled away, both panting heavily.

Kawakaze, emboldened, leaned in again, but this time Tsunade placed a hand on his chest, stopping him. Her cheeks were a fiery red—not just from the alcohol but from something deeper. Without a word, she turned and darted away, her steps uneven and hurried.

"Be careful!" Kawakaze called out, his voice tinged with concern and lingering excitement. Tsunade didn't look back, almost tripping over a stone in her haste. After a few clumsy bounds, she vanished into the night.

Kawakaze remained where he was, touching his lips as a small, satisfied smirk spread across his face. Chuckling softly, he turned and staggered back into the house.

...

The next morning, Tsunade awoke groggily, her mind still clouded by a whirlwind of thoughts. Flashes of the previous night surfaced in her memory, particularly the moment she had kissed Kawakaze. A faint, bashful smile played at the corners of her lips.

But the smile quickly faded as a sharp, unpleasant odor invaded her senses—a pungent mix of alcohol, tobacco, and sweat clinging stubbornly to her. Her brows knitted together in displeasure, and she grimaced, the foul smell making her hesitate to even open her mouth.

Dragging herself out of bed, she headed to the bathroom to wash up and refresh herself. After a quick breakfast, she focused her thoughts on the day's tasks. It was time to get serious.

Stepping out of her home, Tsunade made her way toward Konoha Construction, the largest and most reputable construction company in the village. Known for handling most of Konoha's infrastructure, their work was efficient and reliable. Their secret weapon? A team of mid- and low-ranking ninjas skilled in Earth Release Techniques, making them invaluable for construction work.

When she arrived at the company's reception desk, a short, dark-skinned middle-aged man greeted her. The recognition in his eyes was immediate, and he hurried over, bowing slightly in deference.

"What brings you here, Lady Tsunade?"

The question was spoken with polite curiosity, but Tsunade wasn't surprised. In Konoha, too many people recognized her—whether for her legendary status as a ninja or her infamous reputation as a gambler.

"I'm here about a major project that requires your cooperation," Tsunade replied smoothly.

The dark-skinned man's eyes lit up with interest. If Tsunade called it a "major project," it was undoubtedly something big. "Please, come in, my lady."

He led her into his office and, with a sense of eagerness, poured her a cup of tea.

"I'm on duty today, so feel free to tell me what this big project entails," he prompted, unable to hide the anticipation in his tone. "I'm not bragging, but there isn't a construction company in Konoha more capable than ours."

Tsunade's lips curled into a faint smile. "How about a 6,600-square-meter hospital? Does that qualify as a 'big project'?"

The man froze for a moment, his eyes widening as her words sank in. Swallowing nervously, he quickly lowered his gaze. He knew better than to underestimate a woman of her stature.

"Of course! That's an enormous project!" he stammered. "When would you like construction to begin? And how would you like to handle payment—daily or a lump sum?"

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, sipping her tea with an air of casual authority. Over the next half hour, the two discussed the finer details of the agreement. By the end of the meeting, Tsunade had hired ten construction workers on a daily wage basis and scheduled construction to begin that very afternoon.

Unbeknownst to the construction team, they were little more than bait for Tsunade's real plan. The goal was to lure the enemy out of hiding.

Fortunately, the target was also a Konoha resident, which meant they wouldn't dare openly attack the construction company in broad daylight. At worst, they might try to intimidate or drive the workers away.

If not for these considerations, Tsunade wouldn't have gone along with Kawakaze's plan in the first place. After all, the Senju Clan's mission had always been to protect the village.

For now, at least, Tsunade still adhered to her grandfather's ideals.