Little Tsunade didn't understand the future.
Right now, she only felt incredibly happy.
She genuinely loved learning about medicine.
And in this world, there were indeed things just as enjoyable as gambling.
Although Emiya Shigen's presence had cut down the time she spent gambling with her grandpa, his arrival brought her even greater joy in childhood.
Ever since Shigen returned to Konoha, he would visit daily to check on Hashirama's health. This gave Tsunade the opportunity to follow Shigen around, accompanying him on his visits to Konoha Hospital or wandering the village streets, occasionally stopping to buy chestnut juice.
And…
Emiya Shigen was just like the hero from the bedtime stories!
In fact, he was even more impressive than the protagonist described in the stories her grandpa told.
Unlike Hashirama, who often acted unreliable in front of his granddaughter, Shigen's demeanor seemed far more admirable to a child.
When treating patients, Shigen was incredibly serious. While his stoic attitude might make him seem distant, his words always showed great consideration for the patients' well-being.
Even if he treated the shinobi of this era with cold indifference, it was impossible to hide his warm heart. His actions, particularly his gentle treatment of children, revealed a kindness that left a deep impression.
On the Way to the Hospital
Tsunade trotted along on her short legs, trying to keep up with Shigen, who had deliberately slowed his pace for her. She grumbled about the long distance between her home and the hospital—a journey that felt endless for a child.
"Today feels so far…"
Shigen lowered his gaze to glance at her briefly.
"I'm not tired! I can keep going!"
Fearing that her beloved mentor might think she lacked determination, Tsunade quickly waved her little hands, trying to show that she could keep walking without any problem.
Without a word, Shigen bent down and gently lifted her up, placing the surprised little girl on his shoulders.
"Eh?"
From her elevated perch, Tsunade's eyes lit up with joy. "Lord Shigen, it's so high up here! Is this the spot where the slug in the stories used to sit?"
"Yes," Shigen replied with a nod, his expression unchanged. "When it couldn't keep up, it would sit on my shoulder."
"..."
Tsunade touched her round cheeks, already imagining the future. "I want to raise a slug of my own someday…"
"Mm."
That single syllable from Shigen carried the weight of his calm affirmation.
As they continued walking, Tsunade noticed their pace had quickened. The gentle breeze brushed her cheeks, making her blink in delight.
"Can I learn a lot today too?"
"Mm."
"Will I get to drink sweet grape juice afterward?"
"No."
"That's for patients," Shigen replied, rejecting her request. However, he offered an alternative: "But after today's lessons, you can have some chestnut juice."
"Ugh…"
Pouting, Tsunade clung to his head in resignation.
At the Hospital
When Shigen arrived at Konoha Hospital with Tsunade, his presence no longer drew much attention. The medical staff and patients had grown used to seeing the little girl following him around, assuming she was a student he was training.
In many ways, it did look like a teacher and student dynamic.
Despite being only five years old, Tsunade had already learned a few basic medical techniques and could treat minor injuries like scrapes and bruises.
Of course, her journey had only just begun.
The little girl remained by Shigen's side, observing how he spoke to patients with calm, detailed explanations. He simplified complex illnesses in ways anyone could understand.
"The body's natural resistance is more effective than any medicine," Shigen would explain. "This illness will help your body produce antibodies, protecting you from experiencing it again in the future."
"Some diseases are like a sudden fire in a house. To extinguish it, you need water. From then on, you keep a bucket of water handy to prevent future fires. Antibodies work the same way—they're like the bucket of water prepared in advance, so you won't have to worry about the same illness troubling you again."
"Wow, so cool…"
Tsunade's eyes sparkled with admiration.
Even though she didn't fully understand what antibodies were, she grasped the metaphor of water and fire, feeling inspired to learn more.
An Unexpected Incident
As the sun began to set, Tsunade tugged on Shigen's sleeve, her stomach growling. "Lord Shigen, when can we eat? I really want some thick, sweet chestnut juice!"
"..."
Shigen patted her head, his usual reserved nature softened by his unspoken promise. Though he rarely spoke much during downtime, he always kept his word.
However, as they prepared to leave, an unusual event occurred.
A long-haired, handsome boy was rushed into the hospital for emergency treatment due to food poisoning. Though the situation seemed serious, the experienced hospital staff quickly stabilized him through induced vomiting.
As Shigen walked past the concerned parents with Tsunade in tow, he overheard the boy's voice.
"Just simple green beans and peppers…"
"How could something so ordinary leave me this weak?"
The boy's mother sighed, exasperated by her son's antics. "Orochimaru, you can't keep experimenting with strange things in the kitchen by yourself…"
"Fine," the boy's father added, equally helpless. "Let's just add a new 'toxic recipe' to the kitchen rules—no mixing green beans and peppers."
"..."
Shigen stopped in his tracks and crouched down to speak softly to Tsunade.
Moments later, the little girl ran back into the hospital room, interrupting the medical staff who were busy documenting the supposed toxicity of green beans mixed with peppers.
"It's not because they were mixed together!" Tsunade exclaimed confidently. "The green beans weren't cooked properly. If beans aren't fully cooked, they release harmful substances that can cause food poisoning!"
The room fell silent as everyone turned to the chubby little girl in astonishment.
Even the sickly boy lying on the chair—the one named Orochimaru—blinked in surprise at the girl's knowledge.
Someone his age…
Knew more than he did?
For a child as naturally curious as Orochimaru, the concept of food poisoning had first intrigued him when one of his mother's failed recipes landed the entire family in the hospital. That experience sparked his fascination with substances that could weaken even the strongest adults, putting them on equal footing with a mere five-year-old.
Ever since, he had been experimenting in the kitchen, testing ingredients to uncover their toxic properties. But today, seeing Tsunade's ability to identify the problem so effortlessly, Orochimaru realized there were other ways to uncover such mysteries—through knowledge and understanding.
Before he could say a word, however, Tsunade had already disappeared.
From his spot on the chair, Orochimaru watched the golden-haired girl walk away, holding the hand of a tall man whose dark silhouette was illuminated by the setting sun.
"Tsunade… and Emiya Shigen…"
For the first time, these two unfamiliar names etched themselves into Orochimaru's memory.
And the man walking beside her…
Left a deep, indelible impression—a shadow that would forever linger in his heart.
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Powerstones?
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