"Shisui."

  Hanekawa smiled warmly. "We should train together sometime."

  Uchiha Shisui had talent—not quite on Obito's level with the Mangekyō Sharingan, but solid nonetheless. What made him dangerous was trajectory. In a few years, during the Third Ninja World War, his strength would skyrocket. He'd become one of the elite jonin, the kind of opponent worth knowing.

  No point overthinking who to use for Fire Style training.

  "Okay, Hanekawa-senpai."

  Shisui agreed immediately. Unlike most Uchiha, he didn't harbor the typical clan prejudice against outsiders. Besides, Hanekawa wasn't ordinary—his status and strength made him worth befriending.

  "See you tomorrow."

  Hanekawa didn't linger. After exchanging pleasantries, he turned to leave.

  As he passed a restaurant under renovation, he paused. A sign reading "Ichiraku Ramen" hung above the entrance.

  Opening soon?

  He glanced inside curiously, spotting only construction workers. No sign of the legendary Ichiraku himself. Hanekawa moved on, his thoughts already shifting ahead.

  The walk back to Tsunade's home was uneventful until he reached the door. It hung slightly ajar—not fully closed.

  She's home?

  That was unusual.

  He pushed inside and found her sprawled across the sofa, head tilted back against the armrest. Her eyes were half-closed, lips a soft pink. The way her body settled into the cushions—the curve of her waist, the generous swell of her chest straining against her clothes—made the whole scene look like something from a painting. Her long legs were crossed, right over left, bare feet swaying gently through the air. Her toes were perfectly manicured, white polish with hints of pink, though the color had dulled slightly since application.

  She looked troubled.

  "Teacher."

  Tsunade's eyes opened. "Ah."

  "Is something bothering you?" Hanekawa asked, noting the unusual tension in her expression.

  "Nothing," she said, sitting up. "Just thinking about which mission to take."

  "A mission?" Hanekawa blinked. "You want to do a mission?"

  "What's that look supposed to mean?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed dangerously.

  "It's the first time I've seen you actually do one," he said carefully.

  "Would I announce it if I completed one?" She raised an eyebrow. "But why tell you today?"

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  "Because you're going too." Tsunade's lips curved into a smirk. "Unless you're scared?"

  Hanekawa considered this. He'd never left the village before—too risky with Danzo watching. But with Tsunade at his side? That changed everything.

  "Why would I be scared?" he said.

  "Taking a mission isn't a game," Tsunade warned, flicking his forehead. "When you kill someone, don't come crying to me."

  Kill someone.

  The words hung in the air. He'd never taken a life. But that was the reality of being a ninja—kill or be killed. No middle ground.

  "It's nice to cry while hugging the teacher," Hanekawa said, tilting his head to look up at her. His eyes found the broad expanse of her chest.

  Tsunade laughed, a genuine sound that filled the room. "Crying takes time you won't have on a battlefield."

  Battlefield.

  The word triggered something in Hanekawa's memory. Asuma and Kurenai had graduated at nine. The Third Ninja World War started shortly after. That meant less than two years remained.

  "I won't cry," he said firmly.

  Two lives gave him advantages his peers didn't have. Better emotional control. Better perspective. Better survival instinct.

  "Your current strength is decent," Tsunade said, studying him. "I'll choose something moderately difficult."

  "Not too difficult," Hanekawa countered quickly. "I haven't graduated yet."

  "Sly little devil." Tsunade ruffled his hair, but her smile suggested she approved. She preferred cunning to blind courage. The straightforward types didn't last long in combat.

  "I call it smart," he corrected.

  "Call it whatever you want." She withdrew her hand. "Go cook."

  "Yes!" Hanekawa snapped to attention. "I promise to complete the mission!"

  As he disappeared into the kitchen, Tsunade's smile faded. She scratched her head, her expression clouding over.

  Too difficult and he gets hurt. Too easy and it wastes the opportunity.

  This was the first time a mission selection had troubled her this much.

  "Teacher, dinner's ready!" Hanekawa emerged carrying dishes and chopsticks.

  "How was school today?" Tsunade settled at the table, picking up her chopsticks.

  "Nothing major," Hanekawa said, placing fried shrimp on his plate. "Sparred with Shisui."

  "Uchiha Shisui?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed slightly as she recalled. "I've heard the Uchiha mention him at the hospital. They said he was a rare genius."

  "He's strong," Hanekawa admitted. "He can use Fire Style: Phoenix Claw Red."

  Tsunade's eyebrows rose. Fire Style: Phoenix Claw Red wasn't remarkable by itself, but for someone his age? That was terrifying.

  "Who won?" she asked, watching him carefully.

  "Me, obviously." Hanekawa lifted his chin with obvious pride. "I wouldn't embarrass my teacher."

  "You're the best," Tsunade said, though her tone suggested she was already thinking ahead. "Your genjutsu and swordsmanship—they're at chunin level?"

  "Almost," Hanekawa said between bites.

  Tsunade nodded slowly, her mind working. "After dinner, I want to take you somewhere."

  "Where?" Hanekawa looked up.

  "There's someone in the village who's exceptional with Leaf Style swordsmanship," Tsunade explained. "He's also integrated genjutsu into his technique. Perfect for you."

  Maruboshi Kosuke.

  The name appeared in Hanekawa's mind like a system notification. The legendary genin. His desperate ambition had cost his teammate's life. In atonement, he'd sworn to the Second Hokage to remain genin forever, despite having jonin-level strength.

  "My grandfather had a close relationship with him," Tsunade continued. "He taught Kosuke water-style ninjutsu. For that connection, he won't refuse to teach you."

  Hanekawa understood the weight of what she was offering. Tsunade didn't owe favors lightly. But strength meant survival, and she was determined to give him every advantage.

  "Thank you, teacher," he said sincerely.

  Children with mothers are treasures. Teachers too.