"What?"
Inside the inn.
Tsunade, Shizune, and Karin were all stunned by Kiyoshi's unexpected and bold words.
Originally, just acquiring the techniques of Regeneration Technique and Body Revival Technique to complement the Strength of a Hundred Technique had already been more than enough for them.
They were already satisfied, not daring to hope for more.
Yet, Kiyoshi seemed far from satisfied and wanted to develop a combat-based medical technique.
"This kind of jutsu isn't something you can master in a day or two," Tsunade took a deep breath, speaking seriously.
Such a medical technique, comparable to Sage Mode and capable of dramatically enhancing combat power, would indeed be unimaginable if successful.
Through the healing scrolls he had created earlier, she had already seen Kiyoshi's remarkable talents and gifts firsthand.
While she couldn't be entirely sure if he would succeed, a part of her believed he would.
Still, she knew the time and energy it would take would not be trivial.
"So, Tsunade-nee..." Kiyoshi blinked, smiling slyly, "Want to join me?"
Having a healer like Tsunade on board would undoubtedly speed up their progress, bringing this forbidden jutsu to life much sooner.
After all, if even Shinno could use Regeneration Technique and Body Revival Technique to open the Eight Gates without harming himself, though his power was rather unimpressive, the potential was undeniable.
If only the jutsu didn't have flaws, he could have grown stronger with each battle.
But Kiyoshi's situation was different.
Once he completed that medical jutsu, he was confident he could activate the Eight Gates without suffering any damage to himself.
And he wouldn't be half as clumsy about it as Shinno.
"This…." Tsunade was clearly tempted.
Once completed, this technique wouldn't just benefit Kiyoshi.
Except for Karin, who was still too young, each member of their circle had already mastered the Strength of a Hundred Technique.
"Karin has traveled with us for two years, broadening her horizons and gaining knowledge," Kiyoshi said with a smile.
"Now, if she returns to Konoha to train in clinical practice at the hospital with Shizune-senpai, her medical skills will continue to grow."
"After all, you've been on the move for so long, it's about time you and Shizune-senpai settled down."
Hearing his words, both Karin and Shizune couldn't help but feel swayed.
Returning to Konoha to reunite with her mother would make Karin happier than anything.
As for Shizune, years of following Tsunade on a wandering lifestyle had left her without a true home.
Even though she rarely complained, her gentle and peaceful nature undoubtedly desired for Tsunade to overcome her past sorrows and settle down somewhere secure.
But ultimately, the decision lay with Tsunade.
The two women stayed silent, listening intently.
Their gazes turned toward Tsunade.
"Kiyoshi, you should know." Tsunade's brows knitted in a frown.
She didn't wish to return to Konoha, a place filled with painful memories.
Moreover, she understood that returning would stir a storm.
While she wanted Kiyoshi to become Hokage, he was still young.
There was no rush to deal with the corrupted elders drunk on power, they could wait a few years. She had no desire to handle such messy affairs.
"No, Tsunade-nee, don't get the wrong idea."
Having anticipated her concerns, Kiyoshi quickly interrupted her, speaking directly.
"You don't have to return to Konoha. We can set up a research base in the Land of Whirlpools."
"I can transport all the necessary materials from the Root over there."
"The Land of Whirlpools? Alright, I agree..."
Tsunade nodded.
She hadn't wanted to deny Kiyoshi's request, and this plan was ideal.
With Kiyoshi by their side, travel between Konoha and the Land of Whirlpools wouldn't be difficult for the four of them.
"But, Lady Tsunade, what about me?" Shizune looked hesitant, wanting to return to Konoha yet unwilling to leave Tsunade.
"Shizune, you'll go with Karin back to Konoha." Tsunade knocked lightly on Shizune's head, scolding her gently.
"Besides, hasn't Kiyoshi already developed the Flying Thunder God Transportation Scrolls? If you ever want to come to the Land of Whirlpools, you can just teleport over."
Her perceptive eyes didn't miss the blush on Shizune's face, and Tsunade could tell something was going on.
Kiyoshi's scent still lingered faintly on Shizune, Karin may not have noticed, but Tsunade certainly did.
Thinking about it, Tsunade gave him a look that could kill.
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
She had long accepted her feelings and could no longer deceive herself, feeling comfortable with Kiyoshi. However, with Shizune around, things were inconvenient.
In the Land of Whirlpools, though, everything would be just right.
After all, it was her grandmother's homeland.
Though ravaged by war, leaving it in ruins.
But with her and Kiyoshi's current strength, rebuilding it would be a simple task.
"Let's pause our travels for now." Tsunade made the decision decisively.
After so many years of wandering, she indeed felt a bit weary. She simply didn't want to return to Konoha.
Perhaps settling in the Land of Whirlpools was a good choice.
"It's settled, then." Kiyoshi nodded with a gentle smile.
He had no intention of keeping Tsunade confined to the Land of Whirlpools, she could still travel the shinobi world anytime she wanted.
In the past, Tsunade and Shizune's "traveling" had been more akin to wandering aimlessly.
"Really? That's wonderful." Karin's eyes lit up.
With a joyous smile, she clenched her fists, feeling more excited than ever.
This meant she wouldn't be separated from her mother anymore.
And with the convenience of the Flying Thunder God Transportation Scrolls, she could visit Tsunade and Kiyoshi anytime.
"Shizune-senpai, stay at my place," Kiyoshi said with a playful grin, ignoring Tsunade's sharp glare.
Looking at Shizune, he added, "Keiko-san just bought a new house in the village and is planning to move out. My place is practically empty."
"Ah?" Caught off guard, Shizune blushed, looking flustered. "But…this…."
Living with Kiyoshi made her feel anxious.
"The house is a bit old, do you mind, Shizune-senpai?" Kiyoshi asked, amusement dancing in his eyes.
"No, of course, I don't mind. It would be my pleasure," Shizune replied, her face flushed with embarrassment, but her heart swelling with happiness.
Was this truly the start of living with Kiyoshi?
As her heart began to race, she felt both shy and filled with anticipation.
"Alright, that's that."
Having seen through everything, Tsunade didn't comment further.
She merely shot Kiyoshi a disapproving look.
This brat…. Trying to whisk Shizune away right under her nose?
Yet, despite her annoyance, she couldn't bring herself to get too angry at him.
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