"I was this close to winning back everything I lost earlier!"
Tsunade growled, kicking a loose stone in frustration. "Unbelievable!"
Trailing behind her, Shizune sighed and muttered under her breath, 'More like a million miles away...'
In all the years she'd followed Lady Tsunade, not once had she seen her win a single game. And yet, her addiction to gambling remained as fierce as ever—leaving Shizune utterly exasperated.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune interjected, hoping to redirect her focus. "Are we heading back to the inn or going to meet Kitazawa and Yuhi?"
"First things first—money," Tsunade said darkly.
Shizune wasn't the least bit surprised.
At the moment, their only legitimate income came from the Psychological Medical Ninja System project. Everything else? A stack of IOUs.
"It's open?" Shizune blinked, spotting the door ajar. "That's odd."
Tsunade didn't seem to care. She slipped off her shoes, padded barefoot into the living room, and flopped onto the sofa like she owned the place.
"Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa greeted, looking up as she entered.
As she strode across the room, Kitazawa couldn't help but notice how the tension in her steps made the fabric of her clothes shift. He briefly considered offering a hand—but wisely held back.
"Yakumo had a match today," he offered. "I gave her the day off."
"If you're here to discuss the new jutsu," he added, "we can talk about it tomorrow."
"Combat match?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "That the friendly competition you mentioned?"
Kitazawa nodded. "Yes. Our class won—decisively."
He paused, then smiled faintly. "Hokage-sama even rewarded me with an A-rank jutsu. The Rasengan."
"You actually picked the Rasengan?" Tsunade frowned. "You still have time to change your mind."
"Why?" Kitazawa asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Because it's not an easy jutsu," Tsunade explained. "Minato created it, and it's one of the hardest in Chakra shape transformation. Few can master it."
"Then how about a bet?" Kitazawa smiled, seeing the spark in her eyes.
"A bet?" Her tone sharpened. "What do you have in mind?"
"If I master Rasengan in three days, you teach me Medical Ninjutsu," Kitazawa proposed.
Tsunade burst into laughter. "Three days? You're joking! The Rasengan's design is based on the Tailed Beast Bomb—it's no child's game."
"Then, do we have a bet?" Kitazawa repeated, undeterred.
Tsunade eyed him carefully. 'So confident...'
After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "Alright. But I'm not accepting you as my student. Just teaching you medical ninjutsu."
"Fair enough."
Kitazawa had originally planned to wager for her mentorship, but it was clear that Tsunade had her own standards. Still, this was enough. Once he demonstrated his talent, things would change.
From the side, Shizune watched the two. Despite Rasengan's difficulty, something told her Lady Tsunade might actually lose this time.
'Causality,' she mused.
"Where's Yuhi?" Tsunade asked, leaning back comfortably. As she did, her figure shifted in ways that didn't go unnoticed.
"She's outside training," Kitazawa replied.
"Then I won't bother her," Tsunade waved. "We'll talk about the jutsu tomorrow."
She stood and moved to the adjacent room with Shizune. But just as she reached the door, she turned.
"Wait. What if you don't learn Rasengan in three days?"
Kitazawa shrugged. "I'll give you one million ryo."
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "Excellent! I graciously accept your donation in advance."
Kitazawa chuckled. "It's not over yet, Lady Tsunade."
"Just because you're handsome doesn't mean you can daydream," she shot back with a smirk.
"What kind of comment is that?" he laughed.
—
"Shikamaru, Choji, see you next week!" Ino waved, then stepped into the Yamanaka Flower Shop.
"You're home early," Inoichi said from behind the counter.
"Our class's friendly match with Second Year Class A ended earlier than expected," she beamed. "Guess who won?"
"You're smiling—do I even need to guess?" Inoichi chuckled.
"That's right! We crushed them. Not a single loss!"
"Wasn't Hyuga Neji in that class?" Inoichi asked, surprised. "Did Sasuke beat him?"
"Nope!" Ino grinned wider. "Now guess again—you won't believe it."
Inoichi raised an eyebrow. "I give up."
"Yakumo Kurama!"
Inoichi's eyes widened. "The Kurama Clan produced another Bloodline genius? That's… impressive."
"Mhm," Ino nodded. "And guess what? I have a surprise for you!"
"Oh?"
"I want you to teach me the Mind Body Switch Jutsu!"
"…That's the surprise?" Inoichi blinked.
"Come on, Dad, now!"
She darted off playfully. Inoichi chuckled and followed, indulging her enthusiasm.
Before long, he was genuinely surprised—Ino's progress was far faster than expected. Her fundamentals were solid. Too solid.
"It's all thanks to Kitazawa-sensei's training," she said reverently. "He's amazing!"
'What the…' Inoichi felt an odd twinge of jealousy. His daughter admired another man more than her own father?
Saturday Morning
After a quick wash-up, Kitazawa headed to Kurenai's house.
Tsunade, Shizune, and Yakumo were already there.
"Kitazawa, help me in the kitchen," Kurenai greeted, then disappeared inside.
"What's for breakfast?" he asked, following.
"Rice, grilled fish, miso soup, salad, and natto," she replied, reaching for an apron.
"I'll tie it for you," Kitazawa offered, stepping behind her.
His hands wrapped the apron strings around her slender waist.
"Thanks," she said casually.
"You still look stunning in an apron," he murmured, admiring her graceful figure.
"Save the flattery," Kurenai said with a small smile. "Lady Tsunade's waiting."
Together, they prepared a simple but warm breakfast.
Just as they finished, a knock came at the door.
"I'll get it," Kitazawa said, rising.
When he opened the door, his eyes widened slightly.
"Shikaku-sama?"
"No need for titles," Shikaku Nara said warmly. "Call me senpai."
Kitazawa nodded, still puzzled. Why was the Nara Clan leader, a Hokage advisor, visiting him?
"May I come in?" Shikaku chuckled.
"Of course." Kitazawa stepped aside. "But don't be too surprised…"
"Wha—Tsunade-sama?!" Shikaku froze.
"It's been a while," Tsunade said casually from the sofa.
Shikaku looked between her and Kitazawa, utterly baffled.
'What is going on here?'
Kitazawa gave a diplomatic smile. "It's complicated. Hokage-sama's orders. If you're curious, feel free to ask him directly."
"I see," Shikaku said, quickly recovering. "Then I'll get to the point—I want you to be Shikamaru's private tutor."
Before Kitazawa could respond, four lines appeared before his eyes:
Mission Triggered: Help Shikamaru Nara build the foundation to learn his clan's secret Ninjutsu.
Reward: Shadow Imitation Jutsu
Accept?
'Jackpot.'
Kitazawa knew this mission wasn't impossible—but Shikamaru's laziness would be the real challenge.
"Hokage-sama praised your teaching," Shikaku added. "That's why I'm asking. Think you can fix my son's attitude?"
"I can try," Kitazawa agreed, accepting the mission.
Shikaku handed him an envelope. "This is your monthly pay."
Kitazawa glanced at it.
'Five hundred thousand ryo.'
'The Nara Clan really doesn't skimp.'
"Lady Tsunade, I'll take my leave," Shikaku said, bowing respectfully.
After he left, Kurenai turned to Kitazawa. "Feels like you're becoming Konoha's most famous sensei."
"It's just appearances," Kitazawa shrugged. "Let's move on to the new Ninjutsu."
"You still have the energy for that?" Tsunade arched an eyebrow. "Don't forget—only three days."
"Three days?" Kurenai blinked. "What are you talking about?"
Kitazawa quickly explained their bet.
"You…" Kurenai looked like she wanted to object, but didn't. 'This might be a bit reckless…'
"It's fine," Kitazawa said. "I'll manage."
With his system-enhanced Chakra control and shape transformation, it wasn't just a bluff.
"You're awfully confident," Tsunade remarked—but didn't mind. More confidence meant a better chance for her to win.
Shizune looked between them, conflicted.
'Could Tsunade-sama finally win a bet? Was the Rasengan really that easy now?'
Two Days Later
Kurenai stood, frustrated, rubber ball in hand.
"Still can't pop it…" she muttered. "Stage two is much harder."
"Don't worry," Kitazawa reassured her. "You'll get there."
"What about you?" she asked. "Only one day left—have you mastered it?"
Kitazawa smiled faintly and extended his hand.
A glowing, spinning Rasengan materialized instantly.
Kurenai's eyes widened.
'Two days…? He actually did it…'
She stood stunned, unable to hide the awe in her expression.
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