"You're Kitazawa?"
Tsunade looked him over and smiled. "Not bad‑looking."
"I'm Kitazawa," he replied, neither humble nor arrogant. "I've long admired you, Tsunade-sama."
"Oh? And how did you know who I am?" Tsunade arched an eyebrow.
"Blonde female shinobi are rare," Kitazawa said. He had wanted to add that her features were unmistakable, but thought better of it and toned it down.
"I see." Tsunade nodded lightly, then asked, "Was the idea of 'psychological medical ninja' yours?"
"It was," Kitazawa answered after a pause. "Yakumo was my main inspiration."
"Psychological medical ninja—that's a very good idea."
Tsunade glanced at him, offering genuine praise.
Had Hiruzen Sarutobi proposed such a field, she would have assumed it was aimed at her hemophobia. Kitazawa, however, knew nothing about that, so it was likely a coincidence.
"Yakumo and the others still aren't here?"
Tsunade asked, impatience creeping in.
"There you go again—always in a rush," Hiruzen chuckled. "After all these years you're still the same, eh?"
"You're too chatty, old man," Tsunade shot back, showing him no respect at all.
"Shizune, pour some tea," Hiruzen instructed.
"Right away," Shizune said. She set down the pig Tonton she was holding and picked up the teapot.
"Thank you," Kitazawa said as he accepted the cup from her.
A moment later, someone knocked on the door.
"Hokage-sama, Tsunade-sama," Kurenai Yuhi announced as she entered with Kurama Yakumo.
"Yakumo, come here," Tsunade beckoned, raising a pale wrist.
Yakumo instinctively looked to Kurenai, and only approached after Kurenai nodded.
Tsunade placed a hand on Yakumo's forehead; a soft green chakra glow appeared, and Tsunade's expression turned surprised. She already knew from Hiruzen about Yakumo's kekkei genkai, but seeing is believing. Now, examining Yakumo directly, she realized just how frightening it was: this was the first time she had seen Yin Release strong enough to affect the body itself.
"Tsunade-sama, is there anything you can do?" Kurenai asked anxiously.
She had been with Yakumo so long that she regarded her as a true student. Tsunade was universally acknowledged as the greatest medical ninja; if anyone could help Yakumo, it was her.
"It's complicated," Tsunade murmured, withdrawing her hand. "But I can start by stabilizing her body."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama!" Kurenai said at once. With Tsunade involved, everything would turn out fine.
"Tsunade," Hiruzen said happily, "so you've agreed to stay and help Konoha set up this psychological‑medical program?"
"I just happen to have time right now," she sniffed. "I might leave again in a few days."
"I understand," Hiruzen said with a smile.
Although she'd been gone for years, Konoha was still dearest to her heart; if she truly hadn't wanted to return, no proposal would have swayed her.
"Treating Yakumo and creating new jutsu both need funding," Tsunade said, extending an open hand with a playful grin. "So pay up, old man."
"How much to allocate… I'll need a bit of time to consider," Hiruzen mused. "Come see me tomorrow."
"Fine," Tsunade agreed, seeing he wasn't stalling. "Arrange lodging for Shizune and me."
Though the Senju compound still had plenty of rooms, she didn't want to go back there and reopen old wounds.
"No problem," Hiruzen said, understanding and not pressing further. Having Tsunade back in the village was a huge asset; her status and strength alone reassured both civilians and shinobi.
"Yakumo, come with me to Konoha Hospital," Tsunade said after a moment's thought.
Yakumo's condition was complex and required hospital equipment, and rare cases always intrigued Tsunade.
"I'm coming too," Kurenai said quickly.
"Kitazawa, you stay," Hiruzen interjected before Kitazawa could speak. "I have a few matters for you."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa answered at once.
Once Tsunade, Shizune, Kurenai, and Yakumo had left, only Hiruzen and Kitazawa remained in the office.
"Kitazawa, do you know Tsunade's nickname?" Hiruzen asked, looking at the closed door.
"The Legendary Sannin of Konoha?" Kitazawa guessed.
"Not that one," Hiruzen sighed. "I mean the fabled 'The Legendary Sucker.'"
"I've heard a little," Kitazawa said, puzzled.
"Tsunade loses every bet she makes," Hiruzen said earnestly. "If we hand her money, she'll gamble it away in no time. But I already promised her, so I can't refuse. I intend to give the money to you to safeguard."
"Uh?" Kitazawa was dumbstruck. Old geezer, that's not how you toss gold coins around! With Tsunade's temper, how am I supposed to survive?
"Konoha has formed a Psychological Medical Ninja Development Team," Hiruzen went on. "Tsunade's the leader; you three are members. Since she'll be busy, you'll manage the expenditures."
"But—" Kitazawa began.
"No buts. I trust your ability," Hiruzen said with a broad smile.
"…." Kitazawa forced a grin.
"Don't worry; Tsunade may be reckless, but she wouldn't lay a hand on you," Hiruzen reassured him.
"I'll do my best," Kitazawa said at last. At this point he couldn't refuse anyway.
"Excellent." Hiruzen nodded, satisfied. "When you get home, draft a funding plan and submit it to me."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa replied. The headache was real, but then again, it was also an opportunity to get into Konoha's upper echelons—valuable for a teacher, especially with someone as justice‑driven as Tsunade.
"Then I'll take my leave."
Kitazawa departed the office and went home. After a bowl of Ichiraku ramen, he set to work on the funding proposal. As a former corporate grunt, proposal writing was second nature: list every place money was needed and you were done.
…
The Next Day
Kitazawa arrived at the Hokage's office. Hiruzen wasn't in yet, so he placed the proposal on the desk and left.