Chapter 58: I Hate to Break It to You, But You're Weak
Twilight.
Hoshikawa stopped his training, wiping the sweat from his brow.
After having lunch at Kushina Uzumaki's house, he and Tsunade had returned home for an afternoon of training.
He exhaled, turned, and walked inside, collapsing onto the sofa, utterly exhausted.
Tsunade hadn't been with him for his training; she had gone to the casino.
He was used to it by now, so he didn't give it a second thought.
Hoshikawa closed his eyes and opened the status system.
[C-Rank Jutsu Entry: Lightning Release Chakra Activation.]
[Trigger Condition: Introduction to Lightning Release Chakra Activation.] [Current Progress: 20%.]
Hoshikawa noticed the progress bar seemed to have reached a limit, showing no new changes for a long time. While his physical progress was indeed slow, nothing at all seemed strange.
Has it reached the standard already?
A thought sparked in his mind. He could try using Lightning Release chakra to stimulate his body tomorrow.
No, wait, the day after tomorrow.
Because tomorrow, August 2nd, was Tsunade's birthday.
This was the first birthday he was celebrating with her, and he couldn't be careless.
What should he get her?
Hoshikawa closed the status system, resting and pondering.
Soon, he heard footsteps.
Hoshikawa was about to speak when a hand landed on his head, stroking his hair gently.
"Did you train all afternoon again?" Tsunade's voice was softer than usual.
"Yeah," Hoshikawa opened his eyes and asked, "Did you win any money today, sensei?"
"Why do you ask?" Tsunade retracted her hand, sitting down beside him.
"If you lost money, you wouldn't be in such a good mood," Hoshikawa said, clearing his throat.
"You little brat!" Tsunade glared at him, immediately pinning him in a headlock, her left hand balled into a fist, which she playfully pounded against his head.
A dull thud.
The rich scent and the soft, heavy burden nearly knocked the wind out of Hoshikawa.
"S-Sensei, I… I'm sorry!" Hoshikawa instinctively struggled.
Tsunade's body trembled slightly, and she released him.
She crossed her arms, a cold smirk on her face. "Is a simple apology enough?"
"I'll go to the casino tomorrow," Hoshikawa said after a pause. "You can play for as long as you want."
"Hmm?" A suspicious look appeared on Tsunade's face. "What's wrong with you? Trying to slack off?"
"Missing one day of training isn't a big deal," Hoshikawa said with a cheeky grin. "As long as you're happy, Sensei."
Tsunade was taken aback, studying him, unsure if he was being genuine.
Her eyes flickered. "I also plan on drinking tomorrow."
"No problem," Hoshikawa agreed readily. "Drink as much as you want."
"What kind of shock did you have?" Tsunade reached out and pinched his cheek.
The two of them had been together for months. In the past, Hoshikawa was always nagging her about her gambling and drinking, acting like her mother. His boldness and lack of fear of her anger meant she had no recourse.
"None at all," Hoshikawa replied, finding it odd.
He had been so obvious, yet Tsunade hadn't guessed it was for her birthday tomorrow?
On second thought, it was a real possibility.
Because there weren't many people in Konoha who would celebrate her birthday.
"You little brat," Tsunade said, her mouth curling into a small smile. "Since you're being so filial, I won't stand on ceremony. Come find me at eight tomorrow morning."
"Sensei, will you actually be able to get up?" Hoshikawa asked with a look of doubt.
"What did you say?" Tsunade raised her hand and delivered another rap to his head.
"Don't hit my head; it'll make me stupid," Hoshikawa complained.
"Go cook!" Tsunade glared at him.
In their verbal sparring, she was always at a disadvantage against this brat.
"Yes, ma'am." Hoshikawa got up and went to the kitchen.
After dinner, he didn't stay to train, giving the excuse that he was too tired from the afternoon.
Tsunade laughed, barely holding it together. She was just short of saying, 'Please, you're so weak.'
Hoshikawa left with a dark expression.
He stopped at a shopping street on his way home.
But he still had no idea what to buy Tsunade.
Her hobbies were just gambling and drinking.
But a birthday gift definitely couldn't be one of those.
"Hoshikawa!"
Suddenly, a voice came from nearby. Hoshikawa turned and saw Rin Nohara.
She trotted over to him, her cheeks flushed like apples.
"The teacher said you took two days off," Rin took a deep breath. "Is something wrong?"
"You came at the perfect time," Hoshikawa's mind sparked. "I need to ask you for a favor."
"Huh?" Rin was momentarily stunned, a surprised look on her face. "You mean there's something you don't know?"
"There are a lot of things I don't know," Hoshikawa said with a smile. "Rin, are you free right now?"
"I am!" Rin's voice rose slightly, sounding excited.
This is great!
She finally had a chance to help Hoshikawa!
Rin had relied on him many times for medical ninjutsu, so she had been looking for a chance to repay him.
"Tomorrow is my teacher's birthday," Hoshikawa said, walking toward a gift shop. "Help me figure out what to get her."
So that was it?
For some reason, Rin felt a slight pang of disappointment.
"Any suggestions?" Hoshikawa asked, looking at the dazzling array of gifts.
"What does Lady Tsunade need?" Rin thought for a moment before asking.
"Money," Hoshikawa answered instinctively.
Rin stood there, dumbfounded.
Could such a powerful medical ninja really be short on money?
Hoshikawa suddenly laughed.
You know, if he just gave her cash, Tsunade would probably be ecstatic.
"Just kidding," Hoshikawa said, shaking his head. "She doesn't need anything, so I don't know what to buy."
"How about that one? Teaware is very popular among adults," Rin said, looking around and pointing to a classical and elegant tea set.
"Teaware won't do; it has to be sake ware," Hoshikawa's eyes lit up. "She likes drinking sake, not tea."
"Huh?" Rin asked, hesitant. "Aren't ninja not allowed to drink sake?"
In her mind, Tsunade was the perfect ninja, her idol.
But Hoshikawa's words had put that image in danger.
"You can drink after missions are over," Hoshikawa walked over, picked up a sake set nearby, and said, "I'll pay for it."
On his way to the counter, he saw a beautiful bracelet and picked it up as well.
Two gift boxes, one large and one small, were placed together.
Hoshikawa was about to pay when he suddenly remembered something.
He turned and looked at Rin Nohara.
She was waiting patiently, and when she noticed his gaze, she gave him a gentle smile.
Hoshikawa picked up another bracelet.
He remembered that Rin wore a red bracelet in the original story, but she didn't have one now.
"This is my thanks to you," Hoshikawa said, casually handing the gift box to Rin.
If Tsunade was just short on money, he was short on everything but money.
The profits from The Demon Hunter and A Guide to Ninja Girls of Different Species were simply too much.
He had no interest in money anymore.
"I can't take this!" Rin reacted, shaking her head quickly.
"It's settled then." Hoshikawa turned and walked around her. "See you the day after tomorrow."
"Hoshi…"
Rin's mouth opened, but she didn't know what to say.
She looked down at the gift box in her hand, hesitated for a few seconds, and then opened it.
Rin's cheeks turned a faint red when she saw the exquisite red bracelet.
....
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