Although Nawaki wasn't sure why his sister Tsunade was suddenly threatening him, he knew from years of experience that once Tsunade had that look in her eyes, someone was about to suffer.
And when it came to Tsunade, suffering usually meant more than just a bruised ego.
Especially in front of so many classmates, Nawaki didn't want to become the laughingstock of the Academy.
"...I–I think my cold is already better, sister," Nawaki stammered, shuffling back nervously. "I won't bother you anymore, you can treat someone else!"
He turned, ready to escape, but before he could take more than a step, Tsunade's hand shot out and snagged the corner of his shirt. Like a hawk grabbing a chick, she held him in place with terrifying ease.
"Wait. Who said you could leave?" Tsunade's smile looked sweet, but there was something dark lurking behind her eyes. "I haven't finished speaking yet. What's the rush?"
If Nawaki had been paying more attention, he would have realized that her bright smile was nothing but a warning.
"Yes, yes!" Hayashi spoke up suddenly, his eyes glinting mischievously. "I saw Nawaki coughing just now. The cold winds in May are dangerous. If we don't deal with it quickly, Konoha might be overrun with an epidemic. Lady Tsunade, you must act immediately!"
Hayashi's voice was dripping with fake concern, but his grin betrayed him. Taking joy in someone else's misery was practically second nature to him.
Before Nawaki could even glare properly, Hayashi had already turned his gaze away, pretending innocence.
"That's right," Tsunade agreed with a satisfied nod, her smile widening as Nawaki's heart sank. "My foolish brother, even your classmates think so. Clearly, your condition needs urgent treatment."
"Hayashi! You set me up! Just you wait!" Nawaki shouted, his face filled with grief and fury as Tsunade tightened her grip on his collar.
"Trying to attack me with your eyes won't save you," Hayashi chuckled under his breath, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
"Nawaki, quickly apologize to Lady Tsunade!" Mikoto said, her voice filled with genuine concern. "If you do, she'll definitely forgive you."
Her kindness only made Nawaki more stubborn. Straightening his clothes, he gave Mikoto a strange smile.
"Apologize? No, Mikoto. You don't understand," he said confidently, as though he'd uncovered some hidden truth.
Hayashi raised a brow. "So you actually have a backup plan?"
"Backup plan? Wrong. Completely wrong," Nawaki shook his head, speaking with exaggerated wisdom. "If this were a test, Hayashi, you'd score zero points. The reason I don't apologize isn't because of pride or some trick up my sleeve. The real answer is simple…"
His smile turned wry. "Even if I kneel down and apologize, my sister will still punish me."
"..."
The crowd fell silent.
"Alright, enough talking," Tsunade said cheerfully, and with a swift motion, she slammed Nawaki onto a desk. He struggled, but it was useless—her strength was overwhelming.
"You know what my summoning animal is, right, little brother? These slugs have excellent medical uses…"
She reached out, picked up a slug from a nearby jar, and held it in front of his horrified face.
"Ninja Art: Slug Insertion Technique."
Before Nawaki could scream, she shoved the slimy creature straight into his mouth.
A revolting, sour-bitter taste flooded his senses, and his face twisted in absolute disgust. Yet beneath the twisted expression, there was an odd flicker, almost as if…
Was he enjoying it?!
"Ugh…" Nawaki gagged, trying desperately to spit it out, but Tsunade held him firmly.
"What's with that expression? This is a special treatment I developed myself, designed especially for stubborn, naughty children," Tsunade said sweetly.
"S–sister! Weren't you treating a cold?!" Nawaki choked out, his words muffled by slime.
"Oh, yes," Tsunade replied, brushing her blonde hair back casually. "But curing your bad attitude is the main goal. The cold treatment is just a side effect."
Her smile alone sent a chill down Nawaki's spine.
"Too miserable… this is way too miserable," Hayashi muttered, shaking his head. "What a terrifying woman."
He immediately etched Tsunade's name into his mental list of people never to provoke. After all, this was the same woman who had once hospitalized Jiraiya for weeks after breaking several of his bones.
Until now, Hayashi had only watched Tsunade from a screen. Seeing her in person, he finally understood why she would one day become part of the legendary Sannin—the Yellow-Haired Princess of Konoha was not someone to trifle with.
Tsunade was only sixteen now, dressed in a standard jōnin vest, her long golden hair tied neatly, and the faint outline of the Yin Seal not yet fully formed on her forehead. She was tall and striking, but lacking the mature curves she would one day be famous for.
Hayashi tilted his head, genuinely confused. What went wrong?
"Oh… flat-chested?" he muttered without thinking.
The air froze.
"Let me break all your fingers," Tsunade said with a smile that made his blood run cold. "ONE...BY...ONE."
Realizing too late what he had just said aloud, Hayashi paled. Seconds later, a slug was shoved into his mouth as well.
"Mmghhh—!" he gagged, his face turning pale as the foul taste overwhelmed him.
Standing nearby, Mikoto sighed. "Honestly, what's in Hayashi's head…"
Tsunade dusted her hands and gave Hayashi a deceptively gentle smile. "Uchiha boy, if you ever need treatment, come find me. Don't be shy."
Hayashi shook his head furiously. "N-no thank you, Lady Tsunade! I'm perfectly healthy!"
What a joke. If this was what she called treatment, he'd rather stay sick for life.
Maybe Tsunade really was Konoha's most terrifying medic.