The night was hazy, filled with a gentle, enchanting glow.
Two shadows stretched long under the streetlights, walking side by side in silence, as if strangers yet bound by circumstance.
"Tsunade-sensei, why don't you change back? I'm not used to seeing you like this," Hayashi finally broke the silence.
Tsunade shook her head. "If I change back, people will be asking for my autograph within five minutes. Even heroes need some private space."
Hayashi rolled his eyes. It was the first time he had heard someone justify playing young with such casual grace.
But she was right. The contrast between heroes and ordinary ninjas was staggering. Tsunade received constant attention, gifts, and admiration. He, by contrast, seemed barely known. Konoha's publicity clearly wasn't keeping up.
While lost in thought, Hayashi studied Tsunade. She appeared unusually cheerful today, walking leisurely in the form of a ten-year-old.
As long as she wasn't angry, the situation was manageable. Being caught impersonating someone so renowned was terrifying—everyone knew of the violent reputation of Tsunade, and Jiraiya's countless misadventures were proof enough.
"What do you think of your current squad?" Tsunade asked suddenly, catching a falling leaf between her delicate fingers.
Hayashi considered it for a moment. "They're strong. The members are excellent."
Could she be testing him, seeing if he could take on her responsibilities? Hayashi remained cautious, remembering Kushina's repeated warnings.
"I mean, does your team lack anyone?" she pressed.
As expected.
Hayashi sighed and quickly waved his hand. Three members were sufficient for now. Any more, and he'd barely have the patience to survive.
"But your team seems to get injured frequently on missions," Tsunade noted.
"Huh?"
Hayashi frowned.
"Don't you think a medical ninja would help? Every mission carries risks, but there's no one to treat injuries immediately. Wouldn't it be safer to have a dedicated medic?"
Hayashi froze. In the original story, Tsunade had insisted on assigning medical ninjas after Nawaki's death. But Nawaki hadn't died yet. Why bring it up now? Was someone else in danger?
"Sensei, did something happen?"
"No," Tsunade said, shaking her head. "I was just reminded of my own youth. Back when my peers and I became Genin, we also gathered together like your team does."
"Only a little over ten years have passed, yet so many… have already died," she murmured, sadness flickering in her eyes.
"So don't you think some reform is inevitable?"
Though she hadn't wanted to discuss this, and Orochimaru had dismissed her ideas in the past, the war had forced her to accept reality. The Third Hokage likely wouldn't approve, so she had kept the plan on hold.
Seeing these young ninjas today, however, her old feelings resurfaced.
Her desire to master medical ninjutsu had begun after the shock of her grandfather Hashirama Senju's death. From then on, she vowed to save those around her. Yet reality was harsh: family and friends continued to die, and her clan dwindled to just a few survivors.
Saving more lives remained her goal, though few supported it. If only that fool Jiraiya were here—he would undoubtedly stand by her.
Tsunade sighed. Her presence reminded Hayashi of Mito Uzumaki while drinking—there was a quiet loneliness beneath the surface.
"So what does Sensei want me to do?" Hayashi asked.
This wasn't a stroll meant for comfort or lessons. If he imagined patting the ten-year-old Tsunade's head, he might soon regret it.
"Next time at the Jonin meeting, I hope you will propose this plan," she said, a cunning smile on her face.
Had Nawaki died, she would have presented it herself. Now, she sought someone to test the waters. If opposition was too strong, she could retreat temporarily.
"…Why me?" Hayashi finally asked.
"You are a Special Jonin and have the right to speak. Nawaki isn't a Jonin yet, and the other Jonin aren't directly connected to me. You are my disciple, so it makes sense." Tsunade spread her hands, shrugging lightly.
She had wanted to approach Jiraiya, but he was still off drinking in the Land of Rain.
"…So I'm the only one?"
"Not a patsy. You volunteer to propose it. Once you do, everyone will support you."
Hayashi remembered that in the original story, only Dan Kato had supported her. Even Orochimaru hadn't. Now, he needed a polite excuse to refuse.
While he hesitated, Tsunade, carrying sake in her left hand, approached and lightly touched his forehead.
"Consider this a thank you gift, kid," she said with a small smile before walking away along the mottled street.
Hayashi's face flushed red. He knew it was nothing more than a gesture of affection, akin to treating a younger brother…
…Wait.
Those who had received Tsunade's forehead gestures hadn't fared well. Nawaki had died in an explosion, Dan Kato had perished unnaturally, and if Naruto hadn't been the protagonist, he would have met countless early deaths.
A curse from Tsunade? Hayashi shivered at the touch on his forehead.
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