Konoha, Year 44, Autumn. A fine rain falls from the sky.
Inside the orphanage tent, the pungent smell of disinfectant lingers in the air.
Aoshi lies on a simple stretcher, his chest heaving violently.
Each breath comes with a heavy wheeze, his lungs burning with a tearing pain.
His forehead is alarmingly hot, sweat dripping from his temples.
"His temperature is still high. We need to bring it down quickly."
A gentle yet authoritative female voice sounds by his ear.
Aoshi slowly opens his eyes, his vision gradually clearing from a blur.
Before him appears a refined face framed by golden hair cascading over her shoulders.
Tsunade leans over, examining his condition with focused professionalism.
Memories flood back into Aoshi's mind like a tidal wave.
He is a war orphan, his parents killed on the battlefield.
To survive, he trekked hundreds of miles alone to Konoha.
Along the way, he contracted pneumonia, his fever unrelenting, nearly dying in the wilderness.
Fortunately, Tsunade found him unconscious and brought him to the orphanage for treatment.
"You're awake?"
Tsunade notices his open eyes, a trace of relief crossing her face.
"How do you feel? Any discomfort?"
Aoshi tries to respond but finds his throat painfully dry.
He can only shake his head slightly, signaling he's okay.
Tsunade continues checking his condition, her movements gentle yet professional.
Due to the angle, Aoshi's gaze unavoidably falls on a particular spot.
Tsunade's medical ninja uniform is slightly open at the collar, revealing a glimpse of fair skin.
But then, Aoshi notices something peculiar.
On Tsunade's chest, a faint pink arrow mark flickers faintly.
Instinctively, he focuses on the arrow.
Instantly, a stream of information floods his mind.
[Beauty Ninja Conquest System Activated]
[Current Target: Tsunade]
[Affection Level: 60/100]
[One Conquest Task Available]
[Task: Keep your head close to the target's chest for two minutes]
[Rewards: Affection +10, Skill Points +100, Randomly acquire one of the target's ninjutsu]
Aoshi's mind goes blank for a few seconds.
A system? A conquest task?
What is going on?
He struggles to maintain a calm exterior while his heart races with shock.
If this system is real, what does it mean?
It means he has a way to survive in this cruel world.
But the task's content…
Aoshi steals a glance at Tsunade, who is focused on treating him.
Rest his head on her chest?
That's practically asking for death!
Tsunade's monstrous strength is legendary—she could shatter Susanoo with a single punch.
If she caught him with any improper intentions, he'd be reduced to dust in an instant.
But…
Aoshi considers his situation.
As a war orphan, his status in Konoha is rock-bottom.
Without enough talent or value, he might be sent to Root as cannon fodder.
Worse, he could end up as material for Orochimaru's human experiments.
That kind of living hell is not what he wants.
Aoshi grits his teeth, making up his mind.
Fortune favors the bold. Since the system offers this chance, he'll take the risk.
He takes a deep breath, preparing his emotions.
"Mom…"
Aoshi lets out a weak groan, his voice filled with longing and pain.
Tsunade pauses slightly at the sound, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes—sympathy and pity for a war orphan.
"Mommy, I miss you so much…"
Aoshi continues in a frail voice, slowly raising his head.
Tears well in his eyes, a genuine outpouring of emotion.
The pain of losing his parents, the fear of wandering alone, the dread of death…
With a sobbing voice, Aoshi throws himself into Tsunade's arms.
A warm, soft sensation envelops his head.
Aoshi clings tightly to Tsunade, feeling a long-lost warmth.
Is this what a mother's embrace feels like?
He closes his eyes, savoring the moment's peace.
The system's countdown begins in his mind.
[Task in Progress: 1:58… 1:57…]
Tsunade snaps out of her shock.
Looking at the orphaned child in her arms, her heart fills with mixed emotions.
War has taken too many innocent lives, leaving countless orphans like Aoshi.
They yearn for a mother's warmth, for the feeling of home.
"Good child, don't cry."
Tsunade gently pats Aoshi's back, her voice as soft as a spring breeze.
"Though your mother is gone, she'd want you to live bravely."
Aoshi's tears flow even harder.
This isn't entirely an act—it's a release of real emotions.
In this unfamiliar world, Tsunade has given him a warmth he hasn't felt in so long.
[Task in Progress: 1:30… 1:29…]
Time ticks by, and Aoshi maintains his position.
Tsunade doesn't push him away, continuing to stroke his back gently.
"What's your name?" she asks softly.
"Ao… Aoshi…"
Aoshi replies in a nasal tone, his head still buried in her embrace.
"Aoshi, what a nice name."
A faint smile colors Tsunade's voice.
"Your parents must have loved you dearly to give you such a name."
[Task in Progress: 1:00… 0:59…]
Aoshi's heart races, whether from nerves or something else.
Tsunade's faint fragrance, a distinctly feminine scent, mingles with the disinfectant, intoxicating him.
"Lady Tsunade, you're so kind."
Aoshi speaks faintly.
"I've never felt such warmth before."
Tsunade's heart softens further at his words.
She recalls her lost brother Nawaki and her lover Dan Kato.
If they were alive, would they need this comfort too?
[Task in Progress: 0:30… 0:29…]
The final countdown begins.
Aoshi's palms sweat, fearing Tsunade might push him away.
But she maintains the embrace, gently stroking his hair.
"Aoshi, remember: as long as you're alive, there's hope."
Her voice rings in his ears.
"No matter what difficulties you face, face them bravely."
[Task in Progress: 0:10… 0:09… 0:08…]
"I will, Lady Tsunade."
Aoshi holds her tightly, his voice resolute.
"I'll live well, I promise."
[Task in Progress: 0:03… 0:02… 0:01…]
[Task Completed!]
[Rewards: Affection +10, Skill Points +100]
[Randomly Drawing Target's Ninjutsu…]
[Congratulations! Acquired: Medical Ninjutsu - Mystical Palm Technique]
The system's prompt rings in his mind, and Aoshi nearly shouts with excitement.
Mystical Palm Technique!
A top-tier medical ninjutsu, mastered even by Tsunade.
With this skill, his standing in Konoha will soar.
Aoshi slowly lifts his head from Tsunade's embrace, tear stains on his face.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."
He looks at her sincerely, eyes full of gratitude.
"You're as kind as my mother."
Tsunade feels a warmth in her heart at his earnest gaze.
"Silly child, come to me if you face any trouble."
She gently strokes his cheek, wiping away a tear.
"I'll protect you."
[Current Affection Level: 70/100]
The system shows an affection level of 70, and Aoshi inwardly rejoices.
This system is incredible, granting him powerful ninjutsu and Tsunade's deep favor.
"Lady Tsunade, I feel much better."
Aoshi sits up, his complexion noticeably improved.
"Your medical ninjutsu is amazing."
Tsunade nods, satisfied, and checks him again.
"Your pneumonia is mostly gone, but you need a few days' rest."
She stands, straightening her clothes.
"I'll arrange for someone to care for you. Rest well."
"Wait, Lady Tsunade."
Aoshi suddenly calls out.
"I… I want to learn medical ninjutsu. Is that possible?"
Tsunade turns, surprise in her eyes.
"You want to learn medical ninjutsu?"
"Yes."
Aoshi nods earnestly.
"I want to help people like me, to ease their suffering."
Tsunade studies him, her surprise turning to admiration.
This young boy, despite his age, holds such a noble aspiration.
"Medical ninjutsu is hard to learn. It requires exceptional chakra control."
Tsunade speaks seriously.
"To become a competent medical ninja demands unimaginable effort."
"I'm not afraid of hard work."
Aoshi's eyes burn with determination.
"If it means saving people, I'll endure anything."
Tsunade gazes into his clear, resolute eyes and makes her decision.
"Alright, I'll teach you."
She pats his head gently.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll personally teach you the basics of medical ninjutsu."
Aoshi nearly jumps with excitement but restrains himself.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
He bows deeply.
"I won't let you down!"
Tsunade smiles at the spirited boy, her lips curving upward.
Perhaps this is fate.
In a world of war and death, meeting a child eager to save others feels like a gift from above.
"Rest well. Training starts tomorrow."
As Tsunade turns to leave, Aoshi softly says, "Lady Tsunade, you're really beautiful."
Tsunade pauses, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
This kid, saying such things.
She leaves the tent without looking back, but her smile lingers.
Aoshi watches her go, his heart brimming with anticipation.
The system, ninjutsu, Tsunade's affection…
This world is far more exciting than he imagined.
He clenches his fists, eyes blazing with resolve.
No matter what challenges lie ahead, he'll grow stronger.
Not just to survive, but to protect those he cares about.
Night falls, and the orphanage grows quiet.
Aoshi lies on the stretcher, feeling the chakra coursing within him.
The Mystical Palm Technique's knowledge and skills are fully integrated into his memory, as if innate.
He quietly extends his palm, channeling chakra.
A faint green glow flickers—the healing light of medical ninjutsu.
It worked!
Aoshi suppresses his elation, quickly retracting the chakra.
With this ability, his future in Konoha is bright.
And it's all thanks to the woman who gave him that warm embrace.
Tsunade…
Aoshi whispers her name, complex emotions stirring within.
Gratitude, admiration, and something he can't quite name.
Perhaps this is what they call affection.
Regardless, he must grow stronger—strong enough to protect her.
This is his promise to himself and to Tsunade.