But it didn't matter — at least in Tsunade's eyes, Aoyama Ryuyun's little gesture was nothing short of affection.
"Shinnosuke lost an arm. That old dog must be losing his mind by now, right?"
"Hm. If I'm not mistaken, they'll target me next."
Aoyama Ryuyun nodded, unsurprised. He had long anticipated this outcome. The only thing that intrigued him now was how Hiruzen Sarutobi would choose to strike back.
"Bang!"
Tsunade slammed her fist against the table and stood up.
"With me here, we won't be afraid of those old dogs!"
Her tone was sharp — that dangerous blend of pride and protectiveness that only Tsunade could carry.
How dare they bully my man? Did they forget who she was?
"You—"
Aoyama Ryuyun was about to reply when his Kenbunshoku Haki suddenly caught a familiar presence.
He smiled faintly and gave Tsunade a subtle glance, motioning for her to sit.
"Hm?"
Though puzzled, Tsunade didn't press. She obediently sat down.
Moments later, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared at the courtyard entrance.
"Tsunade! You—"
He turned his head, spotting Aoyama Ryuyun calmly sipping tea. Instantly, his expression froze.
A faint chill flickered in his eyes — gone in an instant, replaced by his usual serene smile.
"Oh, it's Liu Yun. I didn't expect you to be here too."
Old fox, both Tsunade and Aoyama Ryuyun thought at the same time.
Enemies meeting face to face, yet he could still smile so naturally. No wonder they called him the Professor — his patience and hypocrisy ran deeper than anyone else's.
Shrugging casually, Aoyama Ryuyun replied, "I just came to see Tsunade's training."
"Tsunade's training?"
Hiruzen looked genuinely surprised. Tsunade? Training willingly?
He knew his student's temperament well — talented, yes, but lazy when it came to discipline. The thought of Tsunade actually training on her own was difficult to believe.
But then, his gaze froze.
He could feel it — that overwhelming chakra density radiating from her body.
"Tsunade… you've reached the Kage level?"
Having just broken through, Tsunade's control over her new power wasn't perfect. Her chakra leaked slightly — enough for Hiruzen to sense it at a glance.
His expression turned blank with disbelief.
He wasn't surprised that Tsunade could eventually become Kage-level. He was shocked by how quickly she had done it.
Tsunade crossed her arms proudly. "Well, with Liu Yun sparring with me every day, I progressed a little faster than usual."
"…A little faster?"
Hiruzen's lips twitched.
You're barely twenty… and already Kage-level. Just how monstrous are the Senju genes?
On the surface, he chuckled.
"Hahahahaha! As expected of my disciple. Truly excellent work, Tsunade!"
His laughter was bright — too bright — and utterly false. The man's eyes, however, were cold with caution.
With the Senju Clan gone, Tsunade stood alone. But now that she was with Aoyama Ryuyun, that alliance threatened the fragile balance of power in Konoha.
"…Should I laugh along or what?"
Tsunade muttered under her breath. She had long since seen through her teacher's act. Ever since he'd become Hokage, he hadn't taught her anything. Everything she had now was from the Senju inheritance, not him.
"Cough, cough."
Hiruzen awkwardly cleared his throat and changed the topic.
"Tsunade, I came here because I need your help treating someone."
"Oh? Treat what?"
Tsunade waved her hand casually. It wasn't time to fall out with him yet, and healing someone was hardly worth a scene.
"It's my son," Hiruzen said gravely. "I want to ask if you can… reattach an arm."
At those words, the light in Tsunade's eyes froze.
She looked at him for a long moment, then turned to Aoyama Ryuyun, who simply raised a brow and continued drinking tea in silence.
So that's it, she thought coldly. It's about Shinnosuke.
Her lips curled into something between a smile and a sneer.
"How is it, Tsunade?" Hiruzen pressed. His tone was calm, but desperation was written all over his face.
"Cough, cough."
Tsunade straightened up and forced a solemn look.
"Hiruzen-sensei, I've just broken through to Kage-level. I'll need a year or so to stabilize my chakra before performing delicate procedures."
"…A year?"
Hiruzen's eye twitched. Do you think I was born yesterday?
Even he knew she could do it in a day if she wished.
Tsunade herself felt how weak that excuse sounded — but that didn't matter. There was no way she'd help reattach the arm Aoyama Ryuyun had cut off.
If Hiruzen wanted to save his son, he'd have to crawl elsewhere.
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