In the Hidden Leaf, the general attitude toward Kekkei Genkai—Bloodline Limits—was remarkably inclusive. Unlike other villages that feared or persecuted those with unique genetic gifts, Konoha viewed them as vital assets.
But as Tsunade watched the boy, her mind raced. If this were just an ordinary bloodline, there would be no reason for him to seek her out with such secrecy. Given her own identity as a Senju, a possibility she could hardly fathom began to take root in her heart.
Before she could dwell on it, a sharp, mouth-watering aroma wafted through the room. It broke her train of thought, and she found herself reflexively swallowing.
"What did you make? I've never smelled anything like this."
"Saliva Chicken," Minato replied, setting a plate before her. The dish consisted of tender chicken thigh meat bathed in a vibrant red oil, garnished with fresh peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.
It was a refreshing dish, though Minato personally preferred it with a heavy kick of spice. Tsunade didn't wait. She snatched up her chopsticks and stuffed a piece into her mouth.
"So spicy! But so fragrant! Hiss... it's amazing! If only I had some sake to go with this!"
"It seems your spice tolerance is lower than I thought," Minato said, feeling a bit guilty. He hadn't expected the "Legendary Sannin" to be defeated by a pepper. He quickly handed her a glass of water. "Drink this. The other dishes are much milder."
"There's more?" Tsunade's eyes sparkled. The heat had only served to wake up her appetite. Her stomach let out an audible growl.
"Scallion Beef, Tomato and Fried Eggs, and Pan-fried Cod. We can eat in a moment."
Minato summoned a Shadow Clone, and both of them worked the stoves in a synchronized dance of culinary precision. Within minutes, the table was laden with steaming bowls.
"Oh! This is lavish!" Tsunade dove into the beef. The texture was silky, the flavors lingering on her tongue long after she swallowed. "Incredible! I've eaten at the best Izakayas in the village, but this is on another level!"
Minato smiled sheepishly. While the Ninja World had stir-fry, it was primitive. Most "gourmet" food was limited to things like Mapo Tofu or simple grilled meats.
"It's just home cooking," he said. "I learned by watching my mother. I was worried it might be too greasy for you."
"Are you kidding? Ninjas need high-energy fuel!" Tsunade declared, attacking the plates like a whirlwind.
In record time, the table was cleared. Seeing his efforts appreciated, Minato offered her a warm, sunny smile. For a split second, Tsunade found herself lost in that gaze. Tsk, this kid is dangerously charming.
Burp~
Letting out a decidedly unrefined belch, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the wood. "Alright. Out with it. What do you want? For a meal like this, I'll do whatever I can to help."
Minato nodded. He stood up, clicked on the light, and drew the heavy curtains shut. The atmosphere in the room shifted from domestic to clandestine. Under Tsunade's inquisitive gaze, he reached out his hand.
Crack. Snap.
Green shoots erupted from his palm. Before her shocked eyes, a small sapling grew rapidly, its branches unfurling vibrant, healthy leaves.
"So... my guess was right," Tsunade whispered. She waited until the growth stopped, then waved her hand dismissively. "Put it away. You're looking for the Ninjutsu of the First Hokage, aren't you?"
"Yes," Minato replied, the wood receding back into his skin.
Tsunade was floored. Neither she nor her brother Nawaki had inherited the Wood Release. Yet here was this blonde orphan, manifesting the most legendary power in Konoha's history.
"Do you have Senju blood? From your father's or mother's side?"
"I'm not sure," Minato admitted.
"Forget it, it doesn't matter." Tsunade didn't care for the genealogy. In a village where everyone's ancestors eventually blurred together, a "Bloodline Atavism"—a dormant trait suddenly awakening—was rare but possible. She looked at him with newfound appreciation. "You were smart not to make a scene at the academy. But why me? Why not the Third Hokage?"
"To be honest... I don't entirely trust the village higher-ups."
Minato had rehearsed this answer. It was a calculated warning. He knew the history of the "Konoha F4"—the council that would eventually run the village into the ground.
"My father was a Chunin. He told me that since the Third took office, the feeling of the village has changed. Under the First, there was a singular, overwhelming strength that enforced peace. Under the Second, there was one clear voice. Now? The Second's old guard unit has filled every department."
He looked her in the eye. "A community of interests has formed around the Hokage's chair. I worry about what happens to a new generation that doesn't fit into their existing power structure."
Minato spoke with the caution of a child but the bluntness of a scholar. He was genuinely afraid Tsunade's political sense was as bad as her gambling, so he laid it out in plain terms.
"You brat..." Tsunade's brow furrowed. She understood exactly what he was saying: he feared the elders would suppress or exploit what they couldn't control. She'd seen the rising bureaucracy herself lately.
"Such things shouldn't be said lightly!" she warned, though her tone lacked conviction.
"I'm just trying to stay safe," Minato replied with a modest smile. "But you're different. You're the granddaughter of the founder. You're the pride of the younger generation. I knew you wouldn't do anything to tarnish the First Hokage's legacy."
The flattery worked. Tsunade felt a swell of pride. "Hmph. You're not wrong. But be careful. The village has ways of watching—intelligence jutsu that can monitor your privacy. You aren't safe even when you're alone."
She paused, her expression turning serious. "The Old Man is indecisive, but he's a good person. He's in his prime. But you're right to be wary of Danzo Shimura. Still, Wood Release is a symbol of hope. They'd want you to succeed."
"And if it's not just Wood Release?"
Minato raised his other hand. A brilliant, blinding light bloomed from his fingertips, illuminating the room with the intensity of a miniature sun.
His Wood Release and Sharingan were tied to his Chakra levels—they would take years to fully mature. But the Glint-Glint Fruit? That was tied to his physical stamina. It was his ultimate early-game trump card.
Tsunade practically jumped out of her seat, her face pale with shock.
"What is this now?! Another Bloodline Limit?"
System Notification:
Shock Value Detected.
Tsunade's Favorability: +15
Current Synchronization: 97%