Chapter 19: Formation of the Hanma Squad

Last night, the wind howled and the rain was sparse, and the lingering effects of a deep sleep couldn't dispel the remnants of alcohol.

In the early morning, Hanma opened his eyes to a scene of messy yet sweet bliss.

Tsunade, with a cute and innocent expression, lay on Hanma's chest, gently hugging him, emitting faint snores.

Feeling the weight on his chest, Hanma smiled contentedly, turned his head, and quietly gazed at her face.

Her skin was as smooth as cream, her eyes like apricot kernels, and her light golden hair was soft and silky like satin.

Even in her sleep, her eyebrows and eyes curved in a smile, making her extremely adorable.

Not only was she beautiful and from a prestigious family, but she was also unmatched in the ninja world, capable of splitting mountains with her fists.

A girlfriend like this, I, Uchiha Hanma, am willing to call you the strongest!

A sense of belonging crossed his heart, making this world feel even more complete to Hanma.

Tsunade sleepily opened her eyes, rubbed against Hanma's chest like a kitten, and a satisfied smile appeared on her lips as she pecked Hanma's cheek.

"You've been awake for a while, haven't you?"

"Yeah."

"Why were you staring at me?"

"Because you're beautiful."

"You didn't say I was beautiful yesterday."

"What did I say?"

"You only said you love me."

Tsunade gave Hanma a coy glare.

Hanma drew the curtains.

The morning sunlight was too glaring.

——

Hokage's Office.

"If the Eight Gates cannot be handed over to me temporarily, then so be it."

Hanma waved his hand, as he had expected this.

After all, he was still an Uchiha, and controlling his power was a normal move for the Hokage faction.

"The village has also been considerate for a long time. The Eight Gates Formation has training hazards, and with the approach of a great battle, we are also worried about unexpected occurrences with you."

The Third Hokage looked sincere.

Seeing the sincere expression of the Third Hokage, Hanma shook his head. What a thick-skinned old man.

"Well then, exchanging for the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Tandem Explosive Tags Technique should be no problem, right?"

The Third Hokage was taken aback. Aren't those the signature ninjutsu of the Second Hokage?

An Uchiha wanting to learn Lord Second Hokage's ninjutsu? 

As expected, Uchiha Hanma was an extraordinary Uchiha in every aspect.

"That is not a problem, but since Lord Second Hokage, no one has been able to comprehend the Flying Thunder God Technique."

"A total of 55 Jonin in the village have applied for this forbidden technique until now, and all have failed to get even a start."

The Third Hokage finally gave an honest reminder.

"No worries."

"By the way, Third Hokage, I am now a bona fide member of the Hokage faction."

"Huh?"

The Third stared after the smiling Hanma as he left, falling into deep thought.

What does he mean by bona fide member of the Hokage faction?

He acted like others are not bona fide members.

Hanma's unspoken implication: You thought it could only be through master-disciple inheritance? Never expected an alliance through marriage, did you?

——

Uchiha Compound, Elder Training Ground.

Hanma looked at the three before him: one with red hair, one with yellow hair, and one with spiky hair, and fell into deep thought.

These three were indeed heavyweight figures: pureblood Uzumaki, direct descendant of the Senju, and a civilian king.

Each had their unique skills.

Hanma crossed his arms and looked at the three little ones.

"Alright, although you all surely know me, and I know you, let's still have a self-introduction."

"I'm Uchiha Hanma, 24 years old, specializing in taijutsu, and I like cooking. By the way, Tsunade is my fiancée."

The three little ones, in their surprise, formed their mouths into an "O" shape and looked at Hanma in shock.

Fi-fi-fiancee?!

Minato was the most surprised. He had witnessed the intense battle during the legion commander selections and knew how fierce that fight was.

The two people fighting to the death just a few days ago are now fiancés?

Teacher Hanma, I, Minato, admire you. I can only be your student!

Rope Tree excitedly dashed over, scrutinizing Hanma's pleasing appearance and physique up close.

In a swift motion, Rope Tree gave a standard warrior's bow and loudly said:

"Thank you very much for taking in my unreliable sister!"

Hanma's previously serene expression almost cracked. What kind of sibling relationship is this? However, this little brother-in-law seemed quite interesting.

"Alright, Rope Tree, you start with self-introduction."

Raising Rope Tree, patting his head, Hanma spoke with a face of black lines.

"I'm Rope Tree! 13 years old this year. I like making friends. I have a lot of chakra, specialize in Water and Earth Release, love eating sukiyaki, and my dream is to become the Hokage!"

"Good spirit."

Rope Tree indeed had the vibe of a hot-blooded anime protagonist, but unfortunately, he was not the child of destiny.

"I'm Namikaze Minato, 13 years old. I specialize in the Body Flicker Technique, like reading, and love all the food made by Teacher Hanma. My current wish is to learn the Super Flash Black Body Defense Technique."

Hanma looked silently at Minato, expressionless, and asked:

"Minato, what you're trying to say should be the Lightning Release Armor, right?"

"Ah, no, it's the Super Flash—"

Kushina apologized, covered Minato's mouth, coughed on purpose, and began her self-introduction:

"I'm Uzumaki Kushina, 13 years old as well. I also have a lot of chakra, specialize in Sealing Techniques, hate eating tomatoes, and enjoy being with Minato!"

Minato smiled and nodded, while Rope Tree frowned, contemplating something.

Hanma took out three documents and handed them to them.

"Hey, teacher, won't we have any team entrance test?"

Curious baby Rope Tree asked another question.

Patting their heads, Hanma spoke about their strong backgrounds one by one.

"Rope Tree is the grandson of the First Hokage and Tsunade's brother.

Kushina is Lord Mito's relative, also Tsunade's sister.

Minato is my number one disciple. For this kid, I exchanged my war merits for the forbidden techniques he likes."

"Even if you three don't pass, could I simply not take you?"

Hanma gave Rope Tree a sidelong glance, gesturing for him to look at the documents he received.

Not to mention others, even Danzo's mind buzzed, unable to voice the Will of Fire stuck in his mouth.

What does it mean to have a sound and strong foundation? This is it.

Rope Tree received two books, "The Past and Present of Explosive Tags" and "How to Utilise Explosive Tags Optimally," authored by: Wandering Hanzō.

These were written by Hanzō in his younger days when he was just a youth struggling between the paths of a warrior and a ninja.

He had profound insights into the cost-effective weapon, Explosive Tags.

In his sixties, Hanzō could even use Explosive Tags to blow off Nagato's legs.

It was worth Rope Tree's thorough study.

Kushina got two notes, "Essentials of Chakra Exertion" and "The Essence of Taijutsu," authored by: Uchiha Hanma.

These were Hanma's insights gained from years of taijutsu training, containing precise exertion and combat techniques.

For the Uzumaki clan, monstrous strength was totally trainable, and Kushina's template should be close to Tsunade's, with natural talent in Sealing Techniques.

Minato's case was more special. Hanma exchanged smiles with him and handed over the Flying Thunder God scroll to him.

Spatial talent is incredibly elusive, so even with Orochimaru's scientific power, it's hard to grasp fully.

Since Minato had the talent, it was better to let him train early. Maybe he would create the Flying Thunder God: Eighteen Forms.

Hanma cleared his throat, "These are the teacher's meeting gifts to you. I'll ask about them three days later."

Rope Tree lifted his hand in defiance, "Teacher, who is this Hanzō? He doesn't seem to be famous at all."

Understood, Rope Tree's academic performance wasn't ideal...

No wonder the original timeline...

Hanma took out another scroll, inscribed with S-rank seal, and waved it.

"I've prepared for you long ago, Rope Tree.

This is an S-rank ninjutsu. Once you understand those two books, I'll let you train it."

Rope Tree blinked, looking thrilled. S-rank forbidden technique sounded awesome.

Yet also troubled, as reading seemed very difficult for him.

As for Kushina, Hanma patted her head, squatted down, and pretended to look pitiful:

"Originally, teacher also exchanged war merits to get a powerful ninjutsu for you, but the Third Hokage is delaying the payment and won't give it."

"Ah? How could the Hokage old man be like this!?"

Kushina said angrily.

"No worries, there's lots of taijutsu here with me, we don't need his!"

Hanma didn't want her to feel neglected, being sensitive, so he took out another book for her.

"Discussing Sealing Techniques in Attack and Defense"

Author: Uzumaki Masahiko.

Kushina glanced at the familiar name often seen in the clan hall, a trace of sadness crossing her face.

Hanma sighed sorrowfully. When the Land of Whirlpools fell, he was just sixteen.

Later, he collected some precious good things, like this book, filled with wisdom.

Kushina repeatedly thanked him, missing her clan and everything about them.

Hanma checked his watch and instructed:

"So, the morning after tomorrow at nine, gather here."

"Subjects: Reading Report, Practical Combat."

"Dismissed!"

Currently, Minato's combat power was close to Chunin to Special Jonin. It matched the period when he saved Kushina in the original.

Kushina and Rope Tree were in a state where no one taught them, still underdeveloped.

I recently wanted to write some Danzo plotlines but reviewing the manga, it seemed his deeds lacked logic.

Had to patch up before writing, definitely not whitewashing!