Chapter 45: What? Is Today Special?

Shisui smirked, crossing his arms. "Then, we can start the training now, right, Naruto?"

Naruto stretched his arms, feeling the morning breeze against his skin. "Yeah, we can." He tilted his head slightly, raising an eyebrow. "Wait… don't tell me you're joining us, Shisui?"

Shisui smirked, crossing his arms. "Of course. You didn't think I came all this way to watch, did you?"

Naruto grinned. "Well, knowing you, I figured you might just stand around and give cryptic advice like some wise old sage."

Shisui let out a laugh. "Ouch, that hurts, Naruto! I'm still young, you know." He stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders. "But I guess I do owe you some real training today."

Karin huffed, standing close to Naruto. "If you're going to train them, make sure you don't baby them, Naruto. They wanted this, so don't hold back."

Sakura and Ino gulped but stood their ground, their determination unwavering.

Naruto smirked. "Don't worry, Karin. I wasn't planning on going easy on anyone."

Shisui clapped his hands together. "Alright then, let's get started! First, let's see just how much stamina you two have."

As the morning sun shone down on them, their training began—with Naruto and Shisui leading the way.

Naruto crossed his arms, his expression turning thoughtful. "Shisui, how were the conditions at the borders?"

Shisui blinked, a bit surprised by the question. Then, he chuckled, ruffling Naruto's hair like an older brother. "Are you already worrying about these things? Don't stress over it—I handled everything." His usual easygoing smile spread across his face, but Naruto didn't miss the flicker of something deeper in his eyes.

Even though Shisui was known as a prodigy, someone respected and feared on the battlefield, Naruto had come to see him as something more—not just a shinobi, but a person with emotions, burdens, and dreams.

And somehow, just by being himself, Naruto had a way of making those around him drop their masks and show their true selves.

Shisui had always been calm and composed, someone who carried the weight of duty without complaint. But with Naruto's contagious warmth, even he had changed.

Naruto grinned. "You know, if anyone saw you smiling like this, they'd think you were a different person. The infamous 'Shisui of the Body Flicker'… reduced to a softie by me."

Shisui laughed, shaking his head. "Tch, don't go spreading that around, or I'll lose my reputation."

Karin smirked, watching the interaction. Nii-san really had a way of pulling people in, making them show sides of themselves they wouldn't show anyone else.

Sakura and Ino, still getting used to this side of Naruto, exchanged glances.

Just what kind of person was he? They had thought they knew… but maybe, just maybe, Naruto Uzumaki was someone far greater than they had ever imagined.

The training began, and Naruto took it upon himself to personally mentor Sakura and Ino. Unlike the academy's structured lessons, his training was intense—relentless, unforgiving, and designed to push them past their limits.

At first, both girls thought they could handle it. But as the hours passed, exhaustion set in.

Their muscles ached, sweat dripped from their brows, and every fiber of their being screamed for rest. Yet, Naruto didn't let up.

"Keep going," he said, his voice firm but encouraging. "You said you wanted to stand by my side, right? Then prove it."

Sakura panted, her legs trembling as she forced herself into another set of push-ups.

Ino groaned, her arms burning from the kunai drills. Every part of their body wanted to give up—but their hearts wouldn't let them.

And then, finally, their bodies refused to move. Both collapsed onto the ground, gasping for air.

Naruto crouched beside them, his gaze softening. "That's enough for today. You both did well."

Despite their exhaustion, a small flicker of pride shone in their eyes. They had survived Naruto's hellish training.

While they rested, the sparring session began. One by one, everyone took turns clashing against each other—testing their strength, speed, and skill. The air was thick with determination, the sound of fists colliding and feet skidding across the ground echoing through the training field.

Naruto stepped back, arms crossed, observing everyone's movements. This wasn't just training—it was growth.

Even as he watched, a small smile formed on his lips.

This… this was the path forward. Together.

Then, they returned home, heading straight for breakfast before their next class. Shisui had already left, finally taking a well-deserved rest after days at war.

As Naruto and Karin stepped inside, they were met with a sight so unbelievable that they both stopped in their tracks.

There, sitting at the table, fully awake and ready for breakfast—was Tsunade.

Naruto blinked. Then blinked again.

"Karin… is this a dream?" he asked, voice filled with pure disbelief.

Before he could react, pinch!—a sharp pain shot through his arm.

"Ouch! What was that for?!" Naruto yelped, rubbing the sore spot.

Karin simply crossed her arms, an innocent smirk on her face. "Well, if you didn't feel pain, it'd be a dream. Since you did… it's real."

Naruto shook his head, still stunned. Tsunade waking up early? Before noon? Before they had already left for the academy?! Something had to be wrong.

He cautiously approached her, eyes narrowing in concern. "Tsunade…" he murmured, reaching out to touch her forehead. "Are you feeling sick? You never wake up this early. Tell me if something's wrong—even if I'm not as skilled as you in medical ninjutsu, I'll do whatever I can to help."

His voice was soft, filled with genuine worry. Because this wasn't like her.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow at Naruto's antics, her lips twitching upward in amusement. "Brat, stop touching my head like I'm some kind of rare specimen," she muttered, swatting his hands away lightly.

But Naruto didn't back off. His bright blue eyes were filled with genuine concern. This was unusual. This was not the Tsunade he knew.

"You never wake up this early," he said, crossing his arms. "Did something happen? Are you feeling sick? Did you have a nightmare? Maybe you lost a bet in your sleep?"

Karin stood beside him, just as confused. "Nii-san, this is definitely weird. Tsunade never wakes up before noon unless there's an emergency… or free sake involved."

Tsunade sighed, shaking her head. She stared down at her plate, tapping her chopsticks against it absentmindedly. For a moment, she didn't say anything. Then, finally, her voice softened.

"…I just thought maybe it was time for a change."

Naruto and Karin exchanged glances.

Tsunade let out a small chuckle, but there was something almost vulnerable in her expression. "You brats always look out for me. Naruto, you cover for my gambling messes. Karin, you glare at any woman who so much as smiles at him—including me." She smirked slightly before continuing, "And yet… I keep being the same old Tsunade."

She exhaled deeply, pushing her hair back. "So, I figured, maybe it's time I start acting like someone worthy of that."

Naruto's heart clenched. He had always admired Tsunade, not just as a legendary shinobi but as family. He never expected her to change. He never wanted her to change. But hearing her say this—it meant something.

He sat down beside her, resting his arms on the table. "Tsunade… you don't have to prove anything to me. Or to Karin. Or to anyone." His voice was softer now. Honest. "You being here, waking up at noon or even at sunset, being reckless, gambling like there's no tomorrow… That's you. And we love you as you are."

Karin nodded, for once not making a snide remark.

Tsunade blinked, looking at them for a long moment before sighing and rubbing her forehead. "Damn kids," she muttered, but there was a small smile on her lips.

She reached for her cup of tea and took a sip. "Fine, fine. I won't become a saint overnight, but… maybe I'll wake up before noon more often."

Naruto grinned. "That's a start!"

Karin smirked. "And maybe not losing every Ryo you touch?"

Tsunade shot her a glare. "Don't push it, brat."

And just like that, the moment of seriousness faded into laughter and warmth. The house felt even more like home.