Chapter 49: The Greatest Medical Ninja

The tension in the operating room finally eased as the last stitch was made. Tsunade exhaled, stepping back, her hands still faintly glowing with residual chakra.

The nurses and assistants let out quiet sighs of relief. Even the head nurse, who had remained composed throughout, allowed a small, satisfied smile to creep onto her face.

Shizune handed Tsunade a towel. "That was incredible, Tsunade-sama. Just like old times."

Tsunade wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Tch. My hands were shaking at first." She flexed her fingers as if testing them. "Guess I'm rustier than I thought."

The head nurse shook her head. "Even with that, you performed a surgery no one else in this hospital could've handled. Rusty or not, you're still you."

Tsunade scoffed, but a small smirk tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah. Enough with the flattery." She stretched her neck, rolling out the stiffness. "Now, send the patient to the normal ward."

A younger medic, still buzzing with excitement, turned to her. "Tsunade-sama, are you sure you want to do another surgery today? You've been at it for hours."

Tsunade waved her off. "I said I'd take one more. Then, that's it for today."

Shizune frowned. "You just came back. You should pace yourself."

Tsunade side-eyed her. "And let people think I'm weak?"

Shizune opened her mouth to argue but stopped. There was no changing Tsunade's mind when she was like this.

The next patient was already being prepared.

As Tsunade stepped back into the operating room, the weight of the past years seemed lighter.

She wasn't running anymore.

She was here.

And she was reclaiming what was hers.

The second operation had been far more complex than the first. Unlike the shinobi patient before, this one was a civilian—a fragile life untouched by battle but no less valuable. A failing heart, delicate and unpredictable. Yet, under Tsunade's steady hands, it had been repaired, each stitch a silent promise that she wouldn't fail again.

The operating room had been tense at first.

Doubt lingered in the air, especially among those who had never seen her work before.

But as Tsunade moved, precision guiding every motion, the doubt melted into awe. She was not just skilled—she was a force. A healer who had once mended gods of war, now saving a simple villager with the same unwavering dedication.

When it was over—when the last breath of uncertainty passed and life remained—there was only silence.

Not the silence of hesitation.

The silence of reverence.

Shizune had seen it before, but to the others, it was like witnessing a legend come to life.

Tsunade didn't bask in their awe. She simply peeled off her gloves, washed her hands, and left the room. There was no pride in what she did—just the satisfaction of knowing she had done what needed to be done.

Later, as she and Shizune stepped out of the hospital, the cool night air brushing against their skin, they carried with them a quiet sense of accomplishment. Shizune cradled Tonton in her arms, the small pig snuggling into her warmth.

The hospital staff had bid them farewell, their faces filled with something Tsunade hadn't seen directed at her in a long time—genuine gratitude, untainted by expectation.

As they walked, Shizune turned to her, eyes warm.

"Tsunade-sama," she said softly, "you did good there."

Tsunade stretched her arms behind her head as they walked through the quiet streets of Konoha, the last remnants of sunlight casting long shadows. Tonton let out a soft squeal in Shizune's arms as if agreeing. 

"Tch. Of course, I did good," Tsunade said, a smirk playing on her lips. "What, you thought I'd suddenly forget how to be the best?" 

Shizune rolled her eyes but smiled. "No, but… it's been a long time, Tsunade-sama. Seeing you in action again reminded me why you were always the best." 

Tsunade exhaled, gazing at the Hokage Monument in the distance. "I didn't come back just to sit around." 

Shizune tilted her head. "I know. But still… seeing everyone's reactions, especially the younger medics who never saw your work before—it was kind of amazing." 

Tsunade chuckled. "They'll get used to it."

She then nudged Shizune playfully. "You're not bad yourself, you know. I saw you handling the preparations flawlessly."

Shizune flushed slightly at the praise. "W-Well, I had a good teacher." 

Tsunade smirked. "Damn right." 

They continued walking, the village feeling different now—not just for Tsunade, but for everyone. 

She had come back not just for herself, but for the people who still believed in her. 

And for one red idiot who had unknowingly reignited the fire she thought had long burned out.

With that, they returned home. It was already late—past 11 PM. The streets of Konoha were quiet, and the village bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. The only sounds were the distant chirping of crickets and the rhythmic footsteps of two weary yet fulfilled women.

Tsunade and Shizune had expected to come back to a silent house, assuming that everyone would be fast asleep. They moved carefully, trying not to make a sound as they stepped inside.

But what they saw made them freeze in shock.

The room was glowing with warm lantern light. Decorations hung across the walls—hastily made, a little uneven, but filled with care. A small table was set with food, still steaming. The scent of Kushina's home-cooked meal filled the air.

And there, waiting with wide grins, were Naruto, Kushina, Karin, and Kana.

All are still awake.

"Are you all still awake?" Tsunade asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

"Of course!" Naruto grinned, stepping forward. "How could we sleep when today's MVP still hasn't arrived?"

Before she could react, he grabbed both her and Shizune by the wrists and pulled them inside.

Kushina crossed her arms, smiling. "You really thought we wouldn't celebrate your first day back at work?"

Karin smirked. "Honestly, you should've known better."

Kana nodded enthusiastically. "We were waiting for you!"

Tsunade blinked, caught completely off guard. She had expected nothing. She had come home thinking that her work was done for the day.

But they were here.

Waiting.

For her.

Her chest felt tight, something unspoken settling in the deepest parts of her heart.

She was at home. She was happy, even more than before. They have supported her even when she is burden and when she decided to not be a burden.

"I love you guys," Tsunade blurted out.

Silence.

Naruto blinked. "What?" A smirk crept onto his face. He was expecting her to take it back, to grumble and wave it off like she always did.

But she didn't.

Instead, she straightened up, looked at each of them, and said louder, firmer—this time, with no hesitation:

"I said, I LOVE YOU ALL."

The room went dead silent.

Even the street dog outside barked as if the universe itself couldn't believe what it had just heard.

Then, all at once, laughter erupted.

Kushina wiped a tear from her eye. "Well, that was dramatic."

Karin snorted. "Took you long enough to admit it."

But Naruto, ever the troublemaker, leaned in with a teasing grin. "Tsunade-chan, is this your confession to me? Finally, you decided to marry me?" His hand rested casually on her neck, their faces only centimeters apart.

For a moment, Tsunade just stared at him, eyes unreadable.

She didn't push him away. She didn't even roll her eyes.

Karin, however, had seen enough.

With a sharp tug, she yanked Naruto back, glaring at Tsunade as if she had just stolen something precious. "Oi, oi, oi! Hands off, lady!"

Naruto stumbled back with a laugh, rubbing the back of his head. "Jealous much, Karin?"

Karin folded her arms, turning her nose up. "Hmph."

Tsunade, watching it all unfold, could only shake her head with a tired smile.

These people. This ridiculous, chaotic, wonderful family.

Always make her happy, made her feel at home.