Chapter 203: Tsunade’s Initiative Kiss

Night fell.

Under the silver moonlight, Shinho opened his eyes.

As agreed, he made his way to Tsunade's tent. Just as he was about to announce his arrival, he heard her voice from within: "Come in."

Was she waiting for me?

A peculiar sense of déjà vu filled Shinho's mind, like a moonlit rendezvous scene straight out of a drama from his previous life.

With this thought, he entered the tent.

Unlike the previous night, Tsunade wasn't lying in her sleeping bag. She was seated on the carpet, her attire unchanged from the day, neatly dressed as ever.

"Good evening, sensei."

Shinho crossed his legs and sat opposite her. From his storage scroll, he produced the meal he had prepared in advance, placing each dish meticulously before her.

Tsunade watched him quietly. It wasn't until he poured the wine that she took the cup from his hand and downed it in one go.

Being on a mission had deprived her of alcohol for two whole days. Shinho, however, had brought her honeyed wine once again. While it wasn't as potent as she desired, it was still drinkable. 

She had silently saved the two unopened bottles for a proper indulgence upon their return.

"You're not drinking?" Tsunade noticed his steady gaze on her and asked.

"With you," Shinho replied, raising his cup in a toast.

After a drink, Tsunade returned to her usual casual demeanor, the tension from the mission dissipating.

"Sensei," Shinho began conversationally, "do you remember the Bloodline Limits of the Insects I mentioned?"

"Bloodline limits?" Tsunade scoffed lightly, her cheeks flushed from the drink. "There's no end to these Bloodline limits, is there?"

Initially, she had believed Shinho's claims about his unique bloodline abilities. However, as he demonstrated an increasing variety of insects, her skepticism had grown.

"In truth, it's evolution," Shinho stated with a seriousness that belied the absurdity of his claim. "These insects naturally evolve in response to environmental conditions. I merely lend them a guiding hand."

"How do you guide evolution?" Tsunade frowned.

"The scientific method of controlled variables," Shinho said, pulling a phrase from nowhere. "By keeping all other factors constant and altering only one, I achieve various evolutionary results."

"Why are you telling me this?" Tsunade asked, her tone casual as she continued to drink. 

While she didn't buy the idea of a bloodline limit, she trusted Shinho enough to know he wouldn't harm her. Besides, he had extended her lifespan—a gift she didn't question.

"Hinata's Ice Release came from an insect I provided," Shinho explained with a small smile. "I call it the Snow Fair Gu, as it was born under extreme conditions of frost."

"Refining insects into Gu?" Tsunade's hand stilled, thinking of the 'Gu insects' from folktales, "The gift you mentioned before was a Gu as well?"

"Exactly," Shinho nodded. "And some of them have recently undergone forest-based evolution."

"Forest?" Tsunade froze, shock flashing across her features. "You mean… Wood Release?"

"You're sharp, sensei," Shinho said, his face alight with admiration.

Tsunade stared at him blankly.

Wood Release was deeply personal to her. It was the hallmark of the Senju Clan, the legacy of her grandfather, Hashirama Senju. 

The Senju had long dreamed of another awakening this powerful ability, but no one—not even Tsunade—had succeeded.

Now, Shinho was claiming he could create a Gu that could grant her Wood Release? It sounded like a fairy tale.

Anyone else, and she would've dismissed it as madness. But Hinata's Ice Release gave her pause.

"It's similar to Wood Release but not quite the same," Shinho clarified. Stretching out his hand, he asked, "Sensei, would you like to try it?"

Tsunade hesitated only briefly before grasping his hand. She felt a Gu transfer into her palm.

"This is the Wood Charm Gu," Shinho explained as he channeled his chakra, transferring its effects to Tsunade.

"What… is this?" Tsunade touched her head, finding two leaves sprouting from it.

"You can use this to transform into a tree spirit for combat," Shinho said, retrieving another Gu from his scroll. "And this is Vine Claw Gu."

Tsunade's eyes widened as her right arm transformed into wood, with her fingers elongating into flexible purple vines that moved at her will. 

Without warning, she extended her vine-claws and ensnared Shinho.

"...?" Shinho raised a brow, tugging at the bonds.

Tsunade burst into laughter. Watching Shinho flustered had always been one of her favourite things.

She retracted the vines, her arm returning to normal. "Do you have more?"

The grin on her face betrayed her excitement. 

She hadn't inherited the wood release from Hashirama, but now, she had inherited Shinho's wood release. In a sense, that made them family…right? After all, bloodline limit or kekkei genkai was only passed down between bloodline relatives.

Tsunae realised the strange direction her thoughts were heading, and shook her head.

Shinho realised the abrupt shift in Tsunade's mood and decided to satisfy her appetite.

"One last one for now: Grass Puppet Gu," Shinho offered. With a flick of his chakra, the grass at the tent's edge sprang to life, slicing through the carpet like knives.

"Impressive," Tsunade said, her amber eyes gleaming.

"I'll have more for you later," Shinho shrugged. "For now, this should suffice. Imagine the shock when the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju awakens Wood Release."

"You really talk big," Tsunade muttered, flicking his forehead playfully.

Unbeknownst to her, this new power held even greater potential. As Shinho explained the Wood Charm Gu's ability to absorb natural energy, Tsunade's heart raced.

"Natural energy?" she whispered, memories of her failed Sage Mode training flashing before her eyes.

There were three requirements ofor practicing Sage mode.

First, you needed a large chakra pool.

Second, you must freely be able to absorb natural energy and control it.

Third, you should maintain the balance between natural energy, spiritual energy and physical energy.

Tsunade had failed a the second step of this process, she could absorb the natural energy, but she couldn't freely control it.

Closing her eyes, she focused on channelling the energy. Within moments, she felt it—pure, balanced energy she had never been able to grasp before.

When she opened her eyes again, they were filled with unrestrained joy.

Previously, when Tsunade tried to absorb natural energy, she felt discomfort and resistance.

Now, however, she felt as if she was one with nature. The natural energy around her didn't need to be forcibly drawn in—it came to her willingly.

This meant she might actually master Sage Mode.

"Thank you, Shinho," Tsunade said, taking a deep breath. 

Her tone was serious.

The value of the Wood Charm Gu was immeasurable, and she couldn't think of a way to repay him.

Shinho had brushed it off, acting unconcerned. But how could he truly not care?

There was only one reason: he believed she was more important than the Wood Charm Gu.

"That's… a little odd," Shinho said, tilting his head.

"What?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.

"You usually call me 'brat.' Hearing you call my name feels… weird," Shinho said with a faint smile.

"..." Tsunade was momentarily speechless.

What kind of logic was that? Would you prefer I insult you instead?

Suddenly, Shinho's vision flickered as two lines of text appeared before his eyes.

[Achievement Unlocked: "Tsunade's Legendary Revival" – Reward: Turtle Jade Wolf Skin Gu.]

[Turtle Jade Wolf Skin Gu: A Rank Five Gu with extraordinary defensive power. It activates passively, automatically shielding against any attacks.]

This was a treasure!

Shinho had been fretting over his Rank Four Golden Silk armor Gu's insufficient defense. Now, with this Rank Five Turtle Jade Wolf Skin Gu, his defense was taken to the next level.

What made it even more remarkable was that it was a passive ability—it required no True Essence to activate and offered constant protection against sneak attacks. Its convenience was unparalleled.

Three Rank Four Gu exchanged for one Rank Five Gu—this deal was a definite win.

"Sensei," Shinho said, raising his wine cup with a smile, "Cheers!"

Tsunade found herself momentarily distracted by his cheerful demeanor.

She clinked her cup against his and downed her drink.

He gave her such a priceless gift, yet he seemed genuinely happy. Was he truly this carefree?

Tsunade pushed the thought aside, continuing to drink. Her cheeks soon flushed red, and she leaned back lazily, her posture relaxed yet exuding an irresistible allure.

Shinho swallowed hard. His gaze inevitably drifted to the contours of her clothing, her figure accentuated by the light fabric.

"Brat!" Tsunade slurred, her voice intoxicated. "You… you're staring again!"

"I…" Shinho began to defend himself but was abruptly pulled into her embrace.

"Today… today I'm happy!" Tsunade declared, hugging his head tightly. "Look …and stare all you want!"

Shinho's face was pressed against her soft, snow-white skin.

Surrounded by warmth and the fragrance of her scent, his heart raced uncontrollably.

This woman… she's going too far!

"Brat!" Tsunade suddenly said, lifting her wine cup. "Drink with me!"

She released him and brought the cup to his lips.

Caught off guard, the wine splashed, the liquid tracing a tantalizing path down her chest.

Shinho pursed his lips, reluctant to waste any.

But, Tsunade was a ninja. Even drunk, she wouldn't lose full awareness. Besides, she could instantly dispel her drunkenness with her Yin Seal if she chose.

"Drink!" Tsunade demanded, clearly tipsy and unusually spirited.

Shinho found himself downing another cup at her insistence.

"No more wine?" Tsunade shook the bottle, but not a single drop remained.

She looked at Shinho, suddenly leaning in to reclaim the honey wine lingering on his lips.

"..." Shinho's eyes widened in shock.

He hadn't expected such a sudden move from her.

But if she thought she could retreat unscathed, she was mistaken.

Shinho wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

Their lips parted for barely a second before meeting again.

"Mm… brat… mmm…" Tsunade struggled briefly before going limp in his arms.

She leaned heavily against him, though her ample figure created a soft barrier between them.

Shinho didn't mind in the slightest.

His gaze lingered on her flushed, enchanting face, his hands instinctively finding their way to her thighs. A gentle squeeze revealed their delightful softness.

Just as Shinho was beginning to lose himself, Tsunade suddenly pushed him away.

"I'm full. Go back to your tent," she said, her voice soft but firm as she wiped her glistening lips. Her face was still flushed.

Shinho hesitated, then nodded. He understood that this was a significant step for her.

It likely wouldn't take long before she let go of her reservations entirely. When that time came, he might be the one unable to keep up.

With that thought, Shinho left the tent.

Inside, Tsunade collapsed onto the carpet as if all her strength had left her.

Covering her face with her hands, she wrestled with her emotions.

What was this?

Making a move on her own student—if word got out, her reputation would be ruined.

And yet, she couldn't deny the warmth spreading through her body, the strange, rippling sensation in her heart.

…

The Next Day

The group continued their journey.

Shinho glanced at Tsunade. She was calm, her demeanor unchanged, as if last night's events had never happened.

He looked away, his thoughts turning to of Raiga Kurosuki.

In the original timeline, it was Rock Lee who triggered the event.

While training, Lee had stumbled upon the Curry of Life restaurant. Shinho couldn't help but wonder just how spicy that curry truly was.

The mission request came from Rokusuke, the restaurant's heir. Much like Tazuna, Rokusuke's mannerisms left much to be desired.

Shinho didn't have time to entertain him. His plan was straightforward: eliminate Raiga Kurosuki and seize the Katabami Gold Mine.

By noon, the weather turned gloomy, and soon rain began to fall.

The team donned raincoats as they traversed the mountain path leading to the mine. A few moments later, the sound of weeping reached their ears.

"It's coming from over there," Hinata Hyuga said, activating her Byakugan. Her expression turned puzzled. "They're holding a funeral… but the person being buried isn't dead."

"What do you mean?" Kiba Inuzuka asked, startled. "Buried alive?"

"It's one of Raiga Kurosuki's hobbies," Shinho said nonchalantly.

"What kind of hobby is that?" Hinata asked, her voice tinged with distress.

"Hinata," Shinho said gently, placing a hand over her eyes. "Deactivate your Byakugan."

Hinata froze, warmth spreading through her heart even as she felt a pang of embarrassment. She complied, closing her Byakugan.

At that moment, Shinho could feel Tsunade's sharp gaze on him.

His concern wasn't solely for Hinata. The true reason was Raiga Kurosuki's companion, Ranmaru—a unique ninja possessing the Red-Eyed Kekkei Genkai.

The Red Eye could see through, sense, and manipulate chakra. It even disrupted Byakugan's vision, making it a natural counter.

"Stay alert," Shinho warned.

Tsunade huffed softly, withdrawing her gaze. She resolved to deal with that brat later.

As they approached, the full scene of the funeral unfolded before them.

Four youths in black robes carried a coffin. In front of them knelt Raiga Kurosuki, wailing in grief.

If not for the desperate pleas and screams coming from within the coffin, his sorrow might have seemed genuine.

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