Chapter 97

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"Oh? Your teacher?" Tsunade glanced Matekai up and down, then casually explained, "Why I'm here… I'll be staying at Tianyu's place during my time in Konoha. That answer is fine, right?"

Matekai's jaw dropped in disbelief, flashing his iconic white teeth.

His eyes shifted toward Tianyu in shock...

This kid… has such a close relationship with Lady Tsunade?!

"Tsunade-sama, were you looking for me for something?" Tianyu ignored Matekai's stunned expression and turned directly toward Tsunade.

Tsunade glanced at Matekai again.

Understanding her meaning, Matekai said immediately, "I'll excuse myself!"

"No need. It's not anything confidential," Tsunade waved a hand. "I was planning to talk to you later, but seeing the way you're gearing up to drink all night, I figured I'd better say it now."

Tianyu tilted his head slightly, listening intently.

"The official transfer order just came through. As of today, you've formally been promoted to Anbu Captain."

She paused, then added, "Also, the Third Hokage asked me to inform you—he wants you, as a standout graduate of the Ninja Academy, to return and deliver a speech to the new generation. Help inspire Konoha's future."

"An… Anbu… Captain?!" Matekai's eyes widened again.

Being an Anbu squad leader was already close to being on par with Tianyu...

But Anbu Captain?

That position held more authority than Matekai's own rank as a jōnin!

Of course, rank doesn't always equate to strength.

But at this age, to wield this level of power and be accepted into the Anbu's core—and serve as its captain…

This disciple of his, Tianyu… he was truly beyond promising.

How long had it been? And Tianyu had already surpassed his own teacher.

It was truly a case of the blue surpassing the blue, wasn't it?!

Matekai's heart brimmed with emotion,

But even more than that, he felt pride and genuine joy for his exceptional disciple.

"Tianyu, congratulations!"

Xiao Li burst in, "Wow! Big Brother Tianyu, you're incredible!"

Hyūga Neji, though composed, nodded slightly, "Congratulations."

"All right, I've delivered the message. You all enjoy your drinks. I'm heading back to sleep," Tsunade said, offering a lazy wave as she turned to leave.

--

"Brother, didn't you hear me?"

"Brother! Why aren't you getting up!"

Tenten walked into Tianyu's room and paused at the sight.

Her brother was sleeping soundly, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

Something stirred in her heart.

She crept closer and sat quietly by his side.

Half of Tianyu's face was visible—sharp angles, fair skin, long dark lashes fanned neatly across his cheeks.

Tsk tsk…

The older he gets, the more handsome he becomes!

Tenten couldn't help but think, If I ever find a boyfriend… he has to be more handsome than my brother, right?

After all, having grown up under the daily influence of her brother's radiant appearance, she was practically immune to ordinary good looks.

Now that she thought about it...

She really hadn't met anyone more handsome than him.

Even Hyūga Neji, hailed as the "school prince," seemed only average in comparison.

Oh no!

Tenten slapped her cheeks, flustered. What if I can't ever marry because my brother raised my standards too high?!

If that's the case, then he'd better take responsibility!

But then again...

If she never married and just lived with her brother forever… that didn't sound so bad either.

And if he brought home a sister-in-law? That was fine too—as long as she was nice.

In fact, her ideal sister-in-law would be the Hyūga clan's heiress, Hinata Hyūga.

A noble daughter of the clan leader, born into status, but never once acting superior.

She was even more approachable than her cousin, Neji!

Truly, a perfect sister-in-law candidate in Tenten's mind.

As for Tsunade-sama…

Strong? Yes. Gorgeous? Absolutely. That figure? Unquestionable.

But she was also older… and kind of terrifying.

Definitely not sister-in-law material!

And the other blonde girl who sent flowers every week...

Pretty and cheerful—but always acting like a love-struck fool.

Hmm... into the "Pending Evaluation" folder she goes!

Just as Tenten was lost in thought, a face suddenly appeared inches from her own.

"Ah!"

Startled, she flinched and nearly fell backward—

Only to be caught swiftly.

"Brother! You scared me!" she shouted when she saw it was him.

"I should be the one asking that," Tianyu raised a brow. "You sneak into my room first thing in the morning, sit on my bed giggling… what exactly are you up to?"

"Giggling? I wasn't—"

She instinctively touched her face…

Only to realize… she really had been smiling like an idiot.

So embarrassing!

No way she was going to admit she'd been pondering his future wife!

"Ahem, I'm here for something important, of course!" Tenten quickly deflected, eyes gleaming.

That's right—there was a reason she came here!

"What is it?"

"Brother, did you forget? Lord Hokage asked you to give a speech today to the new graduates as the Academy's outstanding former student!" she said with exaggerated disbelief.

"Eh? Really?" Tianyu looked genuinely surprised.

"…"

Tenten stared at him, speechless.

"Brother… you really forgot something that important? Do you know how many people dream of such an opportunity?"

She facepalmed dramatically.

Her brother was so strange sometimes.

He could be incredibly sharp and attentive to things others missed—

Yet when it came to things like public praise or prestige, he barely cared.

This speech, which would excite most people for weeks, seemed to have slipped completely from his mind.

And when the family celebrated for a full week after he became Anbu Captain, he'd treated it like it was nothing.

But he always paid attention to other people's emotions—offering support in small, quiet ways.

When he first met Lee, he helped lift his self-esteem.

When he met Neji, he helped curb his arrogance.

When he met Hinata, he quietly protected her vulnerable heart.

Far more mature and thoughtful than his peers.

"Oh right, Tsunade mentioned it yesterday." Tianyu nodded slowly, then sat up. "Thanks for reminding me. I really would've forgotten."

He washed up, changed into clean clothes, and waved goodbye to Tenten as he stepped out the door.

But instead of heading straight to the Academy…

He took a turn toward the apartment blocks.

This district, filled with reinforced concrete apartment complexes, was more modern-looking—somewhat reminiscent of buildings from his past life.

Compared to Tianyu's spacious single-family home, these buildings were humble. Most of their tenants were of modest means.

Tianyu climbed to the second floor and knocked on one of the doors.

"Big Brother Tianyu? What are you doing here?" Naruto's voice came from inside.

He opened the door holding a bowl of steaming instant noodles.

"You're eating that for breakfast?" Tianyu frowned.

"Didn't I lend you some money?"

"Why not make a proper breakfast? I'm not rushing you to pay me back, you know."

"And today's your graduation exam. You plan to take it on an empty stomach and risk a stomachache?"

In the original story, Naruto had a weak stomach from living off instant noodles and expired milk.

It wasn't until he became a ninja and earned missions that his diet improved.

Tianyu had wanted to change Naruto's life quality for a while now.

But Naruto was stubborn and proud. He might treat guests occasionally, but he refused to accept money outright.

Even if struggling, he refused handouts—insisting instant noodles were fine and even tasty.

Tianyu understood.

That pride, masked beneath Naruto's carefree grin, was fragile and hard-earned.

So he never forced him.

Instead, he found another way.

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