Konoha's Sword Saint [119]

After a brief pause, Orochimaru nodded in response to Hoshiyomi's suggestion.

"I've been researching some snake-style ninjutsu recently. I can't afford to sour the relationship with Manda just yet. But once I've finished developing these techniques… I'll confront him—just like you said."

The three continued discussing Manda and their experiences over the past five years. As the conversation hit its stride, the door to the house suddenly opened.

Hoshiyomi looked up and saw a blonde girl with a single ponytail walk out. She stood about 160 cm tall, with delicate features, bright eyes, and a slightly upturned brow that added a spark of energy and confidence to her expression.

Her cheeks still held a trace of baby fat, making her look lively and charming. Her figure was balanced and well-proportioned—though her chest was… rather flat. A washboard, really. Even at her age, she'd earned her own personal runway.

The girl with the striking face and completely flat chest was none other than Tsunade.

The moment he saw her, Hoshiyomi felt a strange rush of emotion. He had always been careful to control himself—insisting he wasn't the type to pursue young girls.

But despite himself, Tsunade had quietly carved out a place in his heart.

She hadn't noticed them at first. She was still speaking to Asuka inside the room:

"I've removed the failing portions of your internal organs using a chakra scalpel. Thanks to medical ninjutsu, new tissue has already started regenerating.

I've also drawn out the lingering bacteria with Delicate Illness Extraction Jutsu. But I can't guarantee it won't recur.

The truth is, your condition is mostly due to congenital frailty. That's something that can only be treated with long-term medication—it's not something that can be fixed overnight.

Take the prescription I gave you—twice a day, morning and night, without missing a dose. Also, avoid cold and spicy foods. I'll check in every two weeks. Trust me—within three years, you'll be completely healthy.

That's the promise of a medical ninja."

As she finished, she turned around and said casually, "Sorry for the wait, Jiraiya, Orochim—"

She suddenly froze mid-sentence.

Because right in front of her, smiling gently, was a boy whose face had changed so much… yet she recognized him instantly.

After all, over the past five years, Tsunade had imagined that face more times than she could count.

She had pictured this reunion in every possible way: warm, awkward, distant, passionate. She'd rehearsed what she might say in each version.

But now that they were truly face to face, none of that mattered. Her mind went blank, and the words she'd prepared vanished.

They stood there, staring at each other in silence, until Hoshiyomi finally broke it.

"…It's been a long time, Tsunade."

At his greeting, Tsunade moved on impulse. She ran up and threw her arms around him.

Then, perhaps realizing that was too much, she quickly hid her face against him—pretending to adjust her expression—then raised a fist and gave him two solid punches on the back.

Thump. Thump.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru lowered their heads in silent sympathy. Even Lobo lowered his wolfish head, trying to blend into the background.

Tsunade, now smiling, said cheerfully, "You've been out there partying for years without sending a single message. Had a good time, didn't you?"

Her expression was lighthearted, but the faint redness in her eyes betrayed the storm of emotion within.

Gesturing at the height difference between them with her hand, she continued:

"You grew up fast, huh? We were the same height when you left... Hey, why do you look so pale?"

Hoshiyomi forced a smile, swallowing the urge to cough up blood.

"No reason. I really missed everyone here in the Leaf these past five years."

Getting punched on the back by other girls? That was playful.

Getting punched on the back by Tsunade? That was near-lethal.

Even Hoshiyomi, who had withstood the Sixth Gate, was shaken by those two hits. Anyone else would've needed emergency care on the spot.

Feeling like she'd handled the moment well, Tsunade gave herself an internal score of 80 out of 100, then turned to Jiraiya and Orochimaru.

"Let's go. To celebrate Hoshiyomi's return to the village, we're going out for fried food—and sake!"

Hoshiyomi took the chance to rub his probably bruised back and held up the fruit basket in his hand.

"Hold on a sec. I brought a little something for Asuka. Let me drop it off before we go."

"…Hm?!"

Tsunade's brow twitched almost imperceptibly, but she quickly returned to her usual cheerful demeanor.

"Oh? You two know each other?"

She slapped her forehead as if suddenly remembering.

"Right! She's the Princess of the Land of Iron. And you just returned from there."

For a moment, Lobo vaguely sensed a blood-red "Danger" sign flashing above Hoshiyomi's head.

Quietly, he raised a paw and gave the hem of Hoshiyomi's pants a gentle tug—as if to say, "I strongly advise you to choose your words carefully."

Jiraiya gave Hoshiyomi a subtle look, then quickly stepped in, slipping into his usual flirtatious act.

"Oh? You know each other? Nice! I've always been curious what a princess from the Land of Iron looks like. Who knows—maybe she'll fall for my charms too."

Hoshiyomi, having been through enough battles, didn't miss the signals. He replied smoothly:

"Yes, the leader of the Land of Iron taught me a lot. Asuka was a worthy rival, and he entrusted her to me to bring here for treatment. I couldn't refuse.

Since you're curious, Jiraiya, why don't you come along? I just hope we're not disturbing her rest."

Tsunade, though filled with chaotic thoughts, kept her face composed and smiled.

"She was doing fine when I left. As long as we're quiet, I don't think it'll bother her."

With that, she led the way and opened the door.

"Asuka, look who's here to see you."

Asuka, who had been quietly gazing out the window, turned and smiled when she saw him.

"Hoshiyomi-kun… you really came."

He nodded.

"Yeah. Just came to see how you're doing. Feeling any better?"

Asuka politely nodded to Orochimaru and Jiraiya behind him, then replied,

"Thanks to Tsunade's treatment, I'm feeling much better."

Tsunade quietly observed their expressions and movements. Seeing nothing unusual between them, she let out a silent sigh of relief.

With a smile, she walked to Asuka's bedside and said,

"We just met up with him too. It's been years. We're going out for a meal to celebrate. Want to come?"

Asuka smiled gently.

"I'll pass. You said I need rest and a strict diet, right? If I went, it might ruin your fun. Go ahead—I hope you all enjoy yourselves."

Author's Notes:

Some said 14 years old and 160 cm was too short, so I changed it to 170 cm. That should be about right. Anyway, she'll grow taller later. Boys usually grow faster around fifteen or sixteen.

I'm not quite satisfied with how this chapter ends, but it doesn't really matter. New plot points will come next.