I'm Leaving Tsunade in Your Care

"Are you Kitazawa?" Tsunade looked at Kitazawa and said with a smile, "You look promising."

"I am Kitazawa." He responded calmly, "I've heard of your name for a long time, Tsunade-sama."

"Oh? How do you know I'm Tsunade?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.

"Female ninjas with blond hair are rare." Kitazawa originally wanted to say that her features were extremely recognizable, but thinking it might come across as ambiguous, he rephrased it slightly.

"I see." Tsunade nodded slightly, then asked again, "Did you come up with the idea of psychiatric ninja?"

"Indeed, I did." Kitazawa paused before adding, "Though it was mainly Yakumo who inspired me."

"Psychiatric ninja… it's a very good idea." Tsunade glanced at him, sincerely praising him.

If it had been Sarutobi Hiruzen who proposed psychiatric ninjutsu, she would have assumed it was aimed at her. But since Kitazawa didn't know about her Hemophobia, it was likely just a coincidence.

"Haven't Yakumo and the others arrived yet?" Tsunade asked impatiently.

"Look at you—impatient as ever," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a chuckle. "Even after all these years, you haven't changed."

"You talk too much, old man," Tsunade replied bluntly, not showing the slightest respect in her tone.

"Shizune, help me pour some tea." Tsunade then spoke.

"Okay." Shizune, who stood behind Tsunade, gently set the pet pig down and reached for the teapot.

"Thank you." Kitazawa accepted the cup of tea from her.

Not long after, a knock sounded at the door.

"Hokage-sama, Tsunade-sama," Kurenai entered with Kurama Yakumo.

"Yakumo, come here." Tsunade waved gently, revealing her snow-white wrist.

Yakumo glanced at Kurenai for confirmation. Getting a nod, she slowly walked forward.

Tsunade placed her hand on Yakumo's forehead. A soft green chakra lit up. Her expression immediately shifted to surprise.

Although she had already been told about Yakumo's bloodline limit by Sarutobi Hiruzen, seeing it firsthand was something else entirely.

Now, having examined her in person, Tsunade found the bloodline limit truly extraordinary. It was the first time she had seen Yin Release so strong that it affected the body itself.

"Tsunade-sama, is there anything you can do?" Kurenai asked anxiously. She had been with Yakumo for so long that she saw her as a true student.

And Tsunade was recognized as the best medical ninja in the entire shinobi world. If anyone could help, it would be her.

"It's troublesome," Tsunade withdrew her hand and said thoughtfully, "But I can try to regulate her body first."

"Thank you, Tsunade-sama!" Kurenai said with gratitude.

With Tsunade's help, things would surely improve.

"Tsunade," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a satisfied smile, "So you've agreed to help Konoha establish a psychiatric medical ninja system?"

"I just happen to be free," Tsunade snorted. "Maybe I'll leave again in a few days."

"I understand." Hiruzen laughed.

Although she hadn't stayed in Konoha for years, in her heart, the village still meant everything. If she truly didn't care, no medical system would have convinced her to return.

"Whether it's treating Yakumo or developing new ninjutsu, it all requires funding." Tsunade stretched out her hand with a sly smile,

"Hand over the money, old man."

"You'll need to give me some time to consider how much to allocate," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied. "How about you come and see me tomorrow?"

"Fine." Seeing he wasn't lying, Tsunade agreed.

"Then arrange a place for Shizune and me to stay."

There were still many residences left in the Senju Clan compound, but she didn't want to return there—it would only stir up painful memories.

"No problem." Hiruzen understood and didn't pry further.

Either way, her return would be a massive benefit for the village. Her name and strength alone were enough to boost Konoha's morale and stability.

"Yakumo, come with me to the Konoha Hospital," Tsunade said after a moment. Yakumo's condition was complex. She would need proper medical equipment for detailed assessment.

Plus, as a doctor, rare cases intrigued her.

"I'll come too," Kurenai said hurriedly.

"Kitazawa, you stay." Before he could speak, Sarutobi Hiruzen interrupted, "I have something to discuss with you."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Kitazawa replied respectfully.

Once Tsunade, Shizune, Kurenai, and Yakumo left, only Sarutobi Hiruzen and Kitazawa remained in the office.

"Kitazawa, do you know what Tsunade's nickname is?" Hiruzen asked, still looking toward the closed door.

"The Legendary Sannin of Konoha?" Kitazawa answered after a brief pause.

"Not that." Hiruzen sighed. "It's the Legendary Sucker."

"I've heard a little about it..." Kitazawa frowned in confusion, unsure where this was going.

"Tsunade loses every single time she gambles. If I give her money, it'll be gone before you know it," Hiruzen said seriously.

"But I already made a promise. I can't just take it back. That's why I plan to give the money to you—for safekeeping."

"Huh?" Kitazawa was dumbfounded. Old man, this isn't how you hand off responsibilities! How am I supposed to survive Tsunade's temper?

"Konoha Village is forming a psychiatric medical ninja development team. Tsunade is the leader, and you three are the core members," Hiruzen explained. "Tsunade will be busy, so you'll manage the funds."

"But..." Kitazawa hesitated.

"No buts. I believe in your abilities," Hiruzen smiled.

"..." Kitazawa's lips twitched.

"Don't worry. Even if Tsunade gets angry, she won't hit you," Hiruzen said reassuringly.

"Then I'll do my best..." Kitazawa sighed in surrender.

"Excellent." Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction.

"When you go back, write a budget proposal and submit it to me."

"Yes, Hokage-sama." Kitazawa nodded, feeling a headache coming on.

But thinking deeper, it wasn't a bad thing. This was a chance to gain a footing among Konoha's higher-ups. As a teacher, forming a connection with the village's leadership added security.

Especially when dealing with someone like Tsunade, who had zero tolerance for corruption.

"Hokage-sama, I'll take my leave." Kitazawa exited the office and returned home.

After grabbing a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen, he sat down and began drafting the funding plan. As a former corporate worker, writing proposals was second nature.

Basically, he just had to list everything that needed money.

The Next Day

Kitazawa arrived at the Hokage's office. Since Sarutobi Hiruzen had not yet come back and started work, he left the budget plan neatly on his desk.