"Tsunade-sama!" Aoshi and Mikoto stepped forward to greet her.
When Mikoto looked at Tsunade, her expression was unconsciously filled with admiration. Given Tsunade's status, fame, and strength, there were few kunoichi in Konoha who didn't look up to her.
"Oh, it's you two. When did you get back?"
"Just today," Aoshi replied.
"You just got back and already dragged her out on a date? You move fast, Aoshi," Tsunade teased, smirking.
After a few jokes, Tsunade's tone turned more serious as she looked at him. "I heard you had a fight with Hanzo in the Land of Rain... and won?"
"It was all thanks to Jiraiya-sama," Aoshi said modestly.
Seeing his humble demeanor, Tsunade clicked her tongue. "Do you want to become a contract summoner of Shikkotsu Forest?"
The sudden question caught Aoshi off guard—he clearly hadn't expected Tsunade to bring that up.
Shikkotsu Forest, after all, was one of the Three Great Sage Regions, standing alongside Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave. Anyone would dream of signing a contract with such a place.
Aoshi was no different.
Not only would he gain access to powerful summon beasts, but he would also be able to begin training in Sage Arts.
Conveniently, he had already learned how to sense natural energy from Jiraiya. So he gave a firm nod.
"Great. In that case, let's take care of it now."
After reflecting on what she could offer Aoshi following Hiruzen Sarutobi's recent assignment, Tsunade realized she didn't have much to teach him anymore.
In terms of medical ninjutsu, Aoshi was already close to her level, only lacking experience.
So, her best contribution now would be in combat—helping him become a Shikkotsu Forest summoner was the most efficient and effective way to support him.
Without delay, Tsunade closed her eyes, bit her thumb, and performed a summoning jutsu, summoning a slug about half the size of a person.
It was a clone of the Great Slug Sage from Shikkotsu Forest. Within Shikkotsu Forest, the Great Slug Sage was the only living being.
"Tsunade-sama, long time no see." The slug greeted Tsunade in its usual soft, gentle voice.
Wiping away the blood, Tsunade opened her eyes and nodded at the slug. "This is Aoshi. He wants to form a summoning contract with Shikkotsu Forest."
"No problem. Aoshi-sama, please write your name in blood on this summoning scroll and leave your handprint."
Although the Great Slug was a Sage, it never acted arrogantly—always addressing its contract holders respectfully.
Aoshi did as instructed, and as soon as the contract was complete, he felt a faint connection form between himself and the slug.
"If you ever need assistance, Aoshi-sama, you may summon me anytime."
"Thank you, Great Slug Sage," Aoshi said sincerely.
The slug then dispelled itself and returned to Shikkotsu Forest. Tsunade also turned to leave.
"Well then, I won't intrude on your date anymore. Have fun, you two." Her tone had a certain teasing weight to it, and Mikoto blushed in embarrassment. Her image of the graceful and noble Tsunade was… slightly shattered.
Tsunade, of course, had no idea what Mikoto was thinking—and even if she had, she likely wouldn't have cared.
---
Tsunade returned to the Senju clan residence, only to find Hiruzen Sarutobi already there.
"Old man, it's late. Why aren't you home sleeping? What're you doing here?" Her tone was utterly devoid of respect, making Hiruzen sigh heavily.
All three of his students were like this.
And not only that—Orochimaru had become obsessed with immortality. Jiraiya, meanwhile, wandered the shinobi world endlessly in pursuit of the "Child of Prophecy" foretold by the Toads of Mount Myoboku.
He had once believed Tsunade was the most stable of the three… until she developed a crippling fear of blood and began slacking off entirely.
The most talented medical ninja in the shinobi world—afraid of blood? Utterly ridiculous.
"I'm here to visit Lady Mito."
During the First Great Ninja War, Hiruzen had been entrusted with the position of Third Hokage under dire circumstances.
At that time, he was still young and lacked a strong foundation within Konoha. Even as Tobirama's student, his authority was shaky. It was only thanks to the support of Uzumaki Mito that he was able to ascend securely to the Hokage seat.
So Hiruzen truly respected her and often came by to pay his respects.
"Alright, you two chat." Tsunade turned to leave but was stopped by Mito's voice.
"Tsunade, I'm tired and heading to bed. You entertain your teacher."
Tsunade might not give Hiruzen any face, but she didn't dare disobey her grandmother. Grumbling, she sat back down.
Once Mito was gone, Tsunade glared at Hiruzen. "Alright, old man, spill it. What do you really want?"
She wasn't blind—she knew Hiruzen had used his "visit" as an excuse to speak to her in private. Even Mito had seen through it, which is why she had deliberately left them alone.
Now that Mito had retired from public life, her only goal was to raise Kushina properly.
Hiruzen took a deep breath, lit his pipe, and pulled out a sealing scroll. He opened it, revealing a preserved corpse—one of the White Zetsu bodies Aoshi had brought back from the Land of Rain.
This was the real reason Hiruzen had come: he wanted Tsunade to study it.
"Why not give it to Orochimaru? He's much more suited for this kind of research." Tsunade tried to weasel out of it.
"No. Orochimaru is out of the question." Hiruzen had come here in secret, under the pretense of visiting Mito, because he didn't want this getting out—especially not to Orochimaru or Danzo.
"Tsunade, don't forget who you are. You're a ninja of Konoha."
Even though she didn't want to do it, Tsunade had no choice but to agree.
"This must remain absolutely confidential," Hiruzen warned her seriously. "I'll arrange a secure lab for you in a few days."
There was no doubt in Hiruzen's mind that White Zetsu's body held terrifying secrets. He had to emphasize the importance of secrecy.
Seeing his unusually serious expression, Tsunade promised solemnly.
After the matter was settled, Hiruzen didn't leave immediately. Instead, he brought up the upcoming Joint Chunin Exam.
He had already received confirmations from other major villages—both Sunagakure and Kumogakure had agreed to send participants.
Even more minor villages had expressed interest, including Amegakure, Kusagakure, and Takigakure.
After internal discussion, Konoha had officially decided to hold the Joint Chunin Exam one month from now.
With so many outsiders coming, the village needed time to make thorough preparations and prevent any unexpected incidents.
"Kushina should participate as well. Let her team up with Aoshi."
Chunin Exam teams were always registered as squads.
However, ever since graduating, Kushina had been under Mito's tutelage, learning sealing arts, meaning she had no teammates of her own.
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