Afterward, the exhausted Tsunade nestled quietly in Aoshi's embrace, allowing him to wash her body.
Under the steady rush of running water, she gradually regained her composure, the haze caused by Aoshi's intensity slowly fading.
Resting her head against his shoulder, she spoke softly, her breath warm and fragrant, her tone tinged with concern.
"How is the medical ninja training program progressing?" After all, this had been the plan she initially proposed, and she couldn't simply disregard it.
If she weren't so deeply absorbed in researching White Zetsu cells and Wood Release, she would certainly have overseen the project herself.
"The plan is moving forward smoothly," Aoshi replied. "However, I made a few adjustments. I intend to begin by establishing a special medical training class within the Ninja Academy."
Feeling Tsunade's closeness, Aoshi gradually began to stir again.
While explaining the structure of the special medical class, his hands moved almost unconsciously, affectionately fondling the soft, ample breast.
It was not only large, but irresistibly alluring—something no man could simply ignore.
"We'll start by cultivating talented individuals in medical ninjutsu from the Academy itself. Once they graduate, they can head directly to the Konoha Hospital for internships and advanced training."
"Of course," he added, "those with exceptional talent can be granted special permission to join the internship squads ahead of schedule."
After listening to Aoshi's explanation, Tsunade had to admit it to herself. Although this little rascal was undeniably a womanizer, his ability to handle serious matters was genuinely reassuring.
His ideas were far more comprehensive than her original plan, and it was clear he had devoted real effort and thought to it.
At the same time, Tsunade sensed Aoshi's change, and a trace of astonishment—mixed with faint dread—surfaced on her face.
"How can his stamina be so terrifying…?" They had just finished the second round.
"Indeed," she thought, "youthful energy is completely different."
That realization stirred a quiet anxiety within her. She was already thirty this year. In a few more years, when time inevitably dulled her beauty, would Aoshi still look at her with the same burning infatuation?
Perhaps, instead of obsessing over White Zetsu cells and Wood Release—projects with uncertain timelines—she should prioritize mastering the Yin Seal and developing the Creation Rebirth Technique.
The Yin Seal was a sealing technique originating from the Land of Whirlpools, one that her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki, had mastered.
Tsunade naturally had access to it as well. Once mastered, the technique allowed its user to preserve youth and maintain peak physical vitality for extended periods.
In the past, Tsunade had either been consumed by war or lost in self-neglect.
More importantly, her younger self had never felt an urgent need for the Yin Seal, so she never made time to learn it.
As for the Creation Rebirth Technique, it was a later concept she conceived after first studying the Yin Seal. It remained theoretical—no, to be precise, even the theory itself had yet to be fully perfected.
According to Tsunade's original vision, a medical ninja who mastered this technique could shatter the three fundamental tenets of medical ninjutsu.
They could become true combat medics, capable of fighting on the front lines—just like herself and Aoshi.
A woman adorns herself for the one who pleases her.
At that moment, Tsunade resolved to shift her research focus toward the Yin Seal and the Creation Rebirth Technique.
"Tsunade, let's go for another round." Aoshi's words abruptly interrupted her thoughts.
Tsunade did not refuse. She clung to Aoshi, gradually losing herself once more…
---
At the Konoha Hospital, Aoshi was treating Orochimaru.
Watching Aoshi's fluid, practiced movements, Orochimaru let out a low, slightly hoarse chuckle.
"Heh heh… Aoshi-kun truly is Tsunade's man. Your level of medical ninjutsu is in no way inferior to hers." As he spoke, Orochimaru stared intently at Aoshi.
Unlike Jiraiya—who had only recently returned to the village and learned of their relationship—Orochimaru had known about Aoshi and Tsunade for a long time.
When he first learned of it, he briefly spared a thought for that fool, Jiraiya, before promptly returning to his own research.
Thus, today marked their first official interaction. Orochimaru had deliberately sought Aoshi out.
Although he had already agreed to Danzo's request to assassinate Aoshi, he himself was deeply intrigued by this suddenly emerging genius. He wanted to make contact first.
If he could establish a relationship with Aoshi, it would be far preferable to cooperating with an imprisoned man like Danzo.
If that failed, then for his own benefit, he would have no choice but to proceed with Danzo's deal.
"Aoshi-kun," Orochimaru asked softly, "what answer will you give me?"
Feeling Orochimaru's penetrating gaze, Aoshi felt deeply uncomfortable.
He knew Orochimaru didn't possess strange personal fetishes—but that made him even more unsettling. Orochimaru genuinely coveted the bodies of others. He would steal them without hesitation.
Such acts, which trampled human ethics and morality, were things Aoshi could never accept.
However, at this point in time, Orochimaru should not yet have developed Living Corpse Reincarnation.
Thinking this, Aoshi responded with a humble expression.
"Orochimaru-sama is truly overestimating me. I only possess a shallow understanding of medical ninjutsu—how could I possibly be compared to one of the Legendary Sannin?"
In truth, given Aoshi's current strength and standing, there was no need for him to address Orochimaru with the honorific sama. He had done the same with Jiraiya. However, the difference lay in intent.
Aoshi held genuine respect for Jiraiya, who had offered him guidance and assistance in the past. That was why he continued to use the honorific with him.
In contrast, when it came to Orochimaru, the honorific served a different purpose—it was a deliberate act of distancing.
Although Aoshi had lived in the ninja world for twenty years, he had not been completely eroded by it. He still upheld the moral boundaries he believed necessary.
Unlike Orochimaru, who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, Aoshi refused to cross certain lines.
That was precisely why Aoshi had never sought Orochimaru out on his own initiative. Their philosophies and worldviews were fundamentally incompatible.
Orochimaru naturally sensed the intentional distance in Aoshi's tone. Yet his expression did not change in the slightest. He continued to smile warmly and spoke again, as though nothing were amiss.
"Speaking of which, Aoshi-kun once researched White Zetsu cells for use in human organ transplantation. That was an outstanding contribution to the Hidden Leaf."
As Orochimaru pointed out, since this technology had been introduced, many Konoha ninja who would otherwise have been forced into early retirement were now able to undergo transplant procedures and continue serving.
This achievement was one of the main reasons Aoshi was held in such high esteem. Of course, Orochimaru did not bring this up merely to praise him.
He was using Aoshi's research as a bridge to steer the conversation toward the topic of human experimentation.
"I happen to have some understanding of human biology myself," Orochimaru continued, his voice smooth. "Recently, I've encountered a few obstacles in my research. I wonder if Aoshi-kun might be willing to help me resolve them?"
With that single sentence, Orochimaru's intentions became unmistakably clear. He was testing Aoshi's stance on human experimentation.
Having grasped the deeper meaning behind Orochimaru's words, Aoshi gave him a long, measured look and refused without the slightest hesitation.
"Those results were only possible because the Third Hokage provided strong support to Lady Tsunade and me."
"Unfortunately, I am currently occupied with another mission assigned directly by the Third Hokage, so I regret that I cannot assist you."
"If Orochimaru-sama is facing difficulties in your research," Aoshi added calmly, "perhaps it would be wiser to consider shifting to a simpler direction."
Orochimaru remained outwardly composed, but inwardly, he sneered.
There was no way he failed to understand the subtext of Aoshi's refusal. It was exactly as Danzo had said—Hirakawa Aoshi and he were fundamentally different people.
Moreover, Aoshi's deliberate mention of Sarutobi Sensei, combined with his suggestion to change research directions, was nothing less than a veiled warning.
"Well," Orochimaru said lightly, "that truly is a pity. I thought there might be an opportunity for cooperation between us."
Aoshi did not respond.
In truth, Aoshi was not categorically opposed to the type of human experimentation Orochimaru alluded to. However, if such research were to be conducted, it would only ever involve heinous criminals.
Unlike Orochimaru—who was utterly unscrupulous and willing to sacrifice innocent lives, even those of his own comrades—Aoshi would never cross that boundary.
More importantly, Orochimaru's ambition ran too deep.
Aoshi had no interest in entangling himself in political maneuvering or ideological clashes with someone like him. As long as Orochimaru did not target him directly, Aoshi had no intention of provoking him.
Thus, his stance toward Orochimaru had always been one of polite distance.
[Completed the treatment of Orochimaru. Reward: One Rainbow Colored Orb.]
[Congratulations on acquiring Top-Tier Scientific Research Capability.]
So that was the reward. The system's notification caught Aoshi completely off guard—then excitement quickly followed.
Although he had assisted Tsunade with the research on White Zetsu cells, Aoshi himself was not truly proficient in scientific research. Until now, he had relied heavily on knowledge carried over from his previous life.
But with this new capability, he could significantly accelerate the progress of several secret projects he had been planning.
It really was Orochimaru—truly a blessing hidden within misfortune.
With that thought, Aoshi watched as Orochimaru departed from the Konoha Hospital.
Upon returning to his research base, Orochimaru immediately began studying the Impure World Reincarnation technique he had obtained from Danzo.
From his brief interaction with Aoshi, he had already gained a clear understanding of the young man's position.
Since the two of them were clearly never meant to become allies, continuing his arrangement with Danzo was the only logical course.
Though supremely confident, Orochimaru was not reckless.
From Danzo, he had acquired not only the Impure World Reincarnation technique(Edo Tensei), but also detailed intelligence regarding the previous operation against Aoshi.
A man capable of confronting a Tailed Beast like the Seven-Tails was not someone to be taken lightly.
Proper preparation was absolutely essential.
As he examined the forbidden technique, Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"What a truly brilliant idea," he murmured. "To summon the souls of the dead from the Pure Land and bind them to the living world for one's own use…"
His voice was filled with genuine admiration.
"He truly was worthy of being the Second Hokage I revere—the master of forbidden jutsu, Senju Tobirama."
However, it did not take long for Orochimaru to realize that the Impure World Reincarnation technique was incomplete—no more than a flawed prototype.
At present, it could only summon individuals weaker than the caster. If a ninja stronger than the caster were summoned, they could easily break free of control.
At that point, not only would such a summon be useless against enemies, it could even turn on its summoner instead.