In a small inn of the village.
Kiyoshi, who had just used the Flying Thunder God technique to teleport back to his room, let out a faint smile.
Considering they'd only recently met, he decided to maintain a respectful distance, no need to push too hard, or it could backfire.
After all, he had already discreetly placed an invisible Flying Thunder God mark on Mei.
If he wanted to find her later and deepen their relationship, he'd have plenty of chances. There was no need to rush.
"Kiyoshi..."
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts, accompanied by Shizune's soft voice.
"Shizune-senpai."
He opened the door for her, motioning her to come in.
Shizune looked radiant, youthful, and entirely unlike her usual reserved self, despite the fact that her outfit wasn't anything flashy.
Kiyoshi smiled and asked, "It's so late—what's the matter?"
"Are we…. training again tonight?"
Shizune's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. Her head tilted down, avoiding his gaze, while her legs seemed to tense together slightly. Her meaning was evident.
"Of course, I thought you might be tired from today's outing, so I didn't bring it up."
Kiyoshi was briefly surprised, then smiled knowingly.
Could it be… she was hooked?
When Kiyoshi invited her in, Shizune hesitated but stepped past him into the room. Though initially a bit nervous, she unconsciously lifted her nose, sniffing lightly.
"This scent..." she murmured, wrinkling her nose as she took in Kiyoshi's scent.
Kiyoshi felt a chill of surprise.
She could pick that up?
As a shinobi, it was important to avoid leaving any lingering scents that might give oneself away during a mission.
Experienced kunoichi like Mei or Kurenai typically avoided using any kind of fragrance, knowing well how crucial it was to stay undetectable.
"Kiyoshi, you just got back, didn't you?"
Shizune looked at him with a somewhat knowing gaze, her tone playfully chastising. Usually modest and unassuming, she now had a slight pout.
Was that mist-nin really so captivating that he'd sneak off to see her?
"Looks like I have been caught by Shizune-senpai." Kiyoshi chuckled awkwardly, choosing honesty over denial.
"Fine, just don't go too far with it. Don't let Lady Tsunade find out." Shizune said, letting out a small sigh at his easy confession.
She knew Kiyoshi's flirtatious nature was likely set in stone.
After years of being by Tsunade's side, Shizune had come to understand her teacher deeply.
She knew Tsunade disliked Mei, probably because of Kiyoshi's interest in her.
"Shizune-senpai."
Kiyoshi gently steered the conversation back. Smiling, he said, "Well, let's begin then."
"Ok...." Shizune's face flushed as she responded softly.
For the past few days, Kiyoshi had been helping her train the Yin Seal and the Strength of a Hundred Seal through the Spirit Transformation Jutsu.
She felt she was close to success.
Beyond those forbidden techniques, he had also helped her develop her Swift Release, a feat he had guided her through so thoroughly that she could now perform it with just one hand sign.
Earlier, she had intercepted a mist-nin who had tried to capture Karin without anyone even seeing her move. She had sent the would-be assailant flying effortlessly.
In addition, Kiyoshi had shown her how to enhance her speed, strength, and even her reflexes using the natural properties of her lightning chakra.
But all of that was secondary.
What Shizune secretly looked forward to—and feared—was Kiyoshi's masterful and soothing healing massage, which left her with an addictive sense of relief and peace.
…
Time passed.
Two hours later, with Kiyoshi guiding her, Shizune focused intently on her training.
As his spirit left her body, she opened her eyes, an unprecedented joy lighting up her face.
On her forehead was the unmistakable mark of a diamond-shaped seal.
After many days of diligent practice under Kiyoshi's guidance, she, with her newly inherited Hagoromo clan bloodline and Swift Release, had finally gained enough chakra control and volume to channel chakra into the chakra pool at will and even extract it as needed.
"It's amazing." Shizune said, brimming with excitement, "I've finally mastered the Strength of a Hundred Seal."
"Congratulations, Shizune-senpai." Kiyoshi's spirit returned to his body, and he smiled warmly.
He'd watched her work tirelessly over these past days, and at last, she was reaping the rewards.
"Mm…"
Shizune's eyes filled with happy tears.
Unable to contain her emotions, she threw herself at Kiyoshi, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, Kiyoshi."
"It's the least I could do." he said, gently patting her back. But he didn't finish his sentence before something made his eyes widen.
Shizune's boldness had left him stunned.
She wasn't typically this forward. But such kindness was certainly not something he would reject.
For these past few days, he had come to know her inside and out.
How could he not have even the slightest thought for this gentle, modest senpai?
Naturally, he responded.
.....
For a while, the two of them simply looked into each other's eyes, their faces close, Shizune's cheeks flushed pink as she leaned into Kiyoshi's arms.
"Shizune-senpai."
Struggling to keep his composure, Kiyoshi leaned close to her ear and whispered with a mischievous smile, "Ready for more training?"
"If it's training… let's leave it here for today."
Shizune's entire body tensed, her breath quickening as she whispered with a rosy blush.
Kiyoshi nodded, understanding.
For someone as reserved as her, she'd already been exceptionally bold.
But then he realized…. he was mistaken.
He drew in a quick breath, his eyes wide as he stared at her. "Shizune-senpai, you..."
"All this restraint…. it's not healthy."
Her hands trembled slightly, her cheeks radiantly red, her eyes filled with an endearing nervousness as she murmured.
"This is my first time… I may not be very…. skilled…. Please be patient with me."
Seeing Kiyoshi's startled yet expectant expression filled her with sudden courage.
Blushing deeply, she knelt before him, taking the initiative in a bold gesture.
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