After hearing Jiraiya's explanation, Yuta stared at Tsunade in disbelief. Her scheme was truly outrageous.
Yesterday's failed restaurant incident had sparked an idea: if she couldn't pawn herself, why not use someone less recognizable? That morning, she'd lured a young Senju clansman to the casino with candy. The moment she left, the furious casino owner had dragged the child straight to the Senju compound.
Ironically, Tsunade technically won her bet. The casino couldn't afford to keep a Senju child hostage.
Casino Owner: "We surrender!"
Tsunade: "Pay up or lose your kneecaps!"
"So you're the one who put this idea in their heads?" Mito's sweet voice snapped Yuta back to the present.
Yuta's blood ran cold despite her gentle smile. Now he understood Suzuki's terror when facing his own deceptive grin.
"L-let me explain, Lady Mito!" Yuta stammered.
Mito's smile never wavered.
"Consider this—six strangers walk in. The owner only recognizes Tsunade. So…heh." Yuta put on his most innocent expression.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru nodded frantically beside him. This wasn't betrayal—just practical truth.
"But that doesn't excuse using my granddaughter as collateral!" Mito's voice remained pleasant even as her chakra flared.
"Technically, it didn't work." Jiraiya ventured.
CRACK!
One instant, Jiraiya stood beside them. The next, he was embedded in the far wall.
Yuta and Orochimaru paled. Neither had seen Mito move.
"Let this be your only warning," Mito said, dusting her hands. "Influence Tsunade again, and you'll join your friend."
"Hai!" The two remaining boys bowed so low their noses nearly touched the floor.
"Alright, go play now." Mito waved them off before turning back toward the house.
The woman holding the child glanced curiously at Yuta. When his sharp eyes met hers, she startled like a rabbit and scurried away.
Inside, Sarutobi Hiruzen waited anxiously. "Lady Mito? Is the boy a threat to the village?"
Mito knelt at the tea table without looking at him. "A clever child with too many defenses. He bears no hatred—only sealed his heart away after suffering." She sipped her tea. "Now leave. And treat him kindly."
"Hai. I'll take my leave then." The Sandaime grabbed his hat and departed.
Alone, Mito sighed.
At Training Ground 3, Tsunade's team gaped at the devastation Yuta had wrought.
"That's incredible!" Jiraiya shouted. "How'd you do it?"
Yuta shrugged. "Precise chakra bursts at the moment of impact. Master the timing, and you maximize damage."
"Who cares how it works? It's awesome!" Jiraiya whooped.
Tsunade and Orochimaru studied the destruction thoughtfully. Finally, Orochimaru shook his head. "The control required... I can't manage it yet. But Tsunade might."
Tsunade's eyes gleamed as she stared at Yuta. When he remained silent, Jiraiya groaned. "Come on! Don't hold out on us!"
Orochimaru intervened. "He wants to trade techniques. Isn't that right, Yuta? After a year, Suzuki-sensei still hasn't taught him any elemental ninjutsu."
Jiraiya's jaw dropped. "Seriously? What've you been learning all this time?"
Tsunade crossed her arms. "I can't teach forbidden techniques. But...what do you want for this one?"
Yuta smiled. "Nothing extreme. Just the mystical palm and sensory techniques. Fair trade for an instant-attack move that scales with your strength, don't you think?"
"Yuta, you're getting the worse end of this deal!" Jiraiya protested.
Yuta ignored him, keeping his narrowed eyes locked on Tsunade.
"Deal." Without hesitation, Tsunade pulled two scrolls from her pouch and tossed them to Yuta.
He caught them awkwardly. "I... don't have money for blank scrolls right now. Can I give you the technique tomorrow?"
"Tch. Hopeless." Tsunade threw another blank scroll at him. "Write it now." Her fingers twitched with anticipation—this technique could revolutionize her fighting style.
After completing the exchange (and securing permission to share the jutsu freely), Yuta immediately taught both medical techniques to Kiko. She practiced intently by the riverside, oblivious to Akano's jealous stares.
Yuta approached Suzuki, who sat fishing. "Sensei, spar with me seriously."
Suzuki's fishing rod dipped. "All my strength? You're sure?"
That infuriating smile never left Yuta's face.
"Damn brat!" Suzuki launched to his feet, cracking his knuckles. "I'll wipe that smirk off permanently!"