As Yamanaka Shinno executed the back throw, he felt a brief but unmistakable softness against his back, causing his body to stiffen for a split second.
Tsunade—of course, it had to be Tsunade!
It was just a simple back throw, but this was beyond exaggerated!
Stepping out of the entryway, Shinno instinctively rolled his shoulders, trying to shake off the lingering sensation on his back.
He sighed inwardly—at this age, his energy levels were truly off the charts.
Just a slight stimulus like that was enough to make his mind wander.
"The Hōzuki Clan's secret technique?"
Tsunade flipped midair, sliding backward on both legs, her left palm pressing against the ground to steady herself. After a brief quiver in her chest, she landed in a textbook breakfall and swiftly regained her footing.
Her sharp gaze locked onto the muscles flexing on Shinno's body, as well as the faint mist rising from his skin.
With a single glance, she identified it—it was the Hōzuki Clan's secret technique.
"Had a little adventure while I was out. Want to test it?"
Shinno raised an eyebrow, a hint of provocation in his smirk as he beckoned her with a curled finger.
"Heh~ I'll make sure you break fewer bones."
Tsunade scoffed, her cool and elegant face showing an unusual seriousness.
With a burst of chakra at her feet, she shot forward like an arrow from a bow.
"Just don't cry when you lose, old lady!"
Shinno wasn't slow either. As he sidestepped her incoming punch, he lifted his knee, aiming for her waist.
Tsunade's punch hit nothing but air, but her left hand shot down, blocking his knee strike with force.
Using the momentum, she spun and kicked toward Shinno's head.
Thanks to the red trait [Zero-Frame Startup], Shinno preemptively read her movement.
As he ducked to evade, his fingers seamlessly weaved a hand seal, channeling Yin Release chakra at incredible speed.
Demonic Illusion: Heaven on Earth!
From the moment they started exchanging blows, Tsunade's sharp eyes had been locked onto Shinno.
Almost instantly, she fell into the genjutsu.
Her serious expression first showed a trace of surprise, then quickly morphed into excitement.
The slow release of chakra from her Yin Seal, meant to interfere with her chakra flow and dispel illusions, was abruptly halted—by her own choice.
...
Name: Tsunade
Occupation: Konoha Ninja
Traits: Master of Medicine (Purple), One of the Three Legendary Sannin (Purple), Overflowing Vitality (Blue), Seal Mastery (Blue), Precision (Blue), Juggernaut (Blue), Ageless Beauty (Blue), Heirloom Knowledge (Green), Hemophobia (Gray), Reverse Gambling Saint (Black)
...
Two purple, five blue, one green, one gray, and one black trait.
Sis, you're insane! Absolutely insane!
Even the "Little Sun" only has eight traits—you've got ten!
Sure, two of them are negative, but who dares say this isn't impressive?
Shinno stared in admiration at the extensive list of Tsunade's traits.
He had to admit, her expertise in Yang Release and medical ninjutsu was unparalleled!
And then there was Ageless Beauty.
As long as she maintained a steady chakra supply, her appearance wouldn't age with time—her beauty, grace, and allure would only continue to grow.
Eighty years old? Still as stunning as eighteen. And with even more refined charm.
Damn...
If Kushina found out about this, she'd probably lose her mind!
...
"Hahahahaha~ You lost! Pay up! Pay up! Hahahaha~"
Tsunade, fully immersed in the genjutsu, stood barefoot in the courtyard, hands on her hips, laughing heartily without a care for her image.
"Whoa! So amazing! Even with her Yin Seal active, Tsunade still fell for it!"
Kushina peeked out from the doorway, her face filled with wonder as she gave Shinno an enthusiastic thumbs-up.
Previously, Tsunade had gone out of her way to spar against two elite Yamanaka clan members just to familiarize herself with their secret techniques.
She had even devised a minor sealing technique to aid her Yin Seal in breaking through genjutsu.
Kushina had been worried sick for days, tossing and turning at night, afraid that Shinno would get beaten up.
And yet—this was it?
"Of course."
Shinno turned toward Kushina, who was wearing an apron and holding a spatula in her hand.
Clearing his throat slightly, he softened his expression and spoke again.
"Kushina, I'm home."
"W-Welcome home! I-I've already made dinner!"
Kushina's bright red face practically steamed as she took in Shinno's shining gaze.
Too unfair!
Why was he suddenly looking at her like that?!
And that line—wasn't this the kind of conversation couples had?!
A loving wife welcoming her husband home after a long day at work?
Kushina's mind spun wildly as she turned into a human steam engine. She couldn't even bring herself to look at Shinno.
In a panic, she fetched his slippers from the shoe cabinet and placed them at the entryway before bolting back into the kitchen.
She patted her flushed cheeks, unable to hide the pure joy in her heart.
Nya nya nya nya nya~
Today! I, Kushina! Am finally starting my sweet, sweet romance!
"Um, do you need help bringing out the food?"
Shinno's voice came from the doorway.
"N-No need! It's almost done!"
Kushina splashed cold water on her face, trying to cool her burning cheeks.
Taking several deep breaths, she clenched her fists, hyping herself up before finally emerging with the dishes.
Stir-fried bell peppers with pork, twice-cooked pork, sautéed broccoli, crispy shredded potatoes, and West Lake beef soup.
As dish after dish was placed on the table, Shinno's expression grew increasingly gentle.
The fact that Kushina had learned to cook these meals was all thanks to the cookbook he had given her upon graduation.
He never expected that just from that one book, she would refine her skills to this level.
"The same Kushina who once mixed up salt and sugar can now cook like this?"
Shinno chuckled, offering her some well-deserved praise.
"Hmph~ Of course! There are plenty of people who want to try my cooking but never get the chance!"
Kushina proudly lifted her chin, completely unable to resist such flattery.
Back in the Academy, she had been obsessed with Shinno's homemade bentos, mooching off his lunches for years.
Who would've thought that the moment they graduated, his missions never seemed to stop?
Unable to stomach her own home-cooked meals, she had no choice but to dive into the daunting world of cooking.
And those vague measurements in the cookbook—'a pinch,' 'some,' 'a little'—had tormented her for ages.
Who knew what those meant?!
But thanks to Tsunade's tireless "taste-testing," Kushina had a breakthrough and finally mastered the art of cooking!
Even Mikoto couldn't stop praising her food now!
"Oh? Mind telling me who these 'plenty of people' are?"
Shinno raised an eyebrow, pretending to look heartbroken.
"Shinno-kun, are you jealous? Hehehe~ I can't keep up the act—you looked way too fake just now!"
"Can't help it. The legendary 'Red-Hot Habanero' has too much of a reputation—I never even get the chance to be jealous."
"That nickname is awful! You're not allowed to use it!"
"But I think 'Little Chili Pepper' sounds adorable."
"How is that the same?! Also, I'm nineteen already! Calling me adorable—is that really okay?!"
"Anyone who says you're not adorable—you can just punch them."
"Eh~? Shouldn't that be your job?"
"I don't do unpaid work."
"Then… what do you want as a reward?"
"Take a guess."
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