Konoha: Gu master

Shinho Aburame exhaled deeply.

He looked at the revived carp and shook his head.

"You've done quite well," Tsunade remarked after observing him.

"A bit slow," Shinho said, expressing his dissatisfaction.

"You annoying brat," Tsunade reached out and flicked his forehead with her slender finger.

At Shinho's current pace, he would fully master the technique in at most a week.

This speed had already far surpassed her own when she was learning.

She suddenly understood Jiraiya's feelings.

Back when they were learning ninjutsu together, Orochimaru was always the first to master new techniques, which frustrated Jiraiya immensely.

"That's enough for today," Tsunade stood up and stretched lazily.

She opened her wardrobe, casually took out a kimono-style nightgown, and left the room.

Shinho didn't waste any time.

While Tsunade was bathing, he continued practicing on the carp several more times, bringing it back from the brink of death repeatedly.

"I've prepared hot water for you," Tsunade reappeared, carrying a fresh scent.

"Thank you, Sensei," Shinho noticed her damp golden hair and handed her the hairdryer on the table.

Tsunade was slightly taken aback, looking at the hairdryer thoughtfully.

Shinho headed to the bathroom and was momentarily surprised.

Tsunade's clothes were piled up carelessly.

...They were black.

Shinho quickly averted his gaze and proceeded to take his bath.

After washing up, he changed into clean clothes and left the bathroom.

In the living room, Tsunade was sitting on the sofa.

She held the hairdryer in her hand, but her hair was already dry, cascading over her shoulders in soft waves.

Compared to her daytime twin-tails, she now exuded a more mature and composed aura.

"Come here," Tsunade shifted backward on the sofa, lifting her legs to make space.

What's going on?

Shinho was a bit puzzled.

"Sit down," Tsunade urged.

Shinho could only sit in front of her.

Tsunade reached out, ruffled his hair, and turned on the hairdryer.

Warm air blew gently.

Shinho lowered his head.

On either side of him were Tsunade's fair legs.

From the ankles up was her kimono-style nightgown; below were her bare feet.

Due to the limited length of the sofa, her legs were slightly bent, and her toes curled and gripped the sofa.

Having just bathed, her toenail polish appeared slightly faded.

"Don't move," Tsunade placed her fingers on his face, stopping his wandering gaze.

Shinho sat obediently, no longer looking around, his nose filled with a faint fragrance.

"All done," Tsunade ruffled his hair again, ensuring it was dry. "Go to sleep."

It was the first time Shinho had seen her so gentle; he felt a bit unaccustomed.

Her behavior just now was like that of an older sister or a mother.

Probably the former.

Shinho pondered.

Perhaps it was related to Nawaki.

"Sensei," Shinho decided to give it a try.

Taking a risk can be wise.

If he succeeded, he'd gain a lot; if he failed, at most she'd scold him.

Either way, he wouldn't lose much.

"Is there something else?" Tsunade put down the hairdryer and asked.

"Do you remember our bet last time?" Shinho was referring to when he memorized fifteen medical books in one day.

Though he had used a bit of trickery to achieve it.

"Of course I haven't forgotten," Tsunade crossed her arms. "Tell me, what do you want?"

"Can I call you 'Big Sister'?" Shinho looked up and asked.

"'Big Sister'?" Tsunade's heart skipped a beat. "Why?"

She didn't quite understand.

Not calling her 'Sensei' and instead 'Big Sister'—did he have some ulterior motive?

"It just feels right," Shinho paused and said, "I feel you'd make a great big sister."

Tsunade fell silent.

Shinho's young age made his request seem innocent.

She didn't think he was lying.

A sister?

She had once been an older sister.

But perhaps not a very good one.

Tsunade bent down and picked him up.

Shinho naturally wrapped his arms around her neck.

Her embrace was soft and warm.

Her fair skin was as smooth as the finest silk.

As he leaned against her face, Shinho thought that even though she hadn't agreed, he'd still gained something.

In the bedroom, Tsunade placed him on the bed.

She leaned over, looking at Shinho.

Seeing his expectant gaze, she suddenly smiled, "Kid, becoming my little brother isn't that easy."

Tsunade waved her hand and turned to leave the room.

So... playful!

Shinho blinked.

Although he hadn't succeeded, the two of them had grown closer.

---

A new day.

A knock sounded on the door right on time.

"Shinho, time for breakfast," came Shizune's voice.

"Good morning, Shizune-nee-san," Shinho changed his clothes and opened the door.

Shizune looked him over, then reached out to smooth down a strand of hair that was sticking up.

Taking the opportunity, she patted his head.

"..." Shinho hadn't expected to have his head patted first thing in the morning.

How annoying!

"Go wash up," Shizune said, leaving with satisfaction.

Shinho went to the bathroom.

The door was already open.

Tsunade stood in front of the mirror, holding a toothbrush, her lips covered in white foam.

"Big Sister," Shinho thought for a moment and suddenly called out.

Tsunade instinctively turned her head; her beautiful eyes showed a momentary loss of focus.

It had been a long time since she'd heard that term.

"Call me 'Sensei,'" Tsunade corrected, moving slightly to the right.

But it was still a bit cramped.

Shinho stood next to her, occasionally brushing against her leg.

Tsunade didn't mind.

After he finished brushing his teeth, they left together.

"Time to eat," Tsunade picked up a rice ball and handed it to Shinho.

"Thank you, Sensei," Shinho accepted the rice ball.

Shizune stared blankly at the two of them.

Is there no place for me in this house anymore?

Why had she never experienced this kind of treatment from Tsunade?

After breakfast, Shinho picked up his backpack, ready to go to school.

But just then, an unexpected visitor arrived.

"Lady Tsunade..."

Before he could finish speaking, Tsunade clenched her right fist and punched him, sending him flying.

Shizune's eyes lit up.

It was indeed the familiar style, the familiar feeling.

She must have been hallucinating earlier.

How could Lady Tsunade be so gentle? I can't believe I had such a dream.

"He's a noble from the Land of Fire who wants Lady Tsunade to perform surgery," Shizune explained. "He's come several times."

No wonder.

Shinho understood.

Because of her hemophobia, Tsunade no longer performed surgeries and couldn't perform them.

If she forced herself to agree, it would only expose her weakness.

"Sensei," Shinho smiled and said, "And Shizune-nee-san, I'm off to school."

Tsunade quietly watched him leave.

---

"Big Sister, I'm off to school!"

"Do you need me to walk you, Nawaki?"

"Not at all! I'm going to become Hokage!"

Tsunade instinctively closed her eyes as memories flooded back.