Talent System In The Naruto Universe

The atmosphere of the meal shifted as Tsunade began drinking.

Hanekawa, being a child, had a small appetite and was soon full.

But for Tsunade, one drink was followed by another, the scent of alcohol mingling with her natural fragrance as it filled the room.

"Stop drinking, sensei!"

Hanekawa couldn't help but remind her.

"What are you fussing about, kid?"

Tsunade, her face flushed and clearly tipsy, asked groggily.

"You still have to teach me later!"

Hanekawa said, exasperated.

"I… I know my limits… It won't… won't affect anything."

Tsunade swirled her glass unsteadily and downed it in one gulp.

"Drinking too much is bad for your health,"

Hanekawa said, narrowing his eyes. He reached out and snatched the sake bottle from in front of her.

"Give it back!"

Tsunade leaned forward unsteadily, saying, "You clearly don't understand—students must not defy their teachers!"

With her movement, her clothes shifted, and her fair skin seemed almost dazzling under the light.

Hanekawa was momentarily stunned. Before he knew it, the bottle was no longer in his hand—Tsunade had snatched it back.

"You're still too young to outsmart your teacher,"

Tsunade said smugly, clearly pleased with herself.

That's dirty! Using such underhanded tactics to steal it back.

How's a student supposed to deal with this kind of test?

Hanekawa sighed deeply, realizing he had no way to deal with this drunken teacher.

"Are you mad?"

Tsunade asked after taking another swig, glancing at him.

"No."

Hanekawa shook his head. It wasn't worth getting upset over something like this.

"Then smile for your teacher."

Tsunade reached out and pinched his cheek playfully.

What kind of female hooligan is this?

Hanekawa glared at her in frustration.

"Hahaha!"

Tsunade, her cheeks rosy, laughed heartily.

"You're so funny!"

"I'm not your toy,"

Hanekawa protested.

"Students are for their teacher's amusement,"

Tsunade said with a bright grin.

For a moment, Hanekawa regretted ever boarding this metaphorical pirate ship.

Fine, I'll endure this now and get even later.

With this lively banter, the dinner finally came to an end.

"You rest; I'll clean up the table,"

Hanekawa said as he started tidying up.

"Very diligent,"

Tsunade remarked approvingly before heading to the couch, where she collapsed with a contented sigh.

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that taking on a student was a fantastic decision.

Hanekawa carried the dishes to the kitchen, washed them quickly, and returned to the living room a few minutes later.

He stopped in his tracks, slightly surprised.

Tsunade lay peacefully on the couch, eyes closed, looking completely different from her earlier demeanor. She now resembled a sleeping beauty.

"Sensei?"

Hanekawa hesitated for a few seconds before tentatively calling out.

Tsunade furrowed her brows in her semi-conscious state, then abruptly grabbed him and pulled him into her arms, covering his mouth.

Hanekawa's head collided with her chest, which even bounced slightly.

It took him a few seconds to realize what had just happened.

I almost got trapped in the "Baby Food Buffet."

"Don't disturb me. I'm sleeping,"

Tsunade muttered as she released him and lay back down.

Soon, the sound of steady breathing filled the room.

Hanekawa, face still warm from the contact, struggled to free himself from her embrace.

He took a deep breath. The air was still filled with her scent.

"I knew this would happen,"

Hanekawa muttered, shaking his head as he looked at the sleeping Tsunade.

But losing one evening didn't matter.

Patience was key.

Besides, the semester was almost over, and he'd have two months of vacation, giving him plenty of time.

Without disturbing her further, Hanekawa quietly left and headed home.

"You're back?"

Yūhi Shinku curiously asked, "What did Lady Tsunade want you to do?"

"To take on a student."

Hanekawa glanced around, not seeing Shinku immediately.

Oh, taking a student, huh?

Shinku smiled briefly, but his expression froze.

He shot up from his seat and urgently asked, "What did you just say? Who's taking on a student? Who's the teacher?"

"Am I supposed to be the teacher?"

Hanekawa chuckled and replied, "Of course, Lady Tsunade is my teacher."

Tsunade, being a student of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and one of the Legendary Sannin, wouldn't be able to keep this news a secret even if she wanted to.

And why should it be hidden? In a way, the more famous Hanekawa became, the safer he would be.

Hmm, maybe the Hidden Cloud Village should offer me some sort of reward for this, Hanekawa thought, deciding he might visit them when he had the chance.

On top of that, he still needed to collect his royalties from Demon Slayer Ninjas and commission someone to forge a proper katana.

"Hahahahaha!"

Shinku froze for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.

Are you one of the Four Uchiha Legends? (Laughed widely like a maniac.)

Hanekawa thought, listening to Shinku's exaggerated laugh.

"I'm guessing it's because you defeated Kakashi that Lady Tsunade decided to take you on," Shinku said, finally calming down after taking a deep breath. "Hanekawa, work hard and don't let her down."

"Got it," Hanekawa nodded and then asked, "Where's Kurenai?"

"She's in her room doing homework," Shinku replied, still visibly excited.

Although Hanekawa didn't share the Yūhi surname, his mastery of genjutsu and the fact that he lived in their household made him almost like family.

With Hanekawa becoming Tsunade's student, the Yūhi family could benefit indirectly from the association.

And who knew? They might even become a true family someday.

Watching Hanekawa walk into Yūhi Kurenai's room, Shinku's face was filled with joy.

"Hanekawa?"

Kurenai looked up instinctively when she heard the door open.

"Why are you doing homework so soon after the start of break?"

Hanekawa asked seriously. "Shouldn't homework be saved for the last two days before school starts?"

"What kind of logic is that?"

Kurenai snorted, but her curiosity was piqued.

"It's perfectly reasonable," Hanekawa replied with a straight face. "Let me tell you about my four rules for avoiding homework. Rule one: I don't do homework that's too simple…"

Kurenai couldn't help but laugh, her mood brightening instantly.

After a moment, she calmed herself, patting her chest to stop laughing, and asked, "Why are you back earlier than usual today?"

Normally, studying medical ninjutsu took up most of Hanekawa's time, so he wasn't often home early.

"I didn't have lessons today," Hanekawa said casually. "I was busy becoming a disciple."

"You became Lady Tsunade's disciple?"

Kurenai asked, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Yeah."

Hanekawa nodded.

"That's amazing!"

Kurenai said excitedly. "That's Lady Tsunade we're talking about!"

"She's alright, I guess,"

Hanekawa sighed. "But she's a real handful."

"…?"

For some reason, Kurenai suddenly felt the urge to punch him.

---

As night fell, Tsunade woke up.

She stared at the familiar ceiling, her thoughts gradually clearing.

"That kid's pretty thoughtful,"

Tsunade remarked, noticing the blanket draped over her.

She tossed it aside, sat up, and lazily flicked her wrist. A precise burst of chakra hit the light switch, illuminating the room.

"Hmm?"

Her eyes caught sight of a note on the coffee table, which she casually picked up.

It was from Hanekawa.

"If you're awake, go to your room to sleep. I'll come by tomorrow morning."

Tsunade stared at the note, lost in thought.

--

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