"Kyoka Suigetsu? Gotta say—that's a solid name."
Tsunade paused briefly, then nodded in approval.
Both were illusions, fleeting reflections—perfect symbolism for genjutsu.
"Since you're back, come with me to the Hokage's office."
She stood up, clearly eager to go.
"Tsunade-sama!"
Shizune immediately guessed her intent and rushed to stop her. "You're not going gambling again, are you? How about taking a break for once?"
"Ugh, you're so annoying."
Tsunade waved dismissively. "I'm going with Kitazawa. You stay here."
Before Shizune could say anything else, she grabbed Kitazawa by the arm and dragged him out the door.
"Kitazawa!"
Shizune yelled after them, "Make sure you bring Tsunade-sama back!"
Once outside, Tsunade shot Kitazawa a look. "You really gonna listen to Shizune like that?"
"I came up with a new card game yesterday," he said, blinking innocently under her pressure. "Want me to teach you?"
"What kind of game?"
That caught her attention instantly.
"It's kind of complicated," Kitazawa said coolly. "I'll explain it when we get back."
"Oh really?"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes at him, smirking. "You're clever, I'll give you that. But you think I'll fall for that trick?"
"I wouldn't dare lie to you."
Kitazawa turned slightly and looked at her fair face. "Every word I said is true."
"Fine. I'll learn it tonight."
She glared at him, clearly aware he was just trying to stall her from heading to the casino.
"Tsunade-sama, if you really want to gamble, why bother going all the way to the casino?"
Kitazawa dropped the act. "Let's grab Kurenai this afternoon and play cards. Sounds good?"
"What are we betting?"
Her eyes lit up with interest.
"You gamble with money every day—kinda boring by now, right? Let's switch it up."
Kitazawa grinned. "How about betting on who comes up with the next new jutsu?"
"…How's that even a bet?"
"Usually we brainstorm and invent techniques together," Kitazawa explained. "So this time, we wager time. Loser has to research the jutsu alone for however many hours they lost by."
"…Sounds like you're trying to hustle me."
She gave him a suspicious look.
"Afraid of losing?" Kitazawa teased.
"As if!"
Tsunade immediately took the bait. "Let's go. I'm obviously gonna win anyway!"
"Deal."
Kitazawa nodded, sealing the agreement.
"…You really tricked me, didn't you," Tsunade muttered, finally realizing what just happened. But honestly, it wasn't Kitazawa's fault. Just mentioning a bet flipped her switch.
"Don't tell me you're backing out now?"
He grinned. "You're the number one beauty in Konoha—can't go back on your word."
"Now that, I like hearing."
Tsunade smirked, full of confidence. "Neither of you can beat me when it comes to gambling."
She'd been at it her whole life—unlike Kitazawa and Kurenai, who barely touched cards. The odds were in her favor.
"Well, Tsunade-sama, try to go easy on us," Kitazawa said, struggling not to laugh.
"Weren't you just calling me the most beautiful woman in Konoha? Aren't you worried Kurenai's gonna be jealous?"
Tsunade chuckled mischievously.
"Wait—didn't think you'd toss me under like that!?"
Kitazawa's face froze.
"You tried to outsmart me first."
Seeing him flustered made her burst out laughing.
She laughed so hard her chest heaved—and honestly, the way her clothes stretched was a bit too eye-catching.
"…Was it really that funny?"
Kitazawa tried not to crack.
"Not really," she finally said, calming down. "I just liked getting the last word for once."
She felt genuinely pleased to turn the tables on him.
BAM!
Just like always, Tsunade kicked open the Hokage's office door.
"Kitazawa too?"
Hiruzen looked up calmly. "New technique again?"
Tsunade tossed a scroll straight at him.
"Looks like a promising genjutsu," Hiruzen said after reading it. "Could work for both healing and combat."
As Hokage, he was already considering multiple applications.
The Mirror Flower, Water Moon technique created a shifting illusionary world—malleable based on the user's intent. It had endless potential.
"Alright then, pay up."
Tsunade extended her hand with a grin.
"Same as last time—1.5 million ryo," Hiruzen said with a sigh.
She really was addicted to gambling—and money.
"Come on, don't be so cheap," Tsunade pushed. "Throw in another half a million."
"I could… but on one condition."
"What is it?"
Tsunade became instantly alert.
"You've done great setting up the psychological medical-ninja framework," Hiruzen said evenly. "But theory alone isn't enough. You need real practice."
"No problem," she said, catching on. "I'll find two shinobi with mental health issues to treat."
"Not ideal for a first test," Hiruzen shook his head. "Better if you test it on yourself."
"Old man!"
Tsunade's face instantly darkened, and her presence filled the room like a storm.
Kitazawa could barely breathe.
No wonder in the original timeline Orochimaru could freeze Naruto and Sasuke with killing intent alone.
"A‑hem, just a suggestion," Hiruzen quickly backpedaled. "If you're not up for it, we can change the plan."
"I'm going back. Kitazawa, come on."
She was clearly irritated now and walked off without looking back.
"Knew that would happen," Hiruzen muttered.
Her hemophobia wasn't just a phobia—it was rooted in trauma. Her resistance was completely understandable.
Then, his gaze fell on Kitazawa.
"I won't tell anyone!"
Kitazawa quickly promised.
Even though Hiruzen didn't say it outright, he definitely hinted Tsunade had psychological trauma.
If that got out, it'd blow up the village.
"I heard you've been learning medical ninjutsu from her?"
Hiruzen waited a few seconds before asking.
Of course he already knew—the surgeries at the hospital had been reported. But he'd waited for Tsunade to admit it first.
"Yes," Kitazawa confirmed.
"How's it going?"
"I'm learning chakra scalpels," he answered, then listed the jutsu he'd already mastered.
"So… you're her student now?"
Hiruzen looked surprised—and understandably so.
Tsunade had basically taught him everything short of her Yin Seal and a few A‑rank techniques. That was usually only for her actual disciples.
"Not yet," Kitazawa said. "She said she's still watching how I do."
"I see."
Hiruzen looked thoughtful. "To me, you're already ahead of most med-nin."
Normally, he'd praise him more—but not today.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa responded politely.
"I've got a mission for you."
Kitazawa immediately got a bad feeling.
"Even if she hasn't taken you on as a student, it's clear she cares about you," Hiruzen said. "Your mission is to help her accept psychological treatment."
Kitazawa's heart sank.
That's… a nightmare-level quest.
Am I even qualified?
Sure, he had a good relationship with Tsunade—but not that good.
Her hemophobia touched on her deepest pain.
Could he really reach that far?
[Principal Hiruzen Sarutobi has issued a special mission.]
[Mission: Cure Tsunade's hemophobia.]
[Reward: Yamato-tier Wood Release.]
[Accept?]
Kitazawa stared.
Wood Release?
Even if it wasn't Hashirama-level, Yamato's version was still powerful—and extremely rare.
Wood Release was a bloodline limit, vastly stronger than normal elemental jutsu.
In Konoha, it carried huge symbolic weight.
Even someone with no background like Yamato had become indispensable because of it.
Danzo raised him. He even tried to assassinate Hiruzen once.
Yet Hiruzen still made him Anbu.
To get Yamato out of Root, Hiruzen even led a full Anbu operation.
That's how valuable Wood Release users were.
"I'll do my best, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa took a deep breath.
"What I'm about to say must stay between us," Hiruzen said gravely.
"I understand."
Kitazawa already had a guess.
Sure enough, Hiruzen gave him the full backstory behind Tsunade's trauma—more detailed than anything he'd known from the original series.
"I'm telling you this so you can help her," Hiruzen said. "No one else can know."
"Yes, sir."
Kitazawa nodded firmly.
"Go see Haru."
Hiruzen waved him off.
Kitazawa bowed, went to the Anbu office, and picked up two million ryo.
Once he stepped outside, he let out a long sigh.
He hadn't expected things to escalate like this.
But if he could pull it off—the payoff would be massive.
Not just the Wood Release. He'd be officially part of the Hokage faction. His status would skyrocket.
"Why'd it take you so long?"
A voice called from above.
He looked up and saw a pair of long legs swinging in the air.
Tsunade.
Kitazawa froze.
He thought she'd storm off to the bar or casino.
He never imagined she'd be here waiting.
"Zoning out again?"
She leapt down from the roof, landing hard—nearly giving him a heart attack.
"Let's go," she said like nothing happened. "Teach me that card game you mentioned."
"Sure."
He handed her a bankbook. "Your share."
She opened it—and her eyes narrowed when she saw the number.
1 million.
She was only supposed to get 700k. That meant Hiruzen had given him 2 mil.
"That old man—I never agreed to this," she muttered, then smirked. "But hey, it's mine now. Not giving it back."
"Classic Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa grinned and gave her a thumbs-up.
"Didn't you say to always look forward?"
She tucked the bankbook away and brushed some hair from her ear.
"Right now, you're definitely looking at money," Kitazawa quipped.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Tsunade frowned. "You think I only care about ryo?"
"Of course not."
He shook his head. "I know you care about Konoha."
"…No I don't."
She looked away toward the Hokage Rock.
That tsundere act again.
Kitazawa kept quiet and stood with her in silence.
"…Let's go."
She glanced back and started walking.
They returned to Kurenai's place.
The moment the door opened, Shizune rushed out. When she saw Tsunade, she finally relaxed.
"Kurenai," Tsunade called out while kicking off her shoes. "Let's play cards."
"Cards? What's going on?"
Shizune turned to Kitazawa.
"The price of bringing her back," he shrugged. "I did my best."
"It's fine. At least she can't lose money here," Shizune said, trying to pat his shoulder—but had to stand on her toes again.
"What are we playing?"
Kurenai looked confused. "I don't really know how."
"Perfect!" Tsunade's eyes lit up.
"I invented a new card game yesterday," Kitazawa said, pulling out a deck. "It's called… 'Fight the Raikage.'"
"Fight the Raikage?"
Tsunade plopped onto the couch, laughing. "Where'd the Raikage come from?"
Kitazawa explained it was basically Fight the Landlord, but themed: two Konoha ninjas working together to beat the Fourth Raikage.
"Sounds fun."
Tsunade sat upright, full of confidence. "Let's go!"
Shizune shook her head. She already knew how this would end—even if Kitazawa and Kurenai were new to cards.
"Ughhh!!"
Thirty minutes later, Tsunade was grinding her teeth in frustration.
Seven games. Not a single win.
No matter if she played solo or on a team—loss after loss.
Even Kitazawa was speechless.
When she lost solo, fine. But even with a teammate? Yikes.
Twice, he teamed with her—and his hand was beyond saving.
"Shizune! Get me a drink—I refuse to believe I can't win at least once!"
Tsunade stood up and ripped off her jacket, revealing her fair arms.
Shizune opened her mouth… then closed it. If money wasn't involved, losing was fine.
"Seventeen cards and you still wipe me out?!"
Tsunade shouted, eyes wide.
Kitazawa raised a brow. Was she actually about to win?
His hand wasn't great…
But fate stayed cruel. Kurenai's absurd luck ended it fast.
Outside, the sun faded into a colorful sunset.
"Tsunade-sama…"
Kurenai was stunned.
How could someone lose all afternoon?
And this person went to casinos daily?
Suddenly, Kurenai understood Shizune's pain.
"I'm done!"
Tsunade threw the cards aside and collapsed onto the couch like she'd lost her soul.
"I'm going to study genjutsu," Kitazawa said, gathering the deck.
He had one last technique to learn today: Mist Servant Technique—a basic D‑rank genjutsu that created creepy black illusions. Pure scare tactics for newbies.
"Need me to teach you?" Kurenai asked.
"Nah," he shook his head. "You cook—I've got this. You gave me that scroll yesterday. Super simple stuff."
He stepped outside.
Thirty minutes later, the system chimed:
[Mission: Learn five genjutsu during summer.]
[Reward: Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.]
[Mission Completed. Reward Granted.]
Kitazawa exhaled slowly.
With Bringer-of-Darkness, he no longer needed to bother with basic genjutsu. It was the peak of standard illusions.
Anything stronger would need a bloodline limit—like the Sharingan or Mangekyō.
And he'd already triggered that quest:
[Let Uchiha Sasuke defeat Hyuga Neji.]
~~~
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