"Boom! Rumble—!"
Cracks tore through the training field as the ground shifted and moved like a living creature.
All the shattered earth and broken stone flowed back into place, repairing themselves one after another until the destroyed field returned to perfect condition.
Tsunade crossed her arms, watching with amused disbelief.
"Your ability… no matter how many times I see it, it still feels unfair."
Shiki never bothered hiding the power of the Fuwa-Fuwa no mi Fruit from her.
Eventually she'd see it in battle anyway.
"Let's go."
With a casual wave, Shiki turned and walked with Tsunade back toward her clan estate.
Compared to his modest home, the Senju grounds were practically a mansion.
Wide stone paths, multiple courtyards, and enough space to train an entire platoon.
Tsunade shrugged. "Your place feels a bit empty, but mine is too big. If you wanted, you could just live here."
Her tone was light, but her eyes waited for his answer.
Shiki shook his head.
"I'm used to my own house."
"…Alright."
A tiny flash of disappointment crossed her face, but it faded quickly. A small smile tugged at her lips.
"Then I'll just live with you instead."
Shiki laughed.
They relaxed on the veranda, chatting about everything Tsunade had missed during her intense training.
"So you really chopped off Shinnosuke's arm?"
Her eyebrow arched.
Of course she knew who Sarutobi Shinnosuke was — the Third Hokage's 'prized heir,' groomed since childhood.
Tsunade clicked her tongue.
"And you didn't call me? I would've helped you take the other arm too."
Her grin was far too bright for someone discussing amputation.
Shiki reached out and flicked her forehead lightly — the same gesture Itachi would one day use on Sasuke.
"You want to be Hokage someday. Leave this kind of thing to me."
Tsunade's cheeks warmed, a pleased smile curling on her lips.
"Heh. Shinnosuke's arm gone… the old man must be losing his mind."
"Probably," Shiki said. "And if I'm guessing right, they'll come after me next."
Tsunade slammed her fist on the table.
"Then let them! With the two of us together, we'll break those fossils!"
Shiki was about to answer but his eyes sharpened.
He sensed someone approaching.
He tapped the seat beside him. "Sit."
Tsunade looked confused, but obeyed.
A moment later, the Hokage himself stepped into the courtyard.
"Tsunade! You—"
Hiruzen froze mid-sentence.
His eyes landed on Shiki.
For a split second, cold killing intent flickered… then vanished behind a friendly smile.
"Oh… Shiki. I didn't expect you to be here."
Old fox.
Both Shiki and Tsunade thought the same thing instantly.
The man was pretending they weren't seconds away from being opponents.
Shiki gave a lazy shrug.
"I'm just here to check on Tsunade's progress."
"Tsunade's… progress?"
Hiruzen blinked in confusion — then his expression snapped.
"Tsunade… your strength has increased?!"
Her newly awakened chakra reserves weren't exactly subtle.
His jaw dropped.
Tsunade crossed her arms and tilted her chin proudly.
"Yup. Shiki's been my sparring partner. So it went faster."
Hiruzen forced a smile, the skin around his eyes twitching.
"Ha… ha… as expected of my student. Impressive. Truly impressive."
Tsunade stared at him flatly.
He hadn't taught her anything since becoming Hokage.
Her strength came from her clan and her own talent — not him.
Hiruzen coughed awkwardly and changed the subject.
"Actually… I came to ask for your help, Tsunade. There's someone who needs treatment."
"Oh? What kind?"
Tsunade waved her hand casually.
As long as it wasn't politics, she didn't care.
Hiruzen hesitated… then spoke.
"I need you to reattach an arm."
"Isn't that—"
Tsunade stopped mid-sentence.
For anyone else, this would be nearly impossible…
but for her?
It was simple.
Absolutely simple.
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