"Huh?"
Upon hearing the news, Kurenai widened her eyes in surprise.
She had not known about this at all.
Her home was quite far from Kiyohara's, which was why she had only just learned of what had happened.
"You weren't injured, were you?" she asked, her brows knitting together with concern.
"No," Kiyohara replied, shaking his head.
The injury he had deliberately exposed himself to yesterday had long since healed.
Unless Obito used Kamui, it would be extremely difficult for any of his current techniques to break through the dual defense of Steel Release combined with Earth Release: Earth Spear.
However, what Kiyohara did not know was how much Obito's chakra reserves had increased after fusing half of his body with Hashirama's cells.
Looking across the entire shinobi world, it seemed that Obito was the one who had integrated the greatest quantity of Hashirama cells.
White Zetsu had only incorporated a portion of those cells internally, but in essence, White Zetsu was a "weapon" transformed from ordinary people who had been trapped by the Infinite Tsukuyomi a thousand years ago.
Danzo, at most, had transplanted Hashirama cells into half of one arm.
Only Obito had an entire half of his body composed of Hashirama's cells—and remarkably, he had never shown signs of rejection or backlash.
Could it be that the Yin Release power contained within Obito's Mangekyō Sharingan perfectly counterbalanced the Yang Release vitality of Hashirama's cells?
Kiyohara considered this possibility.
He remembered that Danzo had needed ten Sharingan embedded in his arm to stabilize the transplanted cells.
As the number of Sharingan decreased, the degree of Hashirama cell instability had grown increasingly severe.
"Really?"
Kurenai asked suspiciously, clasping her hands behind her back.
She circled Kiyohara several times, carefully inspecting him. Only after confirming that there were indeed no visible injuries did she finally stop.
"Then why haven't you come to see me these past few days?"
Kurenai pouted slightly, placing one hand on her hip.
Seeing her puffed-up cheeks and faintly indignant expression, Kiyohara felt an almost irresistible urge to reach out and ruffle her hair.
So he did just that, gently patting her head before explaining,
"I've been practicing medical ninjutsu these past few days, so I didn't come to learn genjutsu from you or anything else."
Upon hearing this, Kurenai looked up at his handsome face. The irritation in her heart dissipated almost instantly. Surely, she thought, he must have had his reasons.
"So you've been training alone?" she asked.
"No. With Rin."
"…"
Kurenai suddenly realized she had been wrong—terribly wrong.
Kiyohara really was a bad guy~!
Her mood sank at once, and she puffed her lips out slightly.
Her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothing. It was a small habitual gesture Kiyohara knew well—she did that whenever she was trying to hide her emotions.
"Medical ninjutsu…"
she murmured softly.
"That's important, I suppose."
Kiyohara watched her expression—I care a little, but I won't admit it—and found it rather adorable.
"What's wrong?" he asked deliberately.
"Nothing."
Kurenai turned her face away and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, the tip of it faintly flushed red.
"It's just… you haven't trained with me in a long time. You promised you'd teach me Wind Release."
Kiyohara stepped closer and ruffled her hair again.
"Sorry. There's been a lot going on lately."
His tone softened.
"But when we go on missions together, we'll be together the whole time, right? I can teach you anytime."
Kurenai looked up, her eyes brightening immediately.
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Then it's a promise!"
She finally smiled again.
"You're not allowed to go back on your word!"
Her face regained its eager anticipation.
"I won't," Kiyohara assured her.
Just as the two were speaking, another figure appeared at the broken courtyard gate.
"Kiyohara-san?"
Shizune stood outside, holding a pink pig in her arms.
She wore light gray clothing, her short black hair framing a gentle and composed face.
"Shizune," Kiyohara greeted her.
"Lady Tsunade heard that your house was destroyed, so she sent me to pass along a message."
Shizune stepped inside, nodding politely to Kurenai before turning to Kiyohara.
"She said that if you don't have anywhere to stay for the time being, you can move into her house."
"Huh?"
Kurenai blinked.
"Stay at Lady Tsunade's house? Wouldn't that be crowded?"
Shizune hurriedly waved her hands.
"No, no! The Senju clan's old residence is very large, with many, many rooms. Even if dozens more people lived there, there would still be plenty of space. It's just… over the years it's mostly been empty. Lady Tsunade doesn't return often to maintain it, so some areas might be a little dusty."
Kiyohara immediately sensed that there was more left unsaid.
He asked calmly,
"Will I have to pay rent?"
He went straight to the most crucial question.
Shizune's face showed a trace of embarrassment.
"Well… Lady Tsunade said you're welcome to stay, but you'll still need to pay rent."
Her voice grew softer as she spoke, clearly feeling awkward about delivering that part.
Kiyohara, however, was not surprised.
Tsunade's gambling addiction and mountain of debts were well known; such a request was entirely in character.
"How much?"
"Five thousand ryo per month."
Shizune quickly added,
"But if you think that's too much, I can talk to Lady Tsunade again—"
"No need. That's perfectly reasonable,"
Kiyohara interrupted.
Compared to finding a new place elsewhere, living in Tsunade's residence and studying medical ninjutsu at close range under her guidance was practically a bargain.
Moreover, the Senju clan's ancestral home carried historical significance and resources beyond monetary value.
And it was much closer to the center of Konoha than his current house.
Shizune sighed in relief.
"Then… would you like to go take a look now?"
"Yes."
Kiyohara nodded, then turned to Kurenai.
"Red, do you want to come along?"
"Mm!"
Kurenai nodded vigorously.
Of course she wanted to see where he would be living from now on.
The Senju clan's old estate was located in Konoha's eastern district, near the forest personally planted by the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju.
Unlike the rigid and orderly layout of the Uchiha district, the Senju territory felt more natural and scattered.
Most of the buildings were wooden, with sweeping eaves.
Yet now, with few residents remaining, many houses stood empty, lending the area a faint sense of quiet desolation.
On the way there, Kiyohara made a small detour to purchase two items: a jug of high-quality strong liquor and a freshly roasted tender chicken, tightly wrapped in oil paper, still steaming.
"What's this…?"
Shizune asked, puzzled as she glanced at the items in his hands.
"A token of respect," Kiyohara answered simply.
Shizune seemed to understand and smiled without further comment.
The three arrived at the residence.
Shizune pushed open the heavy wooden door; the hinges creaked softly.
Inside, the lighting was dim, and the air carried a strong scent of alcohol mixed with a lazy, languid atmosphere.
The living room was spacious. Several empty bottles lay scattered across the floor, along with gambling paraphernalia—dice, cards, and chips piled haphazardly on a low table.
Tsunade lay sprawled amidst the clutter.
She wore a white night robe, half open, revealing large expanses of pale skin.
Her ample chest was faintly visible beneath the parted fabric, a deep curve descending downward, where a droplet of spilled liquor slowly traced the contour of her skin before disappearing into the shadow of her clothing.
Her cheeks were flushed with intoxication, long golden hair spread messily across the floor.
One hand still held a wine cup, tilted so that only a small amount of liquid remained.
Hearing the door, Tsunade lazily lifted her head.
Her golden-brown eyes, hazy with drink, blinked at the three figures before recognition dawned upon her face.
Clearly, she had drunk too much and completely forgotten that she had told Shizune to bring Kiyohara here.
"Ah… Kiyohara…"
she muttered vaguely.
She attempted to sit up, but the movement caused her robe to slip even further open.
"Ah!"
Shizune gasped, rushing forward in flustered embarrassment to tug the robe back into place.
"Lady Tsunade, you've drunk too much again!"
Shizune was both anxious and mortified.
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively, coughed twice, and tried to compose herself—though the effect was minimal.
"There aren't any outsiders here."
Even in her state, she could sense the surroundings clearly. Only Kiyohara and Kurenai were present.
"About yesterday… the old man told me what happened."
She rubbed her temples, trying to clear her mind.
"Tell me the details again."
Kiyohara recounted the battle from the previous night, including the masked man's chain weapon and the method by which he had vanished.
"So that's what happened…"
Kurenai finally realized that Kiyohara's house had been destroyed due to an attack.
As Tsunade listened, her brows gradually furrowed.
"Very likely space-time ninjutsu… and to wield it so freely…"
She frowned thoughtfully.
"Which village could he be from?"
"I don't know,"
Kiyohara replied.
"But his target was very clear. He came for me."
Tsunade studied him for several seconds before sighing.
"You've become a thorn in someone's side."
Then she added,
"Since you've decided to learn medical ninjutsu under me, I'll ensure your safety. At least within Konoha, no one will lay a hand on my student."
She spoke casually, yet the weight of her words was immense.
To be a disciple of Tsunade of the Legendary Sannin was itself a shield.
"Thank you, Sensei,"
Kiyohara said, handing over the items he had brought.
"A small token."
Tsunade's eyes lit up.
She accepted the jug of liquor, uncorked it, and inhaled deeply, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. Then she unwrapped the chicken, its savory aroma filling the room at once.
"Hah, you've got some sense, kid."
She tore off a drumstick and took a bite, her eyes narrowing happily.
"How did you know I like this?"
She ran her tongue lightly over her lips to catch a trace of oil.
"I saw you enjoying it last time,"
Kiyohara replied.
On the battlefield once, Tsunade had even come over to share the chicken he had bought.
"Attentive, aren't you?"
Tsunade glanced at his handsome face. With such looks and thoughtfulness, who knew how many girls would fall for him in the future.
Then, with her other hand, she lifted the jug of liquor again.
"Pick any room you like. The ones on the east side of the second floor are empty. Once you're done cleaning up, come downstairs. I'll test your medical ninjutsu foundation."
Having said that, she returned to her chicken and wine.
Shizune sighed helplessly and gestured for Kiyohara and Kurenai to follow her upstairs.
There were indeed several vacant rooms on the east side of the second floor.
Kiyohara chose one facing south, its window overlooking the courtyard.
The room was spacious and included a private bathroom. Though a thin layer of dust coated the furniture, the structure was intact and the lighting excellent.
"I'll help you clean up in a moment," Shizune offered.
"No need. I can handle it myself," Kiyohara replied, taking bedding and daily necessities from a sealing scroll.
He did not own many belongings.
"You've already done enough for me."
"It's really no trouble," Shizune said with a gentle smile.
"I'll go downstairs first to check on Lady Tsunade… The way she drinks like that, she definitely skipped breakfast again."
After Shizune left, Kurenai walked around the room in a slow circle.
"This place is really big."
She pushed open the window and looked out into the courtyard beyond, her crimson eyes filled with curiosity.
"It's just a little too quiet."
"Well, after all, only Lady Tsunade and Shizune live here."
Kiyohara began making the bed.
Kurenai turned around and leaned her back against the window frame, watching his busy figure from behind. Sunlight streamed in from behind her, outlining her entire form with a soft golden glow. Her expression was slightly blurred by the interplay of light and shadow, but her voice was clear and steady.
"Kiyohara."
"Hm?"
"That masked man… will he come again?"
Kiyohara paused for a brief moment.
"Possibly," he answered casually. "But he probably won't show up again anytime soon."
After all, last night's battle had cost Obito quite a bit. To put it bluntly, Obito had only trained for about two and a half months before making his debut—he was still fresh out of the furnace. He wasn't yet proficient with his own abilities.
But after that encounter, Kiyohara had gained a much deeper understanding of Obito's Kamui—the startup lag, the recovery lag, the subtle timing windows.
If Obito came again, Kiyohara was confident he could leave him behind this time.
Moreover, four-year-old Itachi Uchiha would not remain on the battlefield for long. By the time Obito returned, Kiyohara would likely have already inherited Uchiha Kiyohara's legacy.
That was how things would unfold.
Kurenai walked over to Kiyohara and crouched down beside him, helping him tuck in the corners of the bedding.
"Then you must be careful."
Her voice was soft and low.
"I don't want to see you get hurt again."
Kiyohara looked at her lowered profile, her long eyelashes thick and distinct.
"I will."
He nodded.
Kurenai really did care about him.
Unable to resist, Kiyohara reached out and rubbed her head again.
Kurenai lifted her eyes and glared at him before walking away.
How infuriating—once in the morning wasn't enough, and now he was patting her head again!
Kiyohara didn't have many belongings, so he quickly finished arranging everything.
When they went downstairs, Tsunade had already finished eating the tender chicken, and the sake bottle was half empty.
She had changed into a green outer robe with the character "Gamble" emblazoned on the back, wearing a tea-colored sleeveless top underneath. Though still casual, she at least no longer looked as disheveled as before.
She sat by the low table, flipping through Kiyohara's medical notes.
"You haven't been slacking these days."
She pointed to the cushion across from her.
"Sit. Let me see your chakra control."
Kiyohara obediently sat down and extended his palm.
A faint green glow emerged.
Tsunade stared at it for a few seconds, then nodded.
"The precision of your control is very high. Looks like you've improved quite a bit."
She paused before continuing:
"From today onward, you are my disciple. I'll personally guide your study of medical ninjutsu. But you'll need to create your own training plan, I won't hover over you like you're a child."
"I understand."
Kiyohara nodded.
A master opens the door, but training depends on the individual.
Tsunade probably wished she could spend all day at the gambling house. The fact that she would carve out time to teach him was already generous.
"Sensei, actually, I'm also very interested in sealing techniques like the Yin Seal."
"Sealing techniques?"
Tsunade's gaze sharpened immediately.
She didn't recall Kiyohara showing any particular talent in that field. Moreover, she had once tried to pass the Yin Seal on to Shizune, but the result had been unsatisfactory. Shizune simply didn't possess the aptitude.
"Take it slowly. I'll teach you something simple first and test your talent."
"Alright."
Kiyohara felt a surge of joy.
Tsunade was indeed generous.
As long as he had the qualification to learn, it was enough. Even if Tsunade taught him only once and even if his current talent in sealing techniques was lacking, with an infinite theoretical future meant that somewhere down the line, there would inevitably be a future version of himself capable of mastering sealing arts.
Of course, that required time. When exactly he would receive such a legacy from the future remained unknown.
He would need to live long enough.
If he mastered the Yin Seal, it would essentially grant him an additional battery for endurance.
With chakra reserves already several times that of an elite jonin, he could even attempt overwhelming firepower coverage during battle.
After all, having vast chakra reserves didn't necessarily make someone the strongest fighter.
But a truly powerful shinobi would never have chakra quantity as their weakness.
Rock Lee and Might Guy, besides the difference in talent, also have a suffocating difference in chakra reserves. Lee at most had "Chakra" 7, while Guy possessed "Chakra" 10.
"Alright, that's enough for today. I'm going to sleep a bit more… I drank a little too much last night."
Tsunade leaned back against the cushion with satisfaction and waved her hand dismissively.
As she spoke, she truly stood up and staggered toward her bedroom.
Shizune sighed helplessly and began cleaning up the mess on the table.
Kiyohara and Kurenai exchanged a glance and rose in tacit understanding to help.
After leaving Tsunade's residence, Kiyohara fulfilled his promise and took Kurenai to the Third Training Ground.
Before going, however, he exchanged some of his military merits for new ninjutsu.
…
Third Training Ground
"The key to Wind Release lies in combining shape transformation with nature transformation of chakra."
Standing in an open clearing, Kiyohara explained to Kurenai.
"You must imagine that chakra isn't merely a stream of air—it's a sharp blade, or a fine needle. The more concentrated it is, the greater its power."
He formed hand seals and took a deep breath.
"Wind Release: Air Bullet!"
A sphere of air compressed to its limit shot from his mouth, piercing a hole clean through a tree trunk ten meters away. The edges of the hole were smooth and neat, as if carved by a blade.
Kurenai watched carefully, her crimson eyes reflecting the motion of his fingers as he formed seals.
"I'll try."
She closed her eyes, recalling the flow of chakra she had just observed.
After several seconds, she opened them and began forming seals. Though not as fast as Kiyohara, each seal was precise.
In the end, however, she produced only a small gust of wind.
"Take it slow," Kiyohara encouraged.
Her "Seal" stat was 9, her "Ninjutsu" 8—both only slightly below her aptitude for genjutsu.
It was already clear that she would learn other techniques quickly as well. In the original trajectory, she had simply specialized in genjutsu.
Unfortunately, in later eras, only bloodline-based genjutsu such as those of the Uchiha or Kurama clans—truly made a name. Civilian genjutsu practitioners had nearly vanished by the time of the great war.
Even Jiraiya's auditory genjutsu was augmented by Sage Mode.
If Kurenai wished to go further in the future, she would either need to broaden her arsenal horizontally or deepen her genjutsu vertically—perhaps by learning Sage Mode or acquiring a curse mark.
While Kurenai trained, Kiyohara organized his own Wind Release techniques.
That day he had exchanged for two additional Wind Release techniques: Wind Release: Vacuum Blade and Wind Release: Vacuum Bullets.
These were signature techniques of Danzo.
They were both B-rank which is stronger and more difficult than his previous Wind Release techniques.
Wind Release: Vacuum Blade allowed him to infuse Wind Release chakra into a kunai, raising its power to B-rank. Previously, he had simply poured Wind Release chakra into the weapon, later enhancing it with Wind Release: Gale Palm. But after mastering Vacuum Blade, he could directly employ this superior technique.
Wind Release: Vacuum Bullets allowed him to accumulate wind chakra in his chest and fire it like bullets from his mouth. The high-speed impacts could be unleashed in rapid succession—catching an opponent off guard would result in them being riddled like a beehive.
If combined with his Magnet Release: Iron Sand Projectile, the power might stack even further.
Soon, the afternoon passed.
"Wind Release: Air Bullet!"
At last, Kurenai successfully fired a smaller air bullet that struck the tree trunk, leaving a shallow dent.
The power and precision were lacking, but for just one afternoon of training, it was an excellent result.
Her talent in Wind Release exceeded his expectations.
"I did it, Kiyohara!"
She bounced excitedly, her ruby-like eyes shining.
"Very good."
He nodded.
Though merely a D-rank technique, a solid foundation would accelerate future learning.
"Thank you, Kiyohara! Wind Release has always been my weak point!"
"It's your talent," he replied, shaking his head.
"Come on—I'll treat you to Yakiniku Q! My treat today!"
As she spoke, she naturally grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the exit of the training ground.
Kiyohara hadn't even reacted before being dragged several steps.
At that moment, another voice sounded from the entrance.
"Kurenai?"
Both turned.
Asuma Sarutobi stood there with a lollipop in his mouth, wearing his Konoha flak jacket and forehead protector—clearly just back from a mission.
His gaze fell on their joined hands, and his expression stiffened noticeably.
"Asuma?"
Kurenai looked surprised.
"When did you get back?"
"Just now."
He walked over, his eyes sweeping between them.
"I heard you were at the training ground, so I came to take a look."
His tone tried to remain natural, but Kiyohara caught the slight stiffness within it.
Asuma's feelings for Kurenai were no secret among Konoha's younger generation. Though she had never responded, he pursued her persistently.
"Kiyohara's teaching me Wind Release," Kurenai said with a smile, finally releasing Kiyohara's hand—though the naturalness of the gesture only bothered Asuma more.
"I just learned Wind Release: Air Bullet!"
"Is that so? Congratulations."
Asuma forced a smile, then looked at Kiyohara.
"Kiyohara, long time no see."
"Long time no see."
They stared at each other for a few seconds before Asuma suddenly said:
"My Wind Release isn't bad either. How about a spar?"
Even Kurenai froze.
"Just a friendly match, first touch decides."
He cut her off, eyes still fixed on Kiyohara.
"How about it?"
Kiyohara understood Asuma's feelings. Seeing the girl he liked holding hands with another boy—it was only natural to feel discomfort and want to prove something.
But understanding didn't mean he intended to cooperate.
"It's a bit of a waste of time."
Asuma hadn't expected such a blunt refusal and was momentarily speechless.
Shouldn't Kiyohara accept in front of Kurenai to show off?
"Besides," Kiyohara continued, "why should I spar with you? We're neither teammates nor rivals."
Asuma's eyes widened, but he couldn't produce a reason.
Then he recalled Kiyohara's previous spar with Uchiha Tekka.
"I'll add stakes. Whoever loses gives the winner a technique of the same nature that they know and the other doesn't. Fair?"
It was reasonable. Ninjutsu exchanges were common among shinobi of the same village, excluding clan secrets and high-level techniques.
Kiyohara raised an eyebrow.
"Kiyohara still has dinner plans with me," Kurenai interjected.
"Kurenai, it's just a normal spar," Asuma lowered his voice deliberately, trying to sound more manly.
Looking at the delinquent-styled Asuma forcing a husky tone, Kiyohara considered for a moment, then accepted.
Asuma had not yet undergone the tempering of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi; he was still immature.
"Fine."
It was essentially a guaranteed win, a free ninjutsu was free ninjutsu.
Kurenai said nothing further, trusting Kiyohara.
They stood thirty meters apart.
"Ready?" Asuma asked, forming the confrontation seal.
"Begin."
The moment the words fell, Asuma dashed forward, forming seals at high speed—his talent as the Hokage's son evident.
"Fire Release: Great Flame Technique!"
Fierce flames erupted from his mouth—a secret Fire Release passed down through the Sarutobi clan for generations, hot enough to reduce a person to ashes instantly.
'A clan technique…'
In lore, like the Uchiha, the Sarutobi clan possessed fire-nature chakra as a family trait. After the Uchiha's fall, the Sarutobi clan's Fire Release became Konoha's strongest. In the Fourth Great Ninja War, clan members even used this technique collectively against the Ten-Tails.
The blazing heat rushed toward Kiyohara.
Just before impact, his figure vanished—leaving only an afterimage.
Asuma hadn't even seen how he moved. The flames struck, but like an illusion, they hit nothing.
In the next instant, Kiyohara stood beside him, a hand resting on his shoulder.
"You've lost."
To Kiyohara, this level was child's play. He hadn't even bothered using other techniques.
Asuma froze.
The fireball finally exploded in the distance, scorching the ground black.
He slowly turned, stunned.
He had imagined intense exchanges of ninjutsu, fierce taijutsu clashes—
Never this.
A one-sided, unquestionable instant defeat.
"What did you just use?"
"Just a simple Body Flicker," Kiyohara replied.
It was merely the Leaf Body Flicker Technique, accelerated slightly with repulsive force.
Asuma's combat awareness was lacking. He likely had far less real battle experience.
Compared to his future self, he was still far from mature.
(End of Chapter)