Yue continued recuperating at Tsunade's temporary lodging.
In just one month, he had recovered almost completely.
The arm that was supposed to take three months to heal was already free of the cast—
thanks to his terrifying regenerative ability and Tsunade's meticulous treatment.
During this month, Yue used the "I'm your Senju junior" card ruthlessly.
He helped Jiraiya create countless opportunities to be alone with Tsunade.
He even coached him on what to say…
But the moment Jiraiya saw Tsunade, he turned into a blushing idiot.
Every time, Yue nearly jumped in frustration.
How can someone so strong be so useless in love!?
During his recovery, Yue did something rare—
he truly rested for an entire month.
No training, no missions.
He just teased the cute Shizune and played with the adorable piglet Tonton.
Humans are like this: once you relax, laziness follows.
Right now, Yue was sprawled in a chair, holding Tonton and scratching her belly.
And surprisingly—
Tonton's chubby belly was very satisfying to rub.
Her little snout was nice to pinch too.
In his past life Yue loved petting cats.
In this life, he loved petting Tonton.
"Here. Your meal for today.
We're packing up tomorrow—we're heading back to Konoha.
And stop bullying Tonton!"
Shizune carried a tray into Yue's room, frowning when she saw Tonton rolling her eyes in bliss.
"What, you jealous? Go pack my things!" Yue shot back lazily.
"If you're not happy, go complain to Lady Tsunade!"
Shizune was once again left speechless, cheeks turning pink.
She had complained before, but Tsunade now saw Yue as a younger relative—
and Yue always knew how to sweet-talk her.
So Tsunade never listened to Shizune's grievances.
"This pig is way too cute… the more I pet her, the more I like her.
Mmm… Shizune is cute too." Yue muttered.
Just then, Jiraiya walked in.
Yue immediately rolled his eyes.
Seeing Yue's attitude, Jiraiya awkwardly scratched his head like a scolded child.
"Y-Yue… we're leaving tomorrow.
If you don't help me now… I might never get another chance."
"Hmph! Haven't I helped you enough already?" Yue snapped.
How could someone as powerful as Jiraiya turn into such a coward in front of Tsunade?
"Yue, you're my most adorable disciple.
Help me one more time.
If it works—I'll even call you teacher!
I swear I'll follow your instructions this time."
He was panicking to the point of babbling.
Jiraiya had lived a full life with few regrets…
But the one regret that haunted him was never being with the woman he loved most.
Of course Yue knew why Jiraiya never dared confess.
Even after Yue taught him countless strategies, the man hesitated at the final step.
It drove Yue insane.
Putting Tonton down, Yue spread his hands helplessly.
"Jiraiya-sensei, do you think I can just make things appear out of thin air?
I've already taught you everything!
You're the one who refuses to use it!"
Jiraiya's expression turned serious—unusually so.
"Yue… please.
Just help me one last time.
If I succeed, I'll owe you a debt for life.
Anything you ask of me—I'll do it."
"…Anything?"
Yue straightened, interest flashing in his eyes.
A promise from Jiraiya was worth a lot.
"Anything."
Jiraiya slapped his chest.
"In that case…"
Yue leaned in and whispered his plan.
When he finished, he warned:
"I'm already going this far for you.
If you choke at the crucial moment—don't blame me for giving up."
Jiraiya nodded vigorously, filled with determination.
He was deeply moved by how far Yue was willing to go.
After dinner, Yue found Tsunade and told her he wanted to speak with her alone.
He invited her out for a walk.
They strolled along a path lined with blooming cherry blossom trees—
a spot Yue had chosen beforehand.
It was peak cherry blossom season.
A soft breeze blew, scattering petals in the air.
The faint floral scent filled the atmosphere, creating a scene like a painting.
"Lady Tsunade, do you… like someone?"
Yue suddenly asked.
Tsunade froze.
The first face that flashed in her mind was Dan's—
so clear, yet so far away.
And then—
unexpectedly—Jiraiya's face surfaced.
But Jiraiya never voiced his feelings.
She had always believed he didn't like her that way.
She quickly shook her head, afraid Yue would notice her slip.
"Why do kids like you pry into adult matters?" she scolded, flustered.
Yue caught every detail.
"Lady Tsunade, I asked you out because I want to tell you a story."
"Please listen to the whole thing.
Don't interrupt."
Curiosity piqued, Tsunade nodded.
Yue inhaled deeply and began.
"Many years ago, three ninja were assigned to the same team.
The main character was a boy from a civilian family.
Even back in the Academy, he admired a certain girl in his class."
"When he ended up in the same team as her, he was ecstatic.
He constantly tried to show off…
only to get punched by her every time."
"But even getting punched felt like attention.
Back then, it was only admiration."
"She was the village's most respected princess.
He was just a normal boy.
Their statuses alone made him bury his feelings deep inside."
"As they grew older…
she fell in love."
"That night, he tasted alcohol for the first time—drinking himself senseless.
From then on, alcohol became a part of his life."
"To numb himself.
To forget her.
To pretend he was fine."
"In battle, he always shielded her—
even if it meant dying."
"Then… the man she loved died in combat."
"He saw how devastated she was.
He even thought:
If only it had been me instead.
If dying could bring back the man she loved…
he would have gladly traded places."
"Their team soon became legendary.
He finally had the qualifications to confess—
to stand beside her."
"But he didn't.
Because he was still that same boy—
afraid he wasn't worthy.
Afraid that once he spoke, even their friendship would be gone."
"Then she lost another precious person.
Heartbroken, she left the village."
"His heart broke with hers.
He left the village too—
because every corner held memories of her."
"He began traveling the world…
following the traces she left behind."
"And that…
is where the story ends."
Yue let out a long exhale.
Slowly, he lifted his head and looked at Tsunade.
~------------------------------------
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