Afterward.
The exhausted Tsunade rested quietly in Qingshui's embrace, allowing him to help wash away the traces of their earlier intimacy. Warm water streamed over their bodies, and under its steady rhythm, her scattered thoughts gradually returned to clarity.
For a brief time, she had been completely overwhelmed by Qingshui's intensity. Now, leaning her head gently against his shoulder, she inhaled softly and spoke in a tone that carried both tenderness and concern.
"How is the medical ninja training program progressing?"
After all, the idea had originally been hers. Even if she had been preoccupied lately, she could not simply ignore it.
If she had not been devoting so much effort to researching White Zetsu cells and exploring the possibility of restoring Wood Release, she would have personally overseen every aspect of the program.
"The plan is moving forward smoothly," Qingshui replied calmly. "However, I made some adjustments. I intend to establish a specialized medical training class within the Ninja Academy first."
As he spoke, he felt Tsunade's warmth pressed against him. His breathing grew slightly heavier.
"We'll begin cultivating talented students in medical ninjutsu from the moment they enter the Academy," he continued. "After graduation, they can directly intern at the Hidden Leaf Hospital. Those with exceptional aptitude may even receive early placement in specialized squads."
Tsunade listened carefully.
She had to admit—though this young man was shamelessly bold in private—his competence was unquestionable. His plan was far more systematic than her original concept. It demonstrated careful thought and long-term planning.
He had clearly invested serious effort into it.
At the same time, Tsunade noticed the subtle change in his body again. Her expression flickered between astonishment and faint unease.
They had only just finished their second round.
"How can his stamina be so frightening?" she wondered inwardly.
Youth truly was formidable.
A faint anxiety crept into her thoughts.
She was already thirty this year. Though still at the peak of her beauty, time was relentless. In a few years, when age inevitably began to leave its mark, would Qingshui still look at her the same way?
Perhaps she should shift her priorities.
Instead of pouring all her attention into uncertain Wood Release research, perhaps she should focus on mastering the Yin Seal and perfecting the Creation Rebirth Technique.
The Yin Seal was a powerful sealing technique originating from the Land of Whirlpools. Her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki, had mastered it. Naturally, Tsunade had access to the method as well.
Once mastered, the Yin Seal allowed the user to store chakra over time and maintain peak vitality and youthful appearance for extended periods.
In the past, however, Tsunade had been consumed by war—or drowning in self-neglect. And when she was younger, she had never felt the urgency to preserve her beauty.
Now, things were different.
As for the Creation Rebirth Technique, it had been her own theoretical extension of the Yin Seal's principles. A revolutionary concept that would allow medical ninja to shatter the traditional three prohibitions placed upon them.
A medical ninja could fight on the front lines.
Could survive fatal injuries.
Could protect and destroy in equal measure.
Yet the theory remained incomplete.
Still, at this moment, Tsunade made a quiet decision.
She would prioritize mastering the Yin Seal.
A woman adorns herself for the one she cherishes.
"Tsunade," Qingshui murmured suddenly, interrupting her thoughts. "One more round?"
She did not refuse.
Instead, she wrapped her arms around him once more.
And lost herself again.
Later.
At the Hidden Leaf Hospital.
Qingshui stood beside a patient bed, hands glowing with soft green chakra as he treated Orochimaru.
Orochimaru watched him intently, golden eyes narrowing slightly in fascination.
"Heh heh… Qingshui-kun truly lives up to being Tsunade's man. Your medical ninjutsu is no less refined than hers."
His voice was smooth, slightly hoarse, and layered with hidden meaning.
Unlike Jiraiya—who had only recently returned to the village—Orochimaru had known about Qingshui and Tsunade's relationship for quite some time.
When he first heard of it, he had briefly considered how that fool Jiraiya might react.
But such trivial matters quickly faded from his mind. Research had always come first.
Today marked their first true interaction.
Orochimaru had sought him out deliberately.
Though he had already reached an agreement with Danzo to eliminate Qingshui, he was intrigued. This sudden genius who had risen rapidly within the village deserved evaluation.
If Qingshui could be persuaded… cooperation would be far more beneficial than aligning with the imprisoned Danzo.
But if persuasion failed—
Then practicality would prevail.
"Qingshui-kun," Orochimaru continued softly, "what answer will you give me?"
Qingshui felt an unmistakable discomfort under that intense gaze.
Orochimaru did not merely look at people.
He studied them.
Measured them.
As if evaluating a potential vessel.
Although Orochimaru had not yet perfected the Living Corpse Reincarnation technique, Qingshui understood well enough the man's future ambitions.
He responded with deliberate humility.
"Orochimaru-sama overestimates me. I have only some experience in medical ninjutsu. How could I compare to one of the Legendary Sannin?"
In truth, Qingshui no longer needed to address Orochimaru with such respect.
He had continued calling Jiraiya "-sama" out of genuine gratitude.
But with Orochimaru, the honorific served a different purpose.
Distance.
Qingshui had lived in the ninja world for two decades, but he had not abandoned his moral boundaries.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, pursued knowledge without limit or restraint.
Their philosophies were fundamentally incompatible.
Orochimaru sensed the distance immediately.
Yet his smile did not waver.
"Speaking of which," he said lightly, "your research into White Zetsu cells capable of supporting organ transplantation has been… remarkable. A true contribution to Konoha."
He was not wrong.
Thanks to that advancement, many ninja who would have been forced into retirement were now able to return to service.
Qingshui's reputation had soared because of it.
But Orochimaru's praise was merely a prelude.
"I, too, have been conducting certain biological research," Orochimaru added. "Recently, I've encountered some difficulties. Perhaps Qingshui-kun might be willing to assist?"
The meaning was unmistakable.
He was testing Qingshui's stance on human experimentation.
Qingshui met his gaze steadily.
"Those results were only possible because the Third Hokage fully supported Tsunade and me," he replied calmly. "At present, I am occupied with another task assigned by the Hokage. I'm afraid I cannot assist."
A pause.
"If Orochimaru-sama's research proves too troublesome, perhaps adjusting the direction might be wise."
The implication was clear.
Mentioning Sarutobi-sensei was not accidental.
It was a subtle warning.
Orochimaru's eyes flickered faintly, though his expression remained composed.
So it was as Danzo had said.
Hirakawa Qingshui would not walk the same path.
"Well," Orochimaru said smoothly, "that is unfortunate. I had hoped we might cooperate."
Qingshui offered no further response.
In truth, he was not categorically opposed to experimentation.
But his conditions were strict.
Only criminals deserving of death.
Never innocents.
Never comrades.
That was the line Orochimaru would never accept.
Thus, respectful distance was the only viable stance.
[Treatment of Orochimaru complete. Reward: One Colored Orb.]
[Congratulations. You have acquired: Top-Tier Scientific Research Capability.]
Qingshui's eyes widened slightly.
This reward surprised him.
He had assisted Tsunade in White Zetsu research largely due to knowledge from his previous life.
He was not truly a scientific prodigy.
But now—
With genuine top-tier research capability—
His future projects could accelerate exponentially.
Some of his own private research ideas suddenly seemed far more feasible.
It truly was a blessing in disguise.
Meanwhile.
Orochimaru returned to his hidden laboratory.
He immediately began studying the forbidden technique he had obtained from Danzo.
The Impure World Reincarnation.
After his brief interaction with Qingshui, he had reached a conclusion.
They would not be allies.
Therefore, he would proceed with Danzo's proposal.
Though confident in his abilities, Orochimaru was not foolish.
Danzo had provided not only the technique but also detailed intelligence regarding Qingshui's previous operations.
Qingshui had defeated the Seven-Tails.
That fact alone demanded preparation.
Orochimaru's golden eyes gleamed with excitement as he examined the scroll.
"To summon the souls of the dead from the Pure Land back into the mortal realm…"
"What brilliance."
His voice carried genuine admiration.
"Second Hokage Tobirama Senju truly was a genius among geniuses."
The master of forbidden jutsu.
However, as Orochimaru studied the technique more closely, a flaw became apparent.
This version was incomplete.
It could only reliably summon individuals weaker than the caster.
If one attempted to resurrect someone stronger—
Control could be lost.
And if control were lost…
The summoned shinobi might break free and turn upon the summoner.
Orochimaru's smile widened.
How fascinating.
How dangerous.
And how full of potential.
"To perfect this technique…"
He licked his lips slowly.
"Yes. That shall be my test."
Whether against Qingshui—
Or against fate itself.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)