The August sun rose early over Konoha, painting the village in shades of gold. Tsunade's eyes opened to the light streaming through her window. She'd woken before Hanekawa's usual knock—unusual enough to make her pause.
She couldn't sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, yesterday replayed in her mind. A love affair. She'd never been in one before, and the thought kept circling back, refusing to settle.
It's just a relationship, she told herself, taking a few deep breaths. Nothing to lose sleep over.
She got out of bed and was halfway to her closet when a knock sounded at the door.
Tsunade opened it to find Hanekawa in the hallway, his eyes immediately dropping to her loose pajamas—which, despite their casual fit, somehow emphasized every curve of her frame. She felt heat creep up her neck.
"Good morning, Teacher," he said, his gaze lingering a moment too long.
"Good morning." She kept her voice steady, ignoring the flutter in her chest. "Breakfast will be ready soon. Go wash up."
Hanekawa stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into an embrace. The warmth of him, the closeness—it made her dizzy for a moment.
"You have to let me go if you want breakfast," she said, recovering quickly.
"Right. Sorry." He released her reluctantly.
Tsunade couldn't help but laugh at his pouty expression. She reached out and tapped his forehead. "Go on."
Ten minutes later, they sat across from each other at the dining table.
"Are you going to be promoted to jonin?" Tsunade asked, picking up a piece of grilled fish.
Hanekawa looked up, confused by the sudden question.
"You're leading a team on a mission today," she continued. "Missions at that level should be led by jonin. And frankly, with your strength, you should have been promoted long ago."
He considered this. "If that's what you want, I'll accept it."
"Good." Tsunade nodded. "After breakfast, go to the Hokage building for your jonin vest and certificate."
"Just like that? No assessment?"
"Do you want to fight me?" She raised an eyebrow. "Because that's the only test you'd get."
Hanekawa wisely shook his head. "I was just asking."
"That's what I thought." Tsunade's stern expression cracked into a smile. She was in too good a mood to stay angry—not after yesterday.
"Teacher, you're beautiful when you smile," Hanekawa said, watching her.
"Flatterer." She pointed her chopsticks at him. "Eat."
Breakfast finished quickly. Hanekawa cleared the dishes while Tsunade changed her shoes and settled on the sofa to wait.
When he returned, she took his hand as usual, ready for the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Space teleportation isn't safe," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist instead. "We should go this way."
This is definitely not safer, Tsunade thought as she felt the warmth of him against her back, caught the faint scent of his hair. But she didn't protest.
The world shifted.
They appeared in the Hokage's office, and Hanekawa didn't immediately let go.
"Let go," she said, though without much force.
He held on. "Shouldn't you say something before I leave on a mission?"
Tsunade knew exactly what he wanted. She looked up at him, debating for only a moment before he lowered his head and kissed her.
She meant to keep it brief. She really did. But her body had other ideas, and she found herself pulling him closer, her hands tangling in his hair.
Then her eyes snapped open.
"Kid!" She pushed him away, her face flushed.
Hanekawa grinned, completely unrepentant.
"I'm leaving, Teacher," he said, already moving toward the door.
"Be careful," she called after him, her voice sharp with irritation that fooled neither of them.
"Teacher, you're too soft-hearted," he said with a smile, closing the door behind him.
Tsunade stood alone in her office, one hand pressed to her chest. Her heart was still racing, and a tingling sensation spread through her body.
What is happening to me? she wondered, biting her lip.
But deep down, she already knew the answer. And for once, she didn't mind.
---
Hanekawa arrived at the Ninja Archives and completed his paperwork. While he was at it, he registered both Kurenai Yuhi and Nohara Rin for jonin promotion—a decision that raised more than a few eyebrows among the clerks.
By the time he reached the ANBU base, he had less than an hour before departure. He found Aoi waiting for him.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Lord Hanekawa," she said, noticing the jonin certificate.
"Thank you." He glanced at the document, still getting used to the title. "Anything else?"
"The ANBU tracked Hiruko to the Hidden Sand," Aoi reported. "He hasn't moved in three days."
Hanekawa's eyes narrowed. So he hasn't defected yet. That made sense—according to the timeline, that wouldn't happen for another decade. "Keep monitoring him. No action needed."
"Understood. Also, Shennong encountered Might Guy this morning—claimed it was for training purposes."
Hanekawa smiled slightly. "Let them be. We don't need to interfere."
---
At the village gate, Kurenai was already waiting, her ninja vest fitting snugly over her clothes. The single ponytail made her look less like a girl and more like a proper kunoichi.
"Hanekawa!" She ran up to him with a grin.
"You should call me Captain now," he said, pinching her cheek.
"Captain?" Her eyes widened when he explained his promotion. "Why didn't you tell me? I was going to become jonin with you!"
He handed her the ninja certificate. "I took care of it. You're promoted too."
Kurenai's eyes went wide as she opened the document. "This is... mine?"
"Congratulations, Jonin Yuhi," he said warmly.
She beamed. "I'm officially a jonin!"
Nohara Rin arrived moments later, slightly out of breath. "Sorry I'm late!"
"Perfect timing," Hanekawa said, grabbing her wrist. "Let me use Flying Thunder God to—"
"Wait!" Kurenai interrupted, already pulling on Rin's hand. "We finally get to go on a real mission together. Let's travel the normal way!"
Hanekawa exchanged a glance with Rin, who looked equally amused. "Alright. No rush."
The three of them set off southeast, moving at a leisurely pace. Hanekawa spent the afternoon reviewing ninjutsu scrolls while the girls chatted and occasionally pointed out interesting sights along the road.
By evening, they'd reached the southeastern border of the Fire Nation.
"We'll camp here," Hanekawa announced, surveying the area.
"I'll set up the tents!" Kurenai volunteered eagerly.
"No need." Hanekawa formed hand seals. "Watch this."
Wood Style: Four Pillar House
The ground trembled. Tree roots burst from the soil, weaving together into a complex wooden structure that materialized before their eyes.
Kurenai stared in shock. "There's a jutsu like that?"
"It's incredibly convenient," Rin breathed, already moving toward the entrance.
Hanekawa pushed open the wooden door. "Welcome to our accommodations for the night."
---