Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

"Huh? Director Genka is here too? So, this is what you're doing?" Tsunade teased as she walked up to the pair hugging each other, a sly grin spreading across her face.

"Hello, Tsunade-sama. I'm Chiba's mother," Genka said warmly, her smile lighting up her face.

Genka's gaze shifted to Tsunade, observing her confident demeanor and striking appearance. Hmm, tall, curvy, and with an aura of vitality... She looks like someone who'd be good with children. Genka gave a subtle nod of approval, secretly satisfied.

Meanwhile, Chiba broke the silence, curious about Tsunade's presence. "Sister Tsunade, what brings you here? Did you need something from me?"

"Oh, nothing much," Tsunade replied casually, a playful twinkle in her eyes. Without giving Chiba a chance to ask further, she removed the green crystal necklace from around her neck.

Then, standing on her toes, she leaned forward and fastened it gently around Chiba's neck.

Uchiha Genka watched the interaction quietly, though surprise flickered across her face.

Chiba, on the other hand, was caught completely off guard. A gift was one thing, but this necklace?

"Didn't you once tell me this necklace was unique? Well, now it's yours. How do you like it? Does it suit you?" Tsunade asked, tilting her head slightly and looking up at him.

Chiba hesitated, touching the cool crystal resting on his chest. Tsunade's faint, lingering fragrance still clung to it. His mind raced. This necklace...

Wasn't this originally intended for Senju Nawaki? Then, after his death, it went to Kato Dan... and after he passed, Tsunade considered it cursed, believing it brought misfortune to its owner. She carried it herself for decades—until she gave it to Naruto.

This wasn't just a necklace; it held deep personal meaning for Tsunade.

So why give it to him? What did she see him as? A brother? Something more?

For a moment, Chiba's thoughts spun wildly, but he managed to respond calmly. "I like it. Thank you, Tsunade-sama."

"As long as you like it," Tsunade said with a satisfied smile.

Before the moment could settle, a loud, indignant voice called out.

"Sister! Didn't you promise to give me Grandpa's necklace after I graduated?!"

Chiba turned to see Senju Nawaki storming toward them, frustration written all over his face.

"Why did you give it to Chiba instead?"

Tsunade scratched the back of her head awkwardly, clearly caught off guard. She had promised the necklace to Nawaki, but after some thought, she had decided otherwise.

"Nawaki, I... I've prepared another gift for you," she said, her voice soft with a hint of guilt. "How about I give you that instead, and Chiba keeps the necklace?"

Nawaki stared at her, stunned. What's going on? His usually fiery sister was suddenly... gentle? Is this even the same Tsunade?!

Though still a bit upset, he sighed in defeat. "Fine. But you better not be lying, Sister. What gift did you even prepare for me?"

"It's back home," Tsunade admitted sheepishly. "I was in a rush and forgot to bring it. But I'll give it to you as soon as we get back."

Nawaki squinted suspiciously. "You're not making this up, are you? You haven't even prepared anything, have you?"

Tsunade crossed her arms and frowned. "I did prepare something! I just forgot it, that's all. Not just yours—Kushina's too."

Nawaki mulled it over, debating whether to believe her. Finally, he sighed. "Alright, I'll trust you this time. But if you're lying, I'll never forgive you!"

"I'm not lying," Tsunade said confidently.

Nawaki cast her one last skeptical glance before turning his attention to Uchiha Genka.

"Hello, ma'am. I'm Nawaki Senju, a classmate of Chiba's," he said politely, bowing slightly.

Genka smiled warmly. "Hello, Nawaki. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The atmosphere lightened after that, but their time on the playground was short-lived. Soon, the teacher called all the students back into the classroom to assign teams.

Inside the classroom, the teacher began announcing the team assignments.

"Team 1..."

"Team 3: Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, Yamanaka Inoichi..."

"Team 7: Aburame Shibi..."

"Team 10: Senju Nawaki, Uchiha Chiba..."

Chiba's ears perked up. That was it? Only two names?

Confused, he raised his hand.

"Yes, Chiba?" the teacher asked.

"Teacher, why does Team 10 only have two members? Aren't there usually three in a team?"

The teacher furrowed his brows and flipped through the class list again. After a moment, he looked up and replied, "It seems there are only two members assigned to Team 10. Do you have any other questions?"

Chiba shook his head. "No, thank you."

The unusual team structure piqued his curiosity, but he decided not to dwell on it too much. He figured their assigned leader—likely Orochimaru—would have answers.

As soon as the teacher left, chatter erupted among the students.

"Why does Team 10 only have two people?"

"Maybe it's some special arrangement by Lord Hokage."

"Yeah, my dad says Hokage-sama makes all these decisions himself. There must be a reason."

Chiba ignored the speculation. After six years in the same classroom, he still wasn't particularly close to any of his peers.

Nawaki, however, seemed thrilled.

"Hey, Chiba! I didn't expect us to be on the same team. We're gonna be an awesome duo!" he said, practically bouncing with excitement.

Chiba pushed Nawaki away, his expression one of mild annoyance. "Don't get so close to me."