Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

After listening to Tsunade's story, Chiba finally understood the situation. Uzumaki Mito was nearing the end of her life. He had originally thought she still had a few years left.

Tsunade had only been venting her frustration and never expected that Chiba would have a solution to a problem that even the ninja world couldn't solve. However, his next words reignited her hope.

"So, Tsunade-sama, the reason you're so sad is that Lady Mito will be leaving soon, right?" Chiba asked.

"Yes," Tsunade replied bitterly, frustration evident on her face.

"Actually, this problem isn't entirely unsolvable, but it will be quite difficult," Chiba said after thinking for a moment.

There were instances in the original Naruto storyline where a Jinchūriki survived after their tailed beast was extracted.

The first case was Gaara, who had the One-Tail extracted at the start of Shippuden. He was revived by Chiyo using the Reanimation Jutsu at the cost of her own life. However, such a technique had not yet been developed, and even if it were, it belonged to Sunagakure. Obtaining it would come at a great cost, and Uzumaki Mito likely wouldn't want anyone to sacrifice their life for her.

The second case was Killer Bee during the Fourth Ninja War. Before the Eight-Tails was extracted, it left a tail inside him, allowing him to survive. However, considering Kurama's hatred for Konoha, it was unlikely that the Nine-Tails would willingly do the same.

This left only one possible solution: a human intervention.

By temporarily releasing the Nine-Tails, cutting off one of its tails, and resealing the severed tail inside Uzumaki Mito, her life could be preserved.

"Huh?" Tsunade's eyes widened in shock before she grabbed Chiba's arm in excitement. "Chiba, do you really know a way to keep a Jinchūriki alive after the tailed beast is extracted?"

"Yes, but it's complicated," Uchiha Chiba nodded.

"That doesn't matter! As long as there's a way, I'll find a means to make it happen!" Tsunade's excitement caused her grip on Chiba's arm to tighten.

Feeling the immense strength in her grasp, Chiba sighed in relief that it was him and not Jiraiya—otherwise, his bones might have been crushed.

He then explained the method involving the Eight-Tails and Killer Bee.

"Does this really work?" Tsunade was skeptical. After all, no one had ever attempted it before.

"Trust me, Tsunade-sama. I read about this method in one of the Uchiha clan's ancient texts. It should work," Chiba assured her.

Of course, this was a lie, but for credibility's sake, he had to say it.

Hearing this, Tsunade nodded. The clan, like the Senju, had been around for thousands of years, so it wasn't far-fetched that they possessed knowledge unknown to others.

"Chiba, is that book still around?" she asked eagerly.

Chiba hesitated. The ancient book was just an excuse he had made up—how could it still exist?

Feigning embarrassment, he replied, "I saw that book when I was a child. But back then, I was ignorant and ended up burning it."

"You… burned it?" Tsunade stared at him, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Yes… I burned it," he repeated.

Tsunade sighed in disappointment. "Well, if it's gone, then there's nothing we can do."

Despite her regret, knowing there was a way to save Uzumaki Mito lifted the heavy burden from her heart. Though Chiba's method was difficult, with the proper preparations and the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan, cutting off one of the Nine-Tails' tails wasn't impossible. Since the tailed beasts were made of chakra, even if a tail were severed, it would regenerate over time.

Tsunade, who had been drinking, went from sorrow to immense joy. Looking at Chiba's slightly immature but handsome face, she couldn't suppress her emotions.

Then, on an impulse, she stood on her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Thank you, Chiba. That's my way of saying thanks," she said with a gentle smile.

Though it was just a brief touch, Tsunade's face, which had turned pale from vomiting earlier, was now flushed red.

Chiba was stunned. His first kiss… was gone?

A vicious woman who doesn't even spare a child?

But as the shock wore off, a thought surfaced in his mind. If Tsunade truly saw him as a younger brother, she would have just kissed his cheek as a thank-you.

However, she kissed him on the lips…

Could it be that Tsunade had deeper feelings for him?

This was…

Very good!

"Chiba, snap out of it." Tsunade waved a hand in front of his face, noticing his blank expression.

"Oh, oh!" Chiba quickly regained his composure.

Seeing his dazed look, Tsunade chuckled. "Don't just stand there spacing out, Chiba. Will you take me home?"

Chiba nodded. He had intended to escort her home anyway, so now he was just finishing what he started.

Seeing that he agreed, Tsunade clasped her hands behind her back and happily skipped toward the Senju compound.

With no other choice, Chiba followed her.

Outside the Senju Compound

Tsunade turned to Chiba and asked, "Do you want to come inside for a bit?"

Chiba felt a wave of frustration. Why wasn't he born in the same generation as Tsunade?

If he had been, maybe he could have done some… unspeakable things with her.

"No need, Sister Tsunade. I have a mission tomorrow and need to go back and prepare," Chiba replied with difficulty, declining the tempting offer.

"Alright, then. Go home early and don't make your mother worry," Tsunade said with a nod.

"I will. Goodnight, Sister Tsunade." Chiba waved and turned to leave.

"Goodnight."

Only when Chiba's figure had completely disappeared into the darkness did Tsunade finally enter her house.

Inside, Senju Edda Snow curiously asked, "Tsunade, you looked miserable when you left, but now you're smiling. Did something good happen?"

"Yes. Chiba told me a way to save Grandma, even if the Nine-Tails is extracted," Tsunade replied, her face full of hope.