Kyōichi, Konoha’s Life Mentor

Inside the tavern.

Tsunade and Shizune sat on one side, with sitting across from them, two bottles of wine on the table.

"Kid, you shouldn't be drinking at your age. Focus on training instead," Tsunade said, pulling all the alcohol to her side.

Kyōichi remained silent.

If she wanted another bottle, she could just say so. He could afford to treat her to drinks, even if he couldn't repay his debts.

"Lady Tsunade, he is..."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. He's Kanda Kyōichi, whom the old man mentioned in his letter the other day. Well, he's sort of a relative."

After taking a drink, Tsunade's tone became friendlier.

Though this kid's serious way of speaking was somewhat annoying, she appreciated how decisive he was about treating others.

"So that's why Lord Hokage specifically requested me to lead this mission."

"Lead?" Tsunade paused, looking Kyōichi over. "You're a Jonin now?"

"Yes, just promoted."

Kyōichi nodded.

Tsunade stared at him for several seconds, then her expression dimmed slightly as she lowered her head and took several drinks.

Shizune observed him curiously for a few moments before nodding gently.

He was indeed from the clan.

However.

Kyōichi's behavior seemed closer to the Second Hokage's style rather than the First's.

She thought to herself.

After finishing one bottle, Tsunade poured herself a cup from the second bottle before speaking again: "Did the old man ask you to persuade me to return?"

"No, I didn't even know I would meet you."

Actually, Kyōichi was also wondering.

Although he had thoughts about learning jutsu from Tsunade, he hadn't planned to do it anytime soon, but that was his own thinking - the Third couldn't have known that.

What was his intention?

"He didn't say? Heh, I get it."

Tsunade gave a cold laugh and moved to pour Kyōichi a cup.

"Sorry, I don't drink."

Although most alcohol in the ninja world was quite mild, Kyōichi didn't drink in his previous life and had no intention of starting in this one.

Tsunade paused, then poured herself another cup.

After drinking it...

BANG!

The bottle shattered, with the remaining alcohol flowing out through the cracks.

Shizune was startled.

In her three years with Tsunade, she had never seen her drink so unhappily—even when drinking alone, she wasn't like this.

What was going on?

"I'm done. This is boring. Let's go."

Tsunade put on her green coat and left her seat in a bad mood.

Kyōichi pondered thoughtfully.

Seeing her mood, it seemed the Third had discussed something with her. Though he hadn't received any "mission," it appeared the Third wanted to use him as a connection to bring Tsunade back to Konoha.

Moreover.

Having him interact more with Tsunade would also strengthen his ties with the Hokage's faction.

Tch...

Kyōichi stood up to follow.

Tsunade walked a few steps, passing through the street, approaching where Asuma and the others were working. She then found a spot by a railing and looked at the three children working in the distance.

Sensei's child?

Of the other two, one should be from the Yuhi Clan, and the other...

"Is the short one from the Uchiha clan?"

"Yes, Uchiha Shisui, descendant of Uchiha Kagami, just over five years old."

"Uchiha Kagami... no wonder. Kid, do you want to become Hokage?"

Tsunade's words seemed disconnected.

However.

She asked this question very seriously.

Kyōichi knew she was probably thinking of Nawaki. After some thought, he shook his head and said, "No, I'm not interested in becoming Hokage. To be honest, I just want to be a sensei!"

"Oh?"

Tsunade was surprised.

This answer was unexpected, but she could sense that Kyōichi truly had no interest in the Hokage position.

Her interest piqued, she put aside her earlier thoughts.

"Why?"

"Being Hokage is too exhausting. You don't have time for your own things once you become Hokage. Of course, that's just my current thinking. It might change in the future."

Kyōichi said frankly.

Tsunade smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear, looking at him sideways before sighing, "The Senju clan has long since merged into all of Konoha. I never expected that after so many years, someone could still arouse the Senju's power, and... you really are similar to the Second Hokage."

"My grandmother was apparently very similar to Lord Second."

Kyōichi nodded naturally.

"No, I mean your personality and way of doing things."

Tsunade said calmly.

When she was young, she would occasionally cling to Tobirama Senju, but even when pestered, Tobirama Senju would still meticulously research jutsu, read books, and contemplate problems.

Moreover.

He similarly had no bad habits and appeared very proper, completely different from the First.

Beside them, Shizune was shocked.

She had been wondering why Tsunade, who had said she wanted to visit the Land of Waterfalls, suddenly turned back to Shiragumo Town.

So it was specifically to wait for Kanda Kyōichi.

Moreover, he really was similar to the Second Hokage, and his talent was excellent, becoming a Jonin at just fifteen...

Truly remarkable!

Shizune thought to herself.

The two chatted casually by the roadside, quickly becoming familiar with each other due to their family connection—

From a blood relationship perspective, they were actually cousins.

Tsunade's mood seemed to have improved considerably. Noticing a corner of a medical book at Kyōichi's waist, she pulled out a key from her own waist.

"Kid, it's good to stay away from that position. This is the key to my house in Konoha. There are some secret techniques and books inside that you can look at."

"I won't be returning to Konoha."

Tsunade tossed him the key while leaning against the railing.

Kyōichi glanced at her, quickly averting his gaze.

Though he had looked properly, his eyes kept being drawn to that area.

He took a deep breath to dispel the images in his mind, then said seriously, "It's fine for you to travel and clear your mind, but constantly gambling... isn't very good, is it? From what I know, your gambling luck seems to be as bad as Lord First's."

"Hey, kid! Just when I was praising you, you start this?"

Tsunade said through gritted teeth.

"Gambling dens are full of trouble. Someone like you with bad luck and poor gambling skills is just giving away money."

Kyōichi shrugged.

As he spoke, a card shot out from his sleeve, rapidly changing positions at his fingertips.

From the front, the movements were completely imperceptible.

This wasn't much.

Card tricks were extremely difficult for Kyōichi in his previous life, but after transmigrating, with his ninja skills, it was child's play.

Tsunade narrowed her eyes, then looked at Shizune.

Shizune felt her waist pouch.

The cards were theirs.

"Kid, those are some quick moves!"

Tsunade's eyes lit up.

Who would have thought he could handle cards so well?

"These are just tricks. Also, things like this..."

Kyōichi demonstrated another trick showing how to switch cards from the bottom.

Then, collecting the cards, he said, "Lady Tsunade, you can't handle gambling dens!"

"Why didn't I think of that! Kyōichi-kun, you're absolutely right, gambling dens are too dangerous for me to handle. Quick, show me a few more moves so I can protect myself... what about dice games?"

Tsunade's eyes sparkled, her tone and way of addressing him completely changed.

How genuine!

"..."

Kyōichi was speechless.

Are you really learning this for self-defense?

It's clearly to learn more tricks for future use!