Talent System In The Naruto Universe

So childish.

Hanekawa sighed helplessly.

But as he subconsciously looked up, he found that he couldn't see Tsunade's face.

The swaying shadow of her figure loomed over him.

"Got it now?"

Tsunade stopped her teasing and looked at him.

"Got it," Hanekawa replied obediently. "Sensei, I'll help you take off your shoes."

"That's more like it," Tsunade said, finally letting him go.

Hanekawa managed to escape from the clutches of her strong thighs, but before he could catch his breath, Tsunade lifted her foot, presenting it right in front of him.

Reaching out, Hanekawa touched the top of her foot and her ankle—smooth and delicate to the touch.

He undid the strap of her high-heeled sandal, removing it and exposing her pale, flawless foot to the air.

Perhaps unaccustomed to the sensation, her five toes curled slightly.

Switching to her right foot, Hanekawa repeated the process. When he was done, he mischievously scratched the bottom of her foot twice.

"You little brat!"

Tsunade shuddered and, with a displeased expression, stomped lightly on him.

Hanekawa instinctively raised his hands to block and stumbled back a couple of steps.

"I'll go cook!" he shouted, quickly turning and dashing away.

Tsunade clenched her fists but ultimately didn't bother chasing him.

Leaning back onto the sofa, she crossed her legs and rested them on the coffee table. "I'll deal with you later."

---

After dinner, Hanekawa resumed his tree-climbing training. That's when he realized just how terrifying a vengeful woman could be.

Normally, Tsunade would throw two or four kunai during his training. Today, she tossed them in handfuls without restraint.

Hanekawa dared not complain.

"Come here."

Tsunade glanced at the darkening sky and finally called a halt.

Hanekawa limped over to her.

"Will you dare again next time?"

Tsunade extended her hand, a soft green chakra glowing as she began to heal his injuries.

"Next time for what?" Hanekawa blinked, feigning innocence.

"What do you think?"

After finishing the healing, Tsunade pinched his cheek and said, "Remember to come earlier tomorrow."

"Got it," Hanekawa nodded. "Sensei, see you tomorrow."

---

The moon rose and fell, marking the start of a new day.

Thanks to Tsunade's reminder, Hanekawa woke up extra early. However, upon arriving at her house, he found her still sound asleep.

So unreliable.

His lips twitched in exasperation as he raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Do you have a death wish?"

Tsunade's voice sounded from inside.

The door opened, and Tsunade appeared, her hair disheveled like an irritated cat.

"You told me to come early," Hanekawa said, looking up at her—though his gaze ended up on her stretched-to-the-limit nightgown

Tsunade froze for a moment, feeling a bit embarrassed but maintaining her composure. She turned and went back inside to change.

---

After breakfast, the two left the house and walked through the streets.

"Where are we going?" Hanekawa asked curiously.

"To the Yamanaka flower shop," Tsunade replied.

Hanekawa glanced at her.

Her expression had changed—it was heavy, with a hint of sadness faintly visible.

What's going on?

Though puzzled, Hanekawa chose not to ask.

Before long, they arrived at the Yamanaka family's flower shop—owned by Ino's parents, though she had yet to be born.

Tsunade purchased two bouquets of white chrysanthemums, handing one to Hanekawa.

White chrysanthemums symbolized mourning.

Hanekawa immediately understood where Tsunade intended to go.

The Konoha Memorial Stone.

This was where fallen shinobi were honored and buried, essentially a public cemetery.

Following Tsunade in silence, Hanekawa soon noticed a black-clad figure in the distance.

The figure was slim, with long black hair and earrings dangling from his ears.

Yet, judging by his build, he was clearly male.

"Tsunade, it's been a long time," the figure said, turning to greet them upon hearing their footsteps.

Hanekawa blinked.

Standing before him was none other than Orochimaru.

His androgynous yet strikingly elegant features and aura made his identity unmistakable.

"Hanekawa?"

Orochimaru glanced at him, instinctively licking his lips. "I've heard your name."

"Orochimaru," Tsunade said, patting Hanekawa's head as she introduced him.

"Lord Orochimaru," Hanekawa greeted politely.

The way Orochimaru looked at him was unsettling, but Hanekawa reminded himself that, at this point in time, Orochimaru hadn't defected from the village. With Tsunade's protection, there wasn't much to worry about.

"It seems you care for him greatly," Orochimaru remarked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "This is the first time I've seen you bring an outsider to a memorial."

"He's my student, not an outsider," Tsunade replied firmly.

A flicker of surprise crossed Orochimaru's face.

Seriously?

He had assumed Tsunade had taken on a student out of boredom.

Glancing at the tombstone of Nawaki, Orochimaru sighed inwardly and stepped aside.

He, too, had once had a student like this.

But… human life is so fragile.

That thought solidified Orochimaru's resolve to transcend humanity itself.

As he watched Tsunade and Hanekawa place their flowers, Orochimaru's mind began to wander.

---

"What have you been up to lately?" Tsunade asked, turning toward him.

"The old man made me join Root," Orochimaru replied.

"Root?"

Tsunade frowned, her tone sharp. "He let you go under Danzo?"

"It's nothing," Orochimaru said nonchalantly. "Root has its merits."

"Danzo is no good," Tsunade said disdainfully.

"He can't do anything to me," Orochimaru replied calmly.

---

At that moment, a figure came sprinting toward them.

"Tsunade!"

"Tch," Orochimaru chuckled lightly.

Without changing her expression, Tsunade raised her hand and clenched her fist.

"Wait!" Jiraiya skidded to a halt, waving his hands. "Don't hit me!"

"You're late, Jiraiya," Orochimaru observed.

"Got held up for a bit," Jiraiya said with a sheepish laugh.

"You reek of women's perfume," Orochimaru noted with an amused sniff.

Jiraiya's grin froze, and he glared at Orochimaru.

You damn snake—I'll kill you!

Orochimaru met his glare without flinching.

"I'll pay my respects first!" Jiraiya said hurriedly.

Tsunade snorted, taking Hanekawa's hand and stepping away from him.

Jiraiya let out a breath of relief but then noticed them holding hands, grinding his teeth in irritation.

I've never even held her hand, and this brat gets to?

He quickly shook off the thought. Why am I competing with a kid?

Jiraiya stepped forward, placing his white chrysanthemums before Nawaki's grave. He stood silently, lost in thought.

Ever since Nawaki's death, Tsunade and Orochimaru had changed.

Especially Orochimaru—he felt more and more distant.

---

"It's rare for all of us to be together. Let's grab some barbecue. My treat," Jiraiya said, turning to Tsunade and Orochimaru with a grin.

"Not going," Tsunade said, glancing at Hanekawa. "I've got things to do."

"What could be more important than a reunion of the Three Sannin?" Jiraiya protested.

"Don't call us the Sannin," Orochimaru said, frowning.

The title Legendary Sannin had been bestowed upon them by Hanzō of the Salamander, the leader of Amegakure. It sounded glorious, but in reality, it was a mark of humiliation—because the three of them couldn't defeat him.

"I'll come if…" Tsunade's eyes sparkled mischievously, "you lend me some money."

"Fine," Jiraiya agreed reluctantly, wincing inwardly.

Lending Tsunade money is basically charity—it's never coming back.

---

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