Hanekawa arrived at Tsunade's house but paused before knocking. Instead, he unrolled the scroll Tsuchihashi had given him.

  The Lightning Style training method looked straightforward on the surface, but as he read through it, a problem became apparent. His body was still too young—fully developed physiology was essential for safely channeling Lightning Style chakra. He'd need to wait at least two years before attempting the advanced techniques.

  Great. Another skill locked behind a level requirement.

  However, the scroll did offer an alternative: a rigorous body conditioning regimen more effective than simple running drills. It wasn't ideal, but it was something.

  Hanekawa rolled up the scroll and knocked.

  Tsunade answered moments later in loose pajamas, clearly fresh from bed. Her blonde hair was still tousled, and she looked thoroughly unimpressed with the early morning visit.

  "Good morning, Teacher," Hanekawa greeted politely.

  "Mm." Tsunade nodded, then suddenly thrust out her hand. "Here. A key."

  Hanekawa examined the two keys—one large, one small. "Why are there two?"

  "The smaller one opens the room next door," Tsunade said with a yawn. "If I'm not up, you can let yourself in and sleep there instead of standing around like a lost puppy."

  "Teacher, you're completely ignoring the Ninja Code—"

  She flicked his forehead.

  "Ow!"

  "You're a student. Stop trying to manage your teacher's life," she said flatly. "Now go cook breakfast."

  "Yes, ma'am." Hanekawa took a few steps toward the kitchen, then turned back. "And I'm not controlling you—I'm offering constructive advice."

  He bolted into the kitchen before she could retaliate.

  "Brat!" Tsunade called after him, but she was smiling.

  She returned to her room and changed into proper clothes. When she emerged, she'd tied her blonde hair into two neat ponytails that framed her face. She settled at the dining table, adjusting the ties while she waited.

  Hanekawa emerged with a steaming bowl of beef ramen and set it before her.

  Don't stare. Don't stare. Absolutely do not—

  "Where's the beef?" Tsunade asked, already picking up her chopsticks.

  "I bought it on the way over," he said, forcing his attention elsewhere.

  "Not bad. You're learning how to take care of things." She took a sip, leaving a faint sheen of broth on her lips.

  Okay, that's not fair.

  "This isn't my home," Hanekawa corrected, pushing down increasingly chaotic thoughts.

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  "You have a key. It's your home now." Tsunade took another bite, completely oblivious to his internal crisis.

  Wait, does that mean I'm being kept? No—actually, I'm the one funding this arrangement. If anything, she's being kept.

  "Aren't you supposed to be on holiday?" Tsunade asked, studying him. "Why are you here again?"

  "Because I'm a dutiful student," Hanekawa said smoothly. "I was worried you wouldn't remember to eat."

  "I'm not that helpless." She rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward.

  The tsundere act is officially retired, Hanekawa noted. And that eye-roll is actually kind of—

  He killed that thought immediately.

  "Since you're here anyway," Tsunade said, changing the subject, "want to come with me to the casino?"

  There it is. The legendary Tsunade gambling addiction, right on schedule.

  "I'm still a child," Hanekawa said. "Casinos probably aren't appropriate."

  "So?" Tsunade slurped her ramen without missing a beat. "What's your point?"

  "I should be practicing instead."

  Tsunade set down her chopsticks. "You're right. Cultivation requires balance—knowing when to push and when to rest. How about this: come with me as my guest. I promise you won't be bored."

  Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. "Where are we going?"

  "You'll see." She smiled mysteriously.

  Great. A riddle. Just what I needed today.

  He stood and collected her empty bowl. "I'll wash these first."

  "What's with that reaction?" Tsunade asked, annoyed.

  "Just being helpful, Teacher."

  A few minutes later, they were walking through Konoha's streets. As they progressed, the crowds thinned and the buildings became more sparse. Eventually, they reached a quiet residential area with almost no foot traffic.

  This is either Uzumaki Kushina's place or I'm about to get kidnapped. Fifty-fifty odds.

  Tsunade pointed ahead. "Almost there."

  A two-story wooden house came into view, and before Hanekawa could fully process it, the front door exploded open.

  "Lady Tsunade!"

  A blur of crimson hair rocketed toward them at impressive speed. Uzumaki Kushina skidded to a halt, her red hair still swirling from the momentum, her face bright with excitement.

  "Kushina," Tsunade greeted with a slight smile. "This is—"

  "Hanekawa!" Kushina interrupted, her eyes lighting up. "Minato and I met you before! I didn't know you were Lady Tsunade's student!"

  "Just recently," Tsunade confirmed.

  "Welcome, Hanekawa-chan!" Kushina grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward the house. "See that cherry tree? Minato planted it! And there's a peach tree in the back—you can eat fresh peaches in two months! There's also a swing if you want to—"

  Before he could respond, she reached over and ruffled his hair.

  Is she always this enthusiastic, or am I just that charming?

  Tsunade followed behind them, her expression caught between amusement and something that looked suspiciously like jealousy.

  Inside, Kushina settled Hanekawa on the sofa and immediately launched into questions about the final exams.

  "How did you beat Kakashi?" she asked eagerly.

  "Knife work," Hanekawa said simply.

  "Details! I need details!"

  He gave her a brief rundown. Her eyes went wide.

  "That's incredible!" she exclaimed. "I wish I had students to teach. The Nine-Tails thing makes it... complicated."

  She paused, studying him thoughtfully. "Are you interested in sealing techniques?"

  "Kushina," Tsunade interjected smoothly, "he's still young. He hasn't even started medical ninjutsu yet."

  "True," Kushina admitted with a sheepish smile. "We can talk about it when you're older, Hanekawa-chan."

  "I'd like that," Hanekawa agreed.

  Sealing techniques are basically cheat codes in this world. Absolutely worth learning.

  He turned to acknowledge Tsunade's agreement and found her staring at him with an expression that could only be described as murderous.

  Oh. Oh no. She thinks Kushina is trying to steal me as a student.

  Hanekawa suddenly became very interested in the floor.