Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Tsunade, a Feast for the Eyes
Shinho heard the door opening and stopped his cultivation. Entering his view was Tsunade's graceful figure.
Her full hips, slender waist, perfectly shaped top, and skin as smooth as white jade.
She was like a ripe peach, ready to burst with sweetness at a bite.
"Did you buy this wine?" Tsunade's sharp eyes immediately spotted the wine on the table, her beautiful face showing interest.
"Yes," Shinho replied, "it's for you."
Tsunade uncorked the bottle, and a rich aroma mixed with floral scents filled the air.
She took a deep breath, instinctively licking her lips.
"Smells wonderful."
Though she had tasted countless wines, this one was unfamiliar to her.
Shinho blinked.
He was sitting on the sofa, directly facing Tsunade's waist and abdomen—a sight quite impactful.
Tsunade raised the bottle and took a swig.
Her eyes lit up.
"Great wine!"
She took a few more gulps.
Her cheeks visibly flushed.
"Where did you get this?"
Tsunade plopped down beside Shinho, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"Made it at home," Shinho answered.
Caught off guard, he suddenly found his face pressed against her side, enveloped in warmth.
He felt a bit short of breath, instinctively taking a deep breath, a pleasant fragrance filling his nose.
"Your family brew wine?" Tsunade leaned down, her face close to his, and asked softly, "Do you have more?"
Feeling her hold tighten, Shinho instinctively pushed his hands on against her waist.
He was surrounded by warmth on all sides.
"Yes," he nodded with some effort. "I can bring you more every day."
In theory, as long as he had enough true essence, the Wine Sack Flower Gu could continuously produce the flower nectar wine.
Using the wine to improve his relationship with Tsunade was worth it.
Helping her overcome her hemophobia would require a very close relationship.
"Good student," Tsunade said, satisfied, releasing him and ruffling his hair.
Freed from the embrace, Shinho exhaled.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune couldn't help but remind her, "you have to teach tonight; don't drink too much."
She knew Tsunade well; when she found a good wine, she often drank until she was tipsy.
"It's fine," Tsunade said lightly. "I've decided—you'll be his teacher tonight."
"Me?" Shizune was taken aback by the sudden assignment.
"He's just a kid," Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "I'm hungry; go make dinner."
Shizune glanced at Shinho, seeing he had no objections, and agreed. She set down Tonton the piglet and headed to the kitchen.
Tsunade shook the wine bottle, resisting the urge to drink more.
Wine is better enjoyed with food.
"Kid," Tsunade crossed her legs, her foot gently swinging, her toes relaxing. "If you have any questions about ninjutsu, feel free to ask."
She was in a good mood after tasting the flower nectar wine.
"I want to learn the Strength Enhancement Technique," Shinho said after thinking.
"Strength Enhancement?" Tsunade set down the bottle, crossing her arms. "It's not a ninjutsu; it's a special chakra control technique."
"Can I learn it?" Shinho asked.
"You can," Tsunade nodded. "Your strength is good enough."
Shinho felt somewhat reassured.
"Wait here," Tsunade stood up and went upstairs.
She took out a key and opened the third room.
Teaching Shinho the Strength Enhancement Technique might be a bit early, but considering his exceptional memory, she could let him study the theoretical knowledge first.
Geniuses always received preferential treatment.
Tsunade glanced around and fell silent.
This used to be Nawaki's room.
Memories of his smiling face resurfaced in her mind.
Tsunade reached out and grasped the necklace around her neck.
After a moment, she released it, letting it rest against her skin.
"It must be because I had some wine today," she thought, collecting her scattered thoughts.
She opened a drawer, took out a book, and left the room.
"Detailed Explanation of the Strength Enhancement Technique," Shinho read the title after wiping off the dust from the cover.
"Read it when you have time," Tsunade glanced at him. "When you've mastered the basics of medical ninjutsu, I'll teach you."
"Okay," Shinho nodded. "I'll go get a fish."
Thanks to his Medical Miracle Gu, he had unimaginable talent in medical ninjutsu.
Sakura took three years to learn it, but Shinho thought it wouldn't take him that long.
"He's quite diligent," Tsunade watched him and thought of Nawaki again.
He was just as hardworking, wanting to become Hokage as soon as possible.
Tsunade shook her head, picked up the wine bottle, and took a hearty swig.
Drops of liquid fell from the corner of her mouth, sliding into the pale hollow of her neck.
Shinho returned to the living room, pausing for a moment.
Tsunade seemed even more relaxed than before.
Was the flower nectar wine that strong?
Shinho stunned the fish with a gentle tap and resumed his practice.
Tsunade watched quietly.
She had to admit, his talent was astonishing.
Even someone as experienced as she was surprised.
In just two days, his chakra control had noticeably improved.
Perhaps he might even surpass me, Tsunade thought, feeling a sense of relief.
This way, she could leave Konoha with more peace of mind.
"Dinner's ready," Shizune appeared half an hour later, carrying tempura.
Shinho withdrew his true essence and stunned the fish again.
After practicing on so many fish, his heart had become as steady as a blade.
"It's all gone!" Tsunade lifted the empty wine bottle, tilted her head back, and caught the last drop.
Shinho swallowed.
The scene was indescribably captivating.
She completely embodied the phrase "a feast for the eyes."
But in the next moment, Tsunade set down the bottle, rested her head on the table, and fell into a peaceful sleep.
Shizune put down the dishes, helped Tsunade up, and guided her to the bedroom.
Her movements were smooth and practiced.
In the original story, after graduating from the ninja academy, Shizune followed Tsunade until the very end.
They were like teacher and student, or perhaps mother and daughter.
After dinner, Shinho continued practicing on the fish.
An idea suddenly occurred to him.
Would the fish taste better after being repeatedly healed?
When he had extracted its last bit of value, he'd have to taste it.
Shizune watched from the side, occasionally offering guidance.
Having followed Tsunade for many years, her knowledge and skill surpassed most medical ninja, though she hadn't realized it herself.
As night fell.
"Drink this before bed," Shizune handed Shinho a glass of milk.
"Thank you, Shizune-nee-san," Shinho accepted the glass and drank it down.
Shizune watched him with a smile.
Talented, polite, and with a good demeanor.
She couldn't imagine how many girls would be smitten with him when he was a bit older.
"See you tomorrow," Shizune said, patting his head.
"..." Shinho silently noted it mentally.
Both Tsunade and Shizune had patted his head today.
He'd have to repay the gesture someday.
Tomorrow was Saturday—no school, but he would continue practicing medical ninjutsu.
Shinho cultivated his true essence until ten o'clock, then went to sleep.
[tl/n: Poor fish/_ \]