Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Sparring
After finalizing the arrangements, Tsunade left the construction company and made her way toward the Hatake Clan. The closer she got, the clearer her memories of last night's fleeting beauty became. When she reached the spot where she had parted ways with Kawakaze the previous evening, Tsunade even reached up to wipe the corner of her mouth, as if lost in a lingering moment of recollection.
Only after calming her emotions did she approach the door and knock.
A moment later, the door opened, revealing the butler.
"Lady Tsunade, the young master is in the dojo," he said with a polite bow before walking off, clearly assuming she didn't need further guidance.
Tsunade nodded and headed straight to the dojo. Earlier that morning, Nawaki had come and gone, explaining that Orochimaru had some free time and wanted to see him. Kawakaze hadn't stopped him, knowing full well that, in the original story, Orochimaru had genuine feelings for Nawaki. If not for Nawaki's death, Orochimaru might not have delved into immortality research so quickly.
When Tsunade stepped into the dojo, she saw Kawakaze deep in conversation with Katsuyu. From the looks of it, he had already mastered the Summoning Technique.
"Kawakaze," she called softly.
"You're here," Kawakaze replied, his gaze lifting to meet hers. For some reason, both of them blushed.
"I'll take my leave for now," Katsuyu said, noticing the charged atmosphere. "When you need me, summon my clone using the Summoning Technique. Or, if it's urgent, I'll use the Reverse Summoning Technique to bring you to Shikkotsu Forest."
With a puff of smoke, Katsuyu vanished from the dojo, leaving the two standing alone.
"Have you decided to train in Senjutsu?" Tsunade asked, her voice soft and sweet as she turned her attention fully to him.
"Yes," Kawakaze nodded. "Once the hospital construction begins, I plan to visit Shikkotsu Forest to deepen my understanding."
He didn't mention that he hadn't yet told Sakumo about this decision.
"Good," Tsunade said gently. "Be cautious in everything you do. You still have family... and people who care about you."
Her gaze softened as she looked at Kawakaze, her expression filled with concern.
"I will. After all, I still have you," Kawakaze replied, his magnetic voice carrying a sincerity that sent a flush of pink to Tsunade's cheeks. For a moment, she was at a loss for how to respond.
"Have you found a construction team?" Kawakaze asked, breaking the silence to spare her from the awkwardness.
"Yes," Tsunade answered, grateful for the change of topic. "Construction will start this afternoon. Would you like to come with us?"
As the conversation turned to business, Tsunade chased away the stray thoughts swirling in her mind. If she let her imagination wander any further, she was certain she'd be naming a baby Hatake before long.
"We'll go but we won't "go"," Kawakaze teased with a slight smirk, his tone playful.
"How about we let the construction team go ahead, and we hide in the shadows to observe?"
It felt like a military operation. Tsunade wrinkled her nose slightly, her instincts sharp as ever—she was, after all, still an exceptional ninja.
"Sure, that works," Kawakaze said. "In the afternoon, you can tell the construction team to begin, or do the surveying yourself. As for me and Big Brother, we'll wait for you back at home."
Kawakaze laid out the plan, and Tsunade nodded in agreement.
"Interested in sparring?" Tsunade asked Kawakaze, her attention shifting to the hardworking older brother, Sakumo.
Beads of sweat rolled down Sakumo's forehead as he trained. Watching him, Tsunade couldn't help but recall her own grueling training sessions. She had been in the same state recently, edging ever closer to mastering spatial manipulation and the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Yes," Kawakaze's voice pulled her back to the present, and she nodded, readily agreeing. Tsunade would never turn down the chance to test herself against a strong opponent—especially if that opponent was Kawakaze.
"I won't hold back," Tsunade warned with a grin. She thrust out her right hand, releasing a surge of chakra that blasted through the air, cracking the ground beneath his feet.
This little brat, Kawakaze thought with a wry smile as he restrained the urge to complain inwardly, I can't spar with her at home in the future.
"Then I won't hold back either," he replied confidently.
The two walked to the center of the training field, stretching their limbs as their battle-ready auras spread through the area.
Nearby, Nayuki watched with interest alongside Onimaru, while even Sakumo paused his training to glance over. Samurai stationed in the surrounding area emerged from their posts, drawn by the mounting tension.
Kawakaze maintained his usual gentle smile, but the pressure emanating from him was immense. He shifted his weight onto his feet, the force causing cracks to spiderweb across the ground. His chakra flared, silver lightning dancing around him.
Tsunade's right fist gleamed with a white light as she charged forward with a loud cry.
Kawakaze's expression hardened. Though quick, he wasn't fast enough to completely outpace Tsunade. If he relied solely on evasion, she would eventually catch him.
With a flash, his entire body was engulfed in lightning chakra. His short, silver hair stood on end as a wild, electrifying aura surrounded him.
Their fists collided, and the ground beneath them shattered under the immense force. Energy rippled outward, rustling the trees and scattering leaves into the air.
"That felt good," Tsunade said with a broad grin, retreating a step.
Kawakaze followed immediately, and the two launched into a ferocious close-quarters exchange of punches and kicks—Tsunade's preferred style.
The sound of their blows echoed through the field, each strike radiating power.
Their legs clashed once more in midair before both landed in a crouch, standing apart as they measured each other once again.
"In that case, it seems there won't be a clear winner unless I show you my true abilities," Kawakaze said, a sword already gleaming in his hand.
At that moment, the air around him shifted drastically, and an oppressive pressure emanated from his presence. This was no longer the same Kawakaze as before. Tsunade's expression turned serious as she realized the stakes had been raised.
"Strength of a Hundred Technique."
The diamond-shaped mark on Tsunade's forehead began to glow, and black markings spread outward from it, covering her entire body like a web of power. She was unveiling her trump card.
In an instant, Kawakaze vanished. Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, he reappeared directly behind Tsunade, his blade flashing toward her. The tip of his sword grazed her shoulder and arm but narrowly missed her vital points.
Tsunade's speed surged as if in response.
Bang!
Her fist connected squarely with Kawakaze's torso, sending his entire body hurtling backward like a cannonball.
This woman doesn't know the meaning of restraint.
From the sidelines, Sakumo watched with an unsettled expression as his younger brother was sent flying.
Why does he always hold back against others, but never against me? As the elder brother, don't I deserve even a shred of respect?
However, Kawakaze's injuries seemed to heal in the blink of an eye, while Tsunade's power only continued to climb.
The Strength of a Hundred Technique truly lived up to its reputation as an S-rank Kinjutsu (Forbidden Technique).
With this overwhelming strength, combined with her Creation Rebirth, it was no wonder Tsunade had been able to land a fatal blow on Madara Uchiha himself.
"Tsunade, let me show you my Kenjutsu," Kawakaze said, adopting the starting stance for his Quick Draw Slash technique.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed, her focus sharpening as she braced herself for what was coming.
"Thunderclap and Flash: One Flash of Lightning, Six Consecutive Strikes."
In Tsunade's vision, Kawakaze seemed to dissolve into a streak of lightning. His speed had reached a level far beyond what she had anticipated, leaving her unable to react in time.
In an instant, Kawakaze's figure zigzagged through Tsunade twice, cutting through the air with precision and force.
When the lightning dissipated and the rumble of thunder faded, Kawakaze stood behind Tsunade, his Eight-Sided Han Sword already sheathed. A faint red line appeared on her neck—a mark of a fatal wound.
The outcome was clear.
(PS: Creation Rebirth isn't necessary for sparring, Tsunade. Don't argue with me.)
Tsunade raised her hand and brushed it across her neck, and the mark from the sword vanished instantly. The Cursed Seal markings that had covered her body also faded as her Strength of a Hundred Technique receded.
"Kawakaze," Tsunade said, her tone calm but serious, "I've never encountered anyone faster than you."
"Cough, cough," Kawakaze choked, his composed and dashing posture crumbling completely under her words. He couldn't even maintain a shred of dignity anymore.
"Can you at least pick a different expression?" he groaned. "Maybe something like—'how did you manage that?' or—"
But the words caught in his throat. Admittedly, he was fast.
"Forget it. Just say whatever you want," Kawakaze sighed, covering his face with one hand. He couldn't win this exchange, not today. But in the future, she'd see what he was really capable of.
Tsunade, however, was a Medical-nin to her core. Her deep understanding of the human body wasn't limited to just healing—it extended to keen observation. She caught on immediately to his unease and gave an audible, disdainful huff.
What's the point of looking so good if your head is full of nonsense?
"Kawakaze," she said, arching an eyebrow, "what exactly are you daydreaming about every single day?"
Kawakaze blinked at her in confusion as she turned and walked over to a stone table nearby.
Meanwhile, Sakumo and Nayuki, who had been watching the spectacle unfold, were already seated at the table, leisurely sipping tea. Even Onimaru, the ever-persistent little companion, had secured a plate of pastries.
After Kawakaze walked away in defeat, Onimaru, drawn by the irresistible aroma of food, shrank behind Nayuki's leg, peeking out hesitantly. The small creature waited, hopeful, as Nayuki indulgently fed it a piece of pastry.