Tuesday morning

Kitazawa slowly opened his eyes. The first thing that entered his vision was Kurenai’s peaceful, sleeping face. Her breathing was even, soft strands of hair resting against her cheek. There was a faint trace of fatigue still on her expression—a remnant of their “conversation” that had lasted deep into the night.

His gaze drifted downward.

Kurenai was clinging to him like an octopus, one arm draped over his chest, one leg wrapped around his waist.

Her skin was warm and impossibly smooth. Every quiet exhale brushed lightly against his collarbone, carrying a rhythm that seemed to echo in the quiet room.

After quietly admiring her for a moment, Kitazawa chuckled and gave her a gentle pat on the rear.

Half-asleep, Kurenai murmured something unintelligible, shifting slightly as she drew her leg back and rolled onto her back. Her long legs relaxed together, her breathing steady once more.

Kitazawa smiled faintly. She’s gotten used to me…

He rose quietly, dressed, and before leaving, he glanced back one last time—pulling the blanket gently over her shoulder.

After breakfast, Kitazawa made his way to the Ninja Academy.

The familiar hum of chatter filled the training ground.

Naruto was enthusiastically narrating his latest mission exploits, gesturing wildly while Sakura, Ino, and the others listened—half curious, half exasperated.

“Kitazawa-sensei!”

The students of the Genius Class greeted him eagerly the moment they saw him.

Kitazawa’s eyes swept over the group. Sasuke, Lee, and Tenten were absent.

Likely still out on a mission. Considering Sasuke’s drive, it was probably one that Kakashi had deliberately chosen to push his limits.

“You can keep chatting,” Kitazawa said lightly with a wave of his hand.

Class wouldn’t start for another half hour, and he saw no reason to interrupt Naruto’s animated storytelling—especially when even Hiruzen seemed to be listening from nearby with mild amusement.

“Kitazawa-sensei.”

A familiar lazy voice called out.

It was Shikamaru, standing with his hands in his pockets, but this time his eyes were sharp and focused.

“I want to increase my training load,” he said seriously.

Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Up until recently, Shikamaru’s training had centered on learning Shadow shuriken, which he still hadn’t fully mastered. Kitazawa hadn’t pushed him—talent or not, Shikamaru’s laziness had always been the real barrier.

But now, that same boy stood before him, asking for more.

Kitazawa smiled faintly. “Alright then. I’ll teach you the Body Flicker.”

Shikamaru’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Kitazawa nodded. “You’re not built for raw offense. The Nara Clan’s strength lies in control and strategy—supporting your team. But control without mobility is a weakness. Once you can move faster, you’ll be able to outmaneuver almost anyone.”

Shikamaru’s usual nonchalance melted away, replaced by quiet determination. “Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei.”

If he’d known that technique before, he wouldn’t have been captured so easily during the last mission.

Current Mission: Help Nara Shikamaru master the Body Flicker.

Reward: Shadow Summoning Technique.

Accept mission?

Kitazawa smirked slightly. “Accept.”

He led Shikamaru to an open area and began demonstrating the technique.

By nine o’clock, all the students—except Sasuke, Lee, and Tenten—had gathered.

Kitazawa left Shikamaru to practice and moved to oversee the others’ training. Then, when everything was in motion, he took time to refine his Five Release Combination.

Meanwhile, the Medical Ninja Training Class at Konoha Hospital was now in Nono’s capable hands. Ever since she’d mastered limb regeneration, Kitazawa no longer needed to oversee every lesson.

Wednesday.

Kakashi and Sasuke returned from their mission successfully.

Friday.

The Genius Class held their theoretical final exams.

Shikamaru claimed first place—his awakening now undeniable.

Saturday.

Kakashi and Kosuke led their respective teams out for new missions. Kitazawa and Hiruzen, however, stayed behind. Only two student teams had missions left, and Kitazawa had other priorities—namely, preparing a complex medical compound for Nagato.

The next Tuesday.

Kitazawa finished breakfast and headed to the Academy.

Today marked the final day of the semester.

Starting tomorrow—the long-awaited summer vacation.

Current Mission: Teach Kakashi Hatake and Uchiha Sasuke Lightning Release: Chidori Nagashi.

Reward: Lightning Release: Kirin.

Mission Complete. Reward issued.

Kitazawa smiled faintly at the glowing text before him. “Not bad.”

Sasuke had learned Chidori Nagashi just before the break. He could already imagine Kakashi giving the boy intense summer training. That, he thought, was a good sign.

“Kitazawa-sensei!”

The familiar gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.

He turned to see Hinata standing at the gate, her pale eyes brightening the moment he looked her way.

“Good morning, Kitazawa-sensei,” she greeted softly, her hands clasped in front of her. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Kitazawa chuckled. “This is the school gate. What’s so unexpected about that?”

Hinata flushed slightly, lowering her head in embarrassment. “Ah… right…”

Then, gathering courage, she looked up. “Kitazawa-sensei, will there be special training during summer break?”

He smiled, reaching out to pat her head. “You don’t need it. Just focus on mastering Gentle Fist: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms. I’ll drop by the Academy whenever I’m free.”

Hinata’s heart skipped a beat, her face blooming with a shy smile. She understood the hidden meaning—there might not be official training, but she’d still get to see him often.

When they entered the Academy, the classrooms buzzed with chatter. Today, there would be no lessons or sparring—just the final results.

“Kitazawa-senpai!”

Iruka hurried over, holding a report scroll. “These are the rankings for the final exams.”

Kitazawa accepted it. “Thanks. Has the Third Hokage arrived?”

“He’s waiting in the Hokage’s office with the others,” Iruka replied.

Kitazawa nodded and walked alongside him, while Hinata waved goodbye and headed for her classroom.

Inside, the Genius Class was already gathered.

“Hinata!” Ino waved her over excitedly. “We’re trying to guess who got first place this time!”

“First in which exam?” Hinata asked, blinking.

“Practical, of course!” Sakura huffed. “Everyone knows I topped the written exam!”

Ino pouted, unable to deny it.

Hinata thought for a moment. “Then… I think it’s either Yakumo, Sasuke, or Naruto.”

“Your answer’s useless,” Kiba groaned. “That’s half the class!”

Hinata blushed. “Ah—sorry.”

“You don’t need to guess!” Sakura declared, tossing her hair proudly. “First place is obviously Sasuke-kun!”

Sasuke crossed his arms, allowing himself a small nod. For once, Sakura’s prediction didn’t seem cursed—he was confident this time.

He’d scored full marks in the practical exam.

Even if Naruto tied him, Sasuke’s theory scores were higher. Victory was certain.

At nine sharp, the door slid open.

Kitazawa entered with Hiruzen, Kakashi, Kosuke, and Iruka.

Immediately, the classroom fell silent.

Kitazawa smiled faintly. “Let’s begin. I’ll announce the theoretical rankings first.”

He unrolled the scroll and glanced over it.

“First place—Nara Shikamaru.”

A stunned hush swept through the room.

“What?!” Sakura yelped.

“Shikamaru?!” Choji’s jaw dropped. “That… doesn’t sound like him.”

Then, recalling Shikamaru’s recent diligence, Choji smiled knowingly.

“Shikamaru, why aren’t you tenth for once?” Ino teased, half laughing, half shocked.

Shikamaru shrugged, his tone serious. “It’s simple. If I’m taking an exam, I might as well give it my all. From now on, I’ll keep doing my best.”

Naruto grinned and shot him a thumbs-up. “That’s the spirit of youth, Shikamaru!”

Kiba stared like he’d seen a ghost. “Okay, who are you, and what have you done with the real Shikamaru?”

Shino adjusted his glasses, thoughtful. He’d suspected as much—that brush with death during their last mission had changed Shikamaru deeply.

“Shikamaru Nara…” Hiruzen murmured with a smile. “It seems Kitazawa’s influence runs deep.”

Kosuke nodded. “To think he managed to wake that boy up… remarkable.”

“I was the one who recommended Kitazawa to Shikaku,” Hiruzen said with a proud chuckle.

“Truly wise foresight, Lord Hokage,” Iruka said admiringly.

Hiruzen waved it off. “The credit’s his. Shikaku can finally stop worrying about his son.”

Kitazawa cleared his throat, continuing. “Second place, Sakura Haruno. Third, Hyuga Neji. Fourth, Hyuga Hinata. Fifth—Uchiha Sasuke.”

The room went still.

Sasuke blinked. “…Fifth?”

He stared at the paper in disbelief. He’d aced the practical exam. How had he fallen that low on the theoretical?

His fists clenched. There must be a mistake.

Sakura froze, then slowly turned toward him, horrified.

Her mouth opened wordlessly before she clasped her hands together.

“Sasuke-kun,” she whispered under her breath, “please… not again…”

“Next are the rankings for the practical exam.”

After finishing the theoretical results, Kitazawa continued, his tone as calm as ever.

Aside from Shikamaru’s surprise victory in theory, the rest of the rankings were mostly as expected.

Now, though, every eye in the room sharpened with anticipation—Sasuke, Naruto, and even the quieter ones like Yakumo and Hinata leaning forward unconsciously.

For most of them, the theoretical scores were secondary.

The real measure of a ninja wasn’t written on paper.

“First place,” Kitazawa began, a teasing curve tugging at his lips.

“Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, Hyuga Hinata, and Shino Aburame.”

A ripple of disbelief spread through the class.

“So many first places?” Kiba’s jaw dropped.

“And Hinata and Shino too?!” Ino’s eyes widened, both surprised and—just a little—envious.

Their team’s performance had been flawless this time, while hers had stumbled in small ways. It stung.

Sasuke, however, froze completely.

His confident smirk faltered.

Wait. Multiple firsts?

If others shared his perfect score… and Hinata’s theoretical ranking was higher—

His heart sank. Don’t tell me—

Ino snapped her fingers. “Then that means the overall first place is… Hinata!”

“Eh?!” Hinata blinked, startled, her face instantly flushing crimson.

“Me?”

Kiba clapped his hands together, grinning. “Of course! Fourth in theory, first in practice—it adds up perfectly!”

Shino adjusted his glasses, confirming it with quiet logic. “Statistically, Hinata’s total exceeds Sasuke, Yakumo, and Naruto.”

Even Neji’s composure wavered for a moment.

He’d finally surpassed Sasuke in theory—but not in practice.

And when it came to Hinata… once again, fate had turned.

He sighed inwardly. Still not enough.

At the front, Sakura slowly buried her face in her hands.

“…I did it again,” she whispered miserably. “I jinxed him. Again.”

Sasuke’s eye twitched.

Hinata, meanwhile, still looked lost in disbelief. The words first place didn’t quite seem real.

She wasn’t ambitious about rankings—but the thought of her father seeing her name at the top of the list made her heart swell.

Her pale eyes lifted instinctively toward Kitazawa.

He met her gaze and chuckled softly.

This time, he truly hadn’t interfered. Even he hadn’t expected it—but it pleased him nonetheless.

“Alright, settle down,” Kitazawa said, tapping the papers. “Second place, Yakumo Kurama. Third, Hyuga Neji…”

The rest of the names followed in quick succession. By then, everyone had already pieced together the final outcome.

Sasuke sat motionless, his face shadowed.

He’d failed to surpass Naruto. Failed to reclaim first place.

Failed the Uchiha name.

“Final results—first place, Hyuga Hinata.”

Kitazawa smiled as he made the announcement.

“W-wow!” Ino clapped her hands. “Congratulations, Hinata!”

“Didn’t think it was possible, but now I’ve got hope too!” Kiba barked, his grin wide. “If Hinata can pull off a comeback, so can I!”

Yakumo nodded slightly. “A fair result.”

“Don’t get carried away,” Shikamaru interjected lazily. “Hinata earned that win because she already had the skill. She’s been top five every time—this just pushed her over the edge.”

Shino nodded in quiet agreement. “Still, it proves improvement is possible.”

“Right! Sasuke-kun, we’ll do bett—” Sakura stopped mid-sentence.

If she kept talking, she might curse him again.

Sasuke exhaled through his nose, relieved she’d finally learned.

Kitazawa clapped his hands once. “That concludes this semester’s final exam rankings.”

He smiled faintly. “I’ll skip the lecture. Keep up the good work next term—and starting now, your summer vacation officially begins.”

“Yes, Kitazawa-sensei!”

The room erupted in cheers. The word vacation was like a release seal, and all at once, their fatigue melted into excitement.

Even those who’d lost interest in rankings were already thinking ahead—of new training regimens, of challenges to come.

Especially Sasuke, Naruto, and Shikamaru.

As Hiruzen and Kosuke left the room, Kitazawa lingered behind, tidying up.

When he looked up, one student hadn’t moved.

“Hinata?”

The girl sat quietly, hands clasped on her desk, eyes shimmering with emotion.

She quickly stood, bowed deeply. “Thank you, Kitazawa-sensei!”

He raised an eyebrow. “For what? You earned it yourself. Don’t make it sound like I helped you cheat.”

“I—I didn’t mean that!” Hinata waved her hands frantically, face turning scarlet.

Kitazawa chuckled and tapped her forehead lightly. “Relax. Come on, I’ll walk you home.”

Her heart skipped, but she nodded shyly. “Mm.”

At the Hyuga residence.

Kitazawa stopped at the courtyard gate, his gaze falling upon a sight that caught him off guard.

Hyuga Hiashi was sitting under the veranda, cradling Hanabi, softly humming a lullaby.

It was such a gentle, paternal image—it almost didn’t fit the stoic clan head’s usual demeanor.

Kitazawa exhaled quietly. He could guess why.

Now that Hinata’s performance had proven her worth, she was destined to become clan heir. Which meant Hanabi, by tradition, would bear the Caged Bird Seal.

Hiashi must have felt that weight—the guilt of a father.

The man turned his head just then, catching sight of them. His expression froze for a second before he composed himself, passing Hanabi to the caretaker and stepping forward.

“Kitazawa.”

“Hiashi-sama,” Kitazawa greeted politely. “Just dropping Hinata off on my way back.”

“Thank you.” Hiashi hesitated briefly, then said, “Since you’re here, stay for dinner.”

Kitazawa shook his head. “Another time. I still have work at the Hokage’s office.”

As he turned to leave, Hiashi called out, “Hinata. Your exam ranking—how did you do?”

Hinata looked back softly. “First place.”

Hiashi blinked. “First… place?”

For a moment, he simply stared—then the corners of his lips lifted into a rare, genuine smile.

“Well done,” he said quietly, pride shining in his eyes.

Kitazawa didn’t head straight to Tsunade. Instead, he stopped by the ANBU Base.

“Hizashi.”

The Hyuga branch member stood the moment he entered. “Kitazawa-sama.”

“You worked hard,” Kitazawa said, noting the fatigue on his face. “You rushed back from the Land of Waves, didn’t you?”

“It’s my duty.” Hizashi produced a sealed scroll. “These are the three necklaces you requested.”

Kitazawa accepted it, opening it with interest. Inside, three exquisite necklaces gleamed—each one perfectly identical to the mental image he’d shared.

The Byakugan’s precision had made flawless replication possible.

These necklaces were not mere ornaments—they were the foundation of Kitazawa’s high-end jewelry brand, targeting the noblewomen of the Land of Fire.

His plan was simple: once the Daimyo’s wife wore his creations, every other aristocrat would follow.

The perfect “celebrity effect.”

And when the elite line took off, the mid-tier jewelry would sell itself.

Hokage’s Office.

The door was slightly ajar. Kitazawa pushed it open—and found Tsunade asleep at her desk, face pressed against a mountain of paperwork.

He blinked. Morning nap? That’s new.

Quietly, he stepped closer and placed his hand on her forehead. Warm Yang Release chakra flowed gently into her body.

Tsunade’s brows softened, and a small sigh escaped her lips as her fatigue melted away. Her eyes fluttered open.

“…What kind of medical ninjutsu is that?” she asked, pretending to sound unimpressed.

“Active Yang Release application,” Kitazawa said with a grin. “My newest experiment.”

“‘Active’?” Tsunade frowned. “What’s it supposed to do—just relieve fatigue?”

“That’s the least of it.” Kitazawa folded his arms. “You know the Fourth Raikage’s Lightning Armour?”

Her eyes widened. “You’re creating a Yang Release Chakra Mode?”

He nodded.

The Lightning Armour, developed by two generations of Raikage, was legendary—combining overwhelming speed, power, and defense.

For Kitazawa to attempt something parallel in pure life energy—Yang Release—was nothing short of audacious.

“If it works,” Tsunade murmured, her tone a mix of awe and calculation, “Medical ninja could use it to drastically raise their survival rate…”

Her lips curved into a rare smile. “You really might become the second coming of the Second Hokage.”

Kitazawa grinned. “Then what’s my reward when I pull it off?”

“We’ll talk when you succeed,” she said dryly, turning away—only to notice his gaze drift lower.

Her eyes narrowed. “Sit. Over there.”

Unfazed, Kitazawa said, “Actually, I came to discuss something important. The jewelry store’s ready, but I need the Daimyo’s wife to help establish its prestige.”

Tsunade blinked. “The Daimyo’s wife? How does she fit into this?”

“Influence,” Kitazawa said simply. “If she wears it, the rest will follow. Celebrity effect.”

Tsunade smirked. “You never run out of schemes, do you? Still, she won’t do it for free. You’ll need to gift her something truly valuable.”

Kitazawa’s grin widened. “Exactly my thought, sensei.”

Her curiosity sparked. “So, you already have finished products? Show me.”

He unsealed the scroll.

Light spilled into the room as he lifted the first necklace.

Tsunade’s eyes widened. “That’s… beautiful.”

The necklace shimmered with twin layers of crystalline diamonds, glinting like frozen starlight.

At its heart hung a pendant—a smooth green stone framed in silver, one large and one small piece forming a perfect balance of symmetry and grace.

It was breathtaking. Regal.

Kitazawa smiled faintly. ‘One-of-a-kind design. The original, in my past life, was valued at two hundred million dollars.’

“…You really don’t think small, do you?”

Kitazawa chuckled. “Not when I’m aiming for the top.”

“Such a magnificent necklace… and you’re just going to give it to the Daimyo’s wife?”

Tsunade finally snapped out of her daze, though her expression carried a hint of reluctance.

“As long as she wears it, she’s promoting us,” Kitazawa replied calmly. Then, with a small smirk, he added, “Of course, when you speak to her, you can add a few conditions.”

“Oh, I’ll definitely add them.”

Tsunade clenched her fist, determination gleaming in her eyes. “Otherwise, I’d feel like I’m being robbed blind!”

Kitazawa chuckled softly. He understood her sentiment perfectly.

Technically, these jewels were part of her assets as Hokage.

He unsealed another necklace. “This second piece,” he said, holding it up so that light danced across its surface, “will be our first auction item.”

Tsunade leaned closer, intrigued.

It was a breathtaking design—delicate silver branches laced with golden veins, each branch bearing clusters of gleaming silver “fruit.” Hanging at the center was a teardrop of translucent gold, shimmering like amber caught in sunlight.

“It’s beautiful,” Tsunade admitted, unable to hide her admiration.

She’d seen luxury jewelry in Konoha before, but nothing of this quality—nothing with such artistry.

After a pause, she folded her arms. “Though… it’s a little too showy. Flash over substance.”

“For shinobi, maybe,” Kitazawa agreed. “But for noblewomen? It’s perfection.”

Then, he produced the final necklace.

Tsunade’s eyes widened softly.

This one was more understated than the others. Its design was simple yet elegant—its centerpiece a heart-shaped aquamarine gem that glowed faintly, like the surface of a calm sea.

“It’s called Ocean’s Heart,” Kitazawa said quietly. “I’m also planning to name the jewelry line after it. What do you think?”

Tsunade nodded, thoughtful. “That’s a fitting name. All our materials do come from the sea.”

“This will be our brand’s signature piece,” Kitazawa said—and before she could reply, he gently took her hand, placing the necklace in her palm.

Tsunade blinked. “You’re giving this one to me?”

“No,” Kitazawa said with a smile that softened his tone. “I’m gifting it to you. As your birthday present.”

She froze.

“My birthday…?”

Tsunade stared at him blankly for a long second, and then realization hit her.

She had almost forgotten the date herself. It had been years since she’d celebrated it—she’d long since stopped caring. Women her age, after all, didn’t usually enjoy reminders of passing time.

But this gift… this gesture…

Her throat tightened slightly.

“…You should keep it,” she said quietly, shaking her head. “It’s far too valuable.”

“I already gave it to you,” Kitazawa said simply. “It wouldn’t be right to take it back.”

In truth, he hadn’t spent a single ryo on the necklace. All the materials had been mined from their own sources. But sentiment, he knew, was worth more than any price tag.

Tsunade looked at the gem shimmering in her hand. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll sell it? You know me—if I lose too much at the casino…”

Kitazawa laughed. “I trust you won’t.”

He began putting away the other two necklaces. “When do you plan to leave for the Capital?”

“Tomorrow,” she said after a pause. Then, glancing at him, she added, “You’re coming with me.”

“Of course.” Kitazawa nodded. “You’ll need someone persuasive—and I happen to have a little experience in… marketing.”

“Mm-hm.” Tsunade gave him a sidelong look, amused.

Kitazawa grinned. “And besides, it’s a good chance for you to rest. You know, taking naps in the Hokage’s office every morning isn’t great for your image.”

Her eyebrow twitched. “And who exactly would see that image, besides you?”

“Fair point,” he said innocently.

Tsunade rolled her eyes. “That’s because you’re the only one in Konoha who walks into my office without knocking.”

“Shows how broad-minded you are, Lady Tsunade,” Kitazawa replied smoothly.

His gaze flicked downward.

“Eyes up,” she said sharply.

Kitazawa only laughed.

Tsunade sighed and tucked the Ocean’s Heart away. “Come find me at nine tomorrow morning.”

He nodded, still smiling. “Yes, Lady Tsunade. See you tonight.”

“Tonight?”

But he was already gone, closing the door behind him.

For a moment, she simply stared after him, dazed.

She wasn’t blind—his intentions were obvious. And yet, rather than irritated, she felt… conflicted.

“Never mind,” she murmured, shaking her head. “One step at a time.”

Kitazawa left the Hokage Tower and headed toward the ANBU Base.

With the Genius Class now on summer break, he finally had time to focus on his own goals—advancing Creation Rebirth: Strength of a Hundred Seal and perfecting his Wood Release.

He’d already mastered the Five Elements Great Combination under the Third Hokage’s guidance. Now it was time to push further.

“Kitazawa-sensei!”

The familiar voice of Haku called out as Kitazawa entered the training grounds. The boy stopped his ice-based practice and jogged over, respectful as always.

Kitazawa nodded. “Where’s Kabuto? You’re training alone today?”

“Kabuto-senpai was sent on a mission,” Haku replied. “He’ll return in two days.”

Kitazawa frowned slightly. Kabuto was ANBU, and Nono, his mentor, was director at Konoha Hospital—neither of them had much free time.

He studied Haku for a moment. Maybe it’s time to move him to the Genius Class next semester.

He was only a few years older than Naruto and the others, and his potential was too great to waste purely in ANBU.

With a flicker of chakra, Kitazawa created a shadow clone. “Continue practicing your Ice Dome technique,” he instructed. “My clone will guide your control.”

“Yes, sensei.”

Kitazawa left him to train and returned to his office—only to find Konan waiting for him.

Her expression was grave. “Orochimaru has surfaced. He’s established a base in Otogakure.”

Kitazawa’s eyes narrowed slightly. So it’s finally happened.

He sat down, fingers steepled. “The location’s confirmed?”

Konan nodded. “Without question.”

Kitazawa exhaled through his nose. He wasn’t about to charge in recklessly. He could defeat Orochimaru—but capturing him was another matter. That snake was a master of survival and escape.

He’d need a strategy—a full-scale operation, coordinated with Tsunade and ANBU.

A notification appeared before him:

As a future Hokage, you must strike decisively against rogue shinobi.

Current Mission: Capture Orochimaru alive.

Reward: Yamata no Orochi.

Kitazawa’s eyes sharpened.

The Yamata no Orochi—Orochimaru’s most terrifying jutsu. A forbidden transformation allowing the user to become an eight-headed serpent. A power on par with tailed beasts—if one could endure its cost.

“Yes,” Kitazawa murmured. “This one’s worth the effort.”

Konan inclined her head. “Good. Handle him as you see fit.”

He smirked. “Killing two snakes with one stone, huh?”

Konan said nothing, but her silence was confirmation enough.

That night.

Tsunade’s home was unusually lively. It was her birthday, and despite her protests, Kitazawa had gathered a small circle of guests—Hiruzen, Nono, Shizune, Naruto, Karin and her mother, and Kurenai by his side.

For Tsunade, who’d spent years wandering with only Shizune for company, this quiet celebration felt almost… warm.

“It’s a shame Jiraiya couldn’t come,” Hiruzen mused, raising his cup.

Tsunade’s lips tightened faintly. “It’s the same whether he does or doesn’t.”

The Third Hokage sighed. He’d long given up trying to bridge that distance.

Kitazawa lifted his glass. “Then—our first toast. To Lady Tsunade.”

“Happy birthday, Lady Tsunade!” Nono and Shizune chorused.

“Granny Tsunade, happy birthday!” Naruto added cheerfully.

The vein on Tsunade’s forehead twitched. If anyone else had called her that, they’d be airborne by now.

But she simply sighed. “Thank you, everyone. Drink as much as you want—tonight, we celebrate properly.”

The laughter and clinking of glasses lasted late into the night.

By the end, Tsunade was, unsurprisingly, drunk.

Kitazawa helped her to her room while Shizune saw Hiruzen and Naruto home.

“I’m not drunk!” Tsunade declared, waving her hand dramatically before collapsing onto her bed. “Let’s drink more!”

“We have to go to the Capital tomorrow,” Kitazawa reminded her gently, catching her wrist before she could reach for the bottle again.

“That’s fine!” she protested, pouting like a stubborn child.

Smiling, he knelt and slipped off her shoes, straightening her legs onto the bed.

When he looked up, she was staring at him quietly—her gaze unreadable.

“What are you thinking about?” he asked softly, waving a hand in front of her.

Then, suddenly, she moved—leaning forward, arms wrapping around his shoulders.

For a heartbeat, their faces were inches apart.

And then, without hesitation, he kissed her.

Her lips were warm, the faint taste of sake lingering between them.

It lasted only a moment before she pulled back and pushed him out of the room.

The door shut behind him with a thud.

Kitazawa stood there for a moment, then smiled faintly.

Their relationship had just taken another step forward—and tomorrow, it would change again.

——————

Next Chapter : Pillow Talk with Tsunade!

——————

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