Chapter 57: Tsunade: I'll Hold Onto It for him

"See you next time."

Shinho Aburame waved goodbye to Yamanaka Ino and the others.

It was dusk now. The Chunin Exams had technically ended at 3 PM, but Hiruzen Sarutobi had given a two-hour-long impassioned speech about the Will of Fire.

It had been pure torture—Shinho had almost dozed off several times.

"I'm back, Sensei," Shinho called as he pushed open the door to the Senju residence.

"Come here," Tsunade commanded from the sofa, sitting in a relaxed posture with her long legs stretched out and her jade-like feet dangling in the air.

Shinho approached her, somewhat puzzled. She looked as though she was about to question him. Had he upset her recently?

"The Sword of Raijin."

Tsunade held out her hand.

Who ratted me out? Shinho thought. Then again, it had been long enough; she was bound to hear about it sooner or later.

He placed the Sword of Raijin in her hand.

Tsunade stared at the sword, lost in thought as memories of Tobirama Senju filled her mind. Compared to her unreliable granduncle, Hashirama, her second granduncle Tobirama had been far more helpful to her.

"Why did you hide this from me?" Tsunade flicked his forehead lightly, her tone stern. "Aren't you worried something could've happened?"

"It was just a chunin," Shinho replied, feeling a warmth in his heart.

"A true ninja always remains cautious, have you already forgotten what I taught you the first day?!" Tsunade said in a serious tone.

Sensei, I understand! Shinho obediently nodded.

A flick to the forehead was nothing—if it had been a punch, his small frame wouldn't have withstood it.

Seeing his obedient demeanor, Tsunade's anger melted away.

He's so cute, she thought. Someone who looks this good is meant to be doted on.

"I'll talk to the old man about this," Tsunade said, her tone softening.

"What if he doesn't agree?" Shinho asked, retrieving the Sword of Raijin from Tsunade's hand.

"He wouldn't dare." Tsunade puffed out her chest and lifted her chin proudly.

"You're amazing, Sensei!" Shinho said, feigning awe.

Tsunade knew he was just putting on an act, but she still enjoyed it. After all, it was rare to see her apprentice being expressive.

She reached out and ruffled his hair, watching his expression stiffen, which only made her more amused.

"I'll go make dinner," Shinho said, dodging her hand as he turned toward the kitchen.

"Tch, disobedient kid," Tsunade muttered, pouting as she watched him walk away.

The next day.

After breakfast, Tsunade headed to the Hokage's office.

She marched straight upstairs and kicked the door open with a loud bang.

"Ahem!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi jumped in surprise, exhaling sharply. "Tsunade, why don't you ever knock?"

"Are you hiding something?" Tsunade retorted, showing him no respect.

"Of course not," Hiruzen quickly changed the subject with a chuckle. "It's rare for you to visit. Is this about your student, Shinho?"

What else could he do?

Given Tsunade's special status and fiery temper, Hiruzen knew he couldn't control her.

"That's right," Tsunade said, raising an eyebrow. "Shinho prevented the Scroll of Seals and the Sword of Raijin from being stolen. Don't you think that deserves recognition?"

Hiruzen blinked, feeling a wave of helplessness.

As expected.

She never followed the rules. But truthfully, it was refreshing to see her fight for someone again. Tsunade hadn't passionately argued on anyone's behalf for a long time.

Shinho Aburame... this little guy is impressive. He actually managed to keep her in Konoha.

"The strongest Hokage, leading the most powerful village in the ninja world, couldn't even stop a chunin?" Tsunade sneered. "If my student hadn't discovered it, the village's reputation would have been ruined."

When she said "my student," her tone rose slightly with pride.

"Accidents happen," Hiruzen said awkwardly. "Fine, we'll give Shinho the Sword of Raijin as a reward."

"That's it?" Tsunade complained. "The Sword of Raijin was originally the property of the Senju clan."

"Tobirama was the Second Hokage," Hiruzen said seriously, his tone firm. "His belongings are Konoha's legacy."

"I don't want to hear your lectures," Tsunade grumbled, frowning.

"Let's make this an A-rank mission and record it in Shinho's ninja file," Hiruzen suggested after a moment's thought. "What do you think?"

A ninja's file was essentially their resume. The more accomplished and impressive it was, the easier it would be to earn the trust of clients. It could greatly benefit Shinho's future.

Tsunade knew that this incident didn't quite warrant A-rank status. Hiruzen was offering this as a favor to her.

"And what about the reward?" Tsunade asked with a nod.

"500,000 ryo."

Hiruzen offered a compromise.

"That works," Tsunade agreed, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Give me the money. I'll hold onto it for him."

Hiruzen could only chuckle.

At the Hyuga clan's estate.

Shinho had no idea that Tsunade had just uttered the infamous phrase mothers all over the world loved to say: I'll hold onto your lucky money for safekeeping.

But even if he had known, it wouldn't have mattered to him. Tsunade had earned that money fair and square—it had little to do with him. Besides, Shinho wasn't short on cash. After all, Hinata frequently gave him enough spending money.

Standing at the gate of the Hyuga estate, Shinho was stopped by the guards. He was here to see his little benefactor, Hinata.

"I'm Hinata's classmate, Shinho Aburame," Shinho introduced himself.

"Wait here," a young ninja replied before heading inside the courtyard.

Hinata was practicing her Gentle Fist technique under the watchful eye of her father, Hiashi Hyuga. Since Hinata had awakened the Byakugan, her personality had improved somewhat, receiving approval from Hisashi.

Although she was still not on par with Neji, Hiashi was quite satisfied with her progress. At the very least, he saw potential.

"Master," the young ninja bowed and reported, "Hinata's classmate, Shinho Aburame, is here."

"Let him in," Hiashi said without a second thought.

He had tried to approach Tsunade before but had been met with a closed door. So, now he would start by getting to know her student—maybe gain some insight into her thoughts. He didn't believe for a second that Tsunade had no ambitions regarding the Hokage position.

"Come in," the young ninja said, stepping aside to let Shinho through.

As Shinho entered the courtyard, he glanced around. There were only three words to describe the entire compound: rich beyond belief. Yes, the Hyuga clan had serious money.

"Sh-Shinho-kun?"

Hinata noticed him and instinctively rubbed her eyes.

She couldn't believe her eyes—was she really seeing Shinho-kun in her own home?

Am I still dreaming?

"Good morning, Hinata," Shinho waved at her.

Flustered, Hinata lowered her head, too shy to respond.

"Ahem."

Hiashi cleared his throat, reminding Shinho of his presence.

Sure, you're Tsunade's student, but ignoring me and chatting with my daughter right in front of me is a bit much.

"Big brother!"

At that moment, Hanabi Hyuga came running out of the house.

"Careful," Shinho quickly reached out to steady her.

"I want candy!" Hanabi smiled brightly, holding out her hand.

"...?"

A question mark slowly appeared over Hiashi's head.

[Tl/n: I just realised something, most of the changes to fonts I did when editing these chapters are gone by the time I upload it into webnovel.

I mean, Why? All the subtle font changes I did to emphasise words, thoughts, dialogues!!! everythings gone?! AAAAHhh,

I need to find a way around this!]

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