Chapter 66

Uzumaki Kushina widened her beautiful eyes, chewing on a piece of meat. The rich flavor filled her mouth.

"How is it?" Minato Namikaze eagerly awaited her response, having been closely observing her expression.

"So-so," Kushina replied reluctantly after swallowing her food.

Minato's eyes lit up. This was the highest praise he'd ever received.

"Then, Kushina owes Minato a favor," Haruki smiled, nodding. Seeing Kushina about to retort, he added, "A bet is a bet, no regrets."

"Fine," Kushina huffed but continued eating. Despite her complaint, she had the nature of a child.

Haruki patted her red hair. "You three enjoy your meal here. I'm off to find your mistress. After you finish, please lock the door and do whatever you like."

"Okay," Kushina acknowledged, knowing he was taking lunch to Tsunade. She nodded willingly.

After Haruki left, Minato suddenly said, "In the future, since the teacher won't have time to cook for us, I'll take over."

"You need to work harder," Kushina responded, noting his serious expression. "But Haruki's cooking is still better."

"Of course," Minato smiled.

...

Haruki appeared in Tsunade's office. It was already noon, and her classes had ended.

"What's for lunch today?" Tsunade wasn't surprised by his visit, as he often brought her lunch.

"Twice-cooked pork." Haruki opened the lunchbox, and the rich aroma spread.

Tsunade's nose twitched, but she hesitated upon seeing the delicious yet fatty dish. "No way, if this continues, I'll be fatter than a ninja pig!" she lamented but picked up her chopsticks.

"Are you going to eat or not?" Haruki pinched her nose, smiling.

"Eat!" Tsunade bravely declared, as if facing an execution.

"Don't worry," Haruki chuckled. "As long as I don't dislike you."

"You dare?" Tsunade glared, raising an eyebrow. "This is all your fault, and you dare to dislike me?"

"Alright, it's my fault. Now, eat up." Haruki watched her, amused.

After a few bites, Tsunade felt uneasy. "Can you stop staring at me? I can't eat properly."

Haruki blinked, stood up, and fetched a glass of water, placing it before her without further disturbance. He moved to the sofa, pulled out a scroll, and began reviewing the profiles of his future students.

Using his vice principal's privilege, Haruki had gathered familiar faces into one class, including Kakashi, Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara, Ibiki Morino, Kurenai Yuhi, and Asuma Sarutobi—almost all future elite Jounin.

He thought about expanding the curriculum beyond just two theory classes, perhaps incorporating more aspects of his previous life's nine-year compulsory education.

After finishing her meal and packing up the lunchbox, Tsunade noticed Haruki's focused look and had an idea. She quietly approached and hugged him from behind, pressing her soft chest against his back.

"Are these your students?" Tsunade rested her head on his shoulder, glancing at the names.

"Mm-hmm," Haruki nodded, stealing a kiss on her cheek.

"What are you doing?" Tsunade playfully pinched his cheek, though a smile formed at the corners of her lips. "I'm talking business."

"So am I," Haruki said, guiding her hand to a name on the scroll. "Shizune. She has a knack for medical ninjutsu and could be your apprentice."

In the original series, Shizune, though not as prominent as Sakura Haruno, had excellent medical skills and a quiet, steady personality, often supervising Tsunade's lazy habits. Her uncle, Dan Kato, had died in battle, much like in this life.

"Oh?" Tsunade showed interest, trusting Haruki's judgment.

"When you're free, you should meet her," Haruki suggested.

"Sure." Tsunade nodded, then asked, "And you?"

"I'll see," Haruki replied, still undecided about taking on students. The key figures from this generation, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, already had significant roles.

Tsunade didn't probe further. She released him and returned to her chair.

Haruki missed the warm softness. "Why not sit on the sofa?"

"I'm afraid of disturbing you."

"..." Haruki put away the scroll. "I'm done."

Noting the implication in his tone, Tsunade found his serious demeanor amusing yet exasperating. She sat beside him.

"How about a massage?" Haruki suggested, rubbing his hands together with a grin.

"A massage where?" Tsunade rolled her eyes. "Just say if you want to take advantage."

"In all honesty!" Haruki feigned indignation. "I'm not that kind of guy."

"Sure," Tsunade teased, then raised her foot. "Want a massage? Let's see if you dare."

"Why wouldn't I?" Haruki removed her sandals, revealing her fair toes. Tsunade seemed unaware of a world with creatures known as lsp, with peculiar preferences. He considered himself normal, except for Tsunade.

Haruki placed her leg on his knee and massaged her instep and sole.

"It's a bit ticklish," Tsunade instinctively pulled back but couldn't move.

"Don't move," Haruki instructed, massaging her delicate toes.

"Come to think of it, you don't often wear socks, do you?"

"It's cooler without them."

Haruki recalled her consistent clothing style: sleeveless, kimono-like top with a green-trimmed cloak.

"How about I buy you some clothes next time?" Haruki suggested while massaging.

"Clothes?" Tsunade seemed oblivious. "My outfit is fine. No need to change."

"Consider it a shopping trip."

"Alright," Tsunade agreed, realizing they hadn't gone shopping together before.

Watching Haruki focus on her bare feet, she softly asked, "Do they feel good?"

"Just okay, not much flesh," Haruki shrugged, glancing up.