Chapter 101: Healing Wounds and the Necklace Kiss

"The Lone Lion, does it still hurt here?" Tsunade's delicate face drooped, sneering as she lightly poked at Yuto's scarred chest.

"Should I give you an massage? Rub your shoulders? Knead your legs? Get your body back in shape so you'll be more efficient next time you head out to die?"

Wiping away a bead of cold sweat, Yuto replied with a bitter smile, "Tsunade-sensei, please stop teasing me... In front of you, I'm no Lion."

"Teasing? I'm just a small slug, who dares to tease a lion? Oh my, are you going to angrily tear me apart? Lion's Bite~ Big lion~"

"Uh..."

The bombardment of information from his previous life as a transmigrator kicked in at this moment. Yuto had a sudden realization and knew that apologies and promises were the only way to handle this situation.

"Sensei, I sincerely apologize. I shouldn't have been so reckless with my body." Yuto paused, then solemnly continued, "I promise you, I won't use Creation Rebirth until I have accumulated enough chakra."

"Hmph..." Tsunade's expression softened slightly.

Seizing the moment, Yuto added, "During my journey, I managed to seize a lot of valuable items from the enemies I encountered. I've already placed everything in your room, sensei. Honestly, when I'm outside, I worry most about you."

The blonde woman chuckled but quickly regained her stern expression, lightly huffing, "When I taught you the Strength of a Hundred Seal, I emphasized numerous times that you mustn't use Creation Rebirth unless you've accumulated enough chakra. The technique is already highly draining, and using it prematurely will only overextend your body."

"You've been my disciple for nearly two years now and have already made significant progress in medical ninjutsu, showing great attention to detail. Haven't you noticed that your body is healing slower this time?"

"It's already been five days since we returned to Konoha, and your wounds still haven't fully healed."

"You must rest and recuperate to restore your body's reserves."

Tsunade raised a pale finger, lightly poking her student's chest. This time, she applied much less pressure, causing Yuto to feel only a cool sensation with little pain.

"But..." Yuto tried to protest, "Rest for a while? I still need to train..."

"For the next half month, don't even think about training. I'll prepare food and medicine for you every day, and you need to follow the schedule I set."

Yuto reluctantly accepted Tsunade's arrangements.

The blonde woman patted her disciple's head, looking at his scarred body. Suddenly, she smiled, "Yuto, I have something for you."

Turning slightly, she pulled aside her ponytail to reveal her pale neck and removed the necklace embedded with a green crystal.

"This is for you."

Yuto was momentarily at a loss. Having been Tsunade's disciple for nearly two years, he knew she was increasingly pleased with him and that she would eventually give him this necklace. The necklace held great significance for Tsunade. The green crystal contained some of the First Hokage's power and could suppress tailed beast chakra.

Hashirama Senju gave it to a young Tsunade before his battle with Madara Uchiha in the Valley of the End. Although he won the battle, he died not long after.

Twelve years ago, Tsunade gave the necklace to her brother, Nawaki Senju, who tragically died on the battlefield during the Second Shinobi World War, his internal organs gouged out.

Later, Tsunade gave it to her lover, Dan Kato, who also met a tragic end, dying right in front of her and causing her to develop a fear of blood.

Tsunade's past, emotions, and love were all tied to this necklace, which, in the original story, she passed on to Naruto along with the Will of Fire.

But now, Yuto had intercepted it.

With mixed feelings, Yuto accepted the necklace. Though the previous male owners met unfortunate ends, they at least died honorably as heroes of Konoha. But for him...

One day, the beautiful woman before him might regret giving this significant necklace to him.

"What are you daydreaming about? Can't you tie it?"

"Ah? I..."

"Goodness, young man, don't focus solely on training. You have a lot to learn."

Tsunade first had Yuto lower his head, then moved his hair aside and helped him put on the necklace.

"There, it fits well."

Looking at the green crystal on Yuto's chest, Tsunade nodded in satisfaction.

"Yuto, don't disgrace the Will of Fire inherited through this necklace. The three men who wore it before were all outstanding shinobi."

Yuto rubbed his nose, unsure how to respond.

Tsunade assumed his silence was due to shyness and excitement, not paying it much mind.

However, she seemed to remember something suddenly, clapping her thigh and laughing until her stomach hurt.

"Right, I just recalled something interesting... Whenever I give this necklace, I habitually add a bonus gift."

Her laughter slowly ceased as sorrow and painful memories washed over her. For a moment, her student's appearance overlapped with those of Nawaki and Dan.

Tsunade bit her lip and softly said, "Yuto, take off your forehead protector."

A barely noticeable blush appeared on her face.

The moment she said it, Tsunade regretted it. Kissing her brother and lover on the forehead was normal, but kissing her disciple? Even though it was just the forehead, he was nearly fifteen years old now.

She instinctively examined Yuto from a perspective she had never used before. His nose was well-shaped, and his eyes were bright... He was indeed a cute and handsome boy.

Yuto was momentarily stunned, but having read the original story, he quickly understood what the blonde woman intended.

"Forget it," he shrugged, "taking it off and putting it on again is too troublesome."

"Huh? Yuto, I didn't expect you to be so lazy, hahaha..." Tsunade laughed to cover her embarrassment.

"Sensei, thank you for the necklace. It's beautiful."

"Ha... They say I'm ten times out of ten a loser in gambling, but this necklace has changed hands many times, and all who wore it were Konoha's pride. In this, I won't lose."

"...Mm."

...

Years later, whenever he smelled the scent of citrus wafting on the breeze, the rogue shinobi who had escaped the Cage Bird Seal would recall that distant afternoon.

It was only then that he realized why he had been so evasive and rejecting at that moment.

—He didn't want the blonde woman to see the Cage Bird Seal—Nor did he want her kiss to fall on the ugly curse mark.

(End of Chapter)