Chapter 136

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Kyomu is not a perfect person.

But the things he does approach perfection, so he is a relatively perfect person. He has acted correctly all his life here, so he don't think too much of the situation.

Feeling wronged?

Kyomu says he doesn't feel that way. He only knows that Hiruzen's end is nearing, and his own 'power' is becoming more solid.

Not to the extent of commanding everyone's obedience, but among the nearly four thousand Leaf ninjas on the Cloud battlefield, at least half would take substantial actions to support him if justice was on Kyomu's side.

The Will of Fire isn't just about shouting slogans; you need to act, and you need to do it impressively.

Seducing people's hearts isn't just about making them die for you; you have to take care of them, provide them strength, safety, and the capital to survive.

"I'm still..." Genma, young and impetuous, admits, "I'm still very angry!"

"To vent, just grab a couple of Sand ninjas on the battlefield," Ebisu interjects.

"Do you think everyone is like you?" Genma rolls his eyes. "Capturing won't do, but killing a few more might."

"Don't harbor such a strong intent to kill," Kyomu joins in. "Use this time to digest the Four Red Yang Formation I taught you."

"But it's difficult..."

"If it's difficult, you won't do it?" Kyomu turns back and glares at Genma. "Improving your strength is paramount. If you were all elite jōnin, do you think I would hold back?"

"And if we are elite jōnin then?"

"All of you elite jōnin?" Kyomu boasts with a laugh. "I could lead you to slaughter your way to Rome, letting the whole world know our names!"

"Then we must all be elite jōnin," Genma shouts. "Following Captain Kyomu to the heavens!"

"Ha ha, ha ha ha..." Kyomu laughs freely. "Then work hard, my friends. The Sand battlefield will be our next training ground."

"You can call me Teacher Obito now," Obito chimes in cheerfully. "I'm now an encyclopedia of ninjutsu, familiar with commonly used A/B/C-ranked ninjutsu of all five elements."

"So, it's just to show off your three tomoe Sharingan, huh?" Kakashi rolls his eyes.

"Can't help it, the three tomoe Sharingan is just that powerful. I want to be more humble, but it's impossible, ha ha..."

Obito boasts with his hands on his hips, his youthful shadow never fading. Perhaps with more growth, unless he faced drastic changes, he would remain the same.

Silently, Kakashi forms a lightning blade in his hand and swiftly brings it in front of Obito's eyes.

It's the Chidori!

"You..." Obito stands frozen, turning to Kakashi in surprise, "When did this happen?"

"Just now," Kakashi smirks. "Come on, copy one and show me."

Obito's face turns red, struggling to speak.

"The three tomoe is just the beginning," Kyomu joins in, also giving Kakashi a look. "The Chidori is also just the beginning."

"I know, I'm just afraid Obito doesn't."

"Damn!" Obito glares at Kakashi. "Can't you stop tearing me down?!"

"No way," Kakashi retracts the Chidori, spreading his hands. "Seeing someone so self-satisfied, I can't resist, and it always works."

Amidst their teasing and laughter, Kyomu and his team continue on their way, studying as they go.

Kyomu and Kakashi are responsible for translating complex theories into simple terms, Obito fills in as the 'encyclopedia' for missing information, and Might Guy acts as a physical conditioning coach, advising them on the most effective and least damaging methods.

With the leadership of a lion king and several strong lions, even a flock of sheep could become ferocious under their guidance.

Traveling and stopping along the way, by the time they reach the Sand battlefield at the end of the month, they're greeted warmly.

"Kyomu!"

"Tsunade!"

As Kyomu calls out, his vision is suddenly obscured by a fluffy embrace – Tsunade's hug, an affectionate greeting without any reservations.

After the embrace, Tsunade attempts to pat Kyomu on the head with a smile.

Just as she's about to speak, Kyomu skillfully dodges, leading to a playful scuffle that ends with Tsunade demanding he stand properly.

"Tsunade, can we not do the head patting? So many people are watching..."

"Who dares to mock Aragami Kyomu, famed for his exploits on both the Sand and Cloud battlefields?" Tsunade looks around at Kyomu's team.

The next moment, as everyone straightens up, an even louder voice soars into the sky.

"The Slayer of the Leaf, welcome back!"

Kyomu feels moved, not expecting such a reception.

He raises his hands, declaring his fondness for the nickname "The Slayer of the Leaf," and vows to make the Sand bleed for their attempts against the Leaf.

The enthusiasm of the Leaf ninjas for Kyomu's return is genuine. It's not that Minato wasn't appreciated, but Kyomu won people's hearts with his stunning feats and provided a sense of security.

In this moment, Kyomu also raises his hands, not mentioning "the Leaf" again. This is a trial for him.

"For Tsunade, victory!"

Tsunade is taken aback, but before she can react, the surrounding Leaf ninjas quickly chant along.

"For Lady Tsunade, victory!"

"You little..." Tsunade pulls Kyomu into her embrace. "How could it be for me? It should be for..."

"For Tsunade." Kyomu smiles broadly. "It's all the same, really, and this way, it wins people over even more."

Tsunade understands the deeper meaning behind Kyomu's words and feels a mix of emotions.

"Kyomu, you've been wronged, I..."

"Sister, with you here, I'm not wronged." Kyomu shakes his head, gesturing to everyone around. "And them, right?"

"Right!" Tsunade smiles warmly. "There's me, there's him, and there's them."

Hugging Kyomu tightly, Tsunade continues forward with him, their cheers still echoing behind them.

With Orochimaru absent, Tsunade and Kyomu become their mainstay.

As for Orochimaru's whereabouts, it's clear he's off on the mission originally meant for Kyomu.

Hiruzen, you've handed me quite the gift!

Kyomu inwardly sneers, knowing the stage is set for him to shine. Hiruzen couldn't have imagined Tsunade's affection for Kyomu or his rise to prominence.

'Without firsthand front line experience, how could you understand?" Kyomu muses. 'The battles at the front, in your eyes, are just a series of captures and casualties, and the bloody results that come with them.'

Before entering the tent, Kyomu looks back, seeing nothing but trust and respect.

That's enough.

"Come back to your senses," Tsunade gently prompts.

"Everyone here is a great companion."

"Did you realize?" Tsunade pulls Kyomu to sit. "I thought you'd be sulking when we met."

"Not at all. Why would I?" Kyomu shakes his head. "Seeing Tsunade personally welcome me, all my displeasures disappeared."

"You and your sweet talk." Tsunade taps Kyomu's forehead. "So, what are you buttering me up for now?"

"I'm not that kind of person," Kyomu asserts seriously. "But if you insist on giving me something, I won't refuse."

Tsunade laughs, "I thought you'd refuse!"

"It's a family matter," Kyomu cheekily adds. "Actually, I do have one thing..."

Tsunade interrupts, exasperated, "Speak, speak, speak, I agree!"

Kyomu grins, delighted. "It's about Obito, do you know him?"

"The boy who started with two tomoe Sharingan, I know him. What about him?"

"He has a girlfriend..."

"Wait, a girlfriend? How old are they?"

"It's a bit early, but given the chaos, it's understandable," Kyomu shrugs. "But Obito's... friend, has a talent for medical ninjutsu."

"Is she genuinely talented, or do you want her to follow me?" Tsunade catches on quickly, her eyes twinkling cunningly. "Kid, are you looking out for all your friends?"

"Rin truly has a gift."

"Assuming she does, and her name is Rin, I'll request her from the old man," Tsunade agrees promptly. "We're getting a new supply from the village in two days; she can come along."

"Tsunade you're the best to me."

"But I have a condition," Tsunade turns serious. "Orochimaru is absent, and the Sand will likely have heard the news, so you need to hold off their offensive."

"Did the Sand hear about my return?" Kyomu smiles coldly. "I'm not satisfied with just 'The Slayer'; I want them to give me a new title!"

"Exactly! That's the spirit!" Tsunade laughs heartily, her demeanor as vigorous as ever. "Shall I give you command?"

"Don't mess around," Kyomu is tempted but knows his limits. "That's not something to be taken lightly."

If he actually took command, it could unsettle certain people in the village.

"Just let me take the lead in battle, that's enough."

Tsunade nods, understanding the deeper reasons. "Then give it your all. You can't tarnish my reputation."

"Of course not," Kyomu assures, then boasts, "I'll use the Super Strength Punch to give the Sand a taste of their own medicine."

Tsunade's smile freezes. "Super Strength Punch? You learned it?"

"Sort of got the hang of it."

"Are you speaking human?" Tsunade grabs Kyomu's ear, "Trying to show off, huh, you little brat!"

Ducking and dodging, but caught by Tsunade, they playfully argue until regaining their composure.

"I didn't expect your talent to be this great," Tsunade reflects. "I'm getting old, unable to keep up with the times. When I was your age, I was still..."

Listening to Tsunade reminisce, Kyomu's gaze drifts to her chest, comparing her growth spurt to his lack of one.

Tsunade catches his wandering thoughts. "Daydreaming about my childhood?"

"Easy, I'll show you," Tsunade willingly transforms into her younger self for Kyomu.

He scrutinizes her youthful appearance, similar yet plain compared to her mature charm.

Tsunade feels proud, showcasing her younger self. "How about that? Wasn't I cute?"

"Cute, but missing something," Kyomu critiques, leading Tsunade to dangerously close in, demanding specifics.

"Different because I wasn't there then."

Satisfied, Tsunade nods, but her mood shifts as she probes further.

"What would you have done if you were there?"

"Among the Sannin, I'd have had a place."

"Ha, you cheeky kid!" Tsunade laughs off the tension, slightly relieved yet forcing her mirth. "Haven't you got a girl yet? Look at Obito and Rin."

"Heh, I think it's too early to consider that. Another six or seven years won't hurt."

Tsunade flicks Kyomu's head. "Not allowed until you're eighteen."

"Then let's talk when I'm eighteen," Kyomu nonchalantly prioritizes his career over romance for now.

"By then, I'll be forty-three..." Tsunade suddenly shares her age, pondering her future role in Kyomu's life.

"You're still young."

"Only in appearance?"

"No, didn't you teach me the Creation Rebirth? It maintains your body at the peak of youth."

"Twenty-five," Tsunade corrects.

"I thought there was no difference between your twenty-five and eighteen," Kyomu scratches his head.

"Ha ha ha!" Tsunade laughs heartily, her spirits lifted by Kyomu for the first time that day. "So eager, are you also interested in learning it?"

"Yes."

"Call me 'big sister,' and I'll teach you," Tsunade teases.

"Auntie," Kyomu cheekily responds.

Tsunade glares, "That makes me sound old!"

"Just a different title for 'big sister.'"

"Still no."

Kyomu stands firm. "Choose between 'auntie' and 'sister.'"

Another flick on the head from Tsunade.

"So bold, huh?" she crosses her arms. "You'd think I was learning from you."

"Just say if you'll teach me."

"I will!" Tsunade smiles, giving in.

Indulge him, Tsunade, for he has charmed you.

(End of Chapter)