"Gentle? So gentle that he scared the Nine-Tails with his Haoshoku Haki?!"
It was the first time Kushina had ever seen something as ferocious as the Nine-Tails cowed by pure willpower. Even now, she could feel it—
the great beast within her was unnervingly quiet, more obedient than it had ever been. Its chakra pulsed faintly but never stirred, as if intimidated into submission.
Minato Namikaze, unaware of her thoughts, spoke with calm determination.
"Don't worry, Kushina. I'll definitely become stronger—strong enough to surpass Lord Liu Yun one day."
Kushina blinked, then smiled faintly. Having a goal was a good thing. She didn't believe Minato could surpass Aoyama Ryuyun, but as his girlfriend, she would always support him.
"Go for it," she encouraged softly.
"Mhm!" he replied firmly.
---
Perhaps it was because of Minato's newfound drive that, not long after, Tsunade's attitude toward Kurenai Yuhi changed drastically.
Every time the girl finished her lessons at the Academy and came over to Aoyama Ryuyun's house, Tsunade would immediately drag her off for intense training.
Though she had tutored Kurenai before, she had never been this strict.
"This old woman said—focus, little girl! When I was your age, I was already out on the battlefield killing enemies!"
Kurenai pouted and protested a few times, but she always ended up following orders. Still, as she practiced her medical ninjutsu and chakra control, she occasionally glanced pitifully toward Aoyama Ryuyun.
"Liu Yun-gege..." she whined softly.
What is happening to this world? I'm still a child!
Aoyama Ryuyun chuckled. "The ninja world is dangerous, Yuhi. Train hard. The stronger you are, the longer you'll live."
He usually spoiled her, but this was reality. He couldn't protect her every moment—and both of them knew it.
So, training her seriously was the best choice.
Kurenai straightened her posture. "Liu Yun-gege! I'll definitely not disappoint you!"
The resolve in her eyes was unmistakable. She might ignore Tsunade's scolding, but Aoyama Ryuyun's words—those, she took to heart.
"Tch." Tsunade clicked her tongue irritably.
You listen to him but not me? Do you need my guidance, or am I begging to teach you?
With Tsunade's reputation, most clans in Konoha would line up for the chance to have her as a mentor—yet this brat treated her like an afterthought.
"Learn the Mystical Palm Technique within three days," Tsunade snapped, "or don't bother coming back!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Not come back? Absolutely impossible! Kurenai's expression grew determined. She'd master the technique no matter what.
Aoyama Ryuyun simply smiled at the sight, saying nothing.
When Tsunade finally sighed and sat beside him, she crossed her arms and spoke in a half-grumbling tone.
"Tell me, do you think that idiot Jiraiya is really that lucky when it comes to disciples?"
It was obvious she was still thinking about Minato—and perhaps even about Jiraiya's knack for finding prodigies.
It was that quiet frustration that had driven her to train Kurenai so fiercely.
"Kurenai's good too," Aoyama Ryuyun replied mildly. "Not everyone's like Minato Namikaze."
Tsunade's lips twitched. "Hmph. Easy for you to say."
Still, she couldn't deny the truth. Jiraiya's disciples—Nagato, Yahiko, Konan, Minato, and later even that Uzumaki brat—were all exceptional.
His luck with students bordered on divine.
Perhaps that was simply fate.
---
Konoha Year 44.
Several years had passed since the end of the Second Shinobi War.
"Clang! Clang! Clang!"
In Aoyama Ryuyun's courtyard, the crisp sound of steel filled the air. His movements were fluid yet forceful, each strike radiating a lion-like presence. With a final swing, his blade flashed twice—
The training post split cleanly in two.
"Daily mission completed."
The familiar prompt echoed in his mind. Aoyama Ryuyun exhaled slowly, then tossed aside the shattered practice sword.
With a thought, the glowing interface appeared before him.
---
God-Tier Template System
Template: Golden Lion Shiki
Compatibility: 90%
Abilities: Advanced Armament Haki, Advanced Haoshoku Haki, Top-tier Kenbunshoku Haki, Great Swordsman Swordplay, Float-Float Fruit (Advanced)
Skills: Three Body Technique, Body Flicker Technique
Daily Mission: Sword swings — 10,000 (Completed)
---
Years of progress had brought him to this point.
If he wanted, Aoyama Ryuyun knew he could use the Float-Float Fruit's power to lift the entire village of Konoha into the sky. That was no exaggeration.
While savoring that thought, a familiar voice broke his concentration.
"What are you thinking about?" Tsunade asked, stepping into the courtyard.
He turned. "Nothing."
Realizing he'd been standing there for a while, Aoyama Ryuyun smiled and shook his head. His gaze softened as it met hers.
They had grown used to each other's presence over the years.
No matter how fierce Tsunade seemed outside, at home she became gentle—calm, even tender. In her simple loungewear, she looked every bit the ideal wife.
"After all these years, haven't you seen enough?" she teased, catching him staring.
"How could I ever see enough? I want to look at you for a lifetime."
"Hmph! Liar." Her tone was playful, though the smile in her eyes betrayed her delight.
"Then I'll make you believe me properly."
"You just finished training. Go take a bath first," she said, trying to keep her composure.
"No."
"You—!" She glared, but there was no heat behind it.
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