"You only know how to bully me!"
After everything was over, Tsunade leaned lazily against the eaves of the courtyard house, giving Aoyama Ryuyun an annoyed glance.
What could Ryuyun say? He just smiled triumphantly, his expression the picture of satisfaction.
"Well, speaking of which… after all these years, the Third Hokage still hasn't made a move. That old fox is really patient."
Aoyama Ryuyun had been waiting for Hiruzen Sarutobi to act against him.
But even after so many years, the man hadn't dared to try.
Although it wasn't unexpected, Ryuyun still found it laughable.
Can't you be a little braver, old man? Come after me — and then die by my hand?
If Hiruzen Sarutobi could hear his thoughts, he'd probably cough blood.
You expect me to be "brave" enough to get myself killed? What do you take me for, a fool?
"Tch! Those higher-ups are scared to death. None of them have the guts to move against us," Tsunade said disdainfully.
After years of subtle probing, Tsunade had already confirmed what she suspected — the remaining village elders were weak-willed and cautious to the core.
Having lived beside Ryuyun for so long, she understood better than anyone just how terrifying his strength was.
It made her feel secure… and, at times, a little sorry for anyone who dared to oppose him.
Ryuyun's gaze drifted as a strange nostalgia flashed through his eyes.
"If Danzo were still alive, at least there'd be someone interesting left. That guy wasn't a coward."
He couldn't help chuckling to himself.
Perhaps he should've kept Danzo around just a little longer. The man's reckless confidence had been amusing in its own idiotic way.
Tsunade smirked. "If Danzo could hear that from the afterlife, he'd probably claw his way out of the grave just to curse you out."
So that's all I was to you? Entertainment?
Danzo's ghost, if it existed, was surely fuming somewhere.
"Brother Liu Yun! Master Tsunade!"
The voice of Kurenai Yuhi rang from outside the courtyard.
A few years had passed since she'd first come under Tsunade's tutelage, and the once small, timid girl now carried a maturity beyond her years.
Following close behind her was another young girl — quiet and well-behaved.
"Lord Liu Yun! Lady Tsunade!"
It was Shizune, Tsunade's disciple of several years.
Ryuyun raised an eyebrow. Originally, he'd thought that without Kato Dan alive, Shizune would never have crossed paths with Tsunade.
Yet fate had a way of repeating itself — Shizune had still become her student, just as in the original timeline.
"Yo! Yuhi!" Ryuyun greeted her with a grin.
Kurenai beamed and ran straight toward him.
"I said—this is my man, you little brat! Have some respect!" Tsunade scolded sharply, glaring at her student as she landed in Ryuyun's arms.
Since you call me 'Master,' don't go trying to charm my man!
In response, Kurenai stuck her tongue out, exactly as she used to when she was younger.
"What does it matter? He'll always be my Brother Liu Yun. Master Tsunade is so petty!"
"…"
Tsunade's fist twitched.
Was this a matter of being petty or of self-control?
But in the end, she said nothing.
Kurenai had grown from a pretty child into an elegant young woman — beautiful, spirited, and infuriatingly confident.
"Hehe! Brother Liu Yun!"
Kurenai giggled, happiness written all over her face. Ryuyun could only smile helplessly in return.
Tsunade rolled her eyes again, then turned to Shizune, who had been standing quietly nearby.
"Well, Shizune, at least you don't make me angry."
Shizune blinked, then smiled modestly. "That's not true, Lady Tsunade. Senior Sister Yuhi is also very talented."
Compared to Kurenai's lively and rebellious nature, Shizune was reserved and soft-spoken — precisely the kind of student Tsunade favored.
"Hmph."
Kurenai pouted, immediately catching Tsunade's meaning.
After making another face, she leaned against Ryuyun's arm with a teasing grin.
"Anyway, as long as Brother Liu Yun likes me, that's all that matters."
"…You little brat," Tsunade muttered under her breath, but there was no real anger left in her tone.
After so many years, she had grown used to their antics.
"Speaking of which, you're about to graduate, aren't you?"
Counting the years, Kurenai and her peers were indeed reaching graduation age.
"Mhm!" Kurenai nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright with excitement.
"Tomorrow's the graduation exam! Brother Liu Yun, will you come watch?"
Her gaze sparkled with anticipation.
The current Academy exams weren't as lenient as the ones during Naruto's era.
Back then, a single successful Clone or Transformation Technique could earn graduation.
But now—students were expected to engage in full combat evaluations, their performance graded on skill, strategy, and composure.
Even the Third Hokage himself would be attending to observe the next generation.
It was wartime Konoha once again — a village that demanded warriors, not just students.
Beside Kurenai, Shizune also looked toward Tsunade and Ryuyun expectantly.
As students, who didn't want to show their best in front of their masters?
Ryuyun chuckled. "Well, well, since Yuhi's inviting us so sincerely, how could we refuse?"
"Yay! That's great!" Kurenai's joy was instantaneous.
Shizune, beside her, looked at Tsunade with hopeful eyes.
"Lady Tsunade…?"
"Go on, go on! If Liu Yun's going, I might as well come too," Tsunade said with mock reluctance, though a faint smile tugged at her lips.
Compared to Kurenai, Shizune's talent was slightly weaker, but her obedience and sincerity made her a joy to teach.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!" Shizune's voice was filled with excitement.
---
The next day, Aoyama Ryuyun and Tsunade arrived at the Ninja Academy.
The courtyard was bustling. Parents and clan representatives had gathered — some to support their children, others simply to show off their bloodline pride.
Ryuyun's sharp eyes scanned the crowd and immediately spotted a familiar face.
"Yo, Shinku Yuhi!" he called out.
The seasoned jonin turned at the sound of his name.
For a moment, his expression froze, caught between respect, confusion, and something that resembled dread.
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