Could I really be a pervert? Watching Kushina's departing figure, Tsunade fell deep into a state of intense self-doubt. At this moment, two little figures, one dressed in pure white and one in dark black, seemed to manifest within the theater of her mind.
The white figure wore a look of utter disdain. To actually shove your feet into your Disciple's arms, Tsunade, do you have no shame at all?
The black figure snorted in response. So what? Is it not perfectly okay for a Disciple to help warm his teacher's cold feet?
An argument broke out instantly. The white figure pointed at the black one, filled with righteous indignation. Is that just warming feet? You are clearly... anyway, you are just acting low!
It is just warming feet, what is there to misunderstand? At most, I just didn't let him leave the table. Were there any truly out-of-line actions? The black figure shrugged her shoulders. As expected, people with dirty hearts see everything as dirty.
You, you, you... The white figure was fuming, pointing a finger at the black one with her chest heaving violently. Self-deception! This is nothing but blatant self-deception!! Saying that, she exploded in a fit of rage and vanished. The black figure disappeared as well, leaving only Tsunade lying motionless under the Kotatsu. After a long while, she gently touched her burning cheeks, a hint of a daze flashing in her eyes.
I'm back! Soon, Nawaki returned home carrying various bags filled with groceries.
Thanks for the hard work. Minato put down his teacup and whispered to himself. Then, I should also start preparing our lunch. As he spoke, the pair of white snakes in his arms moved with great reluctance. Minato reached his hand under the Kotatsu and gently held them; the feel was like a peeled egg, delicate and smooth to the touch.
He calmly squeezed those round and cute toes, and then his fingertips lightly traced the curve of the arch. The two little white snakes immediately seemed startled and hurriedly crawled away from his lap. Stinky brat! Seeing Minato stand up, Tsunade quickly buried her head in the crook of her arm, unable to stop the grumbling thoughts in her heart.
The mutton hotpot was delicious. Nawaki and Kushina turned into absolute bandits, their chopsticks sweeping frantically through the boiling pot to grab every morsel. However, Tsunade ate absentmindedly, her mind filled with that subtle sensation that seemed to touch the very depths of her Soul. No, I cannot go on like this! Quietly glancing at Minato's youthful face, Tsunade forced herself to cheer up and put down her chopsticks.
I have something important to say. She suddenly spoke up, interrupting the frantic eating atmosphere at the table. I've been perfecting a relatively important Ninjutsu lately, so I am going out for a while to find some inspiration.
Eh? For how long will you be gone? Nawaki asked, sounding somewhat reluctant to see his sister go.
I am not entirely sure. Tsunade pursed her lips, secretly observing Minato's reaction. Seeing that Minato did not have much of a reaction at all, she could not help but feel a sudden wave of disappointment.
Are you leaving the Village? Kushina asked curiously.
Yeah, probably. Tsunade nodded her head.
Then Teacher should take these with you. Minato held out his hand, revealing a handful of small seeds. These are seeds from my cell mutation. As long as you inject Chakra into them, they can sprout my Wood Clone, making it convenient to stay in touch with home.
Stay in touch... Tsunade's tone was unreadable. She was precisely planning to leave the Village and Cultivate for a while to cut off all contact. However, just in case of an emergency, she still took the seeds and put them in her ninja tool pouch. After thinking for a moment, she stood up and went back to her room, bringing out a giant scroll.
Is this... the Ninjutsu you are going to Cultivate, Big Sister?
No, this is the Summoning Scroll for the Slug Sage of Shikkotsu Forest, one of the Three Great Holy Lands. Tsunade unrolled the scroll and pointed to where her name was written. I plan to have you all form a Summoning Contract with the Slugs. By writing your names in blood, you will be able to summon a part of the Slug Sage's Clones.
Slugs... Nawaki's lips twitched; as Tsunade's brother, he had naturally seen the Slugs many times before.
Slugs? Kushina's eyelid twitched. Thinking of the wet and slimy appearance of Slugs, she found the idea a bit hard to accept.
This is an ability you must master. Tsunade was also worried that Minato might encounter danger while she was away. Although she knew that with Minato's current strength, it was basically impossible for him to encounter danger in the Village, she still could not help but worry. All the Slugs you summon are Clones of the Slug Sage. In case of danger, you can summon a Slug—even a tiny one can help you pass along information.
Hearing this, the three didn't hesitate and bit their fingers one after another to sign their names on the scroll.
Eh... what were the hand signs for the Summoning Jutsu again? Nawaki tilted his head, trying to remember; he recalled it being mentioned in class.
It is Boar, Dog, Bird, Monkey, Ram! While the blood was still wet, Kushina performed the Summoning Jutsu. With a poof of smoke, a palm-sized Slug appeared before everyone.
Eh? As soon as the Slug appeared, it tilted its head in a human-like manner. You are...
She is Uzumaki Kushina, this is Minato Namikaze, and this is my brother Nawaki—you have met him before. Tsunade introduced them. I have something to do and need to leave the Village for a while, so I had them sign the Summoning Contract for Shikkotsu Forest.
Ah, so that is how it is. The Slug's antennae bobbed. I understand, little Tsunade. I will take good care of them! If you need help, feel free to summon me. With that, it disappeared with a poof.
Nawaki looked at Kushina in astonishment. How can you, a first-year student, use the Summoning Jutsu so skillfully?
Kushina is from the Uzumaki Clan. Minato explained. This clan excels at Sealing Jutsu, and the related Summoning Jutsu is right up their alley.
In that case, I will be going now. Tsunade said, standing up to leave.
Eh? So soon? Isn't it too sudden? Can't you leave after finishing the meal?
No, there is no time to lose. The sooner I perfect it, the sooner I can return. Don't worry, I won't be gone for too long. Tsunade waved her hand and, ignoring the three's attempts to make her stay, took her ninja tool pouch and left. Having finally built up her mental resolve, she was afraid that if she stayed any longer, she would not want to leave again.
Big Sister... has been a bit strange lately. After Tsunade left, the three returned to the table, and Nawaki said worriedly. I don't know why, but her mood swings have been huge.
Could she be in love?
Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Nawaki waved his hand. My sister has very high standards. I've never seen her look twice at any guy—well, except for Minato; this guy's talent is indeed explosive.
Kushina looked at Minato. Minato, do you know what is going on?
I don't know. Minato shook his head, a faint, imperceptible smile flashing in his eyes; he had sensed the presence of the clone seeds in the courtyard. The Wood clone seeds have a positioning function, but looking at it, Tsunade clearly didn't know that.
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