Inside a private room at the back of a Konoha barbecue restaurant, the air was filled with the sizzling sound of fat dripping onto the charcoal and the rich, tempting aroma of grilled meat.
Chiya and Tsunade sat facing each other, with all kinds of high-quality meat and fresh vegetables spread across the table.
Tsunade had clearly thrown all restraint aside, eating heartily without the slightest concern for appearances.
Her cheeks were puffed out with food, and there was even a little sauce at the corner of her mouth, making her look completely different from her usual imposing image as one of the Legendary Three Ninja.
"Mm... delicious! The meat at this place really is the best!"
She praised it indistinctly as she picked up another large piece of fragrant, grilled pork belly, skillfully wrapped it in lettuce, and stuffed it into her mouth.
Chiya was much more composed.
He slowly turned the slices of meat on the grill and occasionally placed the best-cooked pieces onto Tsunade's plate.
"Eat slowly. No one's going to steal it from you."
He watched Tsunade's satisfied expression, a smile appearing in his eyes without him even realizing it.
"Hmph, what do you know? Barbecue has to be eaten while it's hot to be satisfying!"
Tsunade swallowed the food in her mouth, picked up the clear liquor beside her, and took a sip.
A deeper blush appeared on her fair cheeks, adding a touch of alluring charm.
She put down her cup and stared directly at Chiya, her voice carrying a hint of drunkenness and reproach.
"You, every time you go somewhere, you act all mysterious, and when you come back, you either bury yourself in the office or spend your time with those little brats. Have you almost forgotten that I exist?"
Her tone was filled with obvious complaint, but more than anything, she simply wanted his attention.
Chiya put down his chopsticks and leaned slightly forward.
Through the curling smoke rising from the barbecue, he looked deeply into her eyes.
"Even if I forgot everyone else, I could never forget you, Tsunade."
His voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable certainty that struck directly at Tsunade's heart.
Her heartbeat skipped for a moment, and her face grew even hotter.
She hurriedly looked away and glared at him as if she were angry.
"Smooth talker! Enough with that!"
However, the slight upward curve of her lips and the smile in her eyes completely betrayed how pleased she was.
"By the way, Chiya, the technique research you mentioned before, the one aimed at medical ninja, has made a breakthrough recently!"
Tsunade's voice rose slightly, clearly extremely enthusiastic about the subject.
"Oh?"
Chiya appropriately showed interest.
It had not been long since he had discussed the general direction of the Hundred Healings Technique with Tsunade.
Could she really have developed it already?
He knew Tsunade had been working hard to develop this technique, but he had not expected it to happen so quickly.
Tsunade raised one finger, her eyes shining brightly.
"It's the Hundred Healings Technique and Ninja Art Creation Rebirth!"
She began explaining in detail.
"The principle behind the Yin Seal is based on sealing techniques from the Uzumaki Clan.
When my body is in good condition, I accumulate and compress excess chakra and seal it in my forehead, forming a unique diamond-shaped mark.
It's basically a portable chakra reserve, and after years of accumulation, the amount stored can become enormous."
"Later, based on this sealing technique, I incorporated principles from medical ninjutsu and developed the Yin Seal.
In addition to storing chakra, the Yin Seal can fine-tune the stored chakra, allowing it to instantly heal injuries, strengthen attacks, and increase speed.
With sufficient mastery, the chakra within the seal can also be released gradually and adjusted precisely, allowing the user to preserve their youthful appearance, improve bodily functions, and maintain their physical condition at its peak."
As Tsunade spoke, her smile grew even brighter.
"And the Hundred Healings Technique is the key that opens this 'reserve'!
Once the Yin Seal on the forehead is released, the enormous amount of chakra accumulated over the years will instantly erupt, and the released chakra can greatly enhance the effects of ninjutsu!"
She leaned slightly forward and lowered her voice.
"Furthermore, that enormous amount of released chakra can be combined with a second technique, Ninja Art Creation Rebirth!"
"This technique can stimulate the division of cells throughout the body to achieve rapid regeneration, giving the user the ability to immediately repair fatal injuries!"
"Do you know what that means? While this technique is active, the user can gain an almost unparalleled regenerative ability!
Unless they suffer a fatal injury in an instant, even damaged internal organs and shattered bones can be rapidly repaired with the support of enormous amounts of chakra!"
Although many people called this technique "Hashirama's passive ability," this level of regeneration truly was heaven-defying.
The more Tsunade spoke, the more excited she became, waving her arms as she imagined the future.
"Just imagine, Chiya! If all the medical ninja on the front lines could master this technique!
They would no longer be fragile people who could only hide behind the main forces and rely on their comrades for protection!
With the chakra accumulated through the Yin Seal, they could possess much greater endurance in both combat and medical treatment.
At critical moments, after activating the Hundred Healings Technique and Ninja Art Creation Rebirth, they would possess powerful self-defense and even counterattack capabilities!
They could charge fearlessly into the front lines and rescue wounded comrades at the most dangerous locations without having to worry excessively about their own safety!"
Her eyes shone with the light of an ideal.
"This would completely change the weak role of medical ninja on the battlefield!
They would no longer be burdens, but core combat forces with powerful survivability and sustained support capabilities!
Just think of how many lives that could save, lives that might otherwise have been lost!"
Looking at Tsunade's especially radiant and beautiful face as she became excited, Chiya's heart was stirred as well.
He understood the value of these techniques.
Their significance was not merely the enhancement of individual combat power, but the revolutionary impact they could have on the entire shinobi system, especially the medical ninja system.
"That's an incredible concept, Tsunade."
Chiya sincerely praised her, admiration in his eyes.
"Once these two techniques are perfected and widely adopted, they really could change the course of warfare just as you said and save countless lives."
Receiving Chiya's approval was like receiving the highest possible reward.
Tsunade's face immediately lit up with a brilliant and slightly smug smile.
"Of course! But..."
She paused, her expression becoming slightly more serious.
"The training requirements for these two techniques are also extremely high, especially when it comes to chakra control.
The Hundred Healings Technique and Creation Rebirth require microscopic precision in chakra manipulation.
Otherwise, if such a huge amount of chakra is released all at once, you'll be the first one to get blown apart."
She paused again and looked at Chiya with a challenging glint in her eyes.
"So, what do you think, Hokage? Interested in learning the details? Or perhaps... personally experiencing their potential?"
She was referring to Chiya's unfathomable strength and exquisite chakra control.
There was no doubt that he was the ideal person to test and further perfect these two techniques.
Chiya met her gaze, the corners of his lips curving upward.
"Sounds interesting. Perhaps... after dinner, we can find a quiet place and properly 'discuss' the mysteries of these two techniques."
His words carried a double meaning.
Tsunade's cheeks immediately turned red again, and she gave Chiya an annoyed glare.
She did not object, however, and her heartbeat involuntarily quickened.
After several rounds of drinks and a satisfying meal, the atmosphere grew increasingly intimate under the influence of good food and clear liquor.
Tsunade had always been straightforward by nature, and she began by complaining about Shizune, the cheap disciple she had recently taken in, being far too honest.
Then she started grumbling about that idiot Jiraiya, who had probably run off somewhere to peep at women and gather material again.
Eventually, she even began talking about her grandmother and Nawaki.
Her voice gradually became lower, and the smile disappeared from her face.
A faint sadness appeared in her expression.
Chiya did not interrupt her.
He simply listened quietly and refilled her cup at the appropriate moments.
He knew this was a sign that Tsunade had lowered her guard.
Beneath her powerful and carefree exterior, she had always hidden wounds that were difficult to heal.
"...Sometimes I think fate is truly ridiculous."
Tsunade lifted her cup and stared somewhat dazedly at the liquid swaying inside.
"It gave me a noble status and allowed me to develop such powerful medical ninjutsu, yet it made me lose the people most important to me again and again..."
Chiya reached out and covered the back of her hand resting on the table.
His hand was warm and steady, carrying a reassuring strength.
"The past cannot be changed, but the future can be controlled."
He looked into her eyes and spoke slowly.
"At least now, I'm here."
Tsunade stared blankly at him, looking into the calm yet powerful confidence in his eyes.
Feeling the warmth spreading from the back of her hand, her heart gradually warmed as well.
She turned her hand over and tightly grasped his.
"Mm, now I only have you!~"
She answered softly, her voice carrying a slight nasal tone.
She said nothing more and simply held his hand tightly.
The dinner continued until late into the night in an atmosphere of unspoken warmth and intimacy.
By the time they left the barbecue restaurant, Tsunade was already slightly tipsy and half leaning against Chiya, still mumbling that she wanted to keep drinking.
Chiya put an arm around her shoulders, feeling the softness and warmth of her body as a smile flashed through his eyes.
Half supporting and half carrying her, he disappeared into Konoha's brilliant and peaceful night.
...
Meanwhile, at the entrance of Konoha Village.
The moonlight was cold and clear, covering the earth in a layer of silver frost.
Three figures had assembled.
They were Kakashi, Rin Nohara, and Uchiha Obito, who had been ordered to head to the Snow Country.
Kakashi was wearing standard ANBU equipment.
His mask covered most of his face, leaving only his characteristic dead-fish eyes visible, making him look calm and professional.
He quickly and clearly confirmed the mission details and route once again.
"The objective is to secretly rendezvous with Princess Koyuki Kazahana of the Snow Country and ensure that she reaches the Land of Fire safely.
The situation inside the Snow Country is unclear, and there appears to be an armed rebellion.
The mission rank may be raised at any time.
All actions are to prioritize secrecy and safety. Understood?"
"Understood!"
Rin nodded seriously.
She was wearing simple and practical ninja clothing suitable for movement, her face carrying a gentle yet determined expression.
"Yeah, yeah, I know! Kakashi, you're just too long-winded!"
Obito patted the ninja pouch behind his waist and rolled his eyes at Kakashi.
This Kakashi had even worn his ANBU clothes for this mission!
He just loved showing off!
"It's only an escort mission! With the future Hokage like me here, everything will be perfectly safe! It'll also be a perfect chance to show Rin how amazing I am!"
As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Rin.
The Obito who had become considerably more mature recently seemed to return to his former role as the dead-last whenever he was around Rin and Kakashi.
Kakashi ignored Obito's shouting and merely glanced at him indifferently.
"I hope your strength is as great as your mouth.
Hokage-sama specifically told you not to use your eyes recklessly.
If you run into trouble, don't force yourself.
Keep up, maintain formation, and move out."
With those words, Kakashi disappeared first with a Body Flicker Technique, his figure merging into the darkness like a ghost.
Rin followed closely behind, her movements light and swift.
"Hey! Wait for me!"
Obito hurried after them, still complaining.
"Kakashi, you bastard!"
The three figures sped through the moonlight and soon left the territory of Konoha, heading north toward the Snow Country.
The first part of their journey went smoothly.
Following the planned route, they crossed the border of the Land of Fire and soon entered a small country bordering the Snow Country.
The farther north they went, the more noticeably the temperature dropped, and the air carried a biting chill.
"Wow, it's cold!"
Obito rubbed his hands together as his breath turned into white mist.
"And we haven't even reached the Snow Country yet!"
"According to the intelligence, the Snow Country is covered in snow throughout the year and has extremely low temperatures."
Kakashi kept a vigilant eye on the surrounding environment as he spoke.
"We need to adapt to combat conditions in this cold climate.
Rin, keep yourself warm and be prepared to deal with frostbite at any time."
"Mm, I brought enough warming medicine and medical supplies."
Rin nodded in response.
Her careful nature and instincts as a medical ninja had led her to make thorough preparations.
Soon, they officially entered the border of the Snow Country.
As far as the eye could see, everything was covered in white snow.
Towering snow-covered mountains stretched into the distance, while the cold wind cut across them like knives.
The deep snow beneath their feet slowed their progress somewhat.
"This damn weather..."
Obito trudged through the snow, sinking deeply with every step as he could not help grumbling.
"We can't see a single person.
Is that princess really here?"
"According to the intelligence, Princess Koyuki is hiding in a small town near the border under the protection of her former retainers."
Kakashi unfolded the map and carefully compared it with the surrounding terrain.
"According to the map and the rendezvous information, it should be the Snowfall Town just ahead."
However, as they gradually approached the marked town, Kakashi keenly sensed something was wrong.
It was far too quiet.
There were no signs of human activity, and they could not even hear the sounds of birds or animals.
"Careful. Something's wrong."
Kakashi raised his hand, lowered his voice, and instantly sharpened his gaze.
He signaled for the three of them to spread out.
Using the snow and rocks as cover, they quietly moved toward the edge of the town.
As they approached the entrance, the scene before them made all three of their hearts sink.
The town appeared to have experienced a disturbance.
Some of the buildings were damaged, and debris was scattered across the streets.
Yet there was not a single person in sight, making it seem like a dead town.
"Looks like... we're still one step too late."
Kakashi crouched down and examined several messy footprints and wagon tracks in the snow that had been partially covered by fresh snow.
His brows furrowed tightly.
"A battle took place here, and it wasn't long ago.
The residents may have been driven away or captured."
"Then... what about the princess?"
Rin asked worriedly.
Kakashi did not answer.
Instead, he followed several traces that had not yet been completely covered and moved deeper into the town.
Obito and Rin followed closely behind, both remaining extremely alert.
Finally, near a seemingly abandoned warehouse in the center of the town, they discovered some clues.
Several guards wearing traditional Snow Country clothing lay dead nearby, along with obvious traces of battle.
From the scene, it was clear that the guards protecting the princess had resisted, but they had obviously been outmatched.
Beside one of the bodies, Kakashi discovered a crushed hairpin that was still visibly delicate and beautiful.
He picked it up and examined it carefully.
Kakashi spoke in a low voice.
"It looks like the princess really was here, but she was most likely captured."
"Damn it! We're too late!"
Obito slammed his fist against the wall beside him, scattering a patch of snow.
"Not necessarily."
Kakashi analyzed the situation calmly.
"Look at the direction of these traces and footprints.
They headed northeast, toward the interior of the Snow Country.
A group escorting a hostage won't move very quickly.
We still have a chance to catch them."
He stood up and gazed toward the vast snowy wilderness, his expression firm.
"The mission continues.
The objective has changed.
Track and rescue Princess Koyuki.
Obito, Rin, prepare to move.
This time, we may have to face the enemy directly."
"Understood!"
Rin immediately nodded and began checking her ninja tools and medical kit.
"So we're finally going to fight?"
Obito became excited as well.
His Sharingan instantly opened, and the tomoe in his scarlet eyes slowly began to rotate.
"Don't worry, Kakashi! With my Sharingan, we'll definitely find them and rescue the princess!"
Kakashi glanced at Obito.
Although he still showed little expression, something inside him settled slightly.
He might usually complain about Obito, but after what had happened previously, things had long since changed in his heart.
"Follow me and stay hidden.
Until we confirm that the princess is safe, avoid direct confrontation as much as possible."
The three members of Team 7 quickly followed the traces left by the enemy.
The operation to rescue the princess of the Snow Country had officially begun amid the ice and snow.