"Sensei, wake up!"
Hanekawa stood at the door of Tsunade's room and raised her hand to knock.
"Didn't I give you the day off?"
The door was pulled open, and Tsunade appeared before him, yawning.
She was wearing white sleepwear, the hem reaching her knees, exposing her fair and delicate legs.
Her golden bangs were slightly messy, and her face was hazy with sleep, as if she might drift back into a dream at any moment.
"I came to make you breakfast."
Hanekawa reached out and gently brushed her bangs to the sides.
Tsunade looked at his action in a daze. After a few seconds, she finally snapped back to reality.
She opened her mouth to speak but didn't know what to say.
"What do you want for breakfast?"
Hanekawa's gaze swept over her soft, glossy lips as he asked.
"Huh?"
Tsunade froze for a moment and replied, "Ramen."
On the island, ingredients were limited, and breakfast usually consisted of rice balls or sushi. It had been a long time since she'd had the ramen Hanekawa made.
"Alright."
Hanekawa nodded and then added, "I forgot to tell the Hokage yesterday about the reforging of the Thunder Blades."
"Give me the blades."
Tsunade spoke casually, "I'll stop by on my way to the casino today."
"Thank you, Sensei."
Hanekawa handed over the Thunder Blades and the Thunderfire Sword.
"I'm going to change."
Tsunade stepped back and shut the door again.
Absentmindedly, she twirled a strand of her golden bangs with her fingers.
Moments later, she changed clothes, left the room, and went into the bathroom.
After finishing her morning routine, she stopped at the kitchen doorway.
Steam rose from a boiling pot on the stove.
In the faint morning light, Hanekawa stood with a serious expression, cooking ramen.
Soon, a rich aroma filled the air.
Tsunade watched for a long time until Hanekawa's gaze met hers.
Keeping a calm expression, she asked, "I'm hungry. Is it ready yet?"
Hanekawa smiled and served a bowl of ramen. "Pork bone ramen."
Tsunade took the bowl and headed to the living room.
"You're going to the casino today?"
Hanekawa sat across from her.
"Nothing else to do anyway," Tsunade replied casually. "Are you coming?"
"I'll be training."
Hanekawa paused before adding, "I'll come find you after I'm done."
"No need. Focus on your training."
Tsunade sipped the broth and said, "War can break out anytime. Your top priority is to strengthen yourself."
"I think so too."
Hanekawa clasped his hands together and simply watched her eat the ramen.
"Do you want some?"
Tsunade had eaten more than half of the ramen when she glanced at him and asked.
"No, that's not what I meant."
Hanekawa cleared his throat and said.
"Then why are you staring?"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes and asked.
"Your hair is a bit messy, teacher."
Hanekawa said seriously, "I'm good at tying ponytails. Want me to help?"
"Oh?"
Tsunade snorted lightly and said with a threatening tone, "If it doesn't look good, you'll pay the price!"
Her words implied agreement.
Seeing this, Hanekawa moved behind her and took her hair into his hands.
Her hair was incredibly smooth—perfect for a shampoo commercial in his previous life.
This was the magic of the Yin Seal; even her hair seemed under control.
Tsunade continued eating while feeling his movements.
Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat, and she found the atmosphere strange.
"Done, Sensei."
Hanekawa looked at the neatly tied ponytail and nodded with satisfaction.
"Hmm."
Tsunade put down her chopsticks and said, "Thanks."
She stood up, returned to her room, and looked in the mirror, silently admitting that the kid was quite skilled.
When Hanekawa finished washing the dishes and stepped outside, he saw Tsunade changing her shoes.
She bent over, her back facing him, and her navy-blue capri pants stretched tight, accentuating her curves.
Hanekawa thought to himself that the phrase "curves in all the right places" must have been created for her.
"If anything comes up, find me at the casino."
Tsunade glanced back at him, put on her coat emblazoned with the kanji for "gamble," and left.
Hanekawa stepped outside.
Since it was his day off, neither Kurenai Yuhi nor Rin Nohara had shown up.
He thought for a moment and decided that the absence of people made it the perfect time to train in the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Standing still, his body soon began to glow with lightning.
He grunted softly as a tingling sensation spread across his entire body.
Technically speaking, this was Lightning Release Chakra Activation, not the full Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
By using lightning chakra to stimulate all his cells, he activated them, allowing for greater chakra production.
Hanekawa currently utilized two jutsu involving Lightning Release: Chidori and the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
While Chidori required activating only his arm, the Lightning Release Chakra Mode demanded full-body activation—a much greater challenge.
In the original story, Karin once mentioned that the chakra of the Fourth Raikage, when using the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, was practically like that of a Tailed Beast.
__
The day came to an end.
Hanekawa collapsed directly onto the ground.
After enduring such an extended "electric therapy," he felt like he was almost medium-rare.
But it wasn't without its benefits.
He discovered that the Yin Seal greatly enhanced his training in the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.
Under normal circumstances, this kind of high-intensity training could only be done for an hour or two a day.
But with the Yin Seal, he could train for the entire day.
If he trained like this daily, Hanekawa estimated he could master the Lightning Release Chakra Mode within six months.
The only concern was whether Iwagakure and Kirigakure would give him six months of peace.
As his thoughts wandered, Hanekawa recalled Tsuchibashi from the Konoha bookstore.
It had been a long time since they last contacted each other.
It seemed that Kumogakure had selectively forgotten about him.
Hanekawa didn't mind this outcome, but he still needed to continue publishing novels.
He began pondering what his next novel should be about.
Footsteps approached.
Hanekawa instinctively looked up and saw a figure in clothing under great strain, making even the sunlight seem dim.
"Why are you lying on the ground?"
Tsunade leaned her head out and asked.
"Just finished training. Taking a break."
Hanekawa squinted slightly and asked, "How did you do, Sensei?"
"Lost a little."
Tsunade's expression became a bit unnatural.
Got it—just a little.
Hanekawa sat up and consoled her, "You can win it back next time."
Tsunade gave him a glance and then sat down beside him.
She was about to speak but noticed Hanekawa leaning left and resting his head on her shoulder.
"So tired."
Hanekawa blinked and asked with a smile, "Sensei, you don't mind, do you?"
"What's there to mind?"
Tsunade replied without any change in expression.
"Thank you, Sensei."
Hanekawa inhaled her faint, clean scent and closed his eyes.
Tsunade glanced at him and then turned her gaze to the sunset.
The cool autumn breeze brushed against her, bringing an unprecedented sense of calm.
Soon, she heard the steady sound of his breathing.
Tsunade couldn't help but smile.
This little rascal actually fell asleep.
After a moment of thought, she straightened her legs and gently supported Hanekawa with her hands, letting him lie down, his head resting on her lap.
The sun gradually disappeared, leaving only a faint glow.
At that moment, a shadow appeared.
It was Haru, an ANBU ninja.
When she saw the scene before her, her eyes widened.
Tsunade raised a finger to her lips, signaling her to stay quiet.
Haru nodded and handed over two bankbooks.
Tsunade glanced at them—one contained 10 million ryo, the other 5 million.
Clearly, these were mission rewards from Hiruzen Sarutobi.
After storing the bankbooks, Haru quickly disappeared.
Hanekawa woke up after an unknown amount of time.
"This is for you."
Tsunade handed him the bankbook with 5 million ryo.
"This much?"
Hanekawa opened it and was instantly surprised.
S-rank missions typically offered about 1 million ryo, which was split among the team.
Now he alone had been given 5 million, likely equivalent to seven or eight S-rank missions.
"It's not that much."
Tsunade patted his head and reminded him, "If you're awake, get up."
"Thank you, teacher."
Hanekawa sat up. Although reluctant, he moved away from her lap.
"What's wrong?"
Tsunade noticed his expression and chuckled. "Still half-asleep?"
"Kind of," Hanekawa shamelessly replied.
Tsunade flicked his forehead hard. "You little brat, don't push your luck!"
She realized Hanekawa was starting to cross a line, though she wasn't sure if it was intentional.
"Hiss!"
Hanekawa drew in a sharp breath. That flick really hurt.
"Stop pretending, kid."
Tsunade stood up and stepped on his foot. "With your constitution, you'd be fine even if I used more force."
"Sensei just doesn't have the heart to do that."
Hanekawa grinned.
"Guess again?"
Tsunade raised her hand in front of him, clenching it with a crisp sound.
"I guess Sensei is hungry. I'll go make dinner."
Hanekawa quickly ran into the kitchen, wisely avoiding any confrontation.
Tsunade lowered her hand, and a second later, she chuckled softly.
---
Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye.
Hanekawa woke up early today. He planned to retrieve his newly reforged Thunderfire Sword and stop by the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore on the way.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had assigned a specific ninja tool shop to handle the reforging of his Thunderfire Sword.
Coincidentally, the shop chosen was Tenten's Ninja Tools, run by Tenten's father, Tenmura, which Hanekawa had visited before.
"Welcome!"
As soon as Hanekawa reached the entrance, a young woman in a cheongsam greeted him.
He paused in surprise, instinctively glancing at the shop sign to confirm he hadn't walked into the wrong place.
"Hanekawa?!"
Tenmura came down from upstairs, greeting him warmly. "Long time no see!"
"Is this Hanekawa, Lady Tsunade's student, the one who defeated the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?"
The young woman looked astonished and couldn't help but ask.
"That's right!"
Tenmura grinned with pride. "He's Konoha's true genius!"
"It's an honor to meet you."
The young woman quickly introduced herself. "I'm Ten Shizu, Tenmura's newlywed wife."
Hanekawa quickly connected the dots.
He recalled that Tenten was born during the Third Shinobi World War, so Tenmura getting married now fit the timeline.
This period also coincided with the births of many prominent figures, such as Neji Hyuga, Naruto Uzumaki, and Hinata Hyuga.
As a fan of the original story, Hanekawa felt a mix of subtle emotions and anticipation.
However, after meeting people like Tsunade, Kurenai, and Konan, he wasn't easily shocked anymore.
"I'm here to pick up my sword."
After the introductions, Hanekawa explained his purpose.
"Please wait a moment."
Tenmura went upstairs and returned shortly with the Thunderfire Sword.
Hanekawa examined it briefly. Its appearance hadn't changed much, but as soon as he grasped it, several lines of text appeared in his vision.
[A-Rank Ninja Tool Attribute: Thunderfire Sword]
[Activation Condition: Reforged using the Thunder Blades (Kiba).]
[Effects: Lightning Release chakra conduction speed increased by 150%, durability increased by 150%, Lightning Release chakra power increased by 20%.]
[Special Feature: Can summon natural lightning.]
Hanekawa's eyes lit up.
As expected, the effects had been upgraded, raising it from a B-rank attribute to an A-rank attribute.
The conduction speed, durability, and chakra power were all enhanced, but the most exciting feature was that it retained the Thunder Blades' ability to summon lightning.
"Thank you."
Hanekawa resisted the urge to test the sword on the spot.
"It's an honor to forge a sword for a genius like you."
Tenmura hesitated for a moment before asking with a flattering smile, "Would it be alright if I used your name for our shop's promotion?"
"No problem."
Hanekawa didn't mind him leveraging his reputation.
"Thank you!"
Tenmura's face lit up with joy.
With Hanekawa's fame, the shop could attract far more customers, especially since this young genius had yet to reach his peak.
"As a token of gratitude, our shop will cover all your future ninja tools."
Tenmura offered with a business-savvy smile.
Hanekawa raised an eyebrow, impressed by the offer.
He didn't decline. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement, and he wasn't taking undue advantage.
---
After bidding farewell, Hanekawa headed to the Konoha Knowledge Bookstore.
"Hanekawa, you're quite famous now!"
Tsuchibashi greeted him warmly, his attitude unchanged, even a bit more enthusiastic.
Hanekawa quickly understood why.
Tsuchibashi was merely a spy, not a high-ranking official in Kumogakure, so he likely had no details about Hanekawa's achievements.
"Uncle Tsuchibashi," Hanekawa said with a smile. "This is my friend's new novel."
"Another new novel!"
Tsuchibashi's eyes lit up as he excitedly opened it. "Let's see what this one's about."
Hanekawa waited patiently.
After some thought, he had chosen "Maple and Bell," a pure love story set in a school.
"A slice-of-life story?"
Tsuchibashi seemed surprised but quickly remarked, "Who wouldn't want to meet a pair of beautiful twin sisters like this?"
"Uncle Tsuchibashi, I'll leave the publication to you—same as before, both novel and manga versions."
Hanekawa reminded him.
"No problem, leave it to me!"
Tsuchibashi spoke eagerly, clearly thrilled by the profits to come.
---
Hanekawa returned to Tsunade's house and found Haru, the ANBU ninja, waiting outside.
He wasn't surprised and approached her for a brief chat, during which he received an intelligence scroll.
Instead of reading it immediately, he waited until Haru left.
Then, standing outside, he raised the Thunderfire Sword and infused it with chakra.
In an instant, the sky darkened, and a bolt of lightning struck down, connecting with the sword.
Hanekawa couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow, this lightning effect is incredible!"
He almost wanted to shout, "Thunder God, lend me your power!"
___
__
(I'm surprised about the negativity happening. I couldn't help but lament at what happened with humanity.
I want to clarify something. I still have my loyal monthly members.
So, with or without new membership.
There's no stopping me from doing the charity, just the scale will be a little smaller. Because I'm still getting money from them.
All of you here can also watch it later. Because I will share everything for public in my patreon.
If I'm doing a suspicious work, the cons would far outweight the gain.
You think I want to lose the trust of TENS of people who are already subscribed to me? Just for an extra $100?
Initially it's just announcement inside the patreon that I will gain less for them for a while. And announce it here to the people who already have the intention to subscribe.
I guess we can't please everyone. Sigh.)