After training in swordsmanship at the Hatake residence for over two hours and having dinner there, Shiro Akira said goodbye to Sakumo Hatake and Kakashi Hatake before heading home.
"Master really is a good person…"
After just two days of interaction, Shiro Akira could already feel Sakumo's sincerity and the importance he placed on him.
Not only was the teaching thorough and attentive, even the dinner had been generous—giving Shiro Akira a long-lost sense of home.
Master, don't worry… I will never let you follow the same tragic path as in the original story.
Shiro Akira silently swore to himself.
Since he had transmigrated into this world and received such kindness, he had to change some of the tragedies he couldn't stand.
About ten minutes later, Shiro Akira arrived at his house.
"Hm?"
The moment he pushed open the courtyard gate, he sensed something was off.
Someone was inside.
He immediately grew alert, pulling out a kunai from his pouch and gripping it tightly as he approached the door cautiously.
Pushing it open, he turned on the light and quickly scanned the room—
Only to see a woman sitting calmly at the table, dressed in a light green robe, with long blonde hair and an imposing figure. She was leisurely drinking tea and snacking on the food laid out on the table.
Shiro Akira: "…"
"My snacks!"
He instantly exploded, shouting angrily, glaring at Tsunade. "Who are you? Why did you break into my house and steal my snacks?"
Of course, he already knew exactly who she was.
"Tsk tsk."
Tsunade looked him up and down with amusement. "You really think I don't know who I am? Stop acting, kid. It's too fake."
Shiro Akira: "…"
Damn, her insight is sharp.
Well… to be fair, he hadn't really tried to act seriously anyway.
It was just a joke.
"Tsk, Tsunade-sama really is no fun."
Shiro Akira clicked his tongue, put away his kunai, and sat cross-legged across from her. Looking at her seriously, he asked, "So, what brings the famous Tsunade-sama to the home of an orphan like me?"
In truth, he had already guessed.
The Third Hokage must have said something, combined with his background and talent—her appearance here wasn't surprising.
Ever since discovering the Senju Swordsmanship Notes and revealing his talent, he had been prepared for this moment.
"Tch."
Tsunade sized him up again, then shrugged. "Nothing much. The Third Hokage thinks you have some connection to me and a bit of talent, so he asked me to come take a look—and maybe take you as a disciple."
She deliberately paused there, watching his reaction.
But Shiro Akira simply poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and replied calmly, "Oh."
Tsunade: "???"
"Oh?"
Annoyed, Tsunade reached out and grabbed his cheek, stretching it. "What kind of reaction is that? You're not even surprised? Or are you dissatisfied?"
Shiro Akira slapped her hand away helplessly and rubbed his slightly reddened cheek. "Tsunade-sama probably doesn't know—I have a scroll called Senju Swordsmanship Notes left by my parents. I more or less understand why you came. As for taking me as a disciple? It would be great… but I don't think you actually intend to."
Tsunade wasn't the type to take disciples easily.
And her earlier tone clearly wasn't serious.
She was more likely here just to check on him as a Senju descendant.
"Why would you think that? Do you know me that well?"
Tsunade became curious.
This kid was more interesting than she had expected.
He clearly had his own secrets—and he was smart.
"I know a bit."
Shiro Akira shrugged. "After seeing that scroll, I looked up information about the Senju clan in the academy library. Naturally, I learned about you too. From what I found, you're… a bit lazy, and you've never taken disciples before. So the chances of you taking me now are pretty low."
Tsunade had long been disillusioned with Konoha.
She'd likely leave the village soon—why would she take on a disciple?
"Hey, hey!"
Tsunade slammed the table, annoyed. "What do you mean I'm lazy? Do you have any idea how busy I am every day?"
"…But you're right. I didn't come to take you as a disciple."
She leaned back slightly. "I am a bit surprised that you're aware of your Senju lineage, though."
"But that works out. Saves me the trouble of explaining."
"It's rare for a talented kid like you to appear among the Senju descendants. Don't say your big sister isn't taking care of you—here, take these."
As she spoke, Tsunade took out two scrolls and placed them in front of Shiro Akira.
"These contain the Shadow Clone Technique and Water Release: Water Wave Technique. Consider them a gift and a bit of support. Keep working hard, grow stronger, and… survive. Don't die."
With that, Tsunade stood up and walked toward the door.
Halfway there, she waved casually without turning back. "If you run into trouble you can't handle, come find me at the Senju residence or the hospital."
Of course—that was only if she was still in the village by then.
Giving the kid some protection while she could wasn't a bad idea.
With Sakumo around, he should be fine for now.
Shiro Akira quickly got up and followed her to the courtyard gate, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama. I'll remember your words."
He never hesitated to show respect to those who treated him well.
He would repay them all, one by one, when the time came.
"Call me big sister."
Tsunade turned slightly and looked at him.
"Tsunade-sis."
Shiro Akira complied without hesitation.
Looking at his white hair and somewhat familiar features, Tsunade paused for a moment, a certain figure—Tobirama Senju—briefly flashing through her mind.
But she quickly shook it off with a quiet scoff.
Seems I've been getting sentimental lately…
"Go on back. I'm leaving."
She waved once more and walked away without looking back.