Behind Tsunade's house.
Hanekawa stood in front of a massive rock, his hands forming seals.
Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique!
Chakra surged out, transforming into solid rock that covered his arm.
Hanekawa clenched his fist but found the rock too thick to allow for flexible movements.
He punched the rock in front of him.
The rock shattered into pieces, fragments flying in all directions.
Hanekawa nodded in satisfaction.
He felt no pain at all.
After a moment of thought, he drew the Thunderfire Sword with his left hand and lightly slashed at his right arm.
*Clang!*
A shallow mark appeared on the rock covering his right arm.
"Good defense."
Hanekawa sheathed the Thunderfire Sword and dispelled the Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique.
A new notification chimed.
This meant he had mastered the Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique.
It had taken him about four days, which was relatively fast.
After all, he was multitasking, also practicing Water Release techniques and the Flying Thunder God Technique.
With the mastery of the Earth Release: Rock Fist Technique, his A-rank title "Earth Release Elite Jonin" progress increased by 1%.
Of course, it wasn't that one Earth Release technique alone contributed 1%, but rather that this technique pushed the cumulative progress to 1%.
Now, his A-rank title "Earth Release Elite Jonin" progress had reached 80%.
Hanekawa felt that if he learned the Earth Release techniques provided by the Hidden Rock Village, he could push it to 90%.
The remaining 10% would depend on his proficiency.
His other A-rank title, "Water Release Elite Jonin," was even further along, now at 90%.
This was because he had already learned all the Water Release techniques of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, fulfilling the quantity requirement.
In Hanekawa's view, proficiency was harder to achieve and more time-consuming than quantity.
In a sense, his Wood Release progress had already reached 90%.
He just didn't know if he could master Wood Release before the war ended.
Hanekawa really wanted to use Wood Release in the Third Great Ninja War. If he could, his influence would grow even further.
And Tsunade becoming the Fourth Hokage was almost a certainty.
After all, she had a student who could use Wood Release.
Footsteps approached.
Hanekawa instinctively turned around and saw the ANBU member, Haru.
"Lord Hanekawa."
Haru gave a slight bow and said, "The signing ceremony with the Hidden Mist Village is scheduled for tomorrow at 9 AM."
"Understood."
Hanekawa nodded and said, "I'll relay the message to my teacher."
"Thank you."
Haru said his piece and then left.
"That little maid is leaving," Hanekawa thought to himself. "Should I have her wear the maid dress one more time before she goes?"
After some consideration, he decided against the tempting idea.
There would be plenty of opportunities in the future; no need to rush.
Hanekawa glanced at the shattered rock and then returned to the open area behind Tsunade's house.
Yūhi Kurenai stood there, controlling a high-pressure water jet shooting from her mouth.
The water jet, sharp as a blade, carved a deep trench into the ground.
After a few seconds, the water jet trembled and then vanished.
Kurenai quickly opened her mouth wide, sticking out her tongue like a puppy.
"Did you hurt your tongue?"
Hanekawa quickly walked over and asked.
Kurenai nodded vigorously, then gave him a pitiful look.
Seeing this, Hanekawa extended his hand.
A faint green chakra emerged, enveloping her mouth.
"All better!"
Kurenai licked her lips and then retracted her tongue.
"Glad you're okay."
Hanekawa looked at her soft, glossy lips and ruffled her hair.
Kurenai noticed his gaze.
Her cheeks flushed with a faint pink, like peach blossoms.
"So cute."
Hanekawa smiled.
"Of course I'm cute!"
Kurenai snorted lightly.
"So, cute Kurenai, what do you want for lunch?"
Hanekawa's fingers trailed down her skin, poking her cheek.
"Wasabi octopus!"
Kurenai felt her cheeks growing hotter, but she didn't dislike it. In fact, she felt a little excited inside.
"Alright."
Hanekawa withdrew his hand and said, "I'll go buy it."
"I'll come with you."
Kurenai stepped forward, grabbed his hand, and pulled him along as they ran out.
By the time they returned with the octopus, Tsunade had also come back from the gambling den.
"Sensei."
Hanekawa looked at Tsunade, who was sitting on the couch, and said, "Haru said the signing ceremony with the Hidden Mist Village is tomorrow at 9 AM."
"I'm not going."
Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. "The old man is the one signing, not me."
For the past two months, she had been negotiating with the Hidden Mist Village's ninjas every day and was thoroughly sick of it.
If the war hadn't already ended, she would have lost her temper and beaten them up.
In short, Tsunade never wanted to see them again.
"Then I won't go either."
Hanekawa said without hesitation.
After all, he had already obtained the Lava Release and Boil Release techniques from Mei Terumī.
"Suit yourself."
Tsunade didn't seem to care.
The next morning at 9 AM.
In the Hokage Building's conference room.
Mei Terumī looked around and gritted her teeth.
That pervert didn't show up?
How dare he look down on her!
After all, she had given him Lava Release and Boil Release techniques.
At the front of the room, the representatives from the Hidden Mist Village, Ao, and the Hidden Leaf Village, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with the Hidden Sand Village's representative, Baki, each signed their names.
This marked the end of over two months of negotiations.
"Lord Hokage."
Ao collected a copy of the agreement and said, "We've been in the Hidden Leaf Village long enough, so we'll be returning to the Hidden Mist Village this afternoon."
"We'll do the same."
Baki added.
"I'll have someone escort you."
Hiruzen nodded, not pressing them to stay.
Ao returned to his seat and noticed Mei's expression.
He couldn't help but feel puzzled.
"I'm fine."
Mei quickly regained her composure.
"Let's pack up and head back to the Hidden Mist Village."
Seeing this, Ao didn't press further.
"Right."
Mei exhaled and said, "Finally, we can leave."
"Yeah."
Ao sighed. "Though the Hidden Leaf Village is nice, it's not the Hidden Mist Village. It doesn't feel like home."
There was another reason too—they were the defeated party, and in the Hidden Leaf Village, they were constantly met with strange looks.
Two hours later, at the gates of the Hidden Leaf Village.
The Hidden Mist Village's ninjas had all gathered.
Mei looked at Koharu Utatane, who had come to see them off, and couldn't hide her disappointment.
She had expected Tsunade and Hanekawa, but they weren't there.
Mei pursed her lips, feeling a surge of resentment.
Had she already lost Hanekawa's attention?
Damn it!
Mei vowed to herself that she would grow stronger after returning to the Hidden Mist Village. The next time she met Hanekawa, she would beat him into submission.
A gust of wind blew.
A figure suddenly appeared.
Mei was startled, her lips curling into a smile before she quickly composed herself.
"Can we talk alone?"
Hanekawa made up an excuse. "I have some questions about Lava Release and Boil Release."
Mei frowned.
She turned to Ao and said, "Wait for me a moment."
Without waiting for his response, she followed Hanekawa to a nearby tree.
"What do you want to ask?"
Mei asked.
"Nothing, really."
Hanekawa smiled. "I just came to see you off."
"I don't need you to see me off!"
Mei said coldly.
"Don't forget you still owe me twenty-three hours."
Hanekawa narrowed his eyes, reminding her.
"I know!"
Mei glared at him. "When you come to the Hidden Mist Village, I'll pay you back!"
"Here, take this."
Hanekawa casually pulled out a scroll.
"What is it?"
Mei looked at the scroll but didn't reach for it.
"A gift for you."
Hanekawa blinked. "Twenty-three maid dresses."
"Pervert!"
Mei's face twisted in disgust.
"It would be even more fitting if you were wearing a maid dress while calling me that."
Hanekawa suddenly thought of an anime.
"...?"
Mei took a step back, hugging herself. "You really are a pervert!"
*Shunshin no Jutsu!*
Hanekawa appeared in front of her, his hand raised, and the scroll landed on her hips, causing a slight bounce.
"Bastard!"
Mei was stunned for a moment, her face turning red as she kicked at him.
"Call me that again?"
Hanekawa easily dodged, his tone threatening. "Do you believe I can do something even more perverted?"
Mei's heart skipped a beat, and she didn't dare say anything more.
"Take it."
Hanekawa handed her the scroll. "Next time, pick a maid dress you like and wear it."
"Fine!"
Mei said through gritted teeth.
"See you."
Hanekawa waved with a smile.
Mei took the scroll and walked away.
As she walked, she continued to mutter curses.
Only after leaving the Hidden Leaf Village did she glance back.
But Hanekawa was already gone.
Mei reached up and tapped her forehead.
Why was she thinking about that pervert?
Not long after the Hidden Mist Village's delegation left, the Hidden Sand Village's delegation also departed.
The Hidden Leaf Village returned to its usual peace.
Time flew by, and it was already April.
Over the past half month, Hanekawa had learned three Earth Release techniques.
The first was Earth Release: Rock Clone.
This technique created a clone made of rock.
Compared to a regular clone, the rock clone was more durable and less likely to dissipate when hit.
The second was Earth Release: Rock Arm.
Similar to Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall, this technique summoned a giant rock hand from the ground to protect oneself or allies.
The third was Earth Release: Earth Core.
This technique allowed the user to raise or lower a square section of land.
After washing the dishes, Hanekawa left the kitchen.
"Let's go."
Tsunade put on her jacket with the character for "gambling" printed on it.
Today was April 1st, and they were heading to the Hokage Building for a Jonin meeting.
The topic, without a doubt, would be related to the Hidden Cloud Village.
"Sensei, let me help you with your shoes."
Hanekawa walked to the entrance and knelt down.
"You really do have a foot fetish."
Tsunade lifted her fair, slender foot.
"Not at all."
Hanekawa said without changing his expression. "This is called respecting one's teacher."
"Is that so?"
Tsunade put on her high-heeled sandals and lifted her other foot.
"Of course!"
Hanekawa looked at the anklet on her foot, his face full of righteousness.
"You expect me to believe that?"
Tsunade suddenly smiled and asked, "Does it look good?"
"It does."
Hanekawa replied without thinking.
"Tch."
Tsunade crossed her arms. "Still denying it?"
"I'm just telling the truth."
Hanekawa quickly added, "Because your feet really are beautiful."
Tsunade glared at him, speechless.
For the first time, she realized her student could be so shameless.
"Sensei, we should go."
Hanekawa quickly changed the subject. "The meeting is about to start."
He felt that if they continued this conversation, his life might be in danger.
Tsunade walked outside.
As she passed Hanekawa, she stepped on his foot.
"What kind of childish behavior is that?"
Hanekawa muttered to himself, but he didn't dare say it out loud.
He just hoped that next time, she wouldn't be wearing shoes.
In the Hokage Building's conference room.
By the time Tsunade and Hanekawa arrived, most of the seats were already filled.
"Lady Tsunade."
Minato Namikaze saw them and quickly greeted them. "Hanekawa."
His seat was also in the front row.
After all, he was Jiraiya's student, and the Flying Thunder God Technique had strategic significance.
"Is Kushina not coming?"
Tsunade walked to her seat.
She asked because Hiruzen had previously told her that the war needed to end.
The Hidden Cloud Village had the Two-Tails and the Eight-Tails, especially the Eight-Tails, which was nearly impossible for ordinary ninjas to handle.
The best counter was the Hidden Leaf Village's Nine-Tails.
If they wanted to end the war, Kushina Uzumaki was indispensable.
"She's not coming."
Minato shook his head.
"Did the old man not arrange it?"
Tsunade was puzzled.
"He did."
Minato lowered his voice. "The Hokage asked me to stay with Kushina and, at a critical moment, take her to the Land of Frost."
"I see."
Tsunade nodded slightly.
Hiruzen's plan was simple: wait until the war situation became clear before deploying the Nine-Tails.
Until then, Minato would guard Kushina.
With the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could quickly bring her to the battlefield.
At 8:30 AM, Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura Mitokado arrived on time.
The Jonin meeting began.
"The purpose of today's meeting is to support Orochimaru and the others and to end the war with the Hidden Cloud Village."
Hiruzen spoke slowly.
The room was filled with surprise and excitement.
After being on the defensive for so long, the Hidden Leaf Village was finally taking the initiative.
And Hiruzen's message was clear: they would push back the Hidden Cloud Village in one decisive battle.
"Tsunade will lead three thousand ninjas to the Land of Frost."
Hiruzen thought for a moment and said, "Orochimaru will remain the commander in the Land of Frost, with Tsunade as the deputy commander."
Changing commanders mid-battle was a taboo.
And if they did, Orochimaru would definitely be displeased.
"Minato will stay in the Hidden Leaf Village."
Hiruzen continued. "If the battle situation changes, you will lead one thousand ninjas to provide support."
"Yes."
Minato quickly responded.
In reality, the one thousand ninjas were a decoy. The real trump card was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Kushina Uzumaki.
"Prepare yourselves."
Hiruzen waved his hand. "We depart early tomorrow morning."
The Jonin meeting had started abruptly and ended just as quickly.
Hanekawa thought it was a good meeting, with no unnecessary talk.
He stood up and left the conference room with Tsunade.
_
Patreon.com/rashta
1. 345 adv ch of Talent System In Naruto
2. 560 adv ch of Qian Renxue's Younger Brother
3. 270 adv ch of Uchiha Madara's Cousin
4. 163 adv ch of WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu (Complete)
5. 487 adv ch of This Danzo Is Weird