As she nibbled on snacks and watched Hoshita Shūichi and Tsunade engaged in a heated discussion, Shizune—though unable to participate—felt a deep sense of happiness.
The debate between Hoshita Shūichi and Tsunade lasted well into the night, only stopping when Shizune finished preparing dinner.
Over the meal, Tsunade suddenly said, "Shizune, apply for early graduation once the new term starts."
Shizune was taken aback but instinctively nodded. "Yes, Lady Tsunade."
Tsunade glanced at Hoshita Shūichi and continued, "After graduating, report to Konoha Hospital first. I'll have Yakushi Nonō mentor you."
Hoshita Shūichi caught the implication and quickly chimed in, "Don't worry, Shizune. I'll put in a good word with the director too."
Her cheeks stuffed with delicious food, Shizune happily nodded. "Mhm!"
After dinner, Hoshita Shūichi left with the scarf Shizune had gifted him, waving goodbye.
Under the streetlights, Shizune stood in the falling snow, watching as Hoshita Shūichi disappeared into the darkness.
"He's long gone by now!"
Tsunade's voice rang out.
Shizune's face flushed as she turned to see Tsunade leaning against the doorframe, a sake bottle in hand, slightly tipsy.
"Lady Tsunade, it's too cold out here. Let's go back inside!"
Shizune hurried over to support her.
Tsunade took a swig and scoffed, "That brat's just like Jiraiya—a total pervert!"
"N-no, Lady Tsunade must be misunderstanding Shūichi," Shizune protested softly.
"Hmph, that brat's always staring at my chest!"
"Ah—!"
As the door closed behind them, their voices faded into the howling wind and snow.
Returning home through the snowstorm, Hoshita Shūichi was greeted by the warm soup Yakushi Nonō had prepared.
With the first sip, the chill left his body. He grinned. "Director, your cooking keeps getting better!"
Yakushi Nonō smiled as she brushed the snow off him. "I'm glad you like it."
"Your medicinal bath is ready too. Finish your soup and go soak."
Nodding, Hoshita Shūichi downed the soup and headed to the bathroom.
When he emerged, he found Yakushi Nonō bent over, carefully mending his clothes.
Her focused, gentle demeanor tugged at his heart.
Approaching, he grinned. "Director, dry my hair for me!"
"Shūichi, you're almost eight years old, you know," Yakushi Nonō teased.
Despite her words, she set aside the needle and fabric.
Hoshita Shūichi immediately flopped onto the sofa, resting his head on her lap.
As Yakushi Nonō gently towel-dried his semi-long hair, the familiar scent lulled him into a deep sleep, his arms wrapped around her waist.
Noticing he'd dozed off, Yakushi Nonō's touch grew even softer.
She was well aware of Hoshita Shūichi's unique dependence on her. But having witnessed his relentless efforts, her heart ached too much to deny him anything.
Just being able to stay by Shūichi's side like this is enough...
She quietly mused.
Hoshita Shūichi woke at 5 a.m., recalling last night's events. He rolled around in bed a few times, energized, before washing up and heading out.
Despite the snow-blanketed world, nothing could stop his morning training.
"Shūichi, I knew you'd show up!"
In the white expanse, Might Guy's green jumpsuit was impossible to miss.
The cold did nothing to dampen his enthusiasm. "Since we're here, let's spar, Shūichi!"
"As you wish!"
Hoshita Shūichi agreed cheerfully.
Training with a rival was always more efficient than solo drills.
Soon, the two left clear trails across Konoha's snowy landscape.
Midway, they ran into Kakashi, turning their duo into a trio.
After morning training and a hearty breakfast prepared by Yakushi Nonō, Hoshita Shūichi deviated from his usual routine and headed to the study instead.
He'd originally planned to finish the summoning scroll last night and complete his Summoning Technique training, but Yakushi Nonō's tenderness had derailed him.
Truly, the warmth of a gentle embrace is the downfall of heroes.
Sighing inwardly, he activated [2x Focus Mode] and got to work.
Time slipped by unnoticed. Two hours later, he deactivated the focus mode and exhaled deeply.
"Finally done!"
Pleased, he inspected the scroll's seals before nodding in satisfaction and opening the window.
The icy air jolted him awake, clearing his slightly foggy mind.
Just then, Yakushi Nonō entered with a bowl of bone broth. "Fresh air is good, but don't stand by the window!"
She pulled him away and sat him down.
"Thanks, Director."
He gulped the hot soup eagerly.
Yakushi Nonō glanced at the scroll. "Finished?"
"Of course."
After draining the bowl, warmth spread through him. He grinned. "I'm a genius, after all."
"Amazing!"
Yakushi Nonō took the bowl and gently reminded him, "Even geniuses must stay humble."
"Naturally."
Hoshita Shūichi's expression turned serious. "I promised to protect you for a lifetime, didn't I?"
Yakushi Nonō met his gaze with equal sincerity. "I believe in you."
They shared a smile.
Once she left, Hoshita Shūichi retrieved his Amatsukami Blade and placed it on a scroll inscribed with seals.
After forming hand signs, he pressed his palm to the sword.
Instantly, the seals writhed to life, crawling up the blade and etching "Amatsukami" into the hilt.
With the seals complete, he hurled the sword out the window, where it stuck into the snow.
Next, he added his blood and chakra to the summoning scroll.
Preparations done, he formed the signs.
Summoning Technique!
A seal flared beneath his palm, and with a poof, the Amatsukami Blade reappeared in his grip.
The Summoning Technique was a success!
Simultaneously, his Keyword Tree stirred.
Focusing inward, he examined the changes.
"Huh?"
He'd expected something like [Space-Time Expert], but there was more.
The keyword [Jutsu Master], which had been dormant, was now unlockable.
"So I've mastered 30 jutsu now?"
Belatedly, he tallied them up—including the Summoning Technique, it was indeed 30.
Back then, 30 jutsu had seemed like a lot, but he'd reached it without even realizing.
Though, how many chūnin in the world know this many techniques?
It wasn't just about skill and training time—resources mattered too.
His early graduation had been precisely to secure access to jutsu.
Without it, his options would've been limited to medical ninjutsu.
Beyond what Yakushi Nonō could teach, he'd have had nowhere to learn.
...
Keyword: [Jutsu Master]
Unlock Condition: Master at least 30 jutsu.
Effect: Any jutsu can be performed with just two hand seals. Jutsu Talent improvement 100%.
The benefits were undeniable—worthy of a green-tier keyword.
Reducing all jutsu to two seals would grant a significant initiative advantage.
And the talent boost covered all ninjutsu: Fire, Wind, Lightning, Water, Earth Release, genjutsu, and more.
"This'll make mastering Lightning, Water, and Earth Release much easier."
He smiled.
Genjutsu, too—he was currently studying the Demonic Illusion: Darkness Technique.
After savoring the progress, he turned his attention to another keyword leaf.
Keyword: [Emissary of Space-Time]
Unlock Condition: Master at least 5 space-time jutsu.
Effect: Space-time Talent improvement 100%. Physical improvement 100% (Without a robust physique, how could one endure long-distance teleportation?)
The description made him grimace.
Five space-time jutsu?!
Where am I supposed to find that many?
"Summoning Technique, Reverse Summoning, Kumogakure's Heavenly Transfer Technique, Flying Thunder God... Aside from Kekkei Genkai, what else counts?"
He scratched his head.
If not for the physique boost, he'd have groaned aloud.
"Thankfully, [Jutsu Master] and [Konoha Prodigy] both enhance all jutsu categories, including space-time. Otherwise, mastering Flying Thunder God would've been hopeless."
"But Kumogakure's Heavenly Transfer Technique won't be easy to acquire."
"Or... I could develop my own?"
After some thought, he shelved the idea for now.
Packing up the scroll, he headed to the Forest of Death.
The white tiger was hibernating, but it woke the moment Hoshita Shūichi appeared. With a low growl, it nuzzled him affectionately.
After playing for a while, Hoshita Shūichi infused it with chakra, helping it grow accustomed to the energy.
He then fed it a medicinal pill and, while it was distracted, unrolled the summoning scroll and pricked its paw.
As blood dripped onto the scroll, leaving a paw print, the tiger barely had time to react before a healing jutsu sealed the wound.
It blinked at him, bewildered.
"Ha ha ha!"
Hoshita Shūichi laughed, ruffling its head. "Little White, now I can take care of you even on missions."
After more playtime, he left.
Entering the Uchiha clan's compound, Hoshita Shūichi looked around curiously.
The Uchiha were indeed unique in Konoha, living in a tightly knit enclave.
Even the Hyūga, another prestigious clan, weren't as insular.
"Shūichi!"
A voice called out. He turned to see an unfamiliar Uchiha approaching.
After a moment's scrutiny, recognition dawned. "It's you!"
The man—Uchiha Yū—smiled as he introduced himself. "I'm Uchiha Yū. Here to see Shisui?"
Hoshita Shūichi bowed slightly. "Greetings, Senior Yū. Yes, I'm here for Shisui."
"Let me take you there."
Unable to refuse, Hoshita Shūichi nodded. "Thank you!"
As they walked and talked, they soon arrived at Uchiha Shisui's home. Yū excused himself promptly.
After seeing him off, Uchiha Shisui gave Hoshita Shūichi a tour.
The spacious, traditional compound was a far cry from Hoshita Shūichi's modest two-bedroom apartment.
Yet for someone living alone, it felt eerily quiet—a stark contrast to Uchiha Shisui's warm, sunny demeanor.
Finally, they reached the area where Shisui kept his crows.
He'd built wooden shelters to help them weather the winter.
"These are reserved for you."
Uchiha Shisui pointed to several nests inside one shelter.
Peering in, Hoshita Shūichi saw fledglings.
Uchiha Shisui smiled. "But I wouldn't take them now—it's too cold."
"Instead, why not visit daily to feed them? You can take them home in spring."
Hoshita Shūichi agreed readily. "You're the expert. I'll follow your lead!"
Read advance chapters here:
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