NOVEL WEB Chapter 60: Chapter 60
AN : Bonus chapter on reaching 20 five-star reviews
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"You're Kitazawa?"
Tsunade eyed him up and down with a faint, mischievous smile. "Not bad. You're quite handsome."
"I'm Kitazawa."
He met her gaze calmly, neither deferential nor arrogant. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Lady Tsunade."
"Oh? And how exactly did you know I'm Tsunade?"
She raised a golden eyebrow, curious.
"Blonde ninjas are a rarity," Kitazawa replied with a small smile. He'd initially wanted to say that her…distinctive features made her recognizable, but he wisely reframed his words.
"I see."
Tsunade gave a small nod before asking, "Was it you who proposed the concept of Psychological Medical Ninja?"
"I was," Kitazawa confirmed. He paused, then added, "The idea came to me thanks to Yakumo."
"That's a brilliant concept."
Tsunade cast him an appraising look, her tone warming with genuine praise.
Had Hiruzen been the one to propose such an idea, she'd have immediately assumed it was aimed at her hemophobia. But Kitazawa clearly knew nothing about her personal trauma, making it unlikely to be anything but coincidence.
"Where's Yakumo? And the others?" Tsunade asked impatiently, glancing around.
"Look at you—still so quick-tempered," Hiruzen said with a chuckle. "All these years, and you haven't mellowed a bit."
"You talk too much, old man," Tsunade shot back bluntly.
There was no trace of respect in her tone, just the familiar bickering of old comrades.
"Shizune, would you pour some tea?" Hiruzen instructed.
"Of course."
Standing dutifully behind Tsunade, Shizune gently set down her pet pig, Tonton, and reached for the teapot.
"Thank you," Kitazawa said, accepting the cup she offered.
Moments later, a knock came at the door.
"Hokage-sama, Lady Tsunade."
Kurenai stepped in, guiding Yakumo beside her.
"Yakumo, come here," Tsunade called, beckoning with a pale, graceful hand.
Yakumo instinctively glanced at Kurenai, seeking reassurance. Only when Kurenai gave her a slight nod did she approach Tsunade.
Tsunade laid her hand against Yakumo's forehead, and a soft green glow of chakra radiated from her palm.
Immediately, Tsunade's expression shifted into mild shock.
She'd read Sarutobi's reports about Yakumo's bloodline limit, but reading was one thing—witnessing it firsthand was quite another.
Now that she'd examined Yakumo personally, she realized just how frightening this power was. It was the first time Tsunade had ever seen Yin Release energy strong enough to physically affect the body.
"Lady Tsunade…is there anything you can do?"
Kurenai couldn't help blurting out the question, anxiety evident in her voice.
She'd spent so long looking after Yakumo that the girl felt like her true student—and perhaps something closer.
And if anyone in the shinobi world could heal Yakumo, it was Tsunade, the most skilled medical ninja alive.
"It's complicated," Tsunade said slowly, withdrawing her hand and frowning in thought. "But…I might be able to stabilize her condition first."
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
Kurenai bowed deeply, her voice brimming with gratitude.
With Tsunade's help, she truly believed Yakumo's life could change for the better.
"Tsunade," Hiruzen interjected, looking pleased. "So you're agreeing to stay and help establish the Psychological Medical Ninja program for Konoha?"
"I'm just sticking around because I've got some free time," Tsunade sniffed, folding her arms. "I might leave in a few days."
"I understand," Hiruzen said with a knowing smile.
Despite all the years Tsunade had spent away from Konoha, he knew the village still held a deep place in her heart.
If she'd truly wanted to sever all ties, no medical program would have convinced her to return.
"Anyway…" Tsunade stretched out her hand toward Hiruzen, an impish grin curving her lips. "Both treating Yakumo and creating new ninjutsu cost money. So fork it over, old man."
"How much are we talking about, exactly?" Hiruzen said dryly, stroking his beard. "I'll need some time to calculate the budget."
"Fine. I'll come back tomorrow."
Tsunade turned on her heel, her long hair swinging behind her.
Kitazawa watched her go, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Konoha was about to get a lot more interesting.
Tsunade studied Kitazawa for a moment. Seeing no sign of deception, she finally nodded.
"Alright. Arrange a place for Shizune and me to stay."
Though the Senju Clan's old compound still stood, she had no desire to return. That place was steeped in memories—too many of them painful.
"No problem," Hiruzen replied gently, understanding her unspoken hesitation. He didn't press further.
For him, Tsunade's return to the village was already a massive victory. Her identity and strength alone would serve as a reassuring pillar for both Konoha's citizens and its shinobi.
"Yakumo," Tsunade said, turning to the young girl, "come with me to the Konoha Hospital."
Yakumo's condition was complex—far beyond what a simple diagnosis could reveal. Tsunade needed proper medical equipment to evaluate her fully.
And as a top medical ninja, rare and mysterious cases intrigued her.
"I'll come too," Kurenai quickly added, not about to let Yakumo face this alone.
"Kitazawa, you stay."
Just as Kitazawa opened his mouth to speak, Hiruzen interrupted, voice firm.
"I have a few things I need to discuss with you."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment.
Once Tsunade, Shizune, Kurenai, and Yakumo had departed, only Hiruzen and Kitazawa remained in the Hokage's office.
"Kitazawa," the old Hokage began, gazing at the closed door, "Do you know what Tsunade's nickname is?"
Kitazawa tilted his head. "You mean... one of the 'Legendary Sannin'?"
"Not that one." Hiruzen chuckled, but his sigh that followed was long and weary. "I meant her real nickname—the Legendary Sucker."
"I've heard rumors," Kitazawa said cautiously, unsure where this was going.
"Tsunade has the worst luck imaginable when it comes to gambling. Every time she bets, she loses. Without fail."
Hiruzen gave a helpless shrug. "And here's the problem: I already promised her funding for the new medical program. I have to give it to her… But if I hand it over directly, it'll vanish faster than you can say 'Jackpot.'"
He looked at Kitazawa meaningfully.
"That's why I'm entrusting the money to you."
"…Huh?"
Kitazawa froze, his expression one of pure disbelief.
'Old man, that's not a gift—that's a curse!'
'You want me to hold on to Tsunade's spending money? What if she explodes?'
Hiruzen ignored his inner monologue.
"Konoha's Psychological Medical Ninja Project is now official," he continued. "Tsunade will lead the program. You, Kurenai, and Shizune will serve as its core members. Tsunade will be busy, so you'll be handling the budget and expenses."
"But—"
"There's no 'but,'" Hiruzen said firmly. "I trust your capability."
"…"
Kitazawa could only twitch the corner of his mouth.
"Don't worry. Tsunade may have a temper, but she's not unreasonable. She won't break your arms over a budget request." Hiruzen gave him a wink. "Probably."
"…I'll do my best."
At this point, Kitazawa realized resistance was futile.
"Good." Hiruzen nodded, pleased. "Once you're back home, draft a financial plan and bring it to me when it's ready."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Kitazawa left the Hokage's office with a small headache already forming.
Still, after a moment's reflection, he couldn't help but smile.
This wasn't just some clerical task—it was an opportunity.
Handling the finances of a high-profile village initiative meant direct access to Konoha's upper command.
And if he could establish good relations with someone like Tsunade—someone with power, principle, and influence—he would be much better positioned to protect both himself and his students.
Back at home, Kitazawa grabbed a bowl of Ichiraku Ramen, then sat down at his desk and began to write.
He had once worked in an office, so drafting proposals and reports was second nature.
All he needed to do was list every projected expense: personnel, equipment, training facilities, research supplies…
By sunrise, the plan was complete.
The next morning, Kitazawa returned to the Hokage's office.
But Sarutobi hadn't arrived yet.
So he simply placed the document neatly on the Hokage's desk and stepped out, already anticipating what chaos the day might bring.
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