Come at Me If You've Got the Guts to Fight Me One-on-One!

Seeing that his words had successfully caught Hiko's attention, Tsunade immediately perked up. During training, Hiko usually acted as though she did not exist. Not just Tsunade—he treated everyone else the same way.

If he had only treated her that way, Tsunade would have been depressed to death.

Training came to a halt because of Tsunade's words. Hiko turned back to glance at the delighted Tsunade and the curious Jiraiya, then thought for a moment before saying, "No. I'll apply for early graduation again."

"Again?!"

That single word made Tsunade and Jiraiya realize something was wrong. Their eyes widened as they exclaimed in shock, "You already applied? When did that happen?"

Hiko's words directly stunned them. When had he applied, and why had they not known about it?

Hiko tilted his head and thought for a moment. "About half a year ago, I think. But Lord Hokage rejected it, and Teacher didn't tell anyone, so nobody knew."

"Uchiha Hiko!!! That's not fair!!!"

Tsunade's eyes widened. She held it in for quite a while before finally managing to say that. She felt that Hiko not telling her about something like this meant he did not care about her, which made her a little unhappy.

"Exactly, not fair! Why didn't you tell us about something like this?"

Jiraiya joined in as well. If he had known Hiko was applying for early graduation, he might have gone along with him. Even if he could not, he would have caused a fuss and tagged along anyway.

As for Jiraiya, Hiko could only say, Kid, use your head more. Be careful, or one day I'll sell you off and you'll still be helping me count the money. And Tsunade too!

"Since it wasn't approved anyway, what use would there have been in telling you?"

Hiko slowly lowered his raised leg and stretched his body. After Tsunade's interruption, he no longer felt like continuing his training.

"Uh... that's true."

Jiraiya was left speechless, but Tsunade looked a little sour. She puffed up her cheeks and glared at Hiko without saying anything.

After unwrapping the bandages around his hands and feet that protected him from training injuries, Hiko looked at the sulking Tsunade and could not help raising a hand to poke her cheek teasingly.

"Alright, stop puffing them out. Someone who doesn't know better might think you've gotten fat."

"..." Tsunade's little face reddened. She shot Hiko a glare but did not lash out.

But Jiraiya, watching from the side, was dumbstruck. He looked at Hiko, then at Tsunade. It was not jealousy—he was simply preparing to court death.

"Hahaha, I'm dying! Tsunade, you really did get fatter! The places that should have grown haven't, but the places that shouldn't have are getting bigger instead!"

After holding it in for a few seconds, Jiraiya could not take it anymore. He clutched his stomach and rolled around on the grass, laughing until tears streamed down his face.

This was what it meant to have no limits when courting death!!!

Tsunade's adorable face, which had still been rosy just moments ago, instantly darkened. Her gaze became terrifying, as though she wanted to swallow Jiraiya alive.

"Tsunade!!! If you hit me again, I'm fighting back!!!"

Jiraiya quickly suffered the consequences. Tsunade chased after him and beat him senseless while he ran and shouted.

"Hmph!! If you've got the guts, fight me one-on-one!! You think I'm afraid of you, punk?!!!"

Though she had not yet become the future legendary busty beauty, Tsunade was already incredibly strong. Anyone fighting her had better be mentally prepared, or they would end up in a miserable state. Even if they did not die, they would lose a layer of skin.

Watching the two of them scuffle, Hiko sat on the grass and shook his head slightly. He picked up the water Tsunade had brought him and took a huge gulp. This kind of thing happened often enough. Once Tsunade had vented her anger, everything would be fine. Of course, Jiraiya would be groaning in pain afterward.

An enraged Tsunade hit a little too hard!!!

"I'll show you how formidable I am!!!"

After giving Jiraiya a beating, Tsunade finally clapped her hands in satisfaction. She sat down beside Hiko, then lay flat on her back with her limbs spread wide.

"Come to think of it, I'm planning to apply for graduation too. It seems that idiot and Orochimaru will be doing it as well. Teacher was the one who suggested it—three of us together."

After saying that, Tsunade looked at Hiko. Her meaning could not have been more obvious: come with us!!