Lady Tsunade, I Don't Want Us to Have Regrets, Advancement

Night gradually deepened, and one by one, the lights of Konoha came on, casting a soft glow over the streets.

Chiyo and Tsunade walked side by side along the path leading to the sake brewery, their shadows stretching long across the stone pavement.

"Are you sure you want to drink?"

Tsunade glanced sideways at Chiyo, a trace of barely perceptible concern in her voice.

"We're leaving tomorrow."

Chiyo smiled faintly, his gaze falling on the sake brewery's sign in the distance.

"That's precisely why I want to have a drink with Lady Tsunade tonight."

He paused, and his voice grew lower.

"After all... no one can predict what will happen on the battlefield."

Tsunade's steps faltered slightly.

She did not reply, only quickened her pace and headed straight for the sake brewery.

There were only a few scattered patrons inside.

Chiyo chose a secluded private room and slid the door shut, shutting out the noise from outside.

A server quickly brought sake and several small dishes before respectfully withdrawing.

Chiyo filled Tsunade's cup and spoke softly.

"Tonight, let's temporarily forget about Lord Hokage and the Medical Team."

Tsunade took the cup and drained it in one gulp. The harsh liquor slid down her throat, making her frown slightly.

She set down her cup and looked directly at Chiyo.

"Why did you agree to Orochimaru? You could have refused."

Chiyo did not answer immediately. Instead, he poured himself a cup and drank it slowly.

As the alcohol began to take effect, his gaze deepened.

"Some things have to be done by someone.

It is a fact that the Sharingan can suppress Tailed Beasts. If my abilities can help the comrades at the front, I have no reason to shrink back."

Tsunade's slender fingers unconsciously traced the rim of her cup, and her voice lowered.

"But do you know how terrifying a Jinchuriki's power is? Once..."

"I know."

Chiyo interrupted her, his tone calm yet firm.

"If even the Uchiha, who possess a natural advantage against Tailed Beasts, refuse to go, then who in the village will?

The other clans fight for Konoha on the battlefield, while my Uchiha clan contributes nothing. What will others think of the Uchiha in the future?

Only when every clan shares the same hatred for the enemy

can Konoha achieve victory in this war."

Tsunade suddenly raised her head, a flicker of emotion passing through her eyes.

She opened her mouth as though she wanted to say something, but swallowed her words. She merely picked up the sake flask and filled both her own cup and Chiyo's again.

The two drank several cups in silence, and the alcohol gradually rose to their heads.

The atmosphere in the private room became subtle, as though a thin veil had settled between them—hazy, yet enough to make their hearts race.

"Actually..."

Chiyo suddenly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of hoarseness.

"There are some things I've always wanted to tell Lady Tsunade. If I wait too long, I'm afraid I may never get the chance."

Tsunade's heartbeat skipped. She raised an eyebrow, pretending to remain composed.

"Oh? What is it?"

Chiyo looked straight at her, his eyes more serious than ever before.

"Lady Tsunade, from the very first time I saw you, I was drawn to you.

Everything about you made it impossible for me to look away."

A flush instantly spread across Tsunade's cheeks. She instinctively turned away, though her voice softened.

"You smooth-talking brat, do you know what you're saying?"

"I know very well."

Chiyo gave a soft laugh, and his tone suddenly took on a touch of self-mockery.

"I just didn't expect that before I could get to know you better, I would already be heading to the battlefield.

Perhaps... this is fate."

"Fate?"

Tsunade abruptly turned back, and for a moment, she thought of her dead younger brother.

Anger flashed in her eyes.

"Don't talk as though something is definitely going to happen to you! Besides, Orochimaru and those elite ninja will be with you this time..."

Chiyo did not refute her. He merely looked at her quietly, the emotions in his eyes so complicated they broke her heart.

Tsunade was stung by his gaze, and her chest tightened.

She grabbed her cup and drained it, trying to numb the surging emotions inside her with alcohol.

"Lady Tsunade."

Chiyo's voice was as gentle as a breeze.

"If... I mean if, I really encounter a Jinchuriki, or run into Hanzō of Amegakure, and I can't come back, will you still remember me?"

"Shut up!"

Tsunade suddenly slammed the table and stood up, her eyes faintly reddened.

"You're not allowed to say things like that! You'll definitely come back safely!"

Chiyo rose to his feet and slowly walked over to her.

They were close enough to feel each other's breath.

He raised his hand and gently brushed aside a strand of golden hair beside Tsunade's cheek.

Tsunade's breath caught, and the defenses in her heart completely crumbled at that moment.

She suddenly grabbed Chiyo's wrist, her voice trembling slightly.

"You brat... what are you trying to prove?

You've barely even gone outside the village on missions, and now you're going with Orochimaru to deal with that Jinchuriki.

He's gone mad. Have you gone mad too?"

Chiyo did not explain.

Deal with a Jinchuriki himself?

He was not stupid enough to fight a Jinchuriki alone.

Orochimaru would be out front taking the heat, and elite ninja hardened by countless battles would be by his side.

The mission might be worthwhile, but life was unpredictable, and shit could hit the fan.

If the situation turned bad, he would turn tail and run.

As long as the green mountains remained, there would be no shortage of firewood. How could Chiyo not understand that principle?

As for encountering Hanzō, Chiyo had made that up too.

Who could be so unlucky as to run into Hanzō the moment they entered Amegakure?

Looking at the usually proud Tsunade, now full of vulnerability over his affairs,

Chiyo knew that his plan had already succeeded by more than half.

Now was the time—he could not let the opportunity slip away.

He raised his hand and forcefully pulled her into his embrace.

Tsunade did not resist. She merely buried her face against his shoulder.

"Promise me. You have to come back."

Chiyo tightened his arms, feeling the warmth of the person in his embrace.

Alcohol and affection intertwined, and the air in the private room seemed to freeze.

After a long while, Tsunade pushed him away, lifted her head, and stared straight at Chiyo Uchiha.

Then she suddenly rose onto her toes and took the initiative to kiss Chiyo.

Their lips touched, then parted at once.

"Lady Tsunade, I don't want us to have regrets..."

Hearing that, Tsunade's body trembled, and her eyes immediately became unfocused.

"Brat!"

"You actually dare say something so unreasonable... When you return, I'll teach you a proper lesson!"

Tsunade twisted in Chiyo's arms, desire now shining in her light brown eyes.

What an enemy of fate!

Forget it. She would let him have his way!

Click.

As the lamp went out and the private room door was tightly locked, the two finally tore through the last layer of restraint between them.

The next morning.

By the time Chiyo woke up, the person beside him was already gone.

Chiyo shook his muddled head, worn out by wine and pleasure, then stood up on weak legs.

When he opened the private room door, he found an exquisite breakfast placed outside, still warm.

Looking at the note beside it that read, "Eat well. I'll wait for you to come back,"

Chiyo knew Tsunade had left it. The corner of his mouth curled upward.

Good heavens!

She was actually so considerate!

After being busy for most of the night, Chiyo was already hungry and did not stand on ceremony.

He immediately began wolfing down the food.

A night of Taijutsu training had truly consumed a tremendous amount of energy.

Twenty minutes passed.

Full and satisfied, Chiyo left.

After returning home, he packed the equipment he would need for the battlefield.

[Mission to intercept Tsunade completed.]

[Please select your reward.]

Hearing the system's Prompt Tone, Chiyo froze.

It was complete?

Joy surged in Chiyo's heart as he focused on the rewards.

"I choose the Advancement Card! Advance my Three Tomoe Sharingan!!"

[Congratulations, Host, you have received the reward: Advancement Card.]

[The Advancement Card is strengthening the Kekkei Genkai, Sharingan.]

Chiyo felt a cool sensation wash over his eyes. Within his black eyes, the Three Tomoe flickered in and out of sight.

Immediately afterward, intense emotions burst from his eyes and rushed straight into his mind.

Chiyo let out a muffled groan and unconsciously closed his eyes.

Standing where he was, the hand clutching his kunai trembled slightly.

"Whew!"

When Chiyo opened his eyes, the formerly black Three Tomoe had become a Six-Petaled Blood-Colored Manjushage pattern.

A tiny Rinnegan pattern emerged at the flower's center.

[Sharingan advancement successful.]

[Congratulations, Host, you have obtained the Mangekyō Sharingan.]

[Congratulations, Host, you have obtained the Dōjutsu: Yomi Higan.]

[Congratulations, Host, you have obtained the Dōjutsu: Karma Cycle.]

Chiyo's chakra also surged wildly, his clothes whipping in the wind.

Ten minutes later.

Only then did the terrifying pressure fade, and the crimson Mangekyō Sharingan concealed itself once more.

"System, bring up my Character Panel!"

[Name: Chiyo Uchiha]

[Age: 18]

[Chakra: 10 Kakashi]

[Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan (Mangekyō)]

[Skills:

Mangekyo Dōjutsu: Yomi Higan, Karma Cycle.

Mastery of Genjutsu, Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, Body Flicker Technique, Shadow Clone Technique, Basic Ninja Arts, etc.]

He had gained two more Dōjutsu, and his chakra had surged by nine Kakashis.

Chiyo understood.

This enormous increase in chakra was due to the special Yin Release chakra that had flooded into his mind when the Mangekyō advanced.

Activating Dōjutsu required Dōjutsu power, and Dōjutsu power was a type of chakra.

The increase in Dōjutsu power was what had brought his chakra to 10 Kakashis.

Chiyo let out a long breath, his eyes gaining a measure of confidence.

For this mission to Amegakure, forget that insignificant Jinchuriki.

Even if he ran into that "Demi-God" from Amegakure, he had the power to kill him!

What Jinchuriki, what Demi-God...

They could take it up with his Mangekyo Dōjutsu!

"Chiyo!"

Hearing the call, Chiyo used the Body Flicker Technique and left the room.

When he saw who had arrived, Chiyo froze for a moment.

The visitor was actually Mikoto's grandpa, Sosuke Uchiha.

"You were too impulsive about going to the front lines this time!"

"Lord Sosuke!"

"Some things have to be done by someone eventually."

Hearing that reply, Sosuke Uchiha fell silent, swallowing the words that had reached his lips.

"As long as you come back alive, I will never stand in the way of you and Mikoto again!"

You still wanted to stand in our way?

Mikoto and I are a perfect match. Did this old man really need to come out and object?

Chiyo grumbled inwardly.

But considering that the old man was not very resilient, and seeing the concern in his eyes,

Chiyo gave him his promise.

"I... will come back alive! And I'll come back completely unscathed!"

As Chiyo spoke, a trace of crimson appeared in his pitch-black eyes.

Hearing those confident words, Sosuke frowned slightly.

The battlefield was no joke. Just as he was about to reprimand Chiyo and tell him to be extremely careful,

when he saw the change in Chiyo's eyes, his pupils suddenly contracted.