Qingguang picked up the manuscript and strained to open his eyes wide, trying to make out the writing.
But the contents were simply too difficult to understand. He gave an awkward smile and pointed at the chicken-scratch characters. "Boss Lady, I'm not a Medical Ninja. I can't really read the shorthand you people use."
Tsunade froze, then snatched the manuscript back, masking her embarrassment with a smile.
She'd forgotten. When she was in a hurry, almost no one could read her handwriting.
"Forget it. Having you read it would take too long. I'll just give you the short version."
Only then did Qingguang breathe a sigh of relief. "Go ahead."
After putting the manuscript away and smoothing it flat beside her, Tsunade unconsciously grew serious.
She folded her arms in front of her.
Her arms lifted the massive weight on her chest, compressing it from both sides and creating a deep valley that seemed bottomless, filled with hidden danger.
The chainmail made of fine steel links looked like black fishnet stockings, laying a thin veil over the valley and making it impossible to see what lay within.
Qingguang couldn't help wondering if, despite its perilous appearance, the valley concealed a vibrant spring.
But Tsunade had already turned her attention to what she wanted to say.
"The Shinobi World has been unstable lately. Clashes often break out around the border between our village and Amegakure."
"War will probably break out before long. I want to propose to Teacher Sarutobi that we invest more in training Medical Ninjas and reform the system."
"Because no matter how the war starts, the other villages will surely try to invade the Land of Fire."
"Only by training more Medical Ninjas can we reduce the death rate among our village's shinobi. Otherwise, even if Konoha is powerful, it won't be able to stand against all the other villages combined just by relying on numbers."
After finishing, Tsunade smiled and reached out to tap Qingguang on the forehead.
"Come to think of it, I only thought of reforming the Medical Ninja system because of what you've been doing in the Police Department lately."
"You've done a pretty good job, kid."
"Use your experience to help me think this through. Do you think Teacher Sarutobi will agree?"
Tsunade was still young, full of energy and unwavering love for Konoha. Having witnessed her second grandfather, Tobirama Senju, carry out bold and decisive reforms since childhood, she naturally admired his approach.
Her shapely thighs crossed one over the other, her toes gently bobbing up and down.
The bright red polish on her toenails kept flashing at the edge of Qingguang's vision.
Despite the summer heat, Tsunade wore a Medical Ninja's white coat over her usual cool, casual shorts.
Her skin was smooth and delicate, white as jade.
Qingguang couldn't help sneaking a couple of extra looks.
Since Boss Lady was being so generous—letting him watch a whole game and feel the heat of youth—Qingguang had to return the favor.
He closed his eyes and began to think.
It definitely wasn't because Tsunade had happened to look up and nearly caught him staring.
"Reforming the Medical Ninja system is a good idea. With that advantage, Konoha shinobi's overall strength will surely rise again."
Hearing Qingguang say that, Tsunade immediately perked up. Her eyes lit up as if she'd found a kindred spirit, and she nodded enthusiastically.
Her ample bosom surged, appearing and disappearing at the edge of Qingguang's vision.
"Exactly!"
"It takes far too long to train a shinobi, but all it takes to kill one is a Kunai, an Explosive Tag, or a single jutsu."
"A lot of shinobi don't die immediately during missions. They die because they're injured and can't get treatment in time." Tsunade's tone grew increasingly grave, sadness showing on her face.
Qingguang picked up where she left off. "And there are so few Medical Ninjas that plenty of shinobi hold back during missions and battles, afraid that even if they survive and complete their mission, they won't stay alive for long."
At that, Tsunade realized that Qingguang's thoughts were exactly like hers. They'd arrived at the same conclusion, and she couldn't help feeling secretly pleased.
Just as expected of the little bro I raised as Boss Lady!
But when she thought of Qingguang's actions in the Police Department, a faint smile appeared on her face.
No—she only thought this way about Medical Ninjas. Qingguang was always considerate and gentle toward others, no matter what he did.
Seeing Tsunade smile for no apparent reason, her gaze seeming a little distant, Qingguang waved a hand in front of her. "Boss Lady? Boss Lady?"
"Are you tired? Do you need to rest for a bit?"
Tsunade came back to herself. Qingguang was leaning toward her, brows slightly furrowed, looking concerned.
She stood up, grabbed him with both arms, and pinned him under her armpit, wearing a mischievous grin. "You little rascal."
"Your Boss Lady isn't some frail woman who gets tired at the drop of a hat."
Qingguang grabbed Tsunade's forearm and tried to speak, but he couldn't break free from her strength.
Seriously, who would ever call you a frail woman? You're the strongest person in Konoha!
He grumbled inwardly, but his cheek could feel the softness at the side of Tsunade's chest.
It kept brushing against his face, leaving him distracted and unsure what to do.
Should he break free?
If he did, he'd suffer less and avoid becoming Tsunade's plaything.
But Tsunade's close, affectionate way of holding him let him feel her broad-mindedness and warmth.
Maybe Boss Lady Tsunade just showed affection differently from other people?
Feeling Qingguang's struggles weaken, Tsunade's heart lurched.
Oh no, I didn't squeeze him too hard and knock him out, did I?
She bent down and lowered her head to look at Qingguang's face.
At that very moment, Qingguang instinctively looked up, and his eyes met Tsunade's.
He saw not only Tsunade's brown eyes, but also the mountains. He was just a tiny bit away from seeing the wonders at their peaks.
Then Tsunade abruptly let go and gave him a goofy smile. "All right, I'll stop teasing you. Go back to your patrol."
"Keep what I just told you confidential for now. I'm going to surprise Teacher Sarutobi with it later."
Tsunade blinked and shot Qingguang a playful wink.
Blushing, Qingguang enjoyed the fresh air and made an "OK" sign.
"See you later, Boss Lady."
Then he turned and left.
Watching Qingguang walk away, Tsunade remembered how red his face had been.
As if suddenly remembering something, she looked down at herself and slapped her palm against her forehead.
She'd completely forgotten Qingguang's age and had teased him as if he were still a child.
But that thought was soon replaced by another.
Before you continue