Taking My Relationship with Tsunade to the Next Level

Half an hour later, in the Hokage's Office.

"You've arrived."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Qingyu and Tsunade.

A scroll containing intelligence about the border defense line was spread out in front of him.

Seeing Tsunade and Qingyu walk in side by side, he took the pipe from his mouth and tapped it on the edge of the ashtray.

"Old man, Orochimaru said the situation is quite serious?"

Tsunade stood in front of the desk with her arms crossed.

"It's not that serious."

Sarutobi Hiruzen waved his hand, gesturing for the two to sit down first.

Qingyu sat down on the chair next to him, her gaze falling on the open intelligence scroll in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"This is the current situation."

Sarutobi Hiruzen placed his pipe on the table.

"The Third Kazekage has been missing for some time now, Sunagakure has yet to find any clues. They suspect that Konoha assassinated the Third Kazekage and are using this as a pretext to constantly create friction on the border."

"In recent weeks, the activity of Sunagakure ninjas along the border between the Land of Rivers Land of Wind has increased more than threefold, and they have clashed with our patrols on several occasions."

He paused, picked up another scroll, and unfolded it. It contained a map of the eastern coastline of the Land of Fire.

Meanwhile, Kirigakure couldn't sit still any longer. Their ninjas landed on the eastern coastline of the Land of Fire, attacked several coastal villages, and looted a considerable amount of supplies.

"According to intelligence from the front lines, Kirigakure has dispatched more troops this time than ever before, and there are signs of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist being active."

Upon hearing Sarutobi Hiruzen's words, Tsunade frowned slightly.

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist?

The Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist are the seven strongest ninjas of Kirigakure), each wielding a unique Ninja Blade and possessing distinctive abilities.

"It's not yet certain that all seven have been deployed, but at least two or three Ninja Blades have been confirmed to be on the battlefield."

Sarutobi Hiruzen placed the two scrolls side by side on the table, then looked up at Tsunade and Qingyu.

"Therefore, I plan to have you form a Medical Logistics Special Unit to provide support along the eastern coastline."

"Medical Logistics Special Unit?"

Tsunade's brows relaxed a little.

They were at least not sent directly to the front lines to fight.

"Tsunade, I know about your situation."

Sarutobi Hiruzen softened his tone.

He knew that Tsunade had Hemophobia.

Therefore, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not intend to send Tsunade to the front lines as he had done during the Second Shinobi World War.

"You don't need to go to the battlefield personally. You only need to be in charge of medical command from the rear, organizing the treatment and evacuation of the wounded. Jiraiya; once you get there, you'll be under his command."

Tsunade was silent for a moment, then asked, "Where's Qingyu?"

"Qingyu might participate in some missions."

Sarutobi Hiruzen turned his gaze to Qingyu.

"But it won't be too difficult. The main challenge is coordinating with Jiraiya's actions. The terrain there is quite complex, and the Kirigakure ninjas are skilled in Water Release and underwater ambush. We need ninjas with sensory abilities and close combat skills to help with the cleanup."

Qingyu always felt that the statement "not too difficult" was only relative.

"I see."

Qingyu nodded without saying anything more.

Tsunade suddenly stepped forward and slammed her palm on Sarutobi Hiruzen's desk.

Bang.

The pen holder on the table jumped, and a calligraphy brush rolled to the ground.

"Old man, since you're sending Qingyu to the front lines, you can't just leave without any indication of your intentions, can you?"

Tsunade's tone was clearly displeased.

"It's true that Qingyu is Chunin now, but he's just become Chunin and he's already going to the front lines. How can you not give him something good?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen coughed twice, offended by Tsunade's protective behavior.

He could only smile wryly as he took a sealing scroll from the drawer and pushed it in front of Qingyu.

"This is for Qingyu."

He had long suspected that Tsunade, being a woman, would become protective of her own children once she grew up.

After all, Tsunade had done the same thing before, arranging many benefits for Qingyu.

"Thank you Lord Hokage."

Qingyu said.

He took the sealing scroll, unfolded it, and injected Chakra. A puff of white smoke rose from the white pages, and several piles of Shuriken and a large stack of Explosive Tag appeared on the table.

He picked up a Shuriken.

This Shuriken is almost half the weight of a regular Shuriken, but its blade is a cut above the rest, with all four tips specially polished.

The Explosive Tag was also thicker than a regular Explosive Tag, the talisman paper was more durable, and the Sealing Technique drawn on it was more precise.

Qingyu guessed that the detonation power was at least twice that of a regular Explosive Tag.

99.9% rare!

"These are the latest products from the village's Ninja Tool Research and Development Department, specially issued to Jonin- level ninjas."

"Ordinary Chunin can't get their hands on something like this, Tsunade, are you satisfied now?"

Tsunade picked up a Shuriken and twirled it between her fingers, then picked up an Explosive Tag and examined it closely before reluctantly nodding.

That's more like it.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take Qingyu with me now. I need to go back and prepare supplies for our departure."

She took Qingyu's arm and walked towards the door.

As she reached the door, she suddenly stopped and turned to look at Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Old man, smoke less."

After saying that, she pulled Qingyu out of the Hokage's Office.

"That's good, at least you still have me as your teacher."

Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Then he looked down at the table where a handprint had been left, and his eyes twitched slightly.

That's incredible strength!

As expected of the granddaughter of the First.

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.

If it was Shimura Danzō damaged public property, he would definitely hold Shimura Danzō responsible.

But Tsunade is his disciple, so it's fine.

He waved for an Anbu Ninja to come over and replace the table with a new one.

After leaving the Hokage Building.

Tsunade looked at Qingyu.

"The battlefield is different from the Training Ground, and it's different from the Chunin Ninja Exams. Real enemies don't play by the rules."

"The ninjas of Kirigakure are particularly skilled in ambushes and assassinations. Water Release Ninjutsu has a natural advantage on terrain like the coastline, so you need to be extra careful."

"I know, Sister Tsunade."

Qingyu nodded.

"I will protect Sister Tsunade."

Tsunade paused for a moment, then chuckled.

"You little brat, what are you saying? I don't need your protection at all."

Her tone carried a hint of helplessness and amusement, but mostly warmth.

Tsunade ruffled Qingyu's hair, then suddenly remembered something, and a hint of apology appeared on her face.

"Oh, right."

"The mixed-gender hot spring I promised you will probably have to be postponed for a while. As soon as I get back from this mission, I'll take you and Shizune there. I promise I won't delay any longer."

She paused, then asked, "Before that, what kind of compensation do you want?"

Qingyu thought for a moment and casually said, "How about Sister Tsunade kisses me?"

Tsunade stopped in her tracks.

She turned her head and looked at Qingyu's handsome face.

Tsunade suddenly remembered Nawaki.

Qingyu is also a ninja, and she will go to the battlefield. There is also the possibility that one day she will never come back, just like Nawaki.

Thinking of this, Tsunade felt a surge of indescribable bitterness in her heart.

She tiptoed and gently kissed Qingyu on the forehead.

Qingyu was surprised.

The scene before me was incredibly visually striking.

That snow-white abundance is like a vast valley.

Qingyu felt the mountains tremble.

"Sister Tsunade, you----"

Qingyu wanted to say something, but Tsunade was still kissing his forehead.

Tsunade felt that this time was different from before.

She had kissed Qingyu's forehead before, but that was when he was a child; it was just a sister's affection and love for her younger brother.

Now, Qingyu is taller than her.

He's not a child anymore.

Tsunade lowered her toes and looked at Qingyu's slightly stunned expression. The bitterness in her heart was suddenly replaced by a strange feeling.

She quickly put on a stern face and said fiercely, "Alright, brat, I've satisfied you."

"Wait, Sister Tsunade, can't we specify the body part?"

Qingyu snapped out of her daze and asked a question instinctively.

"Of course not!"

Tsunade flicked Qingyu's forehead in an annoyed tone.

"Have you been corrupted by Jiraiya?"

"I don't."

Qingyu rubbed her forehead, looking completely innocent.

Tsunade snorted, turned around, and strode forward.

As Qingyu watched her retreating figure, he felt that Tsunade was walking much faster than usual.

He raised his hand and touched the spot on his forehead where she had kissed him; the warmth of her touch and the faint scent of alcohol from Tsunade's lips still lingered there.

What a pleasant surprise!

Qingyu shook her head inwardly.

He thought Tsunade would refuse, but Tsunade was too kind-hearted.

It seems that my relationship with Tsunade has taken another step forward.

The Hokage's Office.

Shortly after Tsunade and Qingyu left, the office door was pushed open again.

Shimura Danzō walked in, his face very gloomy.

He, who had just passed by outside the door, also heard what Sarutobi Hiruzen said.

"Hiruzen, your response was far too weak. The border was attacked, and coastal villages were looted. This is a blatant provocation against the dignity of Konoha!"

"You should immediately send a large force to attack and make Kirigakure pay the price with swift and decisive action, instead of leisurely deploying some logistical troops here!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't look up, but instead rolled up the intelligence scroll again and placed it on the corner of the table.

"Danzo, the situation in the various ninja villages is still unclear. The movements of Sunagakure after the disappearance of the Third Kazekage need to be continuously observed, and Cloud Village is also eyeing us from the north."

If we send a large number of troops to Kirigakure now, our northern and western fronts will be vulnerable. If Sunagakure and Cloud Village take advantage of this, Konoha will face a situation of being attacked from three sides.

"Hmph, looking back and forth will only embolden the enemy."

Shimura Danzō snorted coldly.

"Danzo, war is not a gamble."

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his head and looked at his former colleague.

"The safest approach is to send logistics troops first to stabilize the defensive line, ascertain the enemy's true intentions, and then make further deployments."

"Safe?"

Shimura Danzō let out a cold laugh.

"Hiruzen, your cautious approach will cause Konoha to miss the best opportunity to counterattack. There are already signs of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist of the Mist moving around in Kirigakure. Do you think a logistics unit can stop them?"

"The logistics unit will be led by Tsunade, Qingyu will also accompany them. Jiraiya is already there. Their mission is defense and treating the wounded. Before figuring out Kirigakure's true objective, launching a rash attack would be the greatest risk."

Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up his pipe again, struck a match, lit it, and took a deep drag.

"Remember this: I am the Hokage."

Upon hearing this, Shimura Danzō felt a pang of pain in his heart and involuntarily clenched his hands.

Hokage, Hokage, it's Hokage again.

So what if you're the Hokage?!

"Lord Hokage, since you've made your decision, I won't say anything more."

Shimura Danzō emphasized the words "Lord Hokage" heavily.

"However—if anything goes wrong at the front, remember, it's because of your indecisiveness."

Bang!

Shimura Danzō the door and left.

The next day.

Qingyu was packing up her Ninja Tool Pouch at home, putting the Shuriken and Explosive Tag she had received from Sarutobi Hiruzen yesterday into the sealing scroll, and then wiping the Muramasa clean.

There was a knock on the door.

Qingyu Gate of Opening, and standing outside was Yūhi Kurenai.

Today, she tied her long black hair into a high ponytail at the back of her head, with some curly black hair hanging down on her face.

Those red eyes looked at Qingyu, filled with worry, reluctance, and hesitation.

"Red?"

Qingyu gazed at the Yūhi Kurenai.

He felt that Yūhi Kurenai's eyes were almost like fan shapes; how could one person express so many emotions?

"Qingyu, I heard you're going to the front lines."

Yūhi Kurenai asked.

"Yes, we'll leave this afternoon."

Qingyu stepped aside to let her in.

Yūhi Kurenai walked into the living room, placed a cloth bag she was carrying on the coffee table, and then turned to face Qingyu. Her hands were behind her back, her fingers unconsciously twisting together.

"This is----"

Qingyu looked at the cloth bag on the coffee table.

"The rice balls I made."

Yūhi Kurenai opened the cloth bag, revealing six rice balls.

Each rice ball is wrapped in seaweed. Although they are not all the same size, some are big and some are small, each one is tightly packed and will not fall apart at the slightest touch.

"Eat this on the road. Ninja rations are too hard, so I added extra plums and bonito flakes. Try it and see if it suits your taste."

As she spoke, Yūhi Kurenai took a rice ball from her bag and handed it to Qingyu.

Qingyu took the rice ball and took a bite.

"Tasty."

He nodded and took another bite.

As Yūhi Kurenai watched him eat the rice balls she had made, her red eyes gradually brightened, and the tense expression on her face relaxed considerably.

"That's great! I was worried it wouldn't suit your taste and wouldn't taste good."

She sat down opposite Qingyu, resting her chin on her hands and tilting her head to watch him finish his rice ball.

Have you ever eaten my cooking? You know my tastes all too well.

Qingyu swallowed the last rice ball.

Yūhi Kurenai blushed slightly at his words, but quickly regained her composure.

"I just remembered that casually. I didn't specifically try to remember your tastes; it just so happens that my tastes are similar to yours."

Yūhi Kurenai had a haughty look on her face.

But when she saw Qingyu's already packed Ninja Tool Pouch, she couldn't help but purse her lips.

"By the way, what about Shizune?"

"Shizune is preparing medicine in the medical department. She has a lot of ninja tools, so it will take some time to prepare."

Qingyu replied.

Yūhi Kurenai nodded.

She took a deep breath, stood up, walked to Qingyu, and looked up at him.

"Qingyu, I----"

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door again.

Yūhi Kurenai's words caught in her throat, and she turned to look at the doorway.

Rin Nohara stood at the door, holding a bulging medical bag in her arms.

When she saw Yūhi Kurenai in the living room, she paused for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in her brown eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and nodded slightly to Yūhi Kurenai.

"Hong, you're here too."

"Lin, are you here to deliver something to Qingyu too?"

Rin Nohara nodded.

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