Tsunade's Approaching Birthday

After an unknown amount of time, a line of text appeared before Qingyu's eyes again.

[D-Rank Trait detected: Peaceful Mind- Synthesis requirements met]

[Should we synthesize it?]

"Done! [Heart of Steel] required ten Genjutsu attacks."

Qingyu pondered to herself.

He originally intended to fulfill the unlock conditions for this trait, but who knew that a new trait had just dropped from Yūhi Kurenai.

So Qingyu silently recited a sentence in her heart.

"Synthesis."

[C-Rank Trait: Heart of Steel]

[Effect: When attacked, temporarily increases body toughness and defense.]

Body toughness and defense----

Qingyu weighed the effects of this trait in her mind.

Based on the description, this is a passive trait that does not require active activation. It is automatically triggered when attacked, increasing the body's toughness to resist damage.

In a sense, this is similar to the "Earth Release: Earth Spear" Ninjutsu, which actively hardens the body, but it does not require additional Chakra consumption and is triggered automatically.

It should also be useful against surprise attacks, right?

Qingyu pondered to herself.

The most common way to die on the battlefield is not in a head-on confrontation, but in the chaos of battle when one is caught in the Kunai or Explosive Tag flying from an unknown direction.

With this passive defensive trait, his survivability will be greatly increased.

Moreover, the property of hardness—is rather subtle.

If the entire body can harden, then the protection of certain specific areas can be better guaranteed.

Although he doesn't really need this feature right now, it's always good to be prepared.

At least, his Sharingan Kunai like Sasuke's "Six-Tomoe Rinnegan".

Thinking of this, Qingyu looked up at the sky.

It's getting late.

"That's about it."

Qingyu her hands, drawing the attention of Yūhi Kurenai and Rin Nohara.

"Let's go get something to eat. I'll treat you to Ichiraku Ramen."

"Really!"

Yūhi Kurenai Yuhi jumped up from the ground in an instant, as if the fatigue from before had been dispelled by the word "ramen" in a flash.

Rin Nohara also stood up, put the notebook into her backpack, and smiled expectantly.

The three left the Third Training Ground and headed towards Ichiraku Ramen along Konoha's main street.

As evening approached, the streets gradually filled with pedestrians. Ninjas returning from their missions walked along the roadside, and occasionally, ninjas who recognized Qingyu would nod to him.

Ichiraku Ramen's stall is located on the streets of Konoha. Several wooden high stools are placed side by side in front of the counter, and the curtain with the two large characters "Ichiraku" printed on it is billowing in the wind.

Stepping inside, a wave of heat hits you, the rich aroma of bone broth mingling with the scents of miso and scallions, making your mouth water.

Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen!

The young shop owner greeted us warmly with Teuchi. He looked quite young, with the youthful energy on his face, and a few drops of soup were stuck to his apron.

Teuchi's gaze fell on Qingyu, and a smile immediately appeared on his face.

"It's Qingyu- kun! Long time no see!"

"Teuchi bro, how's business lately?"

Qingyu sat down on the high stool at the far end of the table and pulled out two seats for Rin Nohara and Yūhi Kurenai.

"It's great, we're getting more and more repeat customers lately."

Teuchi chuckled, skillfully ladling broth from the pot onto the ramen noodles while exchanging pleasantries with Qingyu.

Qingyu turned to ask Yūhi Kurenai and Rin Nohara what they wanted to eat.

"Miso Chashu Ramen, with two extra chashu!"

Yūhi Kurenai raised her hand without hesitation.

"Then I'll have a Tonkotsu Ramen, that'll do."

It's so gentle Rin Nohara said, gently placing the menu back in its place.

"Three bowls of ramen: one bowl of miso chashu, one bowl of tonkotsu, and one bowl of Shio ramen. Extra chashu please."

Qingyu Teuchi out the menu, speaking with practiced ease, clearly a regular customer.

"Okay!"

Teuchi began working, boiling water, cooking noodles, slicing char siu, and preparing the broth. His Cloud Style, and the rising steam from the stove drifted past his young face.

Qingyu's sense of smell was completely overwhelmed by the rich aroma of bone broth, and her stomach also let out a disapproving growl.

He has always had a high opinion of Ichiraku Ramen, not for any other reason than that it's delicious.

Before long, three steaming bowls of ramen were served on the table.

"I'm starting!"

Yūhi Kurenai clasped her hands together and shouted, then eagerly picked up a mouthful of noodles, blew on it twice, and stuffed it into her mouth.

"Tasty!"

Her eyes narrowed into two crescent moons, and her cheeks were bulging from being stuffed with noodles.

Rin Nohara also picked up the noodles and ate them in small, delicate bites, her movements much more refined.

Just as Qingyu was about to pick up her chopsticks, another line of text suddenly popped up in front of her.

[Collectible trait detected: Chef]

[E-Rank Trait: Chef]

[Effect: Food made this way will taste better, increasing deliciousness by 20%.]

[Crafting: Making a delicious bowl of ramen will upgrade your trait to a higher level.]

Was it dropped by Teuchi?

Qingyu glanced at Teuchi, who was busy at the stove, without showing any emotion, and then absorbed this trait.

Although the effects of E-Rank Trait are limited, it is a trait that can be improved and upgraded later.

In the world of Naruto, cooking skills don't seem to have much practical use in combat.

However, in the Shinobi World, there are actually ninjas who specialize in cooking, and they are called "Culinary Ninja".

"What's wrong Qingyu?"

Yūhi Kurenai noticed that Qingyu paused for a moment, and asked, her mouth full of noodles, "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, I was just thinking about something."

Qingyu picked up her chopsticks, lowered her head, and took a sip of soup.

The savory flavor of the bone broth flowed down my throat and into my stomach.

Qingyu suddenly thought of an interesting possibility.

Teuchi, and it's also jokingly called Otsutsuki Ichiraku.

As the saying goes, "The Konoha of Konoha come and go, but Ichiraku Raku Ichiraku."

No matter how much the village has changed, Ichiraku Ramen has always stood strong.

If you open a shop near Ichiraku Ramen, it will compete with the Teuchi —no, it's more like complementarity than competition.

Qingyu could open a supermarket or something and hire some employees, Ichiraku could make ramen; each could have their own path.

However, opening a shop is something we'll have to talk about later.

At this point in time, all our energy should be focused on improving our capabilities.

Even if Qingyu opens a business, she'll only be a hands-off manager.

"Speaking of which----"

Rin Nohara put down her chopsticks, her gaze lingering on Qingyu's face for a moment.

"Qingyu, you seem to have grown taller again."

She had noticed earlier that when Qingyu sat on the bar stool, her feet were firmly planted on the ground, and her knees needed to be slightly bent for comfort.

She was still touching the crossbar under the stool with her toes.

"Yeah?"

Qingyu looked down at her legs and realized they did seem to have grown a bit.

He's probably a few centimeters taller than Tsunade now.

The Senju Clan bloodline has always been fast during puberty, and coupled with his regular diet and high training volume, growing taller was a natural thing for him.

"I remember Qingyu was about the same height as me last year."

Rin Nohara pointed to the top of her head with her finger, then pointed to Qingyu's forehead, her tone tinged with emotion.

Boys grow taller really fast.

Yūhi Kurenai chimed in from the side, then suddenly remembered something, her eyes lighting up.

"By the way, Qingyu, do you think Lin will grow up to be a great beauty?"

This sudden remark made Rin Nohara's cheeks flush instantly. She quickly lowered her head and pretended to concentrate on eating her noodles, but her ears were secretly perked up.

Qingyu turned her head and glanced at Rin Nohara.

She hasn't fully blossomed yet, but she already has a graceful and gentle appearance.

Her short brown hair and purple face paint added a unique charm to her.

In a few years, once she has completely shed her naivety, she will be the gentle beauty from the original story who made Obito willing to fight against the world.

"Lin will definitely grow up to be a great beauty."

Qingyu gave a truthful assessment.

Rin Nohara paused with her chopsticks.

"Thank you—thank you, Qingyu -kun—"

Her voice was so soft it was like a mosquito's buzz, and her head was so low it was almost buried in the bowl of noodles.

"What about me? What about me!"

Yūhi Kurenai immediately leaned closer, pointing to herself, her red eyes filled with anticipation.

Qingyu turned to look at her.

Yūhi Kurenai's face was more delicate than Rin Nohara's, and her facial features were more defined.

Her eyes were the most striking feature; her red pupils resembled two polished rubies.

If Rin Nohara is gentle and refined like jade, then Yūhi Kurenai is bright and fiery like fire.

She'll still be a great beauty.

Qingyu gave the same assessment, then paused and added a sentence.

"And she's the mature, sophisticated type."

Yūhi Kurenai was taken aback at first, then pursed her lips.

"What do you mean 'moreover'? You're making it sound like I'm just an afterthought—but whatever, that's more like it."

She complained, but she was actually quite satisfied.

Teuchi stood behind the stove, wiping the countertop while watching the three young men chat and laugh with a smile.

He's still young, and watching this scene gives him the feeling of an older brother looking at his younger siblings.

After the three finished their noodles, Qingyu paid the bill and Teuchi a coupon from her apron pocket, handing it to them.

"Qingyu- kun, please come often! This is a new customer appreciation event; you can get a 20% discount next time you come."

"Thank you very much, Big Brother Ichiraku."

Qingyu took the coupon, folded it neatly, and stuffed it into the inner compartment of her Ninja Tool Pouch.

Yūhi Kurenai and Rin Nohara said goodbye to Qingyu at the crossroads. The two walked back together, with Yūhi Kurenai's chattering voice and Rin Nohara's soft responses coming from time to time.

Qingyu walked quickly home along the street.

I pushed open the front door; the living room light was on.

Shizune was sitting at the low table, organizing the bottles and jars in the medicine box. When she heard the Gate of Opening open, she looked up and smiled slightly at Qingyu.

"Lady Tsunade is looking for you; she's on the second floor."

"Good."

Qingyu changed into slippers and went upstairs, knocking on Tsunade's door.

"Come in."

--

Tsunade's voice came from behind the door.

Qingyu Gate of Opening, and the first thing that caught her eye was Tsunade's pair of fair and delicate feet.

She nestled in the single sofa by the window, one foot on the edge of the sofa, the other leg comfortably propped up on the coffee table.

Her long, golden hair cascaded down the dark backrest, and she held a steaming cup of tea in her hand.

"Sister Tsunade, you were looking for me?"

"Okay, come over and help me apply the nail polish."

Tsunade beckoned to him; a bottle of bright red nail polish sat on the coffee table, the cap already unscrewed.

Seeing this, Qingyu sat down on the low stool in front of the sofa.

Tsunade lowered her foot, which was resting on the edge of the sofa, and gently placed it on Qingyu's thigh.

Qingyu looked down at those jade-like feet.

Tsunade's feet are beautifully shaped, with smooth insteps, fair and delicate skin, and faint blue capillaries that can be seen.

He noticed that Tsunade's thighs, accentuated by her light blue trousers, were both plump and firm, full of flesh, and he could almost imagine their soft and bouncy texture.

Unfortunately, Qingyu can only dream about it now, but can't actually touch it.

Qingyu unscrewed the bottle of bright red nail polish, dipped a small brush into the edge of the bottle, and began to paint Tsunade's toenails.

"Alright."

Not long after, Qingyu looked up and met Tsunade's gaze.

Tsunade looked down and checked her toenails.

The bright red nail polish was applied evenly and smoothly, without any overflow or bubbles.

"Hmm, not bad, better than the Shizune one."

Tsunade nodded in satisfaction, pulled her feet off Qingyu's thighs, and sat cross-legged on the sofa.

What should we eat tonight?

"Ramen bar."

Qingyu stood up.

What he was thinking about was what to give Tsunade for her birthday, which was coming up soon.