Chiba was awakened by the system notification exploding in his mind.
More accurately, he had not been awakened. A massive, unreasonable wave of energy had washed through his consciousness from the inside out, as if someone had kicked him into a hot spring pool—scalding, exhilarating, and completely unexpected.
When he opened his eyes, Tsunade was lying on her side beside him, her golden hair spread across the black pillow. Her sleeping face was so peaceful that she looked nothing like the violent woman who smashed walls and flipped tables whenever she was awake.
Her hand still rested on Chiba's chest, her fingers clutching his collar. Even in her sleep, she would not let go, as though she were afraid he might run away.
The system panel unfolded in Chiba's mind, its golden radiance more dazzling than ever before.
``` [Ding! A qualitative change has been detected in the depth of the bond between the host and his beloved, Tsunade!]
[Current favorability: 82 (life-and-death bond and absolute love stage)!]
[Trigger condition met: Tsunade has voluntarily abandoned all psychological defenses and completed a deep emotional confirmation.]
[Congratulations, host, on obtaining Tsunade's ultimate feedback reward!]
[Reward One: S-rank forbidden technique—Creation Rebirth: Strength of a Hundred Technique (Perfect Version)! Unlike the original version, which consumes the user's lifespan, the Perfect Version draws upon the host's Perfect Sage Body to continuously replenish natural energy, achieving infinite regeneration at zero cost!]
[Reward Two: Pure Senju vitality refined to the third tier (ultimate stage)! Senju bloodline concentration has surpassed eighty-five percent of First Hokage Hashirama's, leaving only the final step before a perfect replication!]
[Reward Three: Passive skill—Life Ancient Tree Phantom awakened! Once the life chakra within the body is compressed to its limit, it will automatically project the outline of an illusory divine tree behind the