The morning mist had yet to disperse when Tsunade lifted the flap of the tent and took a deep breath of smoke-laden air.
The scent of iron and fire filled her nostrils, stirring an oddly familiar feeling she had not known in a long time.
On the scorched land in the distance, several medical ninjas were clearing away the bandages and medicine bottles left from the previous night. The crisp clatter of metal instruments echoed through the camp.
"Morning, Teacher."
Neji's voice came from behind her. He held two steaming cups of tea. "Looks like you've recovered well."
Tsunade accepted the cup, the rising sun reflected in her amber eyes. "Much better than expected. The old man—I mean, my grandfather from this era—his All Creation is even more formidable than my Creation Rebirth."
She took a sip, then suddenly frowned. "Why does this tea smell like disinfectant?"
Neji's mouth twitched. "Because it was brewed with disinfectant herbs from the medical corps... Supplies are scarce in the camp."
Tsunade burst out laughing and casually splashed the rest of the tea onto the ground. "The disinfectant in this era is way too crude. The herbs I developed work much better!"
"Of course. Teacher's methods are the best there are. After all, the medical saint here hasn't grown up yet!" Neji teased with a mischievous grin.
"I think you're asking for it. My hands happen to be itching too—I'll loosen you up for free!"
Tsunade cracked her knuckles.
Neji hurriedly raised his hands in surrender.
As the two walked through camp, the Konoha ninjas they passed stopped what they were doing and looked at Neji with admiration.
One bandaged Chunin even bowed excitedly. "Lord Neji!"
"Hey, hey, you're really stealing the spotlight now." Tsunade nudged Neji with her elbow and lowered her voice