Cleansing the meridians and marrow, Tsunade's "unusual" reaction

A hot spring lodge deep in the mountains of the Land of Rivers.

Inside the bedroom, heavy curtains blocked most of the dawn light. Only a few restless golden rays slipped through the gaps, leaving mottled streaks across the tatami, which still carried the lingering fragrance of spirit medicine.

"Cough... cough, cough..."

Ye Tian leaned against a soft cushion, his face so pale it was nearly translucent. Half his shoulder had slipped out of his disheveled, plain-colored robe, and the faintly flickering purple cracks beneath his skin lent him a desolate, shattered air in the dim light.

Clutching the mutton-fat jade bottle, he held it out to the Fifth Hokage, who sat at his bedside with reddened eyes.

"Take it... cough. Eat it before the medicinal potency fades." Ye Tian's voice was hoarse, carrying the grim resolve of a man delivering his last wishes.

"I won't!" Tsunade waved her hand sharply, tears shimmering in her amber eyes. Her voice held a sob rarely heard from her. "This is the last medicine you have to save your life! Ye Tian, do you think I'm some useless coward who clings to life by sucking her subordinates dry?"

"Tsk, Little Tsunade, that temper of yours... cough. It really hasn't changed."

A "wan" smile curled Ye Tian's lips, his eyes filled with the serenity of someone who had made peace with life and death.

Inside, he was already laughing hard enough to snort. Admin's 'terminal illness filter' is unbeatable. Look at that guilt. Look at that tragic determination to die rather than lose the man she loves. At a time like this, how can I show off my 'devoted ancestor' credentials unless I get a little forceful?

"Take it!"

Ye Tian suddenly barked. In an instant, his formerly feeble presence erupted with pressure as