Seeing Tsunade off

Qingyun followed Tsunade into a Barbecue Restaurant and looked around curiously.

Seeing that everyone in the restaurant, from the servers to the owner, was stout, Qingyun marveled inwardly. Just what I'd expect from the Akimichi Clan. Not a single thin person among them.

The aroma of grilled meat made his mouth water, and he began looking forward to the Akimichi BBQ he had heard so much about.

Tsunade smiled faintly as she watched Qingyun look around. "Is this your first time eating Yakiniku?"

Qingyun nodded. "Yes. My pension wasn't much before, so I've never eaten at a restaurant."

A flicker of sympathy crossed Tsunade's eyes. Qingyun had lost both parents at such a young age; she had no idea how he had made it through these past few years. No wonder he was such a good cook. Life had forced him to learn.

"Eat as much as you like today. Don't worry about the money."

Tsunade patted Qingyun's head and spoke generously.

Qingyun nodded, and they found somewhere to sit. A server approached Tsunade warmly. "Lady Tsunade, you're here! What would you like today?"

"The usual. Bring us your signature Yakiniku."

Tsunade gave the server her order languidly.

"Right away! Please wait a moment. We'll have it out in no time."

The server grinned and headed to the kitchen to pass along Tsunade's order.

"Do you come here often, Teacher Big Sis?"

Seeing how familiar the servers were with Tsunade, Qingyun asked curiously.

"This Barbecue Restaurant run by the Akimichi Clan is famous in Konoha. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and I used to come here for a meal after finishing our missions."

"Over time, we got to know everyone here. Try it in a bit. Their cooking is every bit as good as yours."

Tsunade smiled faintly as she explained.

Anticipation shone in Qingyun's eyes. As a dedicated foodie, his dream in his previous life had been to taste every delicacy in the world. Now that he had transmigrated into the world of Naruto, he was naturally curious about its food.

Before long, the server wheeled a cart up to their table. He lit the grill and brushed it with oil, then said to Tsunade, "Lady Tsunade, everything you ordered is here. Just call me if you need anything."

Tsunade nodded and waved him away, then looked at Qingyun. "Go on. Try the Yakiniku."

Qingyun wasted no time picking up the serving chopsticks and laying slices of meat on the grill. He watched them intently, turning each slice over once the fat began to glisten.

Soon, the fragrance of grilled meat rose into the air. Qingyun first placed a few pieces on Tsunade's plate, then began eating at a leisurely pace.

The Akimichi Clan's Yakiniku truly lived up to its reputation. The tender slices of meat, paired with the clan's special sauce and Qingyun's own considerable grilling skills, left Qingyun's lips glistening with grease.

The only pity was that he couldn't drink alcohol in public. Qingyun found that deeply disappointing.

Tsunade watched Qingyun's disappointed expression with amusement. This student of hers was just like her: no meal was complete without a drink. Despite his young age, he could hold his liquor better than she could. She had no idea how his body was built.

The meal lasted over an hour. Qingyun patted his belly and looked at Tsunade. "Thanks for treating me, Teacher Big Sis."

Tsunade gave him a charming roll of her eyes. "Come on. Let's walk off the meal."

She rose to her feet and led Qingyun out of the Akimichi BBQ Restaurant.

Night was drawing near, and the shops on either side of the street had hung up lanterns, bathing Konoha's streets in light. Qingyun and Tsunade strolled along without speaking, quietly savoring this peaceful moment.

Before they knew it, Tsunade had led Qingyun up to Hokage Rock. At this point, the faces of Hashirama Senju, Tobirama Senju, and Hiruzen Sarutobi were carved into it. Tsunade and Qingyun stood atop Tobirama Senju's head, enjoying the gentle breeze.

After a long while, Tsunade suddenly looked at Qingyun. "Qingyun, what's your dream?"

Qingyun froze for a moment. Tsunade should already know what his dream was. After all, since Hiruzen Sarutobi had brought her and the others to meet him, he must have told her about him. Why was she asking?

"Teacher Big Sis, my dream is to stay alive. Or rather, to become strong enough to protect my life and my friends' lives. I lost my parents when I was little and lived alone among the Uchiha. The cold looks on my Clan Members' faces kept me constantly afraid.

"Since you took me on as the student who would inherit your skills, you must have looked into my past, right?

"Back then, my body was so weak that I couldn't even mold chakra, let alone practice the Uchiha Family Taijutsu.

"I was scared every day, scared that one day I'd suddenly die somewhere.

"Later, I kept searching for a way to overcome my frailty. In the end, a chance discovery led me to create Tai Chi Fist. I practiced for three years, rain or shine, and my body gradually grew healthier because of it. Finally, I made up my mind to leave the clan and live alone at the Edge of the Forest of Death. After that, I made my first friend.

"Minato brought a ray of light into my life. His sunny smile gave me a little warmth. I wanted to protect that peaceful life, so I kept working hard.

"Working hard to become stronger. Only when I'm strong enough can I protect myself and my friends."

Qingyun told Tsunade everything except for the system.

Tsunade stared at him in a daze after hearing his words.

Though she knew something of his past, she had never imagined that someone so young had endured so much suffering. Her eyes slowly softened. "You little brat. From now on, your Teacher will protect you. You don't have to push yourself so hard anymore."

Moved, Qingyun looked at Tsunade and nodded firmly. "Yes. You'll protect me now, Teacher Big Sis, and when I grow up, I'll protect you too."

Tsunade rubbed his head. "All right. It's late. Go home and get some sleep!"

"Okay. You go ahead, Teacher Big Sis! I need to buy a few things in town."

Qingyun smiled at Tsunade as he spoke.

Tsunade didn't ask what he wanted to buy. After giving him a few reminders, she turned and headed toward the Senju Clan Compound.

Watching her figure disappear, Qingyun sighed inwardly. Tsunade was a pitiful girl too. Her loved ones had died one after another: first Mito Uzumaki, then her boyfriend, and finally even her younger brother. His death had been horrific. Not only had explosive tags blown him beyond recognition, but all his internal organs had been removed.

It was the deaths of Nawaki and Dan Katō that had caused Tsunade to develop Hemophobia.

After a moment of silence, Qingyun shook his head and cast aside those distracting thoughts. He was still far too weak. Even if he wanted to change anything, he was powerless to do so. He would have to train even harder from now on. Only by becoming stronger could he change the many tragedies in the Original Story.

Using the Golden Wild Goose Technique, he raced toward town. Before long, Qingyun reached the shops and bought some flour and seasonings.

After returning to his home in the Forest of Death, Qingyun checked his traps and found a few small animals inside. He slaughtered them at once, then began kneading dough.

Watching Qingyun bustle about, Minato Namikaze asked in confusion, "Big bro, what are you doing this late?"

"Teacher Tsunade is leading reinforcements back to the battlefield tomorrow. I thought I'd make her some travel rations. That way, she'll have something to fill her stomach when she's out on missions."

Tsunade treated him extremely well, so Qingyun naturally wanted to do whatever he could for her.

Minato Namikaze nodded, then helped Qingyun prepare the food.

After a busy night, Qingyun and Minato Namikaze had finished a large pile of meat pies just as dawn began to break. Seeing that it was nearly time, Qingyun packed the pies into a cloth bundle, said goodbye to Minato Namikaze, and used the Golden Wild Goose Technique to race toward Konoha's gate.