"Ye Chuan, your medical ninjutsu is probably no longer inferior to mine."
There was a trace of gratification in her tone, along with a hint of... complexity.
This disciple was growing far too quickly, so quickly that even she, his teacher, could barely hope to catch up.
"You're too kind, Teacher. I still have a long way to go," Ye Chuan said modestly.
Tsunade stepped forward, suddenly reached out, and pulled Ye Chuan into a tight embrace.
A soft, springy sensation and the faint fragrance unique to a mature woman instantly enveloped Ye Chuan.
"Ye Chuan..." Tsunade's voice carried a barely perceptible tremor.
"You've truly become a hero of Konoha now."
"With you here, I feel at ease."
The sudden embrace left Ye Chuan slightly stunned. Then, somewhat helplessly, he let her hold him, enjoying the care of his teacher and... the perks.
A moment later, Tsunade released Ye Chuan. The dignity of the Hokage returned to her face, but the gentleness in her eyes remained.
"Now, to business."
Tsunade picked up a letter from her desk and handed it to Ye Chuan.
"Kumogakure has just sent an urgent letter inviting Konoha to attend the Five Kage Summit, to discuss how to respond to the Akatsuki's next moves, and... how to handle the tailed beasts."
Ye Chuan took the letter and quickly scanned it, understanding the situation.
Judging by the timeline, Sasuke should have successfully captured the Eight-Tails' decoy clone, enraging the Raikage and leading to this Five Kage Summit.
As for Konoha, since Danzo was dead, the legitimate Fifth Hokage would naturally attend this Five Kage Summit herself.
"And you, Ye Chuan..."
"Will attend this summit with me as my bodyguard."
"Each Kage is normally allowed to bring two bodyguards, but I've decided to take only you."
Tsunade's tone