Long after dinner, Tsunade came out of her room holding a sheet of paper.
She sat on the sofa and looked at Nobuhiko seriously. "Nobuhiko, I'll probably be heading to the battlefield the day after tomorrow."
"Huh, that soon?"
"Yes, and I don't know when I'll be back, either, so before I leave, I need to set your training assignments."
As Tsunade spoke, she handed him the sheet of paper.
Nobuhiko took a look. Good grief, the page was covered in densely packed writing. He couldn't help looking at Tsunade curiously.
"This is the training plan I made for you while I'm away. You've been using a Shadow Clone to attend school all this time, haven't you?"
Nobuhiko scratched his head and admitted it.
"Keep using a Shadow Clone to attend school. With your talent, the teachers at the Ninja Academy have nothing left to teach you."
"Follow the training plan I've laid out for you during this time."
"Okay, Sister Tsunade."
Tsunade got up and sat beside Nobuhiko, pointing to the training plan as she explained it to him.
At such close quarters, Nobuhiko could already smell her fragrance, and his mind was about to wander.
But when he saw the training plan Tsunade had spent the afternoon and evening drawing up for him, and how earnestly she was explaining it, Nobuhiko suddenly felt like a real bastard. At a time like this, he was actually still...
Between his previous life and this one, he had been single for over thirty years. Aside from his mother, no woman had ever treated him this well.
Woman, if you're this good to me, you'll have a hard time losing me.
If Tsunade hadn't still been there, Nobuhiko would have slapped himself a few times to calm down.
All right, Nobuhiko's heart was now filled with guilt again, and his mind settled down.
He began listening earnestly to Tsunade's explanation.
"Start with Water Shockwave. This ninjutsu isn't very difficult to learn, and it combines offense and defense, so it'll do a good job of making up for your lack of defensive abilities."
"I've written all my insights on this ninjutsu here. With your intelligence, along with my second grandfather's notes, you shouldn't find it difficult to learn on your own."
Nobuhiko nodded.
"Once you've learned Water Shockwave, learn Water Formation Wall. Compared with the other B-rank ninjutsu, it not only requires less chakra to cast and is easier to perform, but also provides strong defense."
"If you really do encounter danger in the village, Water Formation Wall's defense and the commotion caused by Water Shockwave should let you hold out until someone comes to help."
"That wouldn't happen, would it?" Nobuhiko asked incredulously.
"Probably not. From what I know of the old man, he definitely wouldn't attack you, but I can't guarantee one hundred percent that other people won't."
"No one made a move against you before because Uncle Yusuke was still alive. But now, I don't know either."
"Nobuhiko, you need to understand that there are many people in the village who don't want the Senju Clan to produce another top-tier powerhouse," Tsunade said, her expression complicated.
After hearing Tsunade's words, Nobuhiko felt some regret over having drawn so much attention.
But regret was useless. Even if he could do it all over again, his dad still wouldn't tell him about his Senju bloodline. Then he would still choose to follow the Fourth Hokage's route.
As a civilian, he would display his talent at the Ninja Academy while also showing a profound understanding of the Will of Fire, then catch the Third Hokage's attention and be brought into the Hokage's faction.
That way, before the Third Shinobi World War, he would not only receive the protection of the Hokage's faction, but also receive careful instruction.
As for the Third Shinobi World War itself, geniuses and dead lasts alike would have to go to the battlefield. As long as he chose to become a shinobi, there was no avoiding the Third Shinobi World War.
So every bit stronger he became before the Third Shinobi World War would give him a better chance of surviving on the battlefield.
Watching Nobuhiko sink into thought, Tsunade also felt distressed as some unpleasant memories came to mind.
Unfortunately, the plan had been lovely, but everything had been thrown off course by his Senju bloodline.
Still, the Third Hokage probably wouldn't make a move against him. The Second Shinobi World War wasn't even over yet, and the old fellow still had some of the bearing of the Shinobi Hero. He should still be able to keep Danzo in check. Thinking about it that way, things seemed fairly safe.
And his Senju bloodline should give him the strength to protect himself before the Third Hokage grew corrupt and Danzo ran rampant.
Besides, he also had the Sharingan. There should be enough time.
Seeing Nobuhiko's expression grow increasingly grave, Tsunade instinctively said, "Don't think too much about it. You're still a kid. Your big sister will protect you."
"Thank you, Sister Tsunade. I'll make sure to be very careful, and keep getting stronger until I'm the strongest. Then I'll carry Mom and Dad's hopes with me and keep living!" Nobuhiko raised his fist and spoke firmly.
At those words, Tsunade finally couldn't hold back anymore. She pulled Nobuhiko into her arms and began sobbing, her shoulders trembling.
Though held in her soft embrace, Nobuhiko didn't have a single amorous thought at that moment.
What he had just said had probably reminded her of Nawaki again.
At that moment, he could clearly feel the grief in Tsunade's heart.
There was the loneliness and sorrow of being the only one left of the vast Senju Clan's direct line, the self-reproach and guilt over losing Nawaki, and the deep longing for her departed loved ones.
There was nothing Nobuhiko could do about it. He could only reach one hand around to Tsunade's back and pat it gently, while reaching the other to the top of her head and stroking it softly.
He also wriggled his head free and comforted her quietly. "Go ahead and cry. You'll feel better once you let it out. Thank you for all you've endured these years, Sister Tsunade."
Human emotions were like that.
When no one comforted you, perhaps you could still shed your tears in silence.
But once someone tried to comfort you, your emotions might suddenly burst forth beyond your control.
That was exactly what happened to Tsunade.
After hearing Nobuhiko's words, Tsunade began trembling even harder.
Woman, you really make my heart ache!
After an unknown length of time, Tsunade finally stopped trembling, but still wouldn't let go of Nobuhiko.
Gradually, Nobuhiko sensed something was off and thought, Don't tell me this woman has fallen asleep.
With just a little effort, he easily wriggled free.
Then he supported Tsunade as he gently laid her down on the sofa.
Now Nobuhiko had a bit of a headache. He couldn't just leave Tsunade here and forget about her.
↓↓↓
Why am I growing so slowly?!
Nobuhiko was so frustrated he was nearly going mad.
Suddenly, inspiration flashed through his mind.
I've got it.
Then he formed hand seals and created three Shadow Clones.
One lifted her shoulders, two supported her waist from either side in the middle, and one lifted her legs.
The four worked together to carry Tsunade back to bed.
Then Nobuhiko dispelled his Shadow Clones.
After dispelling them, Nobuhiko fetched a basin of water, gently freed Tsunade's feet from her high-heeled sandals, and lowered them into the water.
It seemed a little cold, as Tsunade's brow furrowed when her feet entered the water.
My bad, my bad. I forgot to get warm water. I'll definitely remember next time.
Then he began washing them gently.
After drying them, Nobuhiko gently placed Tsunade's small feet on the bed.
He picked up the basin and went to the bathroom to get a damp towel, then gently wiped Tsunade's face. He didn't dare take off her clothes. Then he covered her with the quilt, left the room, and closed the door behind him.