Chapter 5:
The day was already off to a frustrating start. The early morning sun cast a warm glow over the training grounds, but it did little to soothe my irritation. My students were rowdy, distracted, and more interested in my figure than in mastering the intricate chakra control techniques I was demonstrating. I suppressed a sigh. I should have worn something less... revealing.
"Focus!" I barked, slamming my heel into the ground. The earth trembled, and their startled gazes snapped back to me. "If you can't control your chakra properly, you'll end up blowing off your own limbs in a real fight. Again!"
They stumbled back into position, but I caught more than a few furtive glances lingering on my curves. Hormonal brats. My tolerance was wearing thin. I massaged my temples, counting down from ten, but the telltale chuckle of a familiar voice made me grind my teeth.
"Well, well, Tsunade, still scaring your students half to death?" Jiraiya drawled, striding into view with that insufferable smirk plastered on his face. His eyes, of course, flicked down and then up with shameless appreciation.
I crossed my arms. "What do you want, Jiraiya?"
"Oh, nothing. Just here to observe a master in action," he said, feigning innocence. The man couldn't look innocent if he tried. His gaze lingered, and I scowled.
"If you're here to be a nuisance, leave," I snapped.
"Harsh," he chuckled, undeterred. "Just thought I'd see how well your students are doing. After all, they're the future of the village."
"Then stay quiet," I warned. "And no funny business."
He put up his hands in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The lesson continued, though Jiraiya's presence was a constant distraction. I could feel his eyes on me, and the students were clearly more interested in gossiping about the Legendary Sannin than learning. When a boy botched a basic control exercise, I lost my patience.
"Alright!" I barked. "If any of you can hit Jiraiya with a chakra-infused strike, I'll exempt you from tomorrow's training!"
Excited murmurs rippled through the group. Jiraiya's smirk faded. "Wait, what now?"
I smirked back. "Unless you're afraid?"
He grinned. "Never."
The students lined up eagerly. Jiraiya dodged, taunted, and weaved through their attacks with infuriating ease. The kids were persistent, but they lacked finesse. Jiraiya laughed, blowing kisses to the frustrated students, who cursed and tried again.
Eventually, they tired, collapsing into panting heaps. I dismissed them, ignoring their complaints and grumbles. Jiraiya shot me a smug grin. "Looks like your students need more practice."
My fists clenched. "You're insufferable."
"I try," he replied, unrepentant.
A dangerous idea brewed in my mind. "If you're so confident, then let's make this interesting. A sparring match—you and me."
Jiraiya's eyebrows shot up, but his grin widened. "Oh? And what's the wager?"
"If I win, you stay out of my class for a week," I said firmly.
He leaned closer, a gleam in his eyes. "And if I win?"
I hesitated, but the challenge burned hotter. "A date," he said smoothly.
Heat crept up my neck. "You're impossible."
He only shrugged. "Scared?"
"I'll make you eat those words," I growled.
We squared off, the clearing growing tense. I wasted no time, charging with a powerful punch. Jiraiya dodged, smirking, but I anticipated his movement. My heel drove into his side, sending him stumbling.
"Fast," he muttered, rubbing his ribs.
"Don't get distracted," I taunted.
He lunged, hands weaving signs too quickly to track. A burst of flame erupted toward me, and I dodged, slamming my fist into the ground. The earth cracked, but Jiraiya leaped away.
"Getting serious already?" he chuckled.
I didn't answer, already closing the distance. He blocked my strike but grimaced as my strength pushed him back. His eyes glimmered, and he leaned closer.
"You've gotten stronger, Tsunade," he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.
Heat surged up my neck, and I shoved him back, scowling. "Focus, pervert!"
He laughed, but I drove a knee into his stomach, forcing the air from his lungs. He wheezed, clutching his side, but a sly grin lingered.
"What's wrong, Tsunade?" he teased. "Blushing already?"
I growled and rushed him again, chakra-infused fists blazing. He managed to evade the first few strikes, but I swept his legs out from under him, pinning him to the ground.
My knee dug into his chest, my hand pressed to his throat. "Yield."
Jiraiya chuckled breathlessly. "You win."
I realized how close we were, my hand gripping his neck. The heat of his body pressed against mine, and his eyes glimmered with mischief. Slowly, he slid his fingers over mine, brushing my knuckles.
"You're not letting go," he teased.
I yanked my hand back, cheeks burning. "Stay out of my class, pervert."
He smirked. "You know, if you wanted to be on top, you just had to ask."
I kicked him in the ribs—lightly, but enough to send him groaning. "Idiot."
The students cheered, having watched from a distance, and I barked at them to go home. As I turned away, I could feel Jiraiya's eyes lingering.
Back in my office, I poured myself a drink, trying to focus on lesson plans. But my mind kept drifting back to that stupid, infuriating smirk and the press of his body beneath mine.
"Tch. Annoying," I muttered.
But I was already wondering when he'd interrupt my class again.
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