Sasame didn't recklessly practice Wood Release techniques.
His foundation was still too weak—too much risk of things going wrong.
If Tsunade were present, her medical ninjutsu could save him from anything short of being blown to smithereens.
He'd only begun learning basic shinobi knowledge from Nonō the previous year.
But his aptitude was lacking.
To date, he hadn't even mastered the three basic academy techniques—only chakra extraction.
The front door swung open.
Sasame looked up with a sweet smile. "Tsunade-nee!"
Tsunade's normally cool, refined features instantly brightened.
So adorable. So well-behaved.
Must pinch cheeks.
No one could resist cute things—not even her.
"Dinner soon."
She shook a takeout bag of barbecue.
"Okay!"
Sasame replied obediently.
Tsunade headed to the kitchen, retrieving two sets of tableware and four plates to wash.
After cleaning, she portioned out the barbecue and rice.
She actually could cook—back in the day, she'd often make meals for her brother Nawaki.
Watching him struggle through her "cuisine" with pained expressions had been hilarious.
Dark cuisine—two words: disgustingly bad.
But she'd loved cooking because of how hard Nawaki tried to eat it—that sibling bond warmed her heart.
With the table set, Tsunade removed her teal overcoat.
Beneath was a loose, sleeveless kimono-style top exposing generous stretches of creamy skin.
"Sasame, come eat."
She beckoned.
"Coming!"
Sasame set down the scroll and looked up—his eyes instantly lighting up.
Without the coat, her voluptuous figure was even more pronounced.
So big. So white.
He worried the flimsy top might burst at any moment.
Might need to lend a helping hand...
"Daydreaming?"
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Hurry up."
"Oh!"
Sasame scrambled over, sitting down as he inhaled deeply. "Smells amazing!"
He audibly gulped.
Heaven bear witness—three years! Do you know how I survived these three years?!
Natto. Rice balls. Instant noodles.
Worse than his past life's school cafeteria.
Now getting to eat proper barbecue? Bliss. Sheer bliss!
Tsunade couldn't help smiling.
Chin propped on one hand, she found his ravenous eating oddly endearing.
This house has been lifeless for so long...
Her thoughts drifted until Sasame's intense stare snapped her back.
"Tsunade-nee, aren't you eating?"
"Starting now."
She picked up her chopsticks, voice softening. "Eat as much as you want."
"Mhm!"
Sasame finally looked away.
That exquisite face. That plunging necklace line. Those artfully curved slopes.
A feast for the eyes.
He promptly demolished two heaping bowls.
"I'm stuffed!"
Sasame set down his bowl, rubbing his distended stomach.
Tsunade nodded approvingly.
This kid can really pack it away.
But imagining his orphanage life made her honey-brown eyes cloud with pity.
Must've had it rough.
"What are you doing?"
She watched him gather her dishes in confusion.
"Washing up."
Sasame beamed angelically. "You went shopping—let me handle cleanup."
Tsunade froze for two full seconds before succumbing to the urge to pinch his cheeks.
This child...
Affection bloomed in her chest.
"Put those down."
She confiscated the dishes. "You're too young. Wait until I'm old to take care of me."
"No way."
Sasame looked deadly serious. "Tsunade-nee will never get old."
Tsunade's eyes widened.
Direct hit!
"Smooth talker."
She booped his forehead. "Go study. Big sister's going to test you thoroughly later~"
Not giving him a chance to reply, she whisked the dishes to the kitchen.
Soon, the sound of running water echoed.
Sasame mentally patted himself on the back.
This face is pure deception.
Combined with his harmless age, the effect was devastating.
Before long, Tsunade returned, settling beside him.
Glancing at the scroll, she asked, "Did Nonō teach you chakra basics?"
Sasame looked up—his eye level perfectly aligned with certain scenic vistas below her shoulders.
Peaks and valleys indeed.
"She did."
"Good. Saves me the trouble."
Tsunade produced a small test slip. "Since you can extract chakra, let's check your affinity."
"Okay."
Sasame channeled chakra into the paper. After ten seconds, it began changing—one half dampening as if soaked while the other half split into snowflake-like fragments.
"Water and earth, as expected."
Tsunade nodded. "Wood Release combines both. You'll focus on it, but don't neglect water and earth techniques."
Competent jōnin always mastered multiple natures—different elements had different uses and counters.
More elements meant fewer weaknesses.
"Keep your Wood Release hidden."
Tsunade's expression turned serious. "From everyone."
Wood Release held immense significance for Konoha.
Both Hiruzen and Danzō would fight tooth and nail to control it.
While unafraid of them, she'd rather avoid the hassle.
"Understood."
Sasame wholeheartedly agreed.
As a veteran schemer, keeping Wood Release secret would be his trump card.
"Good boy~"
Tsunade's smile returned. "Now... big sister needs to examine your body. Don't resist, okay?"
Nooo, big sister!
Sasame's eyes widened innocently.
What kind of development is this?!
Without explanation, Tsunade pressed a hand against his abdomen through his clothes.
After a moment, she declared, "Your chakra reserves are quite small."
Chakra extraction involved three steps:
Blending mental and physical energies into stamina
Converting stamina into chakra
Channeling chakra through meridians to organs for storage
By assessing Sasame's chakra, she could gauge his limits.
At his current level, two or three basic techniques would drain him completely.
Thus, her training would be carefully measured to avoid overexertion.
"It's normal at your age. Your reserves will grow with training."
She picked up the scroll. "We'll start with Wood Release's basic three techniques."
Sasame nodded, thinking of Naruto.
Life's so unfair.
At the same age—without suppressing the Nine-Tails—that protagonist already possessed massive chakra.
By 9 PM, Sasame was drenched in sweat and utterly exhausted.
"That's enough. No need to push yourself."
Tsunade scooped him up bridal-style, her maternal instincts flaring at his silent endurance.
Too mature for his own good.
Help! Big sister, that's not how you hold a child! Are you trying to suffocate me?!
Thankfully, it only lasted three seconds.
She carried him to a bedroom, tucking him in. "Rest well. Tomorrow, you'll meet someone important."