For the next two days, Tsunade was completely engrossed in the Laboratories and the Specialized Medical Department, scarcely stepping outside. Her focus was so absolute that Kohana eventually had to drag her back for dinner by force. The meals themselves were simple affairs shared between Kohana, Raiya, and Tsunade, as Ron had already eaten earlier and returned to his own laboratory.
During these same days, Ron was equally occupied, though in a different domain. He was preparing for the business ventures he intended to launch, alongside overseeing the broader structural transformations planned for the village. Many of these developments were still incomplete and required careful coordination before implementation. Even Ron himself had to dedicate long hours to ensure that the sealing systems integral to many of these projects were designed and calibrated properly. These were not small-scale applications; they were meant to operate across vast frameworks, and even a minor flaw could cascade into major failures. Precision was not optional.
As for Tsunade, while she might outwardly resemble the rowdy gambler seen in the wider perception of her in the anime, the reality was entirely different. As the strongest medical ninja and the one who had once been destined to establish Konoha's medical system after the Second Great Ninja War, her foundation was built upon relentless discipline and scholastic nature. Ironically, what remained of Konoha now could only dream of possessing a medical department of such caliber, let alone a figure like Tsunade.
Here, in Kumogakure, she revealed her true nature.
She devoured the archives like someone starved of knowledge, moving from one text to another with intense focus. Scrolls, medical records, experimental notes, nothing escaped her attention. This version of Tsunade bore no resemblance to her drunken, carefree persona. Instead, she was a consummate scholar, a true bookworm. Even Ron found himself surprised. Not only did she delay her return, but she also showed no interest in leisure, often forgetting to eat or rest entirely as she immersed herself deeper into study.
Meanwhile, her two companions lived very different experiences.
Both had been granted proper legal identities, allowing them to freely explore the village. Kurama, in particular, embraced this newfound freedom with enthusiasm. Having begun donating chakra, he had accumulated an immense amount of wealth, an almost absurd concept for a being who had never previously cared for money or material possessions.
He indulged without restraint.
Shopping sprees became a daily routine, with Kurama buying anything that caught his interest and eating whatever appealed to him. His impulsive purchases quickly piled up, with large quantities of goods being delivered directly to the Raikage Mansion. Eventually, Raiya had no choice but to intervene, firmly telling him to stop spending money on things he neither needed nor used.
After the first day, however, Kurama found something far more captivating.
Movies and theaters.
He became completely hooked, spending hours bingeing various forms of entertainment and performances. While the technology and storytelling were still primitive by Ron's standards, within the context of the ninja world, they were innovative and highly engaging. For Kurama, it was an entirely new form of stimulation, one that quickly replaced his interest in reckless spending.
Katsuya Sage, on the other hand, took a more measured approach. While she also explored the village, she often accompanied Ron to his laboratory, quietly observing and occasionally assisting. Her presence, calm and perceptive and achaic, provided a unique contrast to the otherwise intense and methodical high-tech environment of Ron's workspace.
After several days had passed, the time finally came for a shift in pace.
The Raikage and the Daimyo returned to the Raikage Mansion, seeking a well-earned rest after their discussions. Their entourage had already prepared the necessary accommodations, ensuring everything was in order.
The gathering that followed took place in the mansion's expansive living area, a space composed of multiple interconnected rooms without doors, creating an open and continuous environment. Present were not only members of the Raikage family and the Daimyo, but also his closest officials responsible for governing the Land of Lightning. In addition, many of Kumogakure's key leaders had assembled, including Dodai, Kurozai, and others.
Amidst this convergence of power and authority, Ron remained slightly apart until things really started.
In the study adjacent to the main hall, he sat alongside Ed. The atmosphere there was markedly different, quiet, focused, almost detached from the political weight of the gathering nearby. Ron appeared like an ethereal scholar, immersed in reading and writing, while Ed stood by his side, meticulously tracking information and assisting wherever needed.
Despite his young age, Ron had already exhausted much of the available knowledge on ninjutsu, chakra systems, and even aspects of the civilian world. What remained now was not simply learning, but expansion.
It had become something of a hobby for him to collect books from across the world, leveraging Kumogakure's ever-expanding trade routes to acquire knowledge from the entire ninja world. These texts were not merely for personal consumption, but were crucial to his boredom and his aim to gather and record everything. Ron continuously reviewed ongoing projects within the Hollow Mountain Research Center, documenting progress, refining theories, and even authoring books on various subjects related to research and development.
Among all the people in Kumogakure, only Ed was capable enough to accompany him in this space.
Not just as an assistant, but as a trusted aide, someone capable of overseeing, organizing, and supporting the vast network of work that Ron had set into motion.