When someone is curious about another's body, there are generally two situations.
For example, Orochimaru—when he studies someone's body, it's purely scientific curiosity, like a mad scientist examining a rare treasure.
But if it's Jiraiya… that's undeniably harassment. Even if you punch him, there's no room for misunderstanding.
As for Tsunade Hime—Hayashi secretly hoped she belonged to the first category, but he lacked the courage to recklessly test her limits, and he certainly wouldn't say, "I'm also very interested in your body."
Tsunade didn't care about hesitation; her answer was always a punch.
Still, she was undeniably curious about Hayashi's body.
As everyone knew, super recovery abilities and immense chakra reserves were usually associated with the Senju and Uzumaki clans. The Uchiha, on the other hand… were less remarkable.
Yet here was Hayashi—an Uchiha with staggering regenerative power and an absurdly large chakra pool. For Tsunade, it was almost unbelievable.
After the surgery, she drew a tube of Hayashi's blood for testing. Fortunately, nothing abnormal was found, effectively ruling out any tampering by Orochimaru. Further analysis revealed that Hayashi's cells were incredibly active, brimming with chakra akin to Senju blood.
Still, Tsunade could find no record of Senju-Uchiha intermarriage in his family. She could only attribute it to pure talent.
The Ninja World often left matters at that: talent, or a rare Bloodline Limit. The truth of the System was unknown to her.
Seeing Tsunade deep in thought, Hayashi rolled his eyes. "Sensei, didn't you say you needed to talk to me?"
"Hmm…" she intertwined her hands, placing them on her lap.
"It's about Uchiha Yama."
"You already know?" Hayashi raised an eyebrow.
Tsunade rolled her eyes and pouted. "Is it that hard to guess? You fought someone, suffered severe injuries, and the death of the Uchiha Clan Head is already making waves in the Land of Fire. Who wouldn't notice?"
"Konoha already knows?"
"Not quite. Only the Third Hokage is aware. He covered for you and sent a secret letter asking me to treat you."
"Good," Hayashi breathed a sigh of relief. The death of the Uchiha Clan Head was a serious political incident. If it became public, he would have no choice but to become a Rogue Ninja.
Yet Tsunade's next words made his heart race.
"There are already rumors in the Village saying you killed Uchiha Yama."
Hayashi frowned deeply. "I just killed him, and rumors are already spreading… I smell a conspiracy."
He smiled faintly. Seeing this, Tsunade asked, "Did you notice something unusual?"
"Yes." Hayashi nodded. "Before Uchiha Yama died, he claimed my father was killed by the Third Hokage."
"That's impossible!" Tsunade stood, anger flashing. "Your father fully supported the Third Hokage's rise. He would never harm your father. This is clearly an attempt to sow discord."
Hayashi nodded, understanding. According to Uchiha Yama, Kagami had been ambushed, both his eyes removed, and one ended up in Yama's hands via a transaction. Hayashi had suspected either Madara or Danzo.
Madara, hidden in the shadows, might orchestrate such a scheme to weaken Konoha. Danzo, however, with his criminal record, was more likely to commit such acts directly. With the rumors considered, suspicion narrowed toward Danzo.
"So, the other eye is with Danzo?"
Seeing Hayashi remain silent, Tsunade tapped the table. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm figuring out who did it."
Tsunade sighed, her expression solemn. "Hayashi, I can guarantee it has nothing to do with the Third Hokage."
"Sensei, I know. You don't have to worry about me impulsively becoming a Rogue Ninja."
Tsunade pouted. "You can't be sure. You Uchiha aren't quite normal in the head."
Hayashi rolled his eyes.
"Don't glare at me; my Second Grandfather said it."
"…Of course."
"By the way, one thing I don't understand. Why did Uchiha Yama try to kill you?" she asked after a pause. "You two shouldn't have any enmity, right?"
"He said it was for my eyes."
"Eyes again…" A look of disgust crossed Tsunade's face. "Uchiha Madara once took his brother's eyes. You Uchiha truly are ruthless."
"Who told you that?"
"My Second Grandfather."
"…Can you really trust him?"
"Hey kid, why do I feel like you're cursing me in your heart?"
Hayashi shook his head quickly. "I swear, I absolutely didn't—" He added silently, "I only cursed your Second Grandfather."
Tsunade stared, then smiled sweetly. "Forget it. It doesn't matter. I'll forgive you today."
"Huh?" Hayashi's chest tightened with a bad premonition.
Tsunade reached up, fiddled with her ear, and chuckled. "I've already collected your remuneration for the past two years from the Daimyo."
"…Sensei, I want to curse."
Tsunade leaned back, crossed her legs, and chuckled. "Go ahead. The money's already mine… but only one sentence."
"Your… Second Grandfather's!"
"Done. We're even now, no one owes anyone anything," she said, patting Hayashi's shoulder. "The Daimyo was generous, gave a lot of money—so much I almost want to be a Guardian Ninja myself."
"I beg you, stop talking," Hayashi muttered.
"Haha, enough jokes. Let's get down to business."
Tsunade's tone shifted. "Hayashi, on behalf of the Third Hokage, your career as a Guardian Ninja is over. Return to the Village immediately."
"Am I taking over the Uchiha Clan?"
"I'm not fully aware of the Village situation, but if you want to take over, there might be complications."
"Oh?"
"Uchiha Fugaku is back."
"What?" Hayashi was genuinely shocked.
"The Third Hokage didn't explain clearly. In short, your family is in chaos."
"Then I'll have Mikoto and Himeji pack. What about the Daimyo?"
"The Third Hokage will inform him. You don't need to worry. Anbu duties can be handed to Shinnosuke."
"Sensei, will you come back with us?"
Tsunade shook her head. "No. Too many annoying things in the Village. But Nonou and Kana can return with you. They're talented, and I've taught them all I can. The rest is for them to train well at Konoha Hospital. If I don't let them go back soon, someone will be angry with me."
Hayashi raised an eyebrow, catching a subtle, sour scent in the air… the unmistakable stench of love.
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