Konoha Village, Hokage's Office.
Chiya had just finished reviewing several border reports that had arrived during the night when someone knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Tsunade walked in wearing a green robe, her blonde hair tied into a ponytail.
There was a hint of sleepiness on her face from just waking up, but it was quickly overshadowed by a focused expression.
"You called me over this early. What's the matter?"
Tsunade yawned, naturally walked over to the chair opposite Chiya's desk, sat down, and casually grabbed a pastry from his desk before stuffing it into her mouth.
"Don't tell me you're trying to drag me out for breakfast again?"
Seeing how unapologetically she acted, Chiya smiled and put down the scroll in his hand.
"Of course we should have breakfast, but there's something else I want to ask you to help with."
"Oh?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow and swallowed the pastry.
"If the Hokage is actually using the word 'ask,' then it must be something serious."
"It's about one of the children I brought back."
Chiya's expression became more serious.
"Kaguya Clan descendant, Kimimaro."
"The Kaguya Clan?"
At those words, Tsunade sat up straight, and all traces of sleepiness disappeared.
As a top medical ninja, she had an instinctive curiosity about various kekkei genkai and special constitutions.
"The battle clan famous for the 'Shikotsumyaku'? Aren't they already..."
"Yes. They were targeted by the higher-ups in Kirigakure. Kimimaro is one of the few survivors, and he has also awakened the Shikotsumyaku."
Chiya nodded.
"I've settled him in Loulan Town. The bloodline disease is the nightmare of the Kaguya Clan. Although he seems fine right now, I'd like you to give him a comprehensive examination to prevent any problems before they arise."
A glimmer of understanding and interest appeared in Tsunade's eyes.
"The Kaguya Clan's bloodline disease... It is indeed something worth being cautious about."
"No problem. Shall we leave after breakfast?"
The moment it involved possible difficult illnesses and research into kekkei genkai, her professional spirit was immediately aroused.
"Good."
After having a simple breakfast, the two left Konoha together and headed for Loulan Town.
Loulan Town was awakening in the morning light, with cooking smoke rising into the air and gradually increasing activity along the streets.
Chiya and Tsunade went directly to the quiet area on the eastern side of the town, where the temporary residence of Haku, Kimimaro, and Jugo was located.
When they arrived, Sara was already there, gently urging the three children to finish their breakfast.
Haku took small sips of his porridge, while Jugo seemed somewhat distracted by his food, occasionally glancing toward the window.
Kimimaro, meanwhile, sat perfectly straight and ate quietly and quickly, every movement precise and orderly.
"Chiya! Lady Tsunade!"
Seeing the two of them, Sara quickly stood up to greet them.
The three children also immediately put down their bowls and chopsticks and stood respectfully.
"Lady Chiya! Lady Tsunade!"
Chiya waved his hand.
"No need for formalities."
He looked at Kimimaro.
"Kimimaro, this is Tsunade, Konoha's finest medical ninja. I brought her here today to examine your body."
A flicker of emotion appeared in Kimimaro's green eyes.
He looked at Tsunade and nodded.
"Yes. I'll trouble you."
Tsunade looked Kimimaro over.
The child was slender, and his complexion was slightly pale.
However, he stood straight as a pine tree, and his eyes were calm and composed, showing a steadiness far beyond his age.
"Relax. It's just a routine examination."
She tried her best to keep her tone gentle.
However, just as Tsunade was about to begin the preliminary consultation and examination, a slightly hoarse and excited voice suddenly interrupted them.
"Oh my? What a coincidence, Chiya-kun. Princess Tsunade."
Everyone turned toward the voice and saw Orochimaru standing in the shadows of the courtyard.
He wore a loose kimono, and his golden snake-like eyes gleamed with interest.
His gaze was fixed intently on Kimimaro, as though he were admiring a priceless treasure.
"Orochimaru?"
Tsunade immediately frowned.
"Why are you here?"
She had always remained wary of this former teammate, whose behavior had become increasingly mysterious and unpredictable.
"Hehe, I came to check on Jugo's condition. I sensed a familiar chakra here, so I came over to take a look."
Orochimaru slowly approached, but his gaze never left Kimimaro.
"The Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku... What a precious kekkei genkai. It's been a long time since I've seen it. Chiya-kun, you always manage to bring me surprises."
His eyes roamed over Kimimaro like a scalpel, so sharp that Kimimaro unconsciously tensed slightly.
Haku instinctively moved closer to Kimimaro, while Jugo also looked at Orochimaru warily.
Orochimaru licked his lips before turning toward Chiya and Tsunade and voicing his idea.
"Chiya-kun, Tsunade, since you're going to examine him, why not let me participate as well? The mysteries of the Shikotsumyaku, especially its possible connection to the bloodline disease, are truly fascinating. We only need to draw a small blood sample for some preliminary analysis. Perhaps we could..."
"No!"
Before Orochimaru could finish, Tsunade interrupted him decisively.
She stepped forward and subtly shielded Kimimaro behind her, glaring at Orochimaru with an imposing look.
"Orochimaru, put that nonsense away! He's still a child. His body hasn't even finished developing, and he's at a critical stage of growth! Who knows what irreversible effects randomly drawing blood for experiments might have on his body? Research into kekkei genkai can't be accomplished overnight, and it certainly cannot be built upon harming the health of the research subject!"
Tsunade's voice was forceful, carrying the unquestionable medical ethics and principles of a medical ninja.
"As the head of the Medical Department, I'm telling you clearly that before Kimimaro reaches adulthood and his physical condition becomes stable, no invasive experiments or experimental research that could interfere with his normal development will be permitted! Don't even think about it!"
After being thoroughly scolded by Tsunade, the fervor on Orochimaru's face subsided slightly.
He spread his hands and looked toward Chiya.
His tone carried a hint of helplessness.
"Chiya-kun, you see... I was only making a suggestion..."
Chiya glanced at Orochimaru indifferently and spoke calmly.
"Tsunade is right. Kimimaro's health comes first. Orochimaru, I understand your enthusiasm for research, but the prerequisite is that you cannot harm their foundations. Examinations are fine, and observation and recording are fine, but drawing blood or performing other invasive procedures is temporarily forbidden."
Hearing Chiya make his position clear as well, Orochimaru knew there was no room for discussion.
He sighed regretfully but did not insist.
"All right. Since the Hokage and Princess Tsunade have both said so... What a pity..."
He gave Kimimaro one more deep look, as though he intended to memorize every piece of data about him.
Only then did he reluctantly step aside, indicating that he would not interfere with Tsunade's examination.
Tsunade snorted and turned her attention back to Kimimaro.
She motioned for Kimimaro to relax and began conducting a detailed examination of his entire body using medical chakra.
Her fingers glowed with a faint green light as they gently passed over key points along Kimimaro's meridians and bones, her expression completely focused.
Chiya, Sara, Haku, and Jugo all waited quietly nearby.
Concern was written across Haku's little face, while Jugo seemed somewhat curious about the medical chakra Tsunade was using.
After a long while, Tsunade withdrew her hand, slightly furrowed her brows, and fell into thought.
"How is he?"
Chiya asked.
Tsunade shook her head, then nodded.
"At present, his bodily functions are completely normal. In fact, he could even be considered somewhat healthier than children his age. His bone density in particular is far beyond that of ordinary people. That should be an advantage brought by the Shikotsumyaku."
"I also haven't found any obvious abnormal accumulation or disruption of energy in his meridian system."
She paused and looked at Kimimaro.
"Child, do you normally feel uncomfortable anywhere? For example, bone pain or occasionally feeling like you can't exert your strength?"
Kimimaro seriously thought about it before shaking his head.
"No. I feel fine."
"That's a little strange..."
Tsunade rubbed her chin.
"Normally, the Kaguya Clan's bloodline disease should begin showing signs during childhood or adolescence, but he really doesn't have any symptoms at present."
"Either his constitution is special and the bloodline disease will manifest later."
"Or... there is some underlying trigger we haven't discovered yet."
She looked at Chiya.
"I haven't found any specific problem for now."
"However, bloodline diseases are often related to excessive chakra use or specific stages of growth. I'll record his condition and conduct regular follow-up examinations."
"Once he enters a period of rapid growth or begins high-intensity training, we'll need to pay especially close attention to changes in his physical condition."
Chiya nodded.
"Thank you. Regular follow-ups are necessary."
He knew about Kimimaro's tragedy in the original timeline, so naturally he would not take this lightly.
The examination came to an end, and Tsunade gave Kimimaro some additional instructions.
She told him to pay attention to his nutrition, get enough rest, and immediately speak up if he experienced any discomfort.
Kimimaro carefully committed every instruction to memory.
Seeing that the matter was temporarily settled, Orochimaru also found it boring and took his leave, returning to continue tinkering with his barrier research and Jugo's natural energy studies.
Sara looked at the three children and smiled gently.
"All right, now that the examination is over, you can relax."
"The weather is nice today. How about we go to the open area outside town and get some exercise? Staying in the courtyard all the time is boring."
Haku, Jugo, and Kimimaro looked toward Chiya.
Chiya smiled.
"Go ahead. Appropriate outdoor activity is good for your health. Tsunade and I happen to be taking a walk around town as well."
Only then did the children relax slightly.
Under Sara's guidance, they headed toward the training ground that had been designated for them on the outskirts of town.
Chiya and Tsunade walked side by side through the streets of Loulan Town.
Loulan Town had become increasingly prosperous, with shops lining both sides of the streets and merchants and travelers from various places bringing vitality to the area.
"I didn't expect you to care this much about these children."
Tsunade casually spoke as she looked at the peaceful surroundings.
"They're all seedlings with extraordinary potential, but they also have unfortunate pasts and challenges they need to face."
Chiya's gaze remained calm.
"Konoha's future needs all kinds of strength. Guiding them onto the right path and preventing tragedies from happening again is one of my responsibilities as Hokage."
Tsunade turned her head and glanced at him.
Under the sunlight, the lines of Chiya's profile appeared cold and sharp.
Yet there was a deep tranquility in his eyes, as though he could embrace countless things within it.
She had to admit that when it came to the people he considered his own, this man truly possessed a unique sense of responsibility and... gentleness.
"Speaking of which, how are your Strength of a Hundred Seal and Creation Rebirth coming along?"
Chiya changed the subject.
The moment her own research was mentioned, Tsunade immediately became animated.
"I've successfully mastered the techniques, but the requirements for chakra control are indeed extremely high. It's difficult for anyone else to learn them..."
"Konoha has so many talented people. We'll always find someone suitable!"
"Yeah. Who knows?"
"..."
The two walked along while discussing ninjutsu and medical topics, occasionally commenting on some unusual goods or snacks sold along the streets.
Warm sunlight fell upon them, and the atmosphere was unusually relaxed and harmonious.
After staying in Loulan Town for most of the day and confirming that the children's conditions were stable, Chiya and Tsunade set off back toward Konoha.
When they returned to the Hokage's Office, Chiya was once again greeted by a mountain of paperwork.
He rubbed his forehead and resigned himself to sitting back down.
He had just finished reviewing two documents when someone knocked on the office door again.
"Come in."
This time, it was Shizune carrying a stack of documents.
When she saw that Tsunade was also there, she froze for a moment before quickly bowing.
"Hokage-sama, Lady Tsunade."
"What is it, Shizune?"
Tsunade asked.
Shizune placed the documents on one corner of Chiya's desk and reported.
"Hokage-sama, these are the summaries you requested regarding the recent internship team assignments for Ninja Academy graduates."
"Also... the Ninja Academy has sent word that this year's graduation examination is about to begin. The academy teachers would like to know whether you might have time to attend the examination and observe it, so you can give the students some encouragement."
Chiya took the documents and quickly looked through them before nodding.
"I understand. Notify me once the exact date of the graduation examination has been confirmed."
"Yes."
Shizune responded, then glanced at Tsunade as though she wanted to say something.
"Is there anything else?"
Chiya looked up.
Shizune hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Um... Hokage-sama, Lady Tsunade, the little princess of the Land of Snow who was previously sent to the hospital, Koyuki Kazahana, has become much more emotionally stable recently, and she's been cooperating well with her treatment and examinations."
"It's just... she seems to have become quite attached to you, Hokage-sama. She often asks the kunoichi taking care of her about you..."
Chiya's hand paused when he heard this.
He remembered the little girl he had rescued from the snow, who had cried like a tearful mess.
His heart stirred slightly.
"I understand. I'll go see her when I have time."
Only then did Shizune relax, bow, and leave.
Tsunade stood to the side with her arms crossed, looking at Chiya with an amused smile.
"Well, our Hokage certainly has quite the charm. Even such a little girl can't stop thinking about you."
Chiya gave her a helpless look.
"She simply lacks a sense of security."
"Yes, yes, of course."
Tsunade answered perfunctorily, though there was a teasing smile at the corner of her lips.
Chiya couldn't be bothered to argue with her and lowered his head to continue working through the documents.
Tsunade did not leave either.
She simply sat down on the sofa nearby and picked up a medical journal to read.
Every now and then, she would look up at Chiya as he buried himself in his paperwork.
For a while, the office contained nothing but the rustling of pages and the soft scratching of his pen across paper, creating an unusual sense of tranquility.
It was not until the sun began to set that Chiya finally finished the last document that absolutely required his attention today.
He stretched his somewhat stiff limbs and looked toward Tsunade, who had apparently dozed off on the sofa at some point.
Her golden ponytail fell over her shoulder, and her breathing was even.
Without her usual forcefulness, her sleeping face looked much more serene.
Chiya did not wake her.
Instead, he took the Hokage cloak hanging over the back of his chair, walked over quietly, and gently draped it over her.
The movement was light, but Tsunade still woke up.
She opened her eyes groggily and saw Chiya close to her.
Feeling the warmth and scent of his cloak around her, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she hurriedly sat upright.
"...Finished with the paperwork?"
"Yes."
Chiya straightened up.
"Are you hungry? Shall we go get something to eat?"
Tsunade rubbed her eyes and suppressed the strange emotions inside her before returning to her usual cheerful self.
"Of course! Today I'm eating the most expensive thing on the menu!"
Chiya laughed.
"All right. Whatever you want."
"Come on, let's go drinking!"
Tsunade said happily.
The two once again walked side by side out of the Hokage Tower and disappeared into Konoha's night, where the streets were just beginning to glow with lantern light.
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