Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

"Hmph, at least you know your place."

Tsunade snorted softly, then suddenly thought of something. "Tell me, have you been scheming against me for a long time?"

Recalling their first meeting and how Chiba constantly visited her under the pretense of studying medical ninjutsu, Tsunade became more convinced that her suspicions were correct.

"Not at all! I've always admired you, Sister Tsunade, but later on..."

"Why did you stop talking?" Tsunade smirked, eyeing him playfully. "Let's see what excuse you come up with now."

Seeing her teasing expression, Chiba decided it was pointless to make excuses. Instead, he admitted outright, "Well... yeah, that was my plan from the start."

"Hah! I knew it! You really are a little pervert," Tsunade declared triumphantly, proud that she had figured out his intentions.

Realizing the conversation was heading in a dangerous direction, Chiba quickly changed the subject. "Let's not dwell on that for now. Sister Tsunade, you must be hungry. You should eat first."

At the mention of food, Tsunade instinctively placed a hand on her stomach, feeling the hunger. She was about to pick up the meal left outside her door when she suddenly stopped and looked at Chiba.

"No. I want to eat something you cooked."

"What? No way! It's already late, and I just got back from a mission today. I'm exhausted."

Even though he liked Tsunade, Chiba knew he couldn't give in to every one of her demands. This was a matter of setting boundaries—especially if he wanted to maintain any authority in their relationship in the future.

"Hmph."

Tsunade pouted in dissatisfaction but, after hearing his reasoning, realized she was being a bit unreasonable. Without another word, she picked up the food and walked into her room.

As she quietly ate her meal, Uchiha Chiba sat opposite her, resting his chin on one hand, watching her intently.

"What are you still doing here? It's late. Shouldn't you be heading home?"

Feeling somewhat embarrassed under his gaze—especially since it was Chiba—Tsunade tried to shoo him away.

"It's fine. I already told my mother that I might be home late," he replied with a grin.

Tsunade huffed and stopped talking, choosing instead to focus on her meal.

......

After finishing her food, Tsunade wiped her mouth and looked at Chiba.

"You can leave now. I'm going to bed."

"Not just yet. Unless…" Chiba's eyes gleamed mischievously as he glanced at her lips.

"You little pervert! Don't push your luck! Leave now, or I'll beat you up," Tsunade threatened, though there was more embarrassment than actual anger in her tone.

"Haha, that's fine. I've got thick skin—I'm not afraid!"

"You—! Hmph! Are you leaving or not? I'm going to sleep."

Annoyed by Chiba's shamelessness, Tsunade turned her back to him and lay down on her bed.

Chiba debated pushing his luck further, but he knew that if Tsunade actually lost her temper and attacked him, Senju Sousuke and the others would undoubtedly hear about it.

With a resigned sigh, he picked up the dishes and finally walked out of the room.

......

The Next Day – Hokage's Office

Senju Sousuke sat across from Sarutobi Hiruzen, the village's Hokage, who was puffing on his pipe.

"Hiruzen, I have a solution for the problem we discussed—how to sever a tailed beast's tail."

"Oh? You do?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his pipe and looked at Senju Sousuke with curiosity. "What's the method?"

Senju Sousuke didn't hesitate and explained the plan that Uchiha Chiba had proposed the night before.

"Are you sure this will work? We've considered numerous ideas, only for them all to be rejected. Can a child like Uchiha Chiba really pull this off?" Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke, his expression serious.

"At this point, we have no choice but to believe in him," Senju Sousuke replied, tapping his fingers against the table. "Besides, the idea came from Chiba himself. I trust he wouldn't lie to me."

After a moment of contemplation, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. "Very well. I'll arrange for a swordsmanship instructor. How about Hatake Sakumo? The swordsmanship of the Hatake clan is among the best in the ninja world."

Senju Sousuke considered it and nodded. "That sounds perfect."

Although the Hatake clan was small, and only Hatake Sakumo remained of its direct line, their swordsmanship was undeniably exceptional.

"Good. If you have no objections, I'll proceed with the arrangements."

Sarutobi Hiruzen turned to an Anbu member stationed nearby.

"Summon Hatake Sakumo. I have a task for him."

"Yes, Lord Hokage."

As the Anbu disappeared, Senju Sousuke suddenly thought of something.

"Hiruzen, do you know what Danzo has been up to lately?"

"I'm not sure. He's been keeping to his base for the past six months. Why do you ask?" Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at him curiously.

After all, Senju Sousuke and Shimura Danzo had no close ties.

"I'm just concerned he might cause trouble for Chiba. Right now, we can't afford any distractions."

"Understood. I'll have Anbu keep an eye on him," Sarutobi Hiruzen assured him with a smile.

......

Afternoon – Hokage Rock

As promised, Chiba began his training early in the morning.

For now, his focus was on developing Armament Haki. Swordsmanship would have to wait until his assigned instructor arrived.

Although Armament Haki was essentially an extension of one's life energy, Uchiha Chiba was still just a teenager. While he was physically stronger than most ninjas, he was still far from the monstrous power levels seen in the world of One Piece.

Moreover, the Overgrowth talent he possessed required a constant intake of energy—whether from food, chakra, or sage chakra—to strengthen his body. However, he couldn't just eat endlessly throughout the day; even he had limits.

Thinking about Overgrowth, Uchiha Chiba recalled its description:

Overgrowth: A trait originating from a certain four-player fighting game. Allows the absorption of various energy sources—including but not limited to food, chakra, and sage chakra—to reinforce and stabilize the body.

Sage chakra?

That meant he would have to visit Tsunade.

Among the three major summoning sanctuaries, all had representatives in Konoha. However, Tsunade was the one he was closest to, making her the best option.

Besides, this would also be beneficial to Uzumaki Mito, so he was confident Tsunade wouldn't refuse his request.

Just as he was deep in thought about sage training—

"Who's there? Come out!"

Thanks to his Observation Haki, Uchiha Chiba had sensed another presence. Since he had kept it active throughout training, he immediately noticed the approaching figure.

Hearing his words, the person stepped forward, revealing himself.

"Uchiha Chiba, I've been sent by Lord Hokage to teach you swordsmanship."

Hatake Sakumo stood before him, studying the young man with a complicated expression.