Naruto: The Rise of an Unknown Chunin

Rensu was still standing in front of the guards, unsuccessfully trying to convince them.

— It's important, I need to speak with the Hokage. — His voice was firm, but carried a tone of urgency.

— About what? — one of them asked.

— I can't say here. Only to him. — Despite Rensu's conviction, the response came quickly and decisively.

— Then, it won't be possible.

Even after the refusal, Rensu didn't give up immediately. He tried to appeal with other justifications, changing his approach, but the guards remained unwavering. When he finally left the area, his mind was already working on a new plan. He still needed to find a way to be heard.

Konoha was a vast world, much larger than any screen could capture. The anime, in its attempt to focus on a few characters, overlooked the true scale of the village and the complexity of its lives. However, for anyone present in the central square that day, the reality was clear: Konoha had ninjas in abundance.

Amidst the crowd, Rensu was squeezed in, trying to get a better view. The murmurs around him were muffled by the anticipation as everyone waited for the Hokage's speech.

Up above, on a makeshift platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing his white cloak marked with the kanji for Kage, faced the crowd with a steady gaze. He commanded respect, and his serene expression hid the weight of the decisions he needed to make.

— Today, we gather not just as ninjas of Konoha, but as a family united by a single purpose, Hiruzen said, his voice clear, cutting through the silence.

The crowd grew even quieter, absorbing every word.

— This war was not chosen by us, but it has been imposed upon us. And it is our duty to protect our home, our families, and our future.

The Hokage's words carried a weight that was hard to ignore. The tension hanging over the square began to shift. Not into relief, but into something deeper: determination.

Rensu stared intently at Hiruzen, but his attention was divided. He wasn't there for inspiration, but for necessity. Even as the speech fired up the crowd, his mind remained occupied with a failed plan, with doors that kept stubbornly shut to him.

The crowd applauded, shouting words of support. "For the Hokage! For Konoha!" The sound reverberated off the walls and in the hearts of everyone, except for Rensu's, who was still searching for a way to be heard.

Hiruzen silenced the crowd with a gesture.

— Today, the village faces a challenge like never before, he said, his expression serious. — And for this challenge, we have the best among us, those who will guide Konoha to victory.

He paused strategically, allowing the silence to take over before continuing.

— Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Hatake Sakumo — Hiruzen announced, gesturing to the three beside him. With each name, a murmur rippled through the crowd. Although Orochimaru and Jiraiya were known as the Hokage's disciples, their reputation had yet to reach the prestige of the legendary Sannin, a title that, at the time, was not yet theirs.

Hatake Sakumo, in turn, was respected as a Jonin of exceptional skill, but the absence of a symbolic nickname, one that would later become famous, left some doubts about his ability to inspire and unite the ninjas under his command.

The crowd longed for figures who conveyed security, but at that moment, many eyes reflected hesitation. Among the Uchihas present, looks of disapproval and resentment betrayed their dissatisfaction at no member of their clan being chosen as commander.

Orochimaru was being Orochimaru. Jiraiya, on the other hand, was exaggeratedly waving at the crowd, causing some laughs but also increasing the respect and affection others felt for him. Sakumo remained silent, arms crossed, with a serene expression on his face.

— And beside them, our medical force: Tsunade — Hiruzen continued, now turning his gaze to the woman beside him, who stood out with her strong and imposing posture. — She will lead the medical ninjas and be crucial in ensuring that the lives of our shinobi are not lost.

The crowd erupted in applause as Tsunade gave a brief nod. The name Senju carried a historical weight, deeply rooted in the hearts of Konoha's shinobi, evoking almost automatic respect and reverence.

However, some couldn't contain their murmurs of dissatisfaction:

— How can they accept this? — whispered a short-haired ninja, his voice filled with disappointment. — A Senju should be at the forefront.

Despite the bitter words, these voices were in the minority, drowned out by the overwhelming support of the crowd. The few "loud rats" quickly fell silent in the face of the weight of the moment.

— Move forward and show the way — proclaimed Hiruzen, his firm voice echoing across the field.

As the commanders began their walk, the ninjas formed an honor corridor. The moment was solemn; the leaders were forging the symbolic path to the battlefield, igniting the desire to fight in everyone present.

Rensu knew that, amid the crowd, it would be nearly impossible to attract attention in a conventional way. Determined, he resorted to a vulgar strategy.

With a challenging smile on his lips, he raised his voice.

— Look at those massive tits! The Senju really are a top-tier clan! — He shouted, hoping to get a reaction. — I bet those juicy beauties don't even fit in one hand!

Tsunade stopped abruptly. Her previously firm posture became even more tense.

The crowd shuddered. Some exchanged shocked glances, others murmured in indignation. What had once been a moment of respect and celebration now seemed poised to turn into something darker.

She turned swiftly, her eyes locked on the crowd, searching for the source of the provocation. The air seemed to freeze for a second, and the people held their breath.

— Who was the idiot who dared to speak like that about me? — her voice sliced through the silence with lethal precision.

Rensu didn't hesitate. He knew this was the risk he had to take. He wasn't there to be discreet, not when his life was on the line. He stood up in the middle of the crowd, facing her directly.

— It was me! — he replied, his voice firm, not caring about the reactions around him.

Tsunade, for a moment, simply stared, her eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and disbelief. The fool had not only insulted her but had gladly revealed himself.

Some began to recognize him and started whispering:

— Hey, isn't that the guy who was abandoned by his fiancée?

— Yeah... I heard she's getting married soon...

— How pathetic. Now he's trying to go after Princess Senju for revenge, huh?

— Pfft. As if he stood a chance. They're in completely different worlds.

Jiraiya watched the scene from afar, his eyes wide. He had learned the hard way how Tsunade reacted to insults. And while he enjoyed teasing her, he knew well enough that this wasn't something to joke about.

Tsunade clenched her fists, feeling the anger rise in her chest. Since she was young, she had known that the Senju name was both a blessing and a curse. The weight of others' expectations was always on her shoulders. It wasn't enough to be good; she had to be the best, always living up to the legacy of her family. Others saw her as the granddaughter of the great Hashirama Senju, but no one knew how much she had to struggle to prove her own worth, not just as a shadow of the past.

The grueling training, the long sleepless nights, the fights for survival in a world where people always expected more from her — Tsunade had to prove herself time and time again, not just as a ninja, but as a woman capable of carving her own place without relying on the grandeur of her clan. Every move, every technique, was earned with blood and sweat, while she fought against the constant judgment of those who thought she was there only because of her name.

The good image she had built was earned through sweat and blood.

The disrespect Rensu had shown was not just an insult to her, but to everything she had built with so much effort.

Rensu, despite the chill beginning to crawl up his spine, did not back down.

— I want to speak with you alone, princess of slugs.

The crowd began to murmur, many thinking that Tsunade would never accept such an affront, but to everyone's surprise, she stepped forward. Her smile wasn't one of friendliness, but rather a cold, calculated expression.

— Very well, — she said, her voice heavy with something icy, as if she knew exactly what to do. — Let's see if you can handle what you're asking for.

...

In the middle of the walk, Tsunade suddenly stopped and shot an irritated look at a small group of people trailing them at a distance.

— What are you doing? — she asked, her voice firm and impatient. — If you need something, speak up.

Their faces paled instantly, and without a word, they turned and ran as if fleeing from a predator.

Jiraiya, who was walking beside her, seized the opportunity to win some favor with his object of affection:

— Need help? If you want, I can kick his ass for you.

Tsunade turned to him with a gentle smile that, paradoxically, was more terrifying than reassuring.

— Jiraiya... do you remember the first time I caught you spying on the hot springs? When I sent you to the hospital and you were in a coma for two weeks?

Jiraiya's body tensed like a statue. He swallowed hard and nodded nervously, avoiding any eye contact.

Tsunade kept her smile as she pointed to Rensu beside them, who was silently following along.

— So, the kid whose name I didn't even bother to ask will receive the same treatment, — Tsunade said, with a sweet smile that did nothing to soften the weight of her threat. — But I'll let him live long enough to say his last words.

Jiraiya's gaze, which had been shooting daggers at Rensu, suddenly became solemn. He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, as if lamenting an inevitable fate.

— It was nice to meet you.

And before anyone could react, he disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the atmosphere even more dense and uncomfortable.

The walk continued in a suffocating silence, heavy with tension. The discomfort grew with every step until, finally, the two arrived at a miso soup shop.

Tsunade cast a single, bitter glance at the staff, who, without question, gathered their belongings and disappeared through the back door. After all, the place was one of the many Senju properties, and no one dared challenge the princess of the family.

Now alone, the two sat at a table in the center of the empty room. They stared at each other in silence, as if each gaze were a battle fought on neutral ground.

Tsunade kept her cold, almost indifferent smile before speaking:

— I don't know if you're just crazy or truly an idiot. But I'll admit one thing: you have enough guts not to be kneeling and apologizing right now.

Rensu chose each word with extreme care. He would need to use all of his acting skills if he wanted to avoid being beaten into a pulp.

With a smooth motion, he bowed respectfully, his tone more serious.

— I apologize if I was being an asshole, Lady Tsunade. Actually, I did what I did to bring up a matter of utmost importance.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing with a gleam of suspicion.

— And you thought it was a good idea to insult me in public to get my attention? — her voice was low, but laced with threat. — You better explain quickly, because my desire to punch you has reached the same level as Jiraiya's.

She added even more venomously:

— And keep in mind that Jiraiya and I have known each other since childhood. — Tsunade crossed her arms, a slight frustration evident. — You managed to piss me off in record time.

He didn't rush, simply sliding his hand into his pocket and retrieving a small box.

With a slow and deliberate motion, he handed it to Tsunade without saying a word. Tsunade eyed the box for a moment, suspicious, before opening it. The contents made her eyes shine with curiosity.

Inside the box were three small moss-green pills, their shapes perfectly rounded. A strong medicinal aura emanated from them, a scent she recognized very well.

— These soldier pills were made by me, through a secret and special method. — Rensu's voice was firm, without hesitation. — They do not contain the unwanted toxins acquired during the manufacturing process. When Wild Grass and Shaved Deer Horn are mixed at high temperatures, their antagonistic reactions produce toxins. My method prevents that, ensuring a pure product with fewer side effects.

— No toxins? — Tsunade raised an eyebrow, skeptical. While those pills were the most perfect she had ever seen, so well-crafted they seemed like small jewels, she couldn't confirm his claims without a more thorough examination.

Rensu didn't hesitate, beginning his explanation:

— My parents served in the First Ninja War. They both carried the Will of Fire within them. — Rensu paused dramatically, as if recalling something distant. — I've always cultivated my skills as a craftsman, but out of respect for my principles, I avoided using them. I didn't want my creations to be used to hurt or kill. However, this time...

He lifted his head, his voice rising with exaggerated solemnity:

— I decided to break my own rules! I will use my work to defend Konoha! As a Shinobi of Konoha, I will do whatever it takes to protect my home!

With a theatrical gesture, he pulled out a scroll and unrolled it. A small puff of smoke erupted, revealing a sword of almost tar-black steel. The blade's gleam reflected the ambient light in a nearly hypnotic way.

— Besides being skilled in creating medicines, I'm also a talented blacksmith. — His voice was laden with pride.

Tsunade, although not an expert in swords, could feel the excellence of the blade. Not only did the materials seem top-notch, but the craftsmanship was evident, as if every inch and detail had been meticulously designed by the artisan.

She could almost visualize Rensu hammering the blade over and over, remaking it with sweat pouring down and tireless dedication, until reaching that degree of perfection and balance. A work that surely took years of effort, sweat, and blood.

She estimated that the sword was easily worth fifty million ryō, a considerable sum even by the standards of the Senju clan.

What she didn't know was that Rensu had used nothing but scraps and twelve hours to finish it. His limited chakra had delayed the process; otherwise, he would have completed it in just a few minutes.

— This sword is my greatest creation, — Rensu said, making the best expression of hesitation he could muster. — The blade contains high-level chakra metal, which I stumbled upon during a mission. I want you to accept it as an apology.

High-level chakra metal? Forget the fifty million. Tsunade was likely holding a weapon of the same caliber as the legendary Kusanagi, or perhaps slightly inferior. Even so, no one would sell something like that; such an artifact would be passed down as a family heirloom.

Tsunade felt torn about whether to accept the gift or not. Her fighting style was incompatible with the sword, and she didn't like being in debt to anyone.

— I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline.

— What? Are you sure?

— Yes, my fighting style wouldn't do justice to such a precious weapon.

— I'm doing this out of my regret, Tsunade, — Rensu said, meeting her gaze. — Maybe you won't use it, but there's someone you want to protect. Give this sword to someone special and make sure it becomes famous, as a tribute to my effort.

The Senju princess shuddered, not correcting the young man, who had called her by her first name. When he mentioned protecting someone special, the image of her little brother, Nawaki, smiling in the ninja academy flooded her mind.

Still, a whirlwind of indecision consumed her.

No, I can't accept, she thought, trying to convince herself.

But once again, the image of Nawaki smiling wouldn't leave her mind.

Finally, with a voice barely audible, like the hum of a mosquito, she murmured:

— Alright, I accept.

How would she explain to others that she came here with the intention of killing him, but now left as if she were in debt? She couldn't understand how things changed so quickly.

Not quite knowing how to act, Tsunade hugged the sword's scabbard against her chest, her head down, avoiding Rensu's gaze.

— How, with such talent, have I never heard of you?

Rensu responded with a calm 'sincerity':

— As I've already said, I didn't want my creations to be stained with blood. But if it's for protection, it seems like a good cause. I wanted to speak with the Hokage earlier, hoping to help with my creations in the war, but my way was blocked.

— Nonsense, — Tsunade raised her eyes, her anger evident. — Tell me who blocked your path, and I'll report them myself.

With sweat running down his cheek, Rensu tried to calm her. — It's not their fault. I'm just a nameless chunin. It wouldn't be fair to get them fired just for following orders.

Even though he was wronged, he was still thinking of the well-being of those who had blocked him?

Tsunade felt a discomfort in her chest. She hugged the sword's scabbard tighter against her chest, diverting her gaze to the floor.

Rensu knew Tsunade's personality well and understood her tendency to be captivated by simple and kind-hearted people like Nawaki, Dan, and even Naruto. He used this knowledge to stir her emotions and try to win the support of the influential Senju princess. However, he had never imagined that Tsunade might develop a romantic interest in him. His appearance was, at best, plain, making such a possibility unimaginable. Not even in his wildest thoughts had he ever considered it.

Tsunade bit her lips, and after an internal struggle, she finally said:

— Don't think there's anything between us, alright? The man I choose will have to be stronger than me! Better yet… he'll have to be stronger than my grandfather. You don't have the qualities I'm looking for. You can take the sword back if you regret it.

Rensu, however, responded with his best gentle smile:

— I would never have any wrong thoughts. I'm just happy we're friends.

But Rensu wasn't as dense as the typical anime characters. He noticed, with an internal shock, the faint redness on her cheeks. Having crafted the sword so easily using Seiton, he had completely underestimated the impact the gift would have.

"A woman's mind is really terrifying," he thought.

Tsunade wasn't naive; she knew that no one would give such a meaningful gift just as an apology. In her mind, theories started to form: Rensu expressing love for her, offering something that was perhaps the work of his life just to honor her.

Although Tsunade believed there would never be anything between them, she couldn't help but wonder if Rensu's feelings for her were deeper than she had initially thought. He seemed genuinely happy to give her the sword, and she couldn't ignore the gesture and what it might mean."

The Senju princess shivered slightly and looked away, feeling shy.

Now, he was there, unsure how to explain what he had just done.

Rensu was still standing in front of the guards, unsuccessfully trying to convince them.

— It's important, I need to speak with the Hokage. — His voice was firm, but carried a tone of urgency.

— About what? — one of them asked.

— I can't say here. Only to him. — Despite Rensu's conviction, the response came quickly and decisively.

— Then, it won't be possible.

Even after the refusal, Rensu didn't give up immediately. He tried to appeal with other justifications, changing his approach, but the guards remained unwavering. When he finally left the area, his mind was already working on a new plan. He still needed to find a way to be heard.

Konoha was a vast world, much larger than any screen could capture. The anime, in its attempt to focus on a few characters, overlooked the true scale of the village and the complexity of its lives. However, for anyone present in the central square that day, the reality was clear: Konoha had ninjas in abundance.

Amidst the crowd, Rensu was squeezed in, trying to get a better view. The murmurs around him were muffled by the anticipation as everyone waited for the Hokage's speech.

Up above, on a makeshift platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing his white cloak marked with the kanji for Kage, faced the crowd with a steady gaze. He commanded respect, and his serene expression hid the weight of the decisions he needed to make.

— Today, we gather not just as ninjas of Konoha, but as a family united by a single purpose, Hiruzen said, his voice clear, cutting through the silence.

The crowd grew even quieter, absorbing every word.

— This war was not chosen by us, but it has been imposed upon us. And it is our duty to protect our home, our families, and our future.

The Hokage's words carried a weight that was hard to ignore. The tension hanging over the square began to shift. Not into relief, but into something deeper: determination.

Rensu stared intently at Hiruzen, but his attention was divided. He wasn't there for inspiration, but for necessity. Even as the speech fired up the crowd, his mind remained occupied with a failed plan, with doors that kept stubbornly shut to him.

The crowd applauded, shouting words of support. "For the Hokage! For Konoha!" The sound reverberated off the walls and in the hearts of everyone, except for Rensu's, who was still searching for a way to be heard.

Hiruzen silenced the crowd with a gesture.

— Today, the village faces a challenge like never before, he said, his expression serious. — And for this challenge, we have the best among us, those who will guide Konoha to victory.

He paused strategically, allowing the silence to take over before continuing.

— Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Hatake Sakumo — Hiruzen announced, gesturing to the three beside him. With each name, a murmur rippled through the crowd. Although Orochimaru and Jiraiya were known as the Hokage's disciples, their reputation had yet to reach the prestige of the legendary Sannin, a title that, at the time, was not yet theirs.

Hatake Sakumo, in turn, was respected as a Jonin of exceptional skill, but the absence of a symbolic nickname, one that would later become famous, left some doubts about his ability to inspire and unite the ninjas under his command.

The crowd longed for figures who conveyed security, but at that moment, many eyes reflected hesitation. Among the Uchihas present, looks of disapproval and resentment betrayed their dissatisfaction at no member of their clan being chosen as commander.

Orochimaru was being Orochimaru. Jiraiya, on the other hand, was exaggeratedly waving at the crowd, causing some laughs but also increasing the respect and affection others felt for him. Sakumo remained silent, arms crossed, with a serene expression on his face.

— And beside them, our medical force: Tsunade — Hiruzen continued, now turning his gaze to the woman beside him, who stood out with her strong and imposing posture. — She will lead the medical ninjas and be crucial in ensuring that the lives of our shinobi are not lost.

The crowd erupted in applause as Tsunade gave a brief nod. The name Senju carried a historical weight, deeply rooted in the hearts of Konoha's shinobi, evoking almost automatic respect and reverence.

However, some couldn't contain their murmurs of dissatisfaction:

— How can they accept this? — whispered a short-haired ninja, his voice filled with disappointment. — A Senju should be at the forefront.

Despite the bitter words, these voices were in the minority, drowned out by the overwhelming support of the crowd. The few "loud rats" quickly fell silent in the face of the weight of the moment.

— Move forward and show the way — proclaimed Hiruzen, his firm voice echoing across the field.

As the commanders began their walk, the ninjas formed an honor corridor. The moment was solemn; the leaders were forging the symbolic path to the battlefield, igniting the desire to fight in everyone present.

Rensu knew that, amid the crowd, it would be nearly impossible to attract attention in a conventional way. Determined, he resorted to a vulgar strategy.

With a challenging smile on his lips, he raised his voice.

— Look at those massive tits! The Senju really are a top-tier clan! — He shouted, hoping to get a reaction. — I bet those juicy beauties don't even fit in one hand!

Tsunade stopped abruptly. Her previously firm posture became even more tense.

The crowd shuddered. Some exchanged shocked glances, others murmured in indignation. What had once been a moment of respect and celebration now seemed poised to turn into something darker.

She turned swiftly, her eyes locked on the crowd, searching for the source of the provocation. The air seemed to freeze for a second, and the people held their breath.

— Who was the idiot who dared to speak like that about me? — her voice sliced through the silence with lethal precision.

Rensu didn't hesitate. He knew this was the risk he had to take. He wasn't there to be discreet, not when his life was on the line. He stood up in the middle of the crowd, facing her directly.

— It was me! — he replied, his voice firm, not caring about the reactions around him.

Tsunade, for a moment, simply stared, her eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and disbelief. The fool had not only insulted her but had gladly revealed himself.

Some began to recognize him and started whispering:

— Hey, isn't that the guy who was abandoned by his fiancée?

— Yeah... I heard she's getting married soon...

— How pathetic. Now he's trying to go after Princess Senju for revenge, huh?

— Pfft. As if he stood a chance. They're in completely different worlds.

Jiraiya watched the scene from afar, his eyes wide. He had learned the hard way how Tsunade reacted to insults. And while he enjoyed teasing her, he knew well enough that this wasn't something to joke about.

Tsunade clenched her fists, feeling the anger rise in her chest. Since she was young, she had known that the Senju name was both a blessing and a curse. The weight of others' expectations was always on her shoulders. It wasn't enough to be good; she had to be the best, always living up to the legacy of her family. Others saw her as the granddaughter of the great Hashirama Senju, but no one knew how much she had to struggle to prove her own worth, not just as a shadow of the past.

The grueling training, the long sleepless nights, the fights for survival in a world where people always expected more from her — Tsunade had to prove herself time and time again, not just as a ninja, but as a woman capable of carving her own place without relying on the grandeur of her clan. Every move, every technique, was earned with blood and sweat, while she fought against the constant judgment of those who thought she was there only because of her name.

The good image she had built was earned through sweat and blood.

The disrespect Rensu had shown was not just an insult to her, but to everything she had built with so much effort.

Rensu, despite the chill beginning to crawl up his spine, did not back down.

— I want to speak with you alone, princess of slugs.

The crowd began to murmur, many thinking that Tsunade would never accept such an affront, but to everyone's surprise, she stepped forward. Her smile wasn't one of friendliness, but rather a cold, calculated expression.

— Very well, — she said, her voice heavy with something icy, as if she knew exactly what to do. — Let's see if you can handle what you're asking for.

...

In the middle of the walk, Tsunade suddenly stopped and shot an irritated look at a small group of people trailing them at a distance.

— What are you doing? — she asked, her voice firm and impatient. — If you need something, speak up.

Their faces paled instantly, and without a word, they turned and ran as if fleeing from a predator.

Jiraiya, who was walking beside her, seized the opportunity to win some favor with his object of affection:

— Need help? If you want, I can kick his ass for you.

Tsunade turned to him with a gentle smile that, paradoxically, was more terrifying than reassuring.

— Jiraiya... do you remember the first time I caught you spying on the hot springs? When I sent you to the hospital and you were in a coma for two weeks?

Jiraiya's body tensed like a statue. He swallowed hard and nodded nervously, avoiding any eye contact.

Tsunade kept her smile as she pointed to Rensu beside them, who was silently following along.

— So, the kid whose name I didn't even bother to ask will receive the same treatment, — Tsunade said, with a sweet smile that did nothing to soften the weight of her threat. — But I'll let him live long enough to say his last words.

Jiraiya's gaze, which had been shooting daggers at Rensu, suddenly became solemn. He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, as if lamenting an inevitable fate.

— It was nice to meet you.

And before anyone could react, he disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the atmosphere even more dense and uncomfortable.

The walk continued in a suffocating silence, heavy with tension. The discomfort grew with every step until, finally, the two arrived at a miso soup shop.

Tsunade cast a single, bitter glance at the staff, who, without question, gathered their belongings and disappeared through the back door. After all, the place was one of the many Senju properties, and no one dared challenge the princess of the family.

Now alone, the two sat at a table in the center of the empty room. They stared at each other in silence, as if each gaze were a battle fought on neutral ground.

Tsunade kept her cold, almost indifferent smile before speaking:

— I don't know if you're just crazy or truly an idiot. But I'll admit one thing: you have enough guts not to be kneeling and apologizing right now.

Rensu chose each word with extreme care. He would need to use all of his acting skills if he wanted to avoid being beaten into a pulp.

With a smooth motion, he bowed respectfully, his tone more serious.

— I apologize if I was being an asshole, Lady Tsunade. Actually, I did what I did to bring up a matter of utmost importance.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing with a gleam of suspicion.

— And you thought it was a good idea to insult me in public to get my attention? — her voice was low, but laced with threat. — You better explain quickly, because my desire to punch you has reached the same level as Jiraiya's.

She added even more venomously:

— And keep in mind that Jiraiya and I have known each other since childhood. — Tsunade crossed her arms, a slight frustration evident. — You managed to piss me off in record time.

He didn't rush, simply sliding his hand into his pocket and retrieving a small box.

With a slow and deliberate motion, he handed it to Tsunade without saying a word. Tsunade eyed the box for a moment, suspicious, before opening it. The contents made her eyes shine with curiosity.

Inside the box were three small moss-green pills, their shapes perfectly rounded. A strong medicinal aura emanated from them, a scent she recognized very well.

— These soldier pills were made by me, through a secret and special method. — Rensu's voice was firm, without hesitation. — They do not contain the unwanted toxins acquired during the manufacturing process. When Wild Grass and Shaved Deer Horn are mixed at high temperatures, their antagonistic reactions produce toxins. My method prevents that, ensuring a pure product with fewer side effects.

— No toxins? — Tsunade raised an eyebrow, skeptical. While those pills were the most perfect she had ever seen, so well-crafted they seemed like small jewels, she couldn't confirm his claims without a more thorough examination.

Rensu didn't hesitate, beginning his explanation:

— My parents served in the First Ninja War. They both carried the Will of Fire within them. — Rensu paused dramatically, as if recalling something distant. — I've always cultivated my skills as a craftsman, but out of respect for my principles, I avoided using them. I didn't want my creations to be used to hurt or kill. However, this time...

He lifted his head, his voice rising with exaggerated solemnity:

— I decided to break my own rules! I will use my work to defend Konoha! As a Shinobi of Konoha, I will do whatever it takes to protect my home!

With a theatrical gesture, he pulled out a scroll and unrolled it. A small puff of smoke erupted, revealing a sword of almost tar-black steel. The blade's gleam reflected the ambient light in a nearly hypnotic way.

— Besides being skilled in creating medicines, I'm also a talented blacksmith. — His voice was laden with pride.

Tsunade, although not an expert in swords, could feel the excellence of the blade. Not only did the materials seem top-notch, but the craftsmanship was evident, as if every inch and detail had been meticulously designed by the artisan.

She could almost visualize Rensu hammering the blade over and over, remaking it with sweat pouring down and tireless dedication, until reaching that degree of perfection and balance. A work that surely took years of effort, sweat, and blood.

She estimated that the sword was easily worth fifty million ryō, a considerable sum even by the standards of the Senju clan.

What she didn't know was that Rensu had used nothing but scraps and twelve hours to finish it. His limited chakra had delayed the process; otherwise, he would have completed it in just a few minutes.

— This sword is my greatest creation, — Rensu said, making the best expression of hesitation he could muster. — The blade contains high-level chakra metal, which I stumbled upon during a mission. I want you to accept it as an apology.

High-level chakra metal? Forget the fifty million. Tsunade was likely holding a weapon of the same caliber as the legendary Kusanagi, or perhaps slightly inferior. Even so, no one would sell something like that; such an artifact would be passed down as a family heirloom.

Tsunade felt torn about whether to accept the gift or not. Her fighting style was incompatible with the sword, and she didn't like being in debt to anyone.

— I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline.

— What? Are you sure?

— Yes, my fighting style wouldn't do justice to such a precious weapon.

— I'm doing this out of my regret, Tsunade, — Rensu said, meeting her gaze. — Maybe you won't use it, but there's someone you want to protect. Give this sword to someone special and make sure it becomes famous, as a tribute to my effort.

The Senju princess shuddered, not correcting the young man, who had called her by her first name. When he mentioned protecting someone special, the image of her little brother, Nawaki, smiling in the ninja academy flooded her mind.

Still, a whirlwind of indecision consumed her.

No, I can't accept, she thought, trying to convince herself.

But once again, the image of Nawaki smiling wouldn't leave her mind.

Finally, with a voice barely audible, like the hum of a mosquito, she murmured:

— Alright, I accept.

How would she explain to others that she came here with the intention of killing him, but now left as if she were in debt? She couldn't understand how things changed so quickly.

Not quite knowing how to act, Tsunade hugged the sword's scabbard against her chest, her head down, avoiding Rensu's gaze.

— How, with such talent, have I never heard of you?

Rensu responded with a calm 'sincerity':

— As I've already said, I didn't want my creations to be stained with blood. But if it's for protection, it seems like a good cause. I wanted to speak with the Hokage earlier, hoping to help with my creations in the war, but my way was blocked.

— Nonsense, — Tsunade raised her eyes, her anger evident. — Tell me who blocked your path, and I'll report them myself.

With sweat running down his cheek, Rensu tried to calm her. — It's not their fault. I'm just a nameless chunin. It wouldn't be fair to get them fired just for following orders.

Even though he was wronged, he was still thinking of the well-being of those who had blocked him?

Tsunade felt a discomfort in her chest. She hugged the sword's scabbard tighter against her chest, diverting her gaze to the floor.

Rensu knew Tsunade's personality well and understood her tendency to be captivated by simple and kind-hearted people like Nawaki, Dan, and even Naruto. He used this knowledge to stir her emotions and try to win the support of the influential Senju princess. However, he had never imagined that Tsunade might develop a romantic interest in him. His appearance was, at best, plain, making such a possibility unimaginable. Not even in his wildest thoughts had he ever considered it.

Tsunade bit her lips, and after an internal struggle, she finally said:

— Don't think there's anything between us, alright? The man I choose will have to be stronger than me! Better yet… he'll have to be stronger than my grandfather. You don't have the qualities I'm looking for. You can take the sword back if you regret it.

Rensu, however, responded with his best gentle smile:

— I would never have any wrong thoughts. I'm just happy we're friends.

But Rensu wasn't as dense as the typical anime characters. He noticed, with an internal shock, the faint redness on her cheeks. Having crafted the sword so easily using Seiton, he had completely underestimated the impact the gift would have.

"A woman's mind is really terrifying," he thought.

Tsunade wasn't naive; she knew that no one would give such a meaningful gift just as an apology. In her mind, theories started to form: Rensu expressing love for her, offering something that was perhaps the work of his life just to honor her.

Although Tsunade believed there would never be anything between them, she couldn't help but wonder if Rensu's feelings for her were deeper than she had initially thought. He seemed genuinely happy to give her the sword, and she couldn't ignore the gesture and what it might mean."

The Senju princess shivered slightly and looked away, feeling shy.

Now, he was there, unsure how to explain what he had just done.