Chapter 178: Mysterious and Cool Kakashi!

Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Mysterious and Cool Kakashi!

After hearing Jiraiya's words, Tsunade fell silent. A moment later, she finally replied, "Being Hokage often leads to this kind of fate—it's something you get used to."

"Who was the enemy?"

Jiraiya responded, "The mysterious person who previously took Uchiha Obito, suspected to be Uchiha Madara!"

Tsunade's gaze sharpened. "Jiraiya, stop chasing after that elusive 'destiny' of yours. Just stay focused. That guy will show up again."

She paused and added, "And when he does, don't let it end up costing the Fourth as well..."

With that, Tsunade turned and waved him off, saying, "I understand. I'll be there when the time comes. Right now, I need to rest."

Entering her quarters, Tsunade quickly drifted into a deep sleep, finally free of the weight she'd been carrying.

...

Inside the illusion, years passed, but in reality, only a few minutes had gone by.

Her eyelids trembled, and Tsunade slowly opened her eyes, still drowsy and drooling a bit—only to find a smiling face right in front of her.

"Shūichi?"

"What are you doing here...?"

Tsunade murmured, still half-asleep. But then she snapped to attention, startled. "Your body hasn't fully recovered yet—why are you wandering around..."

She cut herself off mid-sentence, realizing something was wrong.

The boy in front of her looked taller and older than she remembered, and this wasn't her resting room!

Focusing on Shūichi Hoshita, Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "That was... an illusion, wasn't it?"

Shūichi blinked innocently. "Tsunade, what are you talking about?"

"Did you have a dream? I could hear you calling my name nonstop!"

Tsunade blushed, gritting her teeth. "It's definitely because of something you did, you little rascal... You're dead meat!"

With a kick, she smashed a large crater into the ground.

Shūichi jumped back, startled. "Hold on! This is the research base!"

"And don't you want to check if your hemophobia is really gone?"

Tsunade stopped in her tracks, frowning as she recalled the dreamlike scenario she'd just experienced.

Shūichi took out a kunai, made a small cut on his hand, and flicked droplets of blood toward her before it healed.

Tsunade instinctively dodged, but to her surprise, she felt no symptoms of hemophobia.

As the wound closed, Shūichi grinned. "Seems like you're cured."

"Good thing it was a psychological issue, huh?"

The method he'd used was certainly targeted for her specific problem.

If it had been physiological, he clearly wouldn't have taken such a risky approach.

As Tsunade landed, she hesitated, frowning. "Your genjutsu... I didn't detect any flaws at all. How did you pull that off?"

Shūichi grinned mysteriously. "That's classified."

There was no way he was going to admit to her that he'd set up a scenario in the genjutsu that involved role-playing. If he did, she'd probably chase him through three districts. The consequences would be... severe.

"Well, now that you're healed, I'll get back to my work."

With a casual wave, Shūichi vanished.

Tsunade opened her mouth to call after him, but stopped herself.

The illusion had felt too real, and since she couldn't pinpoint the mechanics of Shūichi's technique, she couldn't dismiss the idea that it might have tapped into some deeper reflections within her mind.

...

In another lab, Shūichi didn't immediately get back to work. Instead, his attention turned to his Tag Tree.

A new tag had just arrived.

Tag: [PUA Expert]

Requirement: Successfully PUA at least three people.

Effect: Talk no Jutsu effectiveness +100%, Mental Willpower +100%.

Looking at the new tag, Shūichi's expression instantly changed.

This was slander!

Libel!

The Tag Tree was making outrageous accusations!

"Additionally, I'll teach you several techniques: Fire Clone, Lotus Inferno, Flame Dragon Breath, and the Fiery Lotus Steps. When performed with Scorch Release, they'll be even more powerful. Scorch Release's properties should also enable you to fly once you master its chakra mode. The Fiery Lotus Steps will enhance your speed and agility in the air."

Though difficult to master, these techniques would be easier with a Kekkei Genkai.

Pakura, eager for the new jutsu, promised, "I won't let you down, Lord Shūichi!"

"I'll be watching."

With that, Shūichi vanished.

---

The following day...

Shūichi brought Kakashi to the experimental base.

Seeing Kakashi, Tsunade blinked in surprise. "Is this for the tailed beast experiment?"

Shūichi nodded. "Yes. We'll begin by letting Kakashi gradually acclimate to the tailed beast's chakra."

Tsunade, recalling the experience from the Genjutsu world, merely nodded. "Be careful. Take it slow; don't rush things."

Shūichi grinned. "Relax, Tsunade. I'm not one to rush."

Tsunade nodded and walked away.

Kakashi, however, looked intrigued. "Shūichi... you and Lady Tsunade...?"

Shūichi tilted his head with a grin. "Kakashi, what do you think about me courting Tsunade?"

Despite his suspicions, hearing Shūichi say it so bluntly left Kakashi momentarily speechless.

"You idiot! Do you have a death wish?" Tsunade's voice suddenly echoed.

Shūichi instantly grabbed Kakashi, and they teleported into a room shielded by seals and barriers.

Kakashi, finally composed, chuckled. "You're really something, Shūichi. Bold, to say the least."

Shūichi scoffed. "Kakashi, this is a trait you should learn from me. If you like someone, be bold about it! Only by facing your desires head-on can you avoid being controlled by them."

"This also applies to facing tailed beast chakra. The so-called malice of a tailed beast is nothing more than an intensification of negative emotions."

Kakashi listened intently as Shūichi's expression grew more serious. "Everyone has desires, both good and bad."

"No matter how righteous or optimistic someone is, they always carry some negativity deep inside. The tailed beast chakra's malice amplifies these negative parts."

"So first, you must confront this, or even if your body endures, you'll lose your mind to it and be unable to control the tailed beast's power."

"Human desire must be controlled; if left unchecked, it'll overwhelm you. But suppressing it constantly only makes the backlash stronger."

"Face it. Control it. Direct it. Dissolve it. Master it..."

Shūichi paused, then continued, "A ninja's chakra combines both spiritual and physical energy. Its strength depends not only on your body but also here—" he pointed to his head, "—and here." He pointed to Kakashi's heart.

"Spirit and mind."

"Your thoughts and your willpower."

Kakashi reflected deeply.

Shūichi added, "Kakashi, if you want to reunite with Obito or protect those you hold dear, you must first strengthen your spirit, your thoughts, and your heart."

"This is essential for breaking through your limits. Otherwise, you'll always be constrained by your body."

From his research, this was the closest he'd come to understanding chakra's relationship with the human body.

"I'll remember that."

Kakashi nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Shūichi."

Shūichi chuckled, "If you want to thank me, be my kid's teacher one day!"

Kakashi readily agreed, "Absolutely."

After a brief pause, he added seriously, "But, with whom will this kid be? Shizune, Lady Tsunade, or Asuka-san?"

Shūichi burst out laughing. "You sly Kakashi! Acting all serious, but secretly you've got jokes! Next time we treat Rin, I'll expose your true self."

"No wonder you wear that mask all the time!"

Kakashi almost rolled his eyes when he heard this.

(End of Chapter)

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