The Hakimaster of Naruto

Chapter 218 CHAPTER 218: SIBLING BONDS

Konoha Camp.

"Tsunade-sama!"

The little slug, which had been playing dead moments before, launched itself into Tsunade's arms with surprising enthusiasm. It nestled against her, displaying exaggerated affection.

There was no helping it. These past few days, Ragnar had kept threatening to introduce it to a giant toad. The little creature had been living in constant terror, convinced a massive amphibian would materialize at any moment to gobble it up.

"This little one is suddenly so energetic." Ragnar shook his head slightly at the scene.

"Slug, you seem to have gained weight?" Tsunade stroked the creature's soft body.

"No, Tsunade-sama! You've lost weight!" The little slug's voice was indignant.

"Have you been mistreated by Ragnar?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed playfully.

The little slug was about to launch into a detailed complaint about the giant toad threats—but suddenly felt a chill crawl up its back. An instinctive, creeping dread rose from somewhere deep. It turned its head slightly and met Ragnar's death glare.

The complaint died in its throat.

Survival, it decided, was more important than being right.

"Tsunade, I don't torment little slugs." Ragnar's voice was perfectly calm. "Don't let your imagination run wild."

"I know, Ragnar. You're the most considerate person." Tsunade narrowed her eyes and smiled.

"Considerate?" The little slug mentally disagreed. Tsunade-sama has been deceived by Ragnar's harmless appearance. Beneath that facade, he's cold-blooded and inhumane. He loves scaring innocent, kind-hearted creatures like me!

Ragnar felt genuinely touched that Tsunade had come to check on him.

"I heard you were injured fighting Sansho Hanzo." His voice was quiet but serious. "If anyone bullied you, Tsunade, I'll go to Amegakure and settle the score with Hanzo once I've recovered."

Tsunade's face broke into an involuntary smile. She reached out and gently patted Ragnar's head.

"Silly little brother. Your sister is a jonin—the Third Hokage's student. How could anyone bully me?" Her hand lingered for a moment. "We won. Amegakure accepted surrender. This war is over."

Despite her casual words, warmth spread through her chest. That Ragnar would confront a demigod for her sake... her affection for this adopted brother hadn't been misplaced.

"Hanzo is Kage-level," Ragnar pressed. "He surrendered that easily?"

"Not exactly." Tsunade's expression grew more thoughtful. "Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and I fought him for three days. In the end, Hanzo had the advantage—but the situation in the Rain Country was already decided. Continuing would only bring more losses to his nation. So he gave us a gift."

"A gift?"

"The Legendary Sannin." Pride crept into Tsunade's voice. "That's what he called us."

She smiled, genuinely happy. Finally, they had earned recognition in the ninja world.

Before, people knew them only as the Third Hokage's students, the Senju clan's princess. Now? A demigod—Hanzo himself—had praised their strength. For a Kage-level powerhouse, the enemy leader no less, to personally acknowledge them...

Such honor was rare in the ninja world.

Tsunade was in her early twenties now—a woman in her prime. An age that craved recognition.

"About what I expected." Ragnar nodded slowly. The Sannin's fate hadn't changed. They would rise to fame in the Second War.

Though now there was one more name known alongside theirs: Konoha's Rakshasa.

Tsunade's excitement subsided. She suddenly looped an arm around Ragnar's neck, pulling him close with sisterly intimacy.

"So, Ragnar... how are things developing with that Uchiha girl? Holding hands yet? Kissed her?"

"...?"

Ragnar's face went blank. Tsunade's demeanor had shifted completely. What was she getting at?

Seeing him stunned, Tsunade laughed. "Still pretending, little brother? You're at the age of spring. Your sister understands these things."

Understanding dawned. "Tsunade, what are you thinking? Mikoto and I are just friends. Captain Sakumo assigned her to look after me—basic treatment for a hero of Konoha, nothing more."

"Is that all?" Tsunade studied him carefully.

She had heard clearly from outside. Even she could sense the affection in Mikoto's words.

But Ragnar's expression showed no sign of deception. No flush, no hesitation.

The flowers have fallen, but the water keeps flowing.

Mikoto had feelings, but Ragnar—this block of wood—hadn't noticed at all.

How is my little brother so charming? He's won a girl's heart without even trying.

Ragnar caught her expression. "I consider Mikoto a friend. Don't imagine things."

Tsunade was quiet for a moment. Then, with clear curiosity: "Ragnar, what type of girl do you like? Your sister can help you look."

Something felt off. Tsunade had returned from the battlefield with too many questions—especially about his personal life. Well-meaning, perhaps, but strange.

"Honestly? I haven't thought about it." He shrugged. "I just want to train. Get stronger."

"Ragnar, you're already Kage-level strong. What more do you want?" Tsunade leaned closer. "You should do things people your age do. Get a girlfriend. Fall in love. Live a complete life."

A hint of embarrassment crept into her voice.

"Besides, we're not blood-related. Your sister wouldn't mind a... sibling relationship. Of a different kind."

"Pfft—!"

Ragnar nearly choked on air.

So that's what Tsunade's been circling around.

He looked at her properly. Tsunade was at her peak—beauty, temperament, figure—everything at its prime. Such a woman would be irresistible to any man.

But bringing this up now? She was teasing him. Had to be.

"Tsunade, remember what I told you before? When I reach the top of the ninja world, that's when I'll think about other things. Not now."

"Idiot."

"Wood."

Tsunade's face scrunched up, a vein pulsing at her temple.

She had made the first move—actually offered—and he responded with training? With reaching the top of the ninja world?

Why are you so good?! Train, train, train every day. You're a training maniac!

By the time you reach the top, the daylilies will be cold.

Even her grandfather, Senju Hashirama, had been in his thirties—nearly forty—when he stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world.

If Ragnar wanted to reach that level, she'd be waiting twenty years!

The thought made Tsunade want to vomit blood.

(End of Chapter)

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