[A/N: Shoutout to Sonny Eugene—thank you for the support!]
Chapter 27: A Demonstration Worth Watching
The dining table was lively, thanks to Sayaka, who effortlessly kept everyone engaged in conversation. Whether it was recounting a humorous market incident or dramatically complaining about how she was underappreciated as a mother, she had a way of drawing people in.
Emiko, on the other hand, was struggling. She couldn't decide whether to keep pouting at Kiyoshi or simply admire Tsunade, her role model, sitting right across from her. The dilemma left her stealing quick glances between the two, much to Tsunade's amusement.
Tsunade smirked as she observed Emiko's internal conflict, occasionally meeting Kiyoshi's awkward glances. He was clearly aware of the storm brewing beside him but had no idea how to navigate it. Meanwhile, Shigeru continued eating peacefully, completely unfazed by the dynamics around him. Perhaps age truly did make people braver.
As they ate, Shigeru suddenly spoke up, his tone casual but curious. "Where's Rika? She returned from a mission yesterday, didn't she?"
Sayaka, pouring more soup into Kiyoshi's bowl as if he had no say in the matter, replied, "She went to train with her friends at the training ground. She said she'd be back in time for lunch."
Just as she finished speaking, a voice echoed from the entrance.
"I'm home!"
Everyone turned toward the doorway as a girl, around sixteen or seventeen, stepped inside. She had long, jet-black hair tied loosely at the back, though several strands stuck to her face due to sweat. Her training clothes were slightly damp from exertion, and she looked like she had just finished an intense workout.
Her dark eyes swept over the room until they landed on Tsunade. The moment recognition hit, she let out a startled gasp.
"Tsunade-nee-san?! Why are you here?"
Tsunade, ever the tease, leaned back slightly with a smirk. "Oh? Our little Rika is no longer happy to see me, huh?"
Rika immediately waved her hands in denial. "No, no! That's not it at all! I'm always happy to see you!" She straightened up, a spark of excitement flashing in her eyes. "Last time, the pointers you gave me on Taijutsu were life-saving! If you have time after lunch, can we spar a little?"
Tsunade chuckled, clearly pleased. "Why not?"
Before the excitement could settle, Sayaka interjected, dramatically sighing. "Look at this! My daughter no longer cares for cleanliness at all. She was such a sweet child once, but now she's turned into a brute! A tomboy! Who will marry you at this rate?"
Rika narrowed her eyes at her mother, clearly used to this kind of teasing. "Yeah, yeah. I'll wash up first, alright?" With a grumble, she walked off toward her room.
Watching this exchange, Kiyoshi instinctively searched his memories. The more he thought about it, the more familiar Rika seemed. Then, it clicked—she had taught him Taijutsu and even some sword techniques back in the academy.
So that's why past Kiyoshi was already decent at Taijutsu. He had always been worried about his Ninjutsu progress, but his foundation in close combat had been solid thanks to her.
Sometime later, after Rika had returned, lunch continued in a more relaxed atmosphere. As expected, Shigeru and Tsunade finished first, already waiting for the others to wrap up so they could head to the backyard.
That's when Rika turned to Emiko, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, Emiko, your Kiyoshi-oniichan finally visited, and you're ignoring him?"
Kiyoshi nearly choked on his tea. Oniichan?
Emiko's face turned red as she jumped to her feet. "I-I wasn't waiting for anyone!" she shouted, glaring at her sister.
Rika smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "Oh? But weren't you sulking earlier?"
"Was not!"
Kiyoshi, still recovering from the oniichan revelation, was about to say something to clear the air when Tsunade suddenly cut in.
"Actually," she said with a smirk, "Kiyoshi wasn't ignoring Emiko. He was busy practicing a new Ninjutsu… one that he'll be teaching me soon."
Silence.
Both Emiko and Rika turned their full attention to Kiyoshi, their eyes shining with curiosity.
Kiyoshi felt a drop of sweat slide down his temple. Damn it, Tsunade!
Teaching a Jutsu was completely different from demonstrating it. Still, as he looked at Emiko, who was now staring at him expectantly, an idea formed in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, this was his chance to escape her childhood friend enmity.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Fine. I'll show you."
Rika grinned. "Now this, I gotta see."
With that, lunch wrapped up quickly, and everyone moved to the backyard, anticipation hanging in the air as they waited to see what Kiyoshi had up his sleeve.
The group stepped into the backyard, the afternoon sun casting long shadows over the neatly trimmed grass. The space was spacious enough for sparring, with a few wooden training dummies positioned at the far end. A slight breeze rustled the trees, bringing a sense of calm—though the anticipation in the air was anything but.
Kiyoshi exhaled slowly, mentally preparing himself. He had no choice but to follow through now. His gaze briefly met Tsunade's, and immediately, he felt like prey in front of a predator. She wasn't just watching him—she was analyzing him.
Great. Now I've basically volunteered to be her test subject.