It was nearing noon.
In just one morning, Aoba had already grasped the Chakra Scalpel technique.
However, he still occasionally lost control of his strength. Several times, the fish in the basin nearly met its demise.
Fortunately, Shizune, who had been guiding him from the side, intervened in time to pull the fish back from the gates of hell.
As for why Shizune was the one guiding him. Well, after Tsunade demonstrated the technique once, she had a little drink and then went back to sleep.
She only woke up as noon approached, when Shizune had already gone to prepare ingredients for lunch.
With sleepy eyes, she walked over to Aoba, who was fully focused. She glanced at the green fish he had just treated and let out a sigh of admiration.
"Hmm, very good. The progress you've made in just one morning of training is already equal to several days of my own practice back then. And for someone your age, your chakra reserves aren't bad either."
"You little brat, when it comes to medical ninjutsu, among all the ninja I've seen, no one is more talented than you. I, Tsunade, am willing to call you the strongest."
"?"
'What the hell!'
Aoba had been about to cut open the fish's belly.
But the moment he heard Tsunade's bold statement, he lost control of his strength and accidentally pierced the fish straight through.
He quickly used the Healing Palm Technique to treat it, but the fish still took its final breath after a few violent struggles, ending its short and tragic life.
Even in death, its eyes still flickered with a strange light.
Aoba was speechless as he looked at Tsunade, who had suddenly come over to interrupt him.
It wasn't that he blamed her for the distraction. What really left him speechless was her declaration. Had she paid royalties to Old Madara for that line?
"Uh, ahem—", Tsunade realized she had interrupted him, but the awkwardness on her face only lasted a moment before she straightened up and said seriously,
"Looks like you haven't fully mastered the Chakra Scalpel or the Healing Palm Technique yet. You still can't control them perfectly."
"If you're bad at something, you just need to practice more. Got it?", As she spoke, she patted Aoba's shoulder encouragingly.
"Oh, right, right! Everything you say is right!", Aoba didn't want to argue with this "little girl" Tsunade, so he changed the subject and asked,
"Then, Sensei, what should we do with this fish?"
"This fish? Let's make it part of lunch. But you, little brat… why did your tone just now make me want to punch you?", Although Aoba's response was exactly what Tsunade wanted to hear, for some reason, it still gave her an urge to smack him.
"What? What are you talking about? I'm just listening to my teacher," Aoba's gaze wavered slightly.
Tsunade noticed it right away.
"Oh? Is that so? Whatever. I don't care what you meant, but from now on, don't use that annoying tone again. Otherwise, be careful—I'll punch you!", She raised her fist as she spoke, her threat filled with intent.
Aoba didn't reply and simply changed the topic again, "Since today is officially my first day as your disciple, and I don't have anything valuable to offer, how about I cook a meal for you as a disciple's gift?"
"A disciple's gift? I don't really care about that. But… you know how to cook?"
Tsunade looked surprised and said uncertainly, "You're not planning to make terrible food on purpose to get back at me, are you?"
"What? What kind of nonsense is that? Do I look like that kind of person?", Aoba put on a serious expression and said, "My cooking—others would be lucky to even get a taste."
"Heh, now I really want to see for myself. Since you're so confident, I'll leave lunch to you. But if I'm not satisfied, there will be punishment."
"Another foot massage?"
"Or maybe I should give you one?", Tsunade clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing.
"Don't worry, I guarantee you'll be satisfied," Seeing the situation, Aoba quickly picked up the water basin and ran toward the kitchen.
"Shizune-nee, let me cook lunch today!"
"Huh? Aoba, you're still so young. Can you really do it?"
"..."
"This brat…", Tsunade watched the two chatting in the kitchen and couldn't help but chuckle.
A little spice in life always made things more interesting.
She was starting to think that taking Aoba as her disciple wasn't a bad choice.
At the very least, when she wasn't gambling, teasing him was quite entertaining.
At least it made life less boring.
———
After some discussion, Shizune finally agreed to let Aoba cook.
Most of the ingredients had already been prepared by Shizune, so all he needed to do now was handle the fish.
Since he wasn't sure about Tsunade and Shizune's taste preferences, Aoba decided to keep the dishes light.
Besides, this fish was so fresh, and after being healed multiple times with the Healing Palm Technique, its flesh must be extremely tender. The best way to cook it would be to steam it.
First, he skillfully removed the fish's scales, guts, and gills, then washed it thoroughly.
Next, he sprinkled a layer of salt over the fish, rubbing it evenly and scrubbing it a few times to remove the slime and fishy smell.
Then, he made two incisions along the middle of the fish to remove the bones and scored the thicker parts.
After placing some scallions and ginger slices at the bottom of a bowl, he propped the fish on chopsticks above it, ready to be steamed.
Steaming it for about ten minutes (depending on the size of the fish) would be enough.
Once done, he transferred it to another plate, garnished it with shredded ginger, scallions, and chili, then drizzled hot oil over them to release their fragrance.
Finally, he poured on some soy sauce, completing the fragrant, mouthwatering steamed fish.
Before steaming the fish, Aoba had also simmered a pot of chicken soup and prepared a vegetable dish.
When everything was ready, Tsunade and Shizune, who had been waiting at the table, swallowed their saliva at the sight of the colorful, aromatic dishes.
Their hunger had been fully awakened, and they were eager to dig in.
"The chicken soup is ready."
"All the dishes are set. Sensei, Shizune-nee, you can start eating."
As Aoba placed the chicken soup on the table, Tsunade impatiently picked up a piece of fish with her chopsticks.
The moment she tasted it, her eyes widened, "So good!"
"Such delicious food calls for some sake," Tsunade immediately looked around for alcohol, but Aoba placed a bowl of chicken soup in front of her.
"This chicken soup is very precious and delicious. Sensei, why don't you drink this first?"
"Uh…", Tsunade looked at the soup, with its light golden broth, shimmering oil, and scattered green onions. Her mouth watered again.
She took a sip. A rich aroma spread across her tongue, followed by a savory sweetness. The warmth of the soup traveled down to her stomach, filling her with comfort.
Her belly felt warm and full.
This chicken soup was indeed better than sake. She took several more sips.
By the time she put down the bowl, it was empty. Her pink tongue licked her lips, leaving a faint glossy sheen.
They say the way to a woman's heart is through her stomach.
And now, Tsunade's stomach was full of Aoba's chicken soup. [T/N: 😏]
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