Tsunade stared fixedly at Aomi in the distance.
For some reason, in Tsunade's eyes appeared the ever-calm, wise, and incredibly gentle figure of her second grandfather…
But it was just an illusion for a fleeting moment.
The Uchiha Clan handsomeness on Aomi's face dispersed that strange sense of déjà vu for Tsunade.
Tsunade blinked, looking at Aomi with a low ponytail, dressed in the Uchiha Clan Uniform, and chuckled softly.
In a daze, Tsunade recalled the stories Senju Tobirama told her in her childhood, about his rival Uchiha Izuna.
And at this moment, Aomi looked just like the descriptions of Uchiha Izuna in those stories—
Handsome and elegant, with broad shoulders and a slim waist, and hair as shiny as a horse's mane, yet his eyes were not filled with the malice that Senju Tobirama once warned of, but instead, they showed a gentle calmness, an obvious sign of his kind nature.
Though the corners of Tsunade's mouth curled up, a hint of sadness and loneliness rose in her heart.
Who could she share this joke with?
Her family was gone, and the only grandmother left was nearing the end of her life, soon to make her final arrangements…
Tsunade slowly walked towards Aomi, the aroma of the chicken soup growing richer with every step, causing her empty stomach to grumble.
After a hangover, having a bowl of warm broth was practically a human delight!
Though Tsunade intended to reproach Aomi for his bravado—this was, after all, a serious mentorship exam—seeing the pot of obviously exceptional chicken soup, she swallowed and nodded honestly, turning away as she said:
"Having something to eat before the test isn't such a bad idea, after all…"
Asuma and Nohara Rin stifled their laughter, Tsunade putting on a front of reluctance, but her slightly heavier breathing betrayed her true feelings.
This remarkable kunoichi must be quite hungry now…
Aomi smiled and picked up a big ladle, serving Tsunade a hearty bowl, full to the brim, and handed it to her: "Eat while it's hot, Professor Tsunade."
Tsunade turned back, gazing at Aomi's face.
For some reason, she felt that sense of déjà vu again, as if this typical handsome Uchiha face hid the outlines of Senju Tobirama, and Aomi's demeanor further fueled this strange feeling.
If Aomi weren't of the Uchiha Clan, and someone told Tsunade that Aomi had some special relationship with Senju Tobirama, she might have believed it to some extent…
Taking the slightly hot bowl of soup, these stray thoughts dissipated with the fragrance, her appetite surging.
She was truly hungry.
Aomi then slowly served a bowl for Asuma, Nohara Rin, and himself.
On this sunny and dazzling morning, Tsunade's squad, though not yet having passed the assessment, sat together like a family, starting their joyful meal.
The four of them, as a small team, already seemed like a harmonious group at this moment.
"Everyone, dig in!" Aomi lifted his bowl with a smile.
"Let's eat!" Nohara Rin and Asuma responded familiarly.
The two were no strangers to dining at Aomi's, making the scene warmly familiar.
Tsunade took a deep breath; it had been a long time since she had witnessed such a scene.
Amid the dizzying tables of alcohol and casinos, her ears were filled with the clamor of tooth-pounding and bellows.
But here she was, quietly sitting on a piece of grass, not sipping stimulating liquors but enjoying a bowl of warm chicken soup…
Tsunade once thought perhaps she'd never have such an experience again.
Tsunade slowly picked up her spoon, softly saying, "Let's eat."
"Mm…"
As the chicken soup met their lips, Tsunade, Nohara Rin, and Asuma bobbed their heads in unison, indulging in the delight.
The chicken soup, tender and smooth at first glance, brought a slight jujube aroma, refreshing yet with soft chestnuts, the sticky and glutinous texture blending perfectly, while the chicken, the main course, was bonelessly tender, emphasizing its pure taste.
For a while, Tsunade's squad of three were engrossed in their meal.
Silently, Senju Tobirama watched this scene, his brows easing up a bit.
Viewing Tsunade's eager consumption, Senju Tobirama felt gratified.
At this moment, he almost forgave Sarutobi Hiruzen's choice, thinking that it wouldn't hurt to let Aomi deceive him a bit; otherwise, how could Tsunade and Aomi be assigned to the same team?
On another hand, Senju Tobirama felt somewhat heartened.
Treating the fragile Tsunade this perfectly, wasn't Aomi giving him face…?
Of course, if Aomi knew Senju Tobirama's thoughts, he'd candidly give him an evaluation—Tobirama, you're really a trusting Hokage!
Aomi glanced at the bell at Tsunade's waist, smiled, and gave Asuma and Nohara Rin a knowing look.
Under Tsunade's earnest assault, a bowl of soup was downed thoroughly, every bit of broth and ingredient consumed.
Although she didn't say anything, her eyes hovered over the pot, wanting more but feeling shy…
It was then that Asuma raised his eyebrows, muttering, "Why did the old man come? I clearly told him not to, so annoying…"
Nohara Rin, appropriately surprised and excited, displayed the expressions expected of a Genin sighting a Hokage…
Tsunade followed Asuma's gaze, looking back: "Did the old man come too?"
But Sarutobi Hiruzen was nowhere in sight.
When Tsunade turned around again.
A full bowl of chicken soup filled her empty bowl.
Still, Aomi's left hand had also already clasped onto the bell at her waist, holding it firmly in his palm.
Tsunade was stunned for a moment, as Aomi chuckled and said, "Professor Tsunade, I've made my move."
Just as Tsunade had said, the assessment began once Aomi and the others took the initiative.
But this move was also its end.
Tsunade's expression shifted, her heart amused yet annoyed.
"Kid, does this way even count as a ninja?"
"Professor Tsunade, this was teamwork with Asuma and Rin, wasn't it done well?"
Aomi pointed to the shy Nohara Rin and the smug Asuma, gently saying, "Without their cooperation, my chicken soup would've just filled your belly, never making you turn around…"
Tsunade let out a humph, truly a bunch of cunning kids!
To be so cunning, using chicken soup against a hungover drunkard!
"If it gets cold, it won't taste as good…"
Aomi raised his bowl, celebrating in a toasting manner, clinking his bowl with Asuma and Nohara Rin, and ignoring Tsunade's complex expression, also clinked hers:
"This delicious soup is our teamwork too, Professor Tsunade. Cherish our labor's fruits."
Tsunade squinted her eyes, and after a moment, sighed, "I suppose you all passed!"
Then she raised her bowl with exuberance, proclaiming, "I announce, Tsunade's Squad, is officially formed!"
"Cheers!"