Hokage: Immortal, I Open Unlimited Eight Gates

Tsunade wanted to say something, but after a moment of contemplation, she decided against it.

Seeing her silence, Chiba didn't press further. Some matters needed to be handled gradually.

Looking up at the sky, Chiba then said, "It's getting late; I should head back. Sister Tsunade, please inform Uncle Sousuke and the others."

Tsunade nodded. "Alright, I'll let them know."

"Good."

At the Courtyard Gate

As Chiba reached the gate, he turned to Tsunade. "Sister Tsunade, you can stop here."

"Alright," she replied.

Seeing this, Chiba nodded and walked away.

However, he failed to notice the sudden confusion on Tsunade's face as he left. She was debating whether to offer Chiba some form of gratitude—after all, it was thanks to him that Uzumaki Mito had survived last time.

After a brief moment, Tsunade seemed to come to a decision and called out to him.

"Chiba, wait."

Chiba instinctively turned around, only to feel a pair of hands gently hold his head. Before he could react, his vision darkened, and a fragrant breeze enveloped him.

"Mmm..."

...

A moment later, the breathless Tsunade released Chiba. Without uttering a single word, she dashed back into the courtyard and slammed the door shut.

Bang!

The sound of the door closing snapped Chiba out of his daze. Recalling Tsunade's flustered retreat, he smiled slightly. After savoring the lingering sweetness on his lips, he turned and left.

Inside the courtyard, Tsunade leaned against the door, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm her nerves.

At that moment, Senju Edda Snow's voice rang out. "Tsunade, what are you doing here? Where is Chiba?"

"Ah? Chiba—he already went home. Mom, what are you doing here?" Tsunade stammered, suddenly flustered. She wasn't sure if her mother had witnessed what had just happened.

If Edda Snow's hadn't seen anything, that would be fine. But if she had... Tsunade had no idea how she would explain herself.

Unbeknownst to her, Edda Snow's had been tailing both of them since they left the restaurant. Ever since Senju Sousuke had mentioned Tsunade's unusual behavior, Edda Snow's had been curious about their relationship. Naturally, she had seen Tsunade's impulsive kiss just moments ago.

Though she didn't expose her daughter, she couldn't resist teasing her slightly.

"Just taking a walk. I usually go for a stroll after dinner. Have you forgotten, Tsunade?"

Edda Snow's spoke nonchalantly. Then, her gaze sharpened slightly. "Eh? Why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell? Or is it that time of the month? No, that can't be right—I remember you still have a few days."

Tsunade panicked even more. It was late at night, so how had her mother even noticed her flushed face?

Too flustered to think straight, she quickly found an excuse to escape. "No, it's just too hot. Forget it, Mom—I'm going to take a bath."

With that, Tsunade bolted toward her room.

Watching her daughter's retreating figure, Edda Snow's smiled softly. She sighed inwardly, realizing that her daughter had grown up. However, her choice of a partner was a little... young.

Still, as long as Tsunade was happy, she didn't mind.

Edda Snow's thoughts drifted to her own past. Her marriage to Senju Sousuke had been a political arrangement between her father, the former Daimyo of the Land of Fire, and Konoha's Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. While she and Sousuke had always shared a harmonious relationship without quarrels, she couldn't help but feel a small sense of regret.

Two Days Later

Chiba had just returned from the Shikkotsu Forest, feeling frustrated about his slow progress in learning Sage Mode.

Suddenly, a voice called out from outside.

"Chiba, are you home?"

Recognizing the voice, Chiba immediately got up and walked out.

"Nawaki, what brings you here?" he asked curiously.

"I'm here to give you something. Here," Nawaki said, handing over a form.

Chiba took the form and glanced at it. His eyes were immediately drawn to the bold letters at the top.

Chūnin Exam Application Form!

"This is from Orochimaru-sensei. He asked me to check whether you want to participate in this year's Chūnin Exam."

Without hesitation, Chiba responded, "Of course, I'll participate. By the way, when is the exam?"

"In half a month. Also, I heard from Orochimaru-sensei that this time, we're co-hosting the Chūnin Exam with Iwagakure."

"Co-hosting? Will it be held in Konoha or Iwagakure?" Chiba asked.

"In Konoha. But I heard from Orochimaru-sensei that Uncle Hiruzen has been arguing with the Tsuchikage, Onoki, over the venue."

What? Onoki is coming to Konoha?

That was news to him. Then again, he had been spending all his time in the Shikkotsu Forest lately, with no opportunity to catch up on village affairs.

"So, Nawaki, is this the only reason you came today?"

"Yes. Now that you're interested, I should head back to prepare."

Without waiting for a response, Nawaki turned and walked away. However, after taking a few steps, he suddenly remembered something.

Turning back, he warned, "Oh, and Chiba, after you fill out the form, make sure to submit it to the Hokage Building as soon as possible. If you don't register, you won't be able to participate."

Chiba nodded. "Got it."

Once Nawaki had completely disappeared from sight, Chiba returned inside and examined the application form.

The registration process was simple—just a name, age, and home address. A blank space in the upper right corner was reserved for a photo.

"I just need a photo. Looks like I have to head out," Chiba murmured to himself.

Realizing this, he noted that he hadn't stepped outside for several days. Ever since his last visit to Tsunade's house, his routine had only consisted of home and the Shikkotsu Forest.

What was even more frustrating was that he had tried to meet Tsunade a few times, but she always claimed to be busy and sent Katsuyu in her place.

No wonder he hadn't heard about the Chūnin Exam until now.

With that, Chiba grabbed the form and headed out.