By dusk, Tianyi and his friends had wrapped up their training and gathered once more at the Sihai Restaurant for dinner.
Shortly after the dishes were ordered, Nara Xingzi entered, closed the door behind her, and faced Tianyi with a serious expression.
Seeing her demeanor, Tianyi raised a hand and activated an isolation barrier within the private room. Only after the sealing was complete did he nod for her to speak.
"Tianyi-kun," Xingzi said, voice low, "a new restaurant just opened two streets over. The menu is nearly identical to ours. We've confirmed—it's the work of whoever stole our recipes. What should we do?"
"Oh?"
Everyone's attention turned immediately.
Tianyi raised an eyebrow. "After we eat, give me the address. Then pretend you never discovered it. Leave the rest to me."
He smiled faintly.
Xingzi understood his meaning instantly. He didn't plan to retaliate by ordinary means—and secrecy was key.
"Got it," she said with a nod. She handed over a folded note and left swiftly.
"You have an idea who's behind it?" Shikaku asked, frowning.
"Yeah," Tianyi replied, his tone calm. "Anyone capable of extracting memories with that level of finesse—it's either the Third Hokage... or Danzo."
He paused. "Of course, some of the Yamanaka clan might have the ability, too."
All eyes turned to Yamanaka Haiyi.
"Huh?" Haiyi blinked. "No way! My clan knows this business is ours—why would they sabotage it?"
Tianyi chuckled. "Relax. We're teasing."
Laughter echoed briefly, then faded.
Shikaku leaned in, voice steady. "So it's Third Hokage... or Danzo. Or both."
He'd suspected as much. This was his first real venture—profitable, promising. He had every reason to care.
Tianyi nodded. "Likely a collaboration. I've heard that the Third dumps all the dirty work on Danzo while he reaps the rewards. Wouldn't be the first time."
The others were visibly annoyed, but uncertain what action to take.
After all, they weren't dealing with petty criminals—they were facing the leadership of the village.
"Tianyi," Shikaku said cautiously, "if it really is them... what are you planning to do?"
The concern on everyone's face was clear.
Tianyi had said earlier that he didn't care about reputation, even hinted at overthrowing the Hokage. That was enough to worry them.
They weren't ready to fight the Third yet.
But Tianyi only smiled. "You all make me sound like a hothead."
Their silent stares screamed, You are one.
"Relax," he sighed. "Even if it is them, I won't retaliate directly. Just watch the show."
He still had his wish-based talent.
In his past life, he'd used it for far more than enhancing skills—curses included.
"Alright," Lu Jiu said, though his eyes held lingering concern.
They finished dinner soon after and parted ways for the night.
"Let's stop by Grandma Mito's place," Tianyi said to Kushina. "We haven't contracted with Tsunade yet."
"Right! Let's go!" Kushina beamed and linked arms with him, smirking at Mikoto as she dragged Tianyi along.
Mikoto sighed and turned toward the Uchiha compound. "Childish."
Ten minutes later, Tianyi and Kushina arrived at Uzumaki Mito's home.
Inside, Tsunade was already waiting—arms crossed, expression less than pleased.
"Finally! What took you so long?"
She was furious. She'd planned to go gambling after work, but Tianyi's Shadow Clone had asked her to wait for the real one.
Uzumaki Mito hadn't told her anything—only that it was something good.
Tsunade had been simmering ever since.
"We were having dinner," Tianyi said sheepishly. Then, before she could vent, he straightened his face and began to explain the mental contract seal.
"Grandma Mito and Kushina already signed it," he said. "You want in? It comes with big benefits."
"Oh?" Tsunade arched a brow. "You developed such a seal this quickly? Is there anything you can't do? If they've signed it, then give me one."
Tianyi smiled and conjured the rune from his brow, sending it to her.
Tsunade signed it without hesitation.
The moment it embedded in her sea of consciousness, her eyes widened.
"This thing enhances illusion resistance? Even stabilizes mental energy? Damn. This is insane!"
She looked at Tianyi, awe creeping into her tone. "You're not even human, are you?"
Tianyi's expression darkened. "Thanks."
Tsunade laughed, then tossed him a scroll. "Alright, contract's done. Hand over the goods. I have things to do."
He reached out, pressing his fingers to her forehead.
Swish! A stream of light dove into her mind.
Moments later, Tsunade's eyes fluttered shut as waves of information washed through her consciousness.
When she opened them again, her face was stunned.
"Are these... real?"
"Do I look like I have time to prank you?" Tianyi said flatly. "Grandma Mito and Kushina got the same."
"Right..." Tsunade muttered, then looked at him seriously. "These techniques are priceless. I feel like I can't possibly repay you."
Tianyi waved it off. "Grandma Mito passed me the Senju inheritance. Isn't that a priceless gift too?"
He smiled. "Practice hard. Help me build the pharmaceutical institute. That's all I ask. I'll need your help later."
"Oh? Care to elaborate?"
"Not yet. Get stronger first. You're too weak."
"Excuse me?" Tsunade's eyes narrowed. "I'm quasi-Kage-level, brat. You're not even a Genin!"
Tianyi pushed her hands off his cheeks. "I haven't graduated yet, but my strength is Chūnin-level. And I train daily with Minato and my father."
He crossed his arms. "I even hunt in the forest to build experience."
"Huh," Tsunade murmured. "Didn't expect you to be so methodical."
Then she smiled and pulled out a scroll. "This is a power technique I've been working on. I planned to give it to you after you mastered medical ninjutsu. But here—take it now. A token of thanks."
Tianyi took it eagerly. "Thanks! This, combined with Huxia martial arts... it'll boost my strength significantly. You should explore this path too."
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "You're right! I'll try it now."
She turned to leave.
"Wait! How's the pharmaceutical institute coming along?"
"Almost done! Give me ten days. Don't rush—these things take time."
She waved over her shoulder as she disappeared.
Tianyi shook his head. "She really does whatever she wants."
Uzumaki Mito and Kushina chuckled softly.
"Oh, Grandma Mito," Tianyi said, "can you teach me the Hundred Healings Mark?"
She blinked. "That old technique? It's not very useful compared to your chakra movement method. But sure. Why?"
"I want to study it. It involves the acupoint between the eyebrows. Might give me ideas to evolve my own techniques."
Mito nodded. "Alright. Wait a moment."
She vanished into the inner room.
Minutes later, she returned with a scroll.
"Here. It also includes my cultivation notes. I hope it helps."
"Thank you!"
Tianyi took the scroll with both hands, bowed, and excused himself. "It's late. I should head home before Mom starts worrying."
"Go on, then," Mito said, smiling.
"See you tomorrow!" Tianyi waved and dashed off.
Back in his room, he opened the scroll and read through the entirety of the Hundred Healings Mark technique.
Ten minutes later, he exhaled slowly.
"So it uses sealing runes to create a sealed chakra space between the eyebrows, connecting the body's major meridians. Hm... a bit clunky."
It was a half-completed technique at best.
The more refined Byakugō no Jutsu version had explosive power—but at the cost of accelerated cell division and lifespan.
Still, the spatial sealing knowledge embedded in the mark was useful.
"Might come in handy for developing storage techniques or acupoint resonance later."
He stowed the scroll.
Then he sat cross-legged, preparing for his nightly chakra circulation and Sharingan awakening practice.
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