"Th—"
Tsunade stared in shock at the magatama-shaped curse mark on Kairen's neck.
Just one curse mark allowed him to use Senjutsu chakra—this was simply unbelievable.
If this were true, then Jiraiya, who had trained in Sage Mode for more than twenty years, had basically lived miserably.
Under her gaze, Kairen began entering Curse Mark Transformation.
Rows of black markings spread across his body, his hair lengthened, and his entire form was coated in a dark, chitin-like layer. A pair of thick, fleshy wings grew from his back, and he exuded the aura of an ultimate killing king.
...
Tsunade's beautiful eyes remained fixed on Kairen's transformation. Seeing how sinister and eerie he looked, she immediately asked nervously:
"Such negative energy invading your body—are you alright?"
Kairen shook his head.
"No problem. I feel great right now. Don't be fooled by how evil this power looks—I can control it completely."
"That's good!" Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief.
Kairen exited State Two, then looked at Tsunade.
"Tsunade, I can give you a curse mark now. That way, you'll also be able to use Senjutsu."
Tsunade pointed at herself.
"...Me?!"
She never expected that Kairen's curse mark could be implanted in others.
Kairen nodded.
"In theory, this curse mark can be used on anyone. But the one I give you is a modified version. It's not as powerful, but it's much more stable and peaceful."
Tsunade thought quietly. Kairen would never harm her. If he said it was good for her, then it definitely was.
Seeing her silent, as if still contemplating, Kairen leaned closer. In an instant, a masculine scent drifted into Tsunade's nose.
Her face reddened. She took a step back and looked at Kairen's "obedient little boy" expression.
"Alright! I accept your curse mark."
Being able to wield Senjutsu was undoubtedly wonderful. Even if it came with side effects, she would have tried it anyway.
Because gaining power always required a price.
Kairen lowered his head, his two canine teeth extending, and he gently bit Tsunade's neck, injecting his cells and chakra.
In the blink of an eye, three small golden magatama appeared embedded on Tsunade's neck.
Kairen handed her a mirror so she could look. They were placed near the back—pulling up her collar could hide them.
With a thought, the curse mark on Tsunade's neck began to shift. Slowly, a warm current spread through her body.
Tsunade could feel the vitality of every cell multiplying severalfold.
Her ninja attributes surged, instantly breaking through her previous peak and becoming even stronger.
"Ha!"
Tsunade swung her fist lightly, and the gust generated made the wooden house rattle with clattering sounds.
She smiled in satisfaction, then looked gratefully at Kairen.
"Thank you!"
Kairen waved his hand.
"We're family, no need to be so polite. Besides, we've already understood each other inside and out."
"Yes! Family shouldn't be polite!" Tsunade nodded along.
She stepped closer, straightened Kairen's clothes, and then grabbed his arm.
"Come on, I'll take you somewhere!"
"Where? A cave?!"
Tsunade didn't answer. Kairen simply let her pull him as she flickered through the village.
Along the way, physical contact was unavoidable. Tsunade's cheeks were slightly flushed, and she felt a strange emotion in her heart.
She wanted to monopolize him—she wouldn't even allow Shizune or Kurenai to touch him.
Tsunade shook her head firmly. She had always been domineering. Born into the Senju clan, she always got what she wanted.
She was already thirty. If she didn't get married soon, it would be too late. But why was Kairen the only one in her mind?
The shadow of Dan was fading more and more. Tsunade was almost forgetting this former boyfriend.
After about a minute, the two arrived at Konoha's cemetery. Tsunade led Kairen to the deepest part, to three very special graves.
Kairen immediately recognized the owners: Senju Hashirama, Senju Tobirama, and Uzumaki Mito.
Hashirama's grave had probably been dug up by Root long ago. Even if it hadn't, Orochimaru would eventually dig it up.
Tsunade placed both hands on Kairen's shoulders.
"Come on, kneel!"
Kairen was full of confusion. Kneel for what?
Tsunade was too bold! Doing something like this in front of her ancestors' graves? Was this supposed to let them rest easy in heaven, knowing their junior was… taken care of?
As it turned out, Kairen's brain was full of nonsense.
Tsunade pressed down on Kairen's shoulders until he knelt, then made him kowtow three times.
Tsunade spoke solemnly.
"From today on, you are the last member of the Senju clan. The Senju name is bestowed upon you. Your name will be written into the clan registry—you will be the final Senju of the ninja world."
Kairen turned to look at Tsunade. Wasn't this asking him to betray his ancestors?!
Tsunade rubbed his head vigorously and smiled.
"I no longer carry the Senju surname. After so many muddled years, I still failed to pass on the Senju line."
"From today on—you will be called Senju Kairen! You possess Wood Release. You are the last Senju in this world. One day, you will revitalize this surname."
Kairen knelt before the three graves. Looking at them, he realized Tsunade had basically given him three new grandfathers and a grandmother.
Wait—Tsunade was his wife. Of course the three graves were also his elders.
Kairen kowtowed another two times properly.
"Honored grandparents above, I will definitely protect Tsunade well. And I will revive the Senju name—producing eighteen hundred Senju descendants."
Tsunade smiled in satisfaction, then suddenly froze.
Kairen… could produce that many?
Well, wasn't that exactly what her grandparents would want?! The more descendants, the better!
At the same time, Tsunade felt a subtle jealousy. Other women might steal his heart—then he wouldn't think of her anymore.
She had to guard him carefully and not let any bad woman take him away.
Kairen slowly stood up and smiled at Tsunade.
From now on, he had a surname—and not just any surname, but the illustrious Senju name. Who would dare not offer him a cigarette upon hearing it?
Tsunade smiled back, then removed the blue necklace from her own neck.
"You stinky kid, lower your head!"
Kairen obediently lowered his head, secretly grumbling. Why add "stinky"? Sure, he smelled a little, but it was healthy and manly.
Tsunade placed the blue crystal necklace around his neck. Her beautiful eyes softened as she looked at him, then she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"This is the promise I made you that day. As long as you awakened Wood Release… I would kiss you."
Kairen screamed internally.
"Damn it! I messed up!"
He should have spun his mouth faster just now—so they could exchange each other's bacteria properly.
Kairen pointed at his lips, attempting a rescue.
"That one didn't count. Do it again!"
"Stinky!" Tsunade scolded with a laugh and tugged his ear, just like when she used to discipline Nawaki.