"Tsunade… what's wrong? You don't look well at all!"
After spending several days in the main camp, Uchiha Ran finally had the chance to meet Tsunade, who had set up a medical unit in the rear. It was the first time in days that they had seen each other.
"I'm fine, Ran… How have you been these past few days? This scale of battle—this is your first time in such a war, right? You're adapting okay?"
Tsunade shook her head and smiled faintly, avoiding Ran's question.
Ran furrowed his brow. Something about her didn't feel right.
"Tsunade… your face… it looks terrible. What's going on?" he pressed, concerned.
Her pale complexion betrayed an inner turmoil. If Ran didn't ask, he feared whatever was troubling her would remain bottled up.
Hearing his words, Tsunade's face went deathly white.
"Ran…" she started, voice trembling, but then suddenly fell to her knees. Her gaze fixed straight ahead, and her expression grew even paler.
Ran turned and saw a severely injured shinobi being carried in through the doorway, blood seeping through his clothes.
"Ah… it's hemophobia!" Ran realized immediately.
"Tsunade, don't worry. I'm here with you," Ran said, stepping forward. He crouched beside her, wrapping her in his arms, letting her bury her tear-streaked face against his shoulder.
Tsunade clutched at his clothing as though holding on to her last lifeline.
"Relax… I've got you. I can fix this… your fear of blood, Tsunade," Ran whispered, gently patting her back.
The two of them stayed like that on the ground, unaware that Orochimaru had just passed by the doorway.
"Her hemophobia is that severe… and Ran claims he can fix it? Hmph… their relationship seems… too close," Orochimaru mused, shaking his head before retreating to his tent.
"R-Ran… you… you really can cure hemophobia?" Tsunade's voice was a trembling whisper, her cheek still pressed to his shoulder. In that moment, she didn't feel like a woman in her thirties, but a frightened teenager, vulnerable and lost.
"Of course, Tsunade. Did you forget who I am?" Ran's fingers gently brushed through her hair. His smile was warm, confident. "I am Uchiha Ran. I swear on my name—I will cure you!"
Feeling the comforting warmth of his shoulder, Tsunade forced a nod, taking deep, steady breaths to calm herself.
"Your hemophobia is mostly psychological," Ran explained. "And there's a simple treatment method."
"What is it, Ran?" Her eyes flickered with renewed hope.
"Medication." Ran said simply, two words that left Tsunade blinking in surprise.
Then, with deliberate calm, he drew his Zanpakutō, explaining: "Tsunade, I'm going to perform a simple hypnosis using my Zanpakutō."
Trusting him completely, Tsunade allowed herself to be fully hypnotized by Ran's technique.
In her trance, she saw Shigeki—a figure from her past—running through the morning light.
"Shigeki… as a ninja, your greatest duty is happiness. I reached this new world before you, but I hope… I hope you live joyfully, always. It pains me to think of you suffering…"
The figure gradually faded into the dawn light.
"Tsunade? Tsunade, I'm Dan!" A familiar voice echoed, but when she turned, all she saw was a blurred silhouette against the sunset.
"Dan… is that you?"
The figure sighed and spoke softly: "So… you've found someone you truly care for. Don't dwell on the past, Tsunade. Even if you forget me slowly… I'm glad, because you've finally found your happiness."
Dan slowly walked away, disappearing into the sunset.
"Dan… wait! Tell me—who is the one I truly love?" Tsunade cried, desperate for an answer.
For a moment, the figure seemed to pause, then turned his gaze back. The setting sun fell across Tsunade's face, casting a radiant, golden glow. Her mind flickered—images of Ran growing clearer and more vivid with every heartbeat.
"Ts… Tsunade, the best way to cure hemophobia is to forget past pain, embrace a new future… and finally, my genjutsu will transform the color of blood into transparent water."
Seeing Ran before her, Tsunade instinctively cupped his face. "Ran… promise me… survive this war. Don't die, okay?"
"I will stay with you, Tsunade. Always." His gaze was unwavering, filled with sincerity.
"That's… perfect… truly perfect!" Tsunade breathed, her chest tightening with emotion.
Her beauty, rain-kissed eyes glimmering with emotion, and the gentle curve of her lips… Ran couldn't resist. He leaned in, closing the distance between them.
Their lips met softly, unexpectedly.
"Ugh…" Tsunade's eyes went wide, caught completely off guard, staring at him with a mix of shock and dazed awe.
"Tsunade…" Ran whispered.
Her lips were soft, warm, and tasted faintly sweet, compelling Ran to deepen the kiss. She was confused, unsure how to respond. Slowly, Ran's tongue sought hers, exploring gently.
Tsunade reflexively pushed against him, a timid resistance—but the subtle pressure betrayed her desire to continue, to explore this intimacy further.
Ran ignored the light push, greedily savoring the softness of her lips. His right hand slid over her, pressing tenderly.
A small gasp escaped her, cheeks flushed crimson.
"R-Ran… is… is this part of the treatment?" she asked breathlessly, bewildered.
"Don't worry, Tsunade… I know exactly what I'm doing," Ran replied, a confident gleam in his eyes.