Although she was the princess of the mighty Senju Clan—a true second-generation rich kid—her life had been crueler than most.
She had lost the people most precious to her. Drowning her pain in alcohol and gambling every day, wasn't she just as insecure as Sora?
An idea suddenly took root in her heart. Since she had brought him back, perhaps it was fate.
Whether it had begun as a whim or because of his uniqueness no longer mattered. Now, she truly wanted to adopt this mysterious and cold child.
Sora's closed eyes suddenly opened.
Those emotionless pupils stared straight into Tsunade's eyes, as if trying to see through her—to determine whether she was joking, teasing him, or speaking from the heart.
Years of hardship had taught him one truth: there were no free lunches in this world.
He also knew Tsunade's status. If what she said was true—if he were truly adopted by her—his status would soar instantly.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he would become the number one rich kid in the Naruto world.
After all, Tsunade was destined to become Hokage.
If she became Hokage, and he was her adopted son, wouldn't that make him the chief rich kid of Konaha?
Tsunade met his almost aggressive gaze without retreating.
The intensity in his eyes only strengthened her resolve. For her, adopting one child—or even a hundred—was no difficulty. It was merely a matter of whether she wanted to.
"If it's true, then I will defend everything you have with my blood."
Sora stared at her for a long moment before slowly closing his eyes again.
But his heart was far from calm.
His heart was cold, yet sensitive. In Tsunade's undisguised gaze, he felt sincerity.
She was no longer adopting him out of fleeting curiosity. This time, it came from the depths of her heart.
Still, he said nothing more.
Time was the best proof of all things. The future remained unknown.
But if her words were genuine, then Sora was not someone who would repay kindness with enmity.
He simply would not say it aloud.
To him, actions mattered more than words.
"Interesting."
Though Sora remained silent, Tsunade caught the brief but intense light that flashed through his emotionless eyes. It vanished quickly, but she saw it clearly.
Extreme ruthlessness often concealed deep emotion.
From that day onward, Sora's life changed completely.
From Earth to this world.
From death to survival.
And now, a complete transformation of destiny.
No one could have predicted it.
From then on, the small infant followed Tsunade and Shizune everywhere. Whether Tsunade was drinking, gambling, or soaking in hot springs, she never left him behind.
It was as if she wanted to understand him.
There were no grand speeches. Only actions.
And those actions slowly, steadily, nourished Sora's cold and desolate heart.
"Big Sheep, you've lost all your money and still owe me over thirty million! You—"
"Run!"
Inside a casino, Tsunade suddenly bolted for the exit while holding Sora. Shizune followed closely behind.
Sora had witnessed this scene countless times. He didn't panic at all.
"Stop her!" the casino manager roared.
If she escaped, it would be a massive loss.
Unfortunately, to Tsunade, these so-called guards were nothing but ants.
With a cold glare, a powerful aura surged outward. The guards froze in place, unable to move, forced to watch as Tsunade ran off with her "family."
"Damn it! That Big Sheep escaped again!"
The manager ground his teeth in frustration. He had never seen such a woman.
Whether making her repay the debt or using her beauty as compensation—either option would have been fine.
But now he understood why this "Big Sheep" owed money everywhere yet still lived comfortably.
She was no ordinary person.
In the end, he could only sigh in resignation.
"Mom, you're truly disgraceful. How can you be one of the Sannin, lose hundreds of millions a month, and still be chased by creditors everywhere?"
Sora spoke expressionlessly inside their hotel room.
The word "Mom" had originally been forced out of him by Tsunade. It had been her greatest victory.
Through relentless care, practical actions, and a mix of threats and persuasion, she had forced him to say it at first.
But over time, even Sora didn't notice that the word had begun to feel natural.
"Mom."
Once distant beyond reach, now part of his life.
His heart was changing—quietly.
"Hey! Is that how you talk to your mother?"
Tsunade might not care what others thought, but being looked down upon by her own child stung deeply—especially with Shizune snickering nearby.
Flustered, she grabbed Sora and pulled him into her embrace, pressing him against her chest in her usual move.
Countless men would dream of such a fate.
For Sora, however, it was both painful and… complicated.
Every time, he was nearly suffocated by Tsunade's overwhelming "greatness." Other children were scolded or beaten for misbehaving.
He, on the other hand, was buried alive in softness.
"It's always this move."
Sora remained calm. Though uncomfortable, he had long grown accustomed to it.
"You brat. Do you know how many men dream of this? You've used it as a pillow since childhood, and every day you—"
Tsunade abruptly stopped, her face flushing.
If she continued, she was afraid she might actually turn this kid into a little hooligan.
Hearing her words, Sora's heartbeat quickened slightly.
Back then, when hunger had driven him to bite her nipple, it had been pure instinct.
Over the years, sleeping like that had become habit. And strangely, Tsunade never rejected it. What began as awkwardness gradually turned into something natural.
Now, whenever they slept, she would pull him close without hesitation.
And neither of them spoke about it anymore.