After the Chakra Mode evolved into the Nine-Dragon Thunderflame Form, Yusuke's strength rose once again.
He had completely stepped into the God Realm.
His power was now fully comparable to Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara.
In truth—
The higher one's realm, the greater the bottleneck. Breaking through became increasingly difficult.
Yusuke had long surpassed the Kage level.
Even for someone like Tsunade, already a Kage-level powerhouse, advancing even a little further would be extraordinarily hard.
Another thing worth noting—
The higher a system skill's proficiency rose, the slower it increased.
At present, the Nine-Dragon Thunderflame Form was only at 0.1%.
As its proficiency improved, Yusuke's control over the Nine-Dragon Thunderflame would deepen, and his strength would grow accordingly.
When that time came—
Yusuke was confident he could face both Madara and Hashirama at once without fear.
...
Near noon.
Yusuke returned home.
The moment he opened the door, he saw Tsunade's and Kurenai's shoes still in the entryway.
So they hadn't left.
Still sleeping?
That would make sense, given how wild they had been last night.
But the aroma of cooking drifting through the house quickly dispelled that thought.
"Welcome home, Yusuke-kun…"
Hearing the door, Kurenai hurried out.
She crouched down and gently helped him change his shoes.
Looking down at her—so graceful and composed, like a refined Yamato Nadeshiko—Yusuke felt momentarily dazed.
This scene…
It was like a husband returning home after a long day of work, greeted warmly by the lady of the house.
Yes.
That feeling.
Though he and Kurenai weren't officially husband and wife, given their current relationship, the difference hardly mattered.
Seeing her walking normally, Yusuke asked curiously,
"Are you alright? Any discomfort? If you're not feeling well, just rest. Don't push yourself."
Kurenai's cheeks flushed instantly.
She understood exactly what he meant.
"I'm fine… just a small injury. It's nothing serious."
Yusuke: "..."
Female shinobi truly had remarkable physiques and recovery abilities.
"What about Tsunade? Did she leave?"
"No. Tsunade-sama is still here."
In the living room—
Tsunade sat on the sofa, staring up at the chandelier in silence.
She looked unusually calm.
Yusuke teased, "Fifth Hokage-sama, how's the hangover? Deep in thought about life?"
Tsunade shot him an irritated look.
It was all his fault.
Now she felt awkward even facing Kurenai.
The strange atmosphere between them all morning had been unbearable.
She had considered leaving.
But after what happened last night, walking out just like that felt… frustrating.
Especially when Kurenai showed no intention of leaving either, instead cleaning and cooking like the lady of the house.
That stubborn part of Tsunade flared up.
If Kurenai wasn't embarrassed, why should she be?
Hmph.
Besides—
She was the one who had suffered the most last night.
That guy had gotten all the advantage.
So Tsunade had stayed.
"Uchiha Yusuke, are you doing this on purpose to annoy me?" she snapped.
Yusuke smiled innocently. "How would I dare? You're the Hokage."
Tsunade clenched her teeth. "You're asking for a beating."
A brief scuffle followed.
Yusuke observed that Tsunade seemed completely fine—energetic as ever.
Then again—
If Kurenai had recovered, Tsunade, a medical ninjutsu master at the Kage level, certainly wouldn't be troubled by something minor.
...
At the dining table—
It was covered with steaming, fragrant dishes.
Clearly Kurenai had prepared everything.
She truly embodied the image of a perfect wife—her cooking was exceptional.
In fact, she might even surpass Yusuke in that regard.
As for Tsunade—
She was the type to wait for food to be served.
If asked to wash vegetables, chop ingredients, clean up—
It would be a struggle.
Back when Tsunade wandered outside the village, if not for Shizune acting as her full-time caretaker, Yusuke sometimes wondered whether she would have managed at all.
Kurenai served rice to both of them.
During the meal, Yusuke brought up the idea of moving.
"We've been living here just fine. Why move?" Tsunade asked casually between bites.
Kurenai paused, ruby-like eyes lifting toward Yusuke.
"It's just that the house feels a bit small now," Yusuke replied. "Three to five people is fine, but if more come over, it gets crowded."
"Like yesterday—Kakashi, Guy, Shisui, Yugao…"
"So I think moving to the larger clan estate would be more comfortable."
Kurenai nodded in agreement.
For her, as long as Yusuke's requests weren't unreasonable, she rarely objected.
But Tsunade had stopped eating.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at him.
Though usually carefree, Tsunade could be sharp when she wanted to be.
Something about his suggestion felt… suspicious.
After all, Kakashi and the others had come over before. Why hadn't space been an issue then?
And they didn't visit often.
Yet now—after last night—he suddenly found the house too small?
Suspicious.
Very suspicious.
Her thoughts drifted back to when Yusuke had walked Yugao and Anko out.
Even though she had been drunk, she still remembered.
Suddenly—
It clicked.
Her eyes widened.
So that's it.
Uchiha Yusuke—
The bowl wasn't enough for you?
Now you're eyeing the pot too?
What do you take me for?!
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