"Good day, Lord Third Hokage."
Standing beside Tsunade, Shishou bowed respectfully to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, maintaining a humble demeanor.
Given that the Third Hokage was Tsunade's teacher, and by extension, someone Shishou should respect, he knew he had to show the proper respect.
"So, you're the Flying Thunder God user?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi eyed Shishou with a displeased expression, his tone less than friendly.
He had only just mentioned wanting to meet the Flying Thunder God user, and Tsunade immediately brought him here. This clearly indicated that this troublesome individual was likely already at Tsunade's place, otherwise, the response wouldn't have been so quick.
The relationship between the two must be closer than he had initially thought.
Realizing this, the Third Hokage's gaze grew even more unfriendly. He hadn't anticipated that under his nose, Tsunade was nearly whisked away by someone.
Does the Third Hokage have a grudge against me?
Shishou wondered about Hiruzen's reaction, puzzled. He turned to Tsunade, who also looked confused, clearly not understanding the Third Hokage's behavior.
"Old man, what are you doing?" Tsunade frowned at Hiruzen, directly questioning him.
Shishou had come to see Hiruzen out of respect for her, and she didn't want the Third Hokage putting on airs.
Given Shishou's strength, if it weren't for her, he wouldn't need to lower himself at all.
"Lord Third Hokage, I do indeed know the Flying Thunder God technique."
Seeing Tsunade standing up for him warmed Shishou's heart. However, he still pulled her behind him, patiently explaining to Hiruzen to prevent Tsunade from escalating the situation.
Tsunade blushed slightly as Shishou held her small, chubby hand, unsure if he was trying to help or take advantage of her. She glanced at the Third Hokage, then allowed Shishou to hold her hand.
However, Hiruzen saw this interaction and grew even angrier. How dare this punk flirt with Tsunade right in front of him!
"Come with me," Hiruzen barked, glaring at Shishou before storming out of the office. He intended to teach this brat a lesson.
"What's up with your teacher?" Shishou asked Tsunade, confused.
"I don't know either," Tsunade replied, pulling her hand from Shishou's and following her teacher. "Let's just follow him."
Shishou smiled slightly, recalling the blush on Tsunade's face, and followed her out of the office.
Though he was unsure of what the Third Hokage had in store for him, he was determined not to retaliate as long as it didn't go too far, out of respect for Tsunade.
...
As the three moved through the village, they attracted a lot of attention.
"Isn't that the Third Hokage?"
"And Lady Tsunade is with him. Who's that guy? I haven't seen him before."
"What are they up to?"
Kakashi, Might Guy, and Kurenai Yuhi, who were out shopping together, exchanged looks and decided to follow the trio.
They followed all the way to a forest outside the village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi removed his Hokage robe, handing it to an ANBU member beside him, revealing the armor he wore underneath.
Though he was displeased with Shishou's apparent flirtations with multiple women, his primary goal was to test Shishou's strength. However, if he could beat him up a bit in the process, all the better.
"Who is this guy? Is he Lady Tsunade's boyfriend?"
"Is the Third Hokage planning to teach him a lesson?"
Might Guy asked curiously, looking at Kakashi and Kurenai.
"Guy, you'd better not spread rumors. If Lady Tsunade gets angry, you'll be in big trouble," Kakashi, his arm in a cast, warned.
"I-I know," Guy quickly quieted down.
Kurenai frowned, feeling that Shishou looked familiar, especially the way he looked at her, as if he knew her.
"If you can defeat me without using the Flying Thunder God technique, I'll grant your request," Hiruzen said as he finished adjusting his gear, looking at Shishou.
"Flying Thunder God?"
"Is this the Flying Thunder God user everyone's been talking about?"
Kakashi was shocked, staring at Shishou in disbelief.
"Kakashi, I'm starting to think he really is Lady Tsunade's boyfriend."
"Hokage-sama said he'd grant this guy's request if he beats him."
"So, this guy must want to marry Lady Tsunade and is asking for the Hokage's approval. And as her teacher, the Hokage wants to test his strength first."
Guy whispered, feeling increasingly certain that he had figured out the truth.
"Tsunade-sama is looking over here."
Kurenai gently reminded Guy, who then turned to see Tsunade glaring at him, her terrifying aura making him shiver and hide behind Kakashi.
Yes! Exactly! I'm here to propose to Tsunade.
Shishou grinned at Guy's words, wanting to give him a thumbs up.
"Just don't hurt the old man, okay?" Tsunade whispered, pulling Shishou's sleeve.
Given Shishou's strength, not just the Third Hokage, but even if everyone present attacked him together, they wouldn't be able to harm him.
"I got it."
Shishou gently squeezed Tsunade's hand to reassure her. He noticed that she rarely got angry in front of others, giving him more chances to get closer to her.
Seeing Shishou dare to hold her hand in public, Tsunade blushed and glared at him before pinching his hand hard and pulling away.
Is he really Lady Tsunade's boyfriend?
Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, and the nearby ANBU all watched the couple's interactions, astonished.
"You think I'm invisible?"
Hiruzen, seeing their little display, instantly flew into a rage. He quickly formed hand signs.
"Summoning Technique: Monkey King Enma!"
With a puff of smoke, a large, white-haired monkey appeared beside Hiruzen.
"Enma, turn into the Adamantine Staff."
"Understood."
The moment Hiruzen gave the command, Enma transformed into a staff and flew into Hiruzen's hand.
Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi raised the staff high and swung it down towards Shishou and Tsunade, determined to break up the couple.
"Take this, you scoundrel!"
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