Time passed minute by minute, but Sasuke still hadn't returned. Kabuto Yakushi couldn't help but suggest, "Orochimaru-sama, how about we enter Konoha on our own first?"
Orochimaru shook his head slightly and replied, "Sasuke must be discussing important matters with Tsunade. If we act rashly and cause any trouble, will you take responsibility for it?"
Hearing this, Kabuto nodded quickly to show his understanding. "I see, Orochimaru-sama, you are as thoughtful as ever."
After that, Orochimaru and his team continued to wait patiently. A few hours passed, night gradually fell, and the sun set quietly over the mountain. Everyone else was tired and had fallen into a deep sleep, except for Orochimaru and Kabuto, who remained awake.
At this moment, Sasuke finally appeared before Orochimaru. Orochimaru wanted to stand up to greet him, but his legs were numb from sitting for so long that he couldn't move.
"Alright, Orochimaru, Tsunade and I have reached an agreement on the relevant matters. You're ready to enter the village," Sasuke said calmly.
Hearing this, Orochimaru couldn't help but feel moved. It seemed that Sasuke had really been negotiating with Tsunade on their behalf. But his men had the audacity to fall asleep here. How embarrassing!
"Kabuto, go wake everyone up. It's time to enter the village," Orochimaru said, his voice full of authority.
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama!" Kabuto responded, quickly going to wake the others who were sleeping.
As Sasuke led Orochimaru and his party into the village, Tsunade was already waiting for them. However, Tsunade's face was extremely rosy, as if she had just undergone an intense workout. Orochimaru noticed this and couldn't help but feel curious.
"Tsunade, what have you been up to? Why are you so flushed?" Orochimaru asked, puzzled.
Tsunade snorted coldly, a hint of pride in her tone. "Orochimaru, I hear you're now Sasuke's subordinate?"
Orochimaru nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Tsunade smirked, a sly light in her eyes. "In that case, what should you call me?"
Orochimaru didn't immediately grasp Tsunade's meaning, but he soon realized it when Tsunade naturally hugged Sasuke's arm. Seeing this, he suddenly understood and inwardly complained.
"I greet the mistress," Orochimaru said, lowering his head respectfully.
Hearing Orochimaru call her "mistress," Tsunade's face broke into a triumphant smile, her nose almost reaching the sky. She burst into laughter, her amusement full of sarcasm and pleasure. "Haha, Orochimaru, even you have your day!"
She hadn't expected that when she and Orochimaru, an old classmate, met again, their identities and statuses would have changed so drastically.
"Alright, Tsunade, enough. Let's make some arrangements for Orochimaru and the others," Sasuke said, slightly annoyed.
"I know, I know!" Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. Then she arranged for Yamato to take Orochimaru and his party to an open space to settle down and arrange accommodations.
However, Guren and Tayuya didn't leave with Orochimaru and the others. Looking at the duo of the mature and the youthful, Tsunade said with a smile, "Well, Sasuke, on this trip, you not only brought back Orochimaru but also gained two lovely ladies. As expected of you!"
Upon hearing this, Sasuke was speechless. "No, Tsunade, am I that kind of person in your mind?" Isn't this a blatant slander against him? Besides, although he accepted Guren, Tayuya's reasons for staying were unclear.
Tsunade's expression showed disbelief, just looking at Sasuke. Sasuke then approached Tayuya and asked, "Why are you staying here?"
Tayuya glanced at Guren and then at Sasuke, her expression provocative. "I heard from Guren that you're very strong. She wants me to share the pressure with her. So I want to see your strength!"
Sasuke and Tsunade exchanged glances, then looked at Guren. No, what exactly did she say to Tayuya to make her say such a thing?
Sasuke coughed and said, "That's not what Guren meant by sharing pressure. How should he explain it to Tayuya?"
"What does it mean, then?" Tayuya asked doubtfully. Wasn't that what Guren meant? Did she misunderstand?
"In short, you're still young now. You'll understand when you grow up," Sasuke said, planning to turn and leave.
Seeing this, Tayuya immediately stopped in front of Sasuke. "No, you're not allowed to leave. Tell me now, why am I sharing the pressure?"
Seeing Tayuya's eagerness, Sasuke glanced helplessly at Guren. He sighed and said, "Alright, let's go home first. I'll explain what it means to share pressure."
"Okay, it's a deal!" Tayuya agreed.
Sasuke then returned to his Uchiha mansion with Tsunade and the others. As they arrived home, the girls waiting in the yard saw Sasuke. Shizune had informed them in advance about Sasuke's return, so they were waiting outside.
"Sasuke, you're finally back! I missed you so much!" Sakura exclaimed, rushing toward him.
"And me, and me!" Ino also jumped in for a hug.
Karin looked at Sakura and Ino's speed and regretted, "Darn it, I'm still a step too late!"
Shy Hinata stood aside, secretly watching Sasuke. Although her relationship with Sasuke was close, she couldn't be as bold as Sakura.
The older ones, Anko, Yugao, and Shizune, were more reserved. Though they missed Sasuke, they wouldn't compete with the younger girls. Anyway, they could spend time with him later.
"Alright, alright, I missed you all too. Let's eat first; I'm feeling a bit hungry," Sasuke said, patting Sakura and Ino's shoulders gently.
"Okay, let's have a barbecue dinner today!" someone suggested, considering the number of people.
"Sounds great. Let's eat barbecue!" Sasuke decided.
After their barbecue, the girls went back to their rooms, and Sasuke planned to take a bath and relax. As soon as he finished taking off his clothes, he heard the sound of footsteps.
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