The commotion at Konoha Hospital had simmered down, but the tension still hung in the air. The three unruly patients who had caused the uproar now sat subdued, nursing their injuries with visible discomfort. Uchiha Fugaku stood nearby, arms crossed and eyes sharp, watching as Tsunade took charge of the situation.
"You three caused a scene at a tavern, refused to pay, and then escalated to violence, injuring multiple people, including the owner. When the police department showed up, you resisted, hurled insults, and even dared to slander the young clan leader and the head of the Uchiha clan." Fugaku's voice carried a controlled edge, but the restraint in his demeanor was palpable.
Tsunade's brows furrowed as she listened. "So, you not only got drunk and started a fight but also insulted the heads of a major clan? You must be out of your minds," she said, her tone slicing through the tension like a blade.
The three patients grimaced, their bravado gone. One of them muttered in pain, "Ah, my hand is broken… they attacked us for no reason."
"Enough," Tsunade snapped, her eyes cold. "You're getting treatment because it's the hospital's duty, but you'll be held accountable. The cost of treatment will come out of your own pockets."
Turning to Fugaku, she added, "The arrest was excessive, but considering the circumstances, it's understandable. Once they're treated, take them back to the police department and proceed with the necessary actions. Make sure someone from your unit reports to the Hokage's office."
Fugaku nodded, a hint of relief crossing his usually stoic face. "Understood, Tsunade-sama."
The tension in the room ebbed as Tsunade waved her hand, signaling the end of the matter. "Alright, clear out, everyone. There's nothing more to see."
The hospital lobby slowly returned to its usual hum of activity. As Tsunade and Shinki stepped out into the bright afternoon sun, Tsunade's frustration bubbled over.
"The resentment toward the Uchiha is getting worse, and the Hokage's office and the Elders' Group are just letting it fester. If they don't address this soon, it'll blow up in their faces," Tsunade muttered, shaking her head.
"Actually, it's not just the Uchiha," Shinki added. "There's a growing discontent with many of the prominent clans. Only those aligned with the Hokage—like the Sarutobi and Shimura families, or the Ino-Shika-Cho alliance—are relatively unscathed."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Even the Hyuga?"
Shinki nodded. "The Hyuga clan is seen as aloof and superior, disconnected from the common folk. It breeds resentment."
Tsunade's gaze drifted toward the Hokage's office building, understanding dawning on her face. "Politics."
"Meanwhile, certain clans seem to be getting more favorable treatment," Shinki continued, a hint of mischief in his eyes. He knew Tsunade could piece together what he was implying.
Tsunade shot him a look. "You're implying something, aren't you? Watch it, or I'll smack that smug look off your face."
Shinki grinned. "I was just making an observation."
"Sure, you were," Tsunade huffed. "By the way, have you found a place to live yet, or do you need my help?"
"I've found one. I'll be moving in tomorrow," Shinki replied, steering the conversation away from politics.
"Good. I'll help you move," Tsunade said, stretching her arms. "Now, hurry up. I'm starving."
Shinki stared at her incredulously. "You're hungry? Go eat, then. Why follow me?"
Tsunade's grin was answer enough. "Why do you think?"
*She's addicted to freeloading food,* Shinki thought as he trudged to his house, knowing full well she'd be joining him.
Back at Shinki's home, Tsunade wasted no time digging into the feast he prepared. Watching her devour a massive drumstick in a single bite, Shinki could only blink in disbelief.
"How do you even do that?" he asked, genuinely amazed.
Tsunade paused mid-bite and raised an eyebrow. "What, you're just going to watch? Eat!"
"Your future boyfriend will have his hands full, that's for sure," Shinki said with a chuckle as he grabbed a plate before she cleaned out the entire spread.
"Hey! Are you implying something?" Tsunade glared at him, a hint of playfulness mixed with genuine irritation.
"Not at all. Just praising your… eating skills."
"Right," she said dryly, not buying it for a second. "And you think I'm going to believe that?"
"Doesn't matter. You don't have a boyfriend anyway," Shinki shot back with a grin.
Tsunade's chopsticks froze mid-air, and for a moment, she looked like she wanted to hurl them at him. But instead, she smirked, deciding she'd get back at him later. "Enjoy your meal, Shinki. You'll need the energy when I make you pay for that comment."