The Hokage Building of Konoha.
This Jōnin meeting had lasted for more than two hours before it finally adjourned.
"Tsunade."
Jiraiya opened his mouth to ask something, but at that moment, Tsunade lazily yawned, a faint, serene smile appearing on her face.
It seemed that, at this moment, she had finally let go of the matter regarding Nawaki.
Now, in her prime, Tsunade's charm was at its peak. That smile caused quite a few of the Jōnin present to feel their hearts skip a beat. It wasn't just her beauty—her strength, her prestigious lineage—every aspect of Tsunade-hime marked her as one of the pinnacles of Konoha.
Tsunade-hime, the genuine princess.
Tsunade's light brown eyes swept over the expressions of those present, and she couldn't help but smirk inwardly. Trying to scheme against me, huh? No matter how many hungry wolves lurk among you, I'll make you regret it soon enough.
"Orochimaru, how about grabbing a drink together?"
At this moment, Jiraiya burst into laughter and slung an arm around Orochimaru, who was just about to leave. He turned his gaze toward Tsunade.
"Idiot."
Faced with Jiraiya's actions, Orochimaru coldly spat out the word. Though his words were disdainful, his actions showed no rejection. Instead, he glanced at Tsunade.
It was evident that, despite his cold demeanor, Orochimaru was concerned for her. After all, as teammates, they naturally wanted to look out for her now that she was recovering.
However, this time, faced with the invitation from Jiraiya and Orochimaru, Tsunade lazily waved her hand and replied with a smile, "Drinks? Sure, but another day."
With a casual wave, she walked toward the door, her face feigning a look of anticipation.
Watching Tsunade leave, Jiraiya stared wide-eyed, momentarily stunned. He had never seen this side of Tsunade before.
"Orochimaru, let's go have a drink."
Jiraiya's voice was filled with excitement, but Orochimaru only responded with a disdainful glance.
"Idiot Jiraiya."
"Hey, hey, Orochimaru, what's that supposed to mean? Are you going or not?"
Inside the conference room, Jiraiya's loud complaints echoed as Orochimaru headed toward the exit.
...
Outside the Hokage Building.
"You called me here in the middle of the night?"
Under the dim light of a lamppost, Shirou yawned, with a slug perched on his shoulder.
"It's a message from Lady Tsunade, so it must be correct. She also asked you to wear your best outfit," the slug's gentle voice echoed, bringing a refreshing feeling—though it was, unfortunately, still a slug.
Shirou frowned as he looked at the Hokage Office. What's Tsunade up to in the middle of the night? Could it be something urgent on the frontlines? But why would she ask me to wear my best clothes?
In the dead of night, Shirou wore a pure white kimono paired with black pants. His slightly open chest revealed a glimpse of well-toned muscles. Black arm guards extended from his forearms to his hands, while a black belt secured a straight ninja blade at his waist.
At that moment, a stream of Jōnin wearing their vests walked out of the Hokage Building. Shirou quickly put on a respectful demeanor.
At all times, it was essential to show sufficient respect to the strong.
Among the exiting figures, Dan Katō wore a gentle smile. Hearing hurried footsteps behind him, his lips curled into a faint smile, and he felt a surge of excitement. Finally! My efforts have finally drawn Tsunade-hime's attention.
"Shirou!"
Dan took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come, but Tsunade, draped in a blue cloak that night, brushed past him, running toward someone else with a doting expression.
What!?
Dan stared in disbelief, and the other Jōnin exiting the building also widened their eyes in shock.
Under the lamplight, Tsunade, wearing a fond smile, ran up to Shirou and suddenly embraced him.
Reflexively, Shirou caught her. The next moment, a threatening whisper reached his ears.
"Hold me and spin!"
What the heck!?
Shirou's youthful face froze in astonishment, his mind failing to catch up. Meanwhile, Tsunade covertly used her Medical Ninjutsu to manipulate his nerves.
In the next moment, under the dim light of the lamppost, Shirou, who was a head shorter than Tsunade, held her by the waist and spun her around.
At that moment, Tsunade beamed a radiant smile, like a true princess.
Shirou's eyes widened in disbelief. There's a move like this?
"Shirou, you've been waiting for me, haven't you?"
At such close proximity, the unique fragrance around her lingered. Under Tsunade's fond laughter, not only did Shirou's mind go blank, but even Jiraiya, observing from afar, was utterly stunned.
"This is Tsunade!?"
Jiraiya blurted out in shock, rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
When had Tsunade ever shown this kind of expression? Doting? Toward a male ninja? And not just any ninja, but a member of the Uchiha clan? What's more—he's just a kid!
"You brat, just stay quiet now," whispered Tsunade threateningly into Shirou's ear. Then, her expression softened again, and she smiled with satisfaction at the finely dressed Shirou.
Damn it!
Shirou's eyes widened, realizing the truth. Seeing so many Jōnin around, he understood—he was being used as a shield!
"Tsunade, you—!"
"Jiraiya, what are you trying to do!?"
In an instant, Tsunade's face turned angry.
Instinctively, Jiraiya, still in shock, blurted out, "Tsunade, you're robbing the cradle!"
"You're dead, Jiraiya!"
Tsunade's furious fist came crashing down. Startled, Jiraiya barely dodged. With a loud boom, the ground shattered into a crater.
"Tsunade, are you trying to kill me!?"
Jiraiya, drenched in cold sweat, glanced at the snakes coiled around his waist. If not for them pulling him back, he might've taken that punch.
Behind him, Orochimaru retracted the snakes, muttering, "Idiot Jiraiya."
Although usually cold, Orochimaru's golden snake-like eyes briefly flicked toward Shirou. Then, in a hoarse voice, he said, "Tsunade, isn't this young man the one who graduated from the academy last year?"
Last year, Nawaki joined Orochimaru's team, Minato joined Jiraiya's team, and Shirou joined Tsunade's team.
"A rookie from last year?"
Jiraiya's eyes widened as he looked again at the boy beside Tsunade, who was much younger.
"Tsunade, have you lost your mind!?"
Before he could finish his sentence, Tsunade's cold gaze silenced him instantly. The memory of her iron fists froze him in place, swallowing the rest of his words.
"Haha, everything's fine, Tsunade. Everything's fine," Jiraiya muttered nervously.
Meanwhile, Shirou forced a stiff smile. What kind of situation is this? With Tsunade in front of me, I do look like I'm leeching off her.
"Lady Tsunade…"
At the same time, by the gate, Dan Katō forced a rigid smile as he watched the scene unfold.
PS: Green Hat