Konoha, Hokage Building
The jonin meeting lasted over two hours before finally adjourning.
"Tsunade," Jiraiya called out as he approached her, intending to ask something.
Tsunade, however, stretched lazily, letting out a yawn. A serene smile played on her lips, as if she had completely moved past the tragedy of Nawaki's death.
This smile, radiant and relaxed, perfectly encapsulated Tsunade at her prime—her beauty, strength, and noble lineage. It was enough to make many jonin in the room feel their hearts skip a beat.
Not only was she stunning, but she was also a Senju princess, a prodigy, and one of Konoha's finest shinobi.
Tsunade's bright brown eyes scanned the room, observing their reactions. Internally, she sneered. You all want to scheme against me, huh? Let's see how you handle what's coming.
"Hey, Orochimaru, how about we grab a drink?" Jiraiya suggested enthusiastically, wrapping an arm around Orochimaru, who was just about to leave.
He then looked at Tsunade expectantly.
"Idiot," Orochimaru muttered coldly, but he didn't brush Jiraiya off entirely. Instead, he glanced at Tsunade.
It was obvious that Orochimaru, despite his aloof demeanor, cared about Tsunade. He and Jiraiya both wanted to make sure she was holding up after everything.
But Tsunade simply waved them off with a lazy smile.
"A drink sounds great, but another time."
She sauntered out the door, her expression one of faint anticipation.
Watching her leave, Jiraiya blinked in disbelief. "Is that Tsunade? I've never seen her like this before!"
Jiraiya's outburst only earned a disinterested look from Orochimaru, who muttered, "Foolish as ever."
---
Outside the Hokage Building
"Why am I here in the middle of the night?"
Under the dim streetlights, Uchiha Yo yawned, rubbing his eyes. Perched on his shoulder was a tiny slug.
"Tsunade-sama specifically instructed me to deliver this message. She also said you should wear your best outfit, Yo-kun," the slug's soothing voice replied.
Although its tone was pleasant, Yo wasn't comforted—it was still a slug.
Frowning, Yo looked toward the Hokage building. What could Tsunade want this late at night? Is there some emergency at the frontlines? And why the hell does she care about my outfit?
Reluctantly, Yo had dressed as instructed: a pristine white haori, black trousers, exposed chest muscles, and black armguards extending from his forearms to his hands. A black belt cinched his waist, and a ninja blade was strapped across his back.
As jonin began streaming out of the Hokage building, Yo instinctively straightened up, offering a respectful nod.
Respect for strength was always essential.
Among the departing shinobi was Kato Dan, his face glowing with a gentle smile. Hearing hurried footsteps behind him, Kato's heart raced.
Finally! She's noticed me!
But the moment he turned, Tsunade brushed right past him with a delighted shout:
"Yo!"
What!?
Kato froze, his jaw slack. He wasn't the only one. The other jonin exiting the building stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening as they took in the scene.
Under the streetlamp, Tsunade's radiant smile lit up her face as she ran toward Yo. Before he could react, she threw her arms around him.
Startled, Yo instinctively caught her. Then her whispered words made his blood run cold.
"Hug me. Spin around."
What the hell!?
Yo's youthful face betrayed his shock. Before he could protest, Tsunade discreetly activated her medical ninjutsu, manipulating his nervous system.
The next moment, under the warm glow of the streetlamp, Yo—half a head shorter than Tsunade—wrapped his arms around her waist and spun her in a circle.
Tsunade's laughter rang out like a melody. In that instant, she truly looked like a princess.
Yo's eyes widened in disbelief. What kind of operation is this!?
"Yo, sorry to keep you waiting," Tsunade said warmly, her soft voice carrying a hint of teasing. Her scent lingered, making his mind spin further.
In the distance, Jiraiya stood frozen, his jaw nearly hitting the ground.
"Is… is that Tsunade?"
He rubbed his eyes furiously. No way.
Tsunade was showing affection—affection! And to a male ninja. Worse still, the guy was from the Uchiha Clan, and just a kid to boot!
"Shut up, kid," Tsunade's whispered threat reached Yo's ear as she maintained her indulgent smile. She took a step back to inspect him, nodding approvingly at his polished appearance.
No way around it, Yo thought grimly. She's using me as a shield.
"Tsunade, are you crazy!?" Jiraiya finally managed, pointing a trembling finger at her.
"What do you want, Jiraiya?" Tsunade snapped, her gaze turning icy.
Jiraiya's face turned pale. "Tsunade, you old cow eating a young grass"
Boom!
Tsunade's fist smashed toward him. Jiraiya barely dodged in time, the impact leaving a crater in the ground.
"You trying to get yourself killed, Jiraiya!?"
Cold sweat poured down Jiraiya's back. The snakes coiled around his waist hissed nervously, pulling him back just in time.
Orochimaru, who had been observing from nearby, sighed in exasperation. "Foolish as always."
His golden snake-like eyes flicked to Yo, assessing him briefly before turning to Tsunade.
"This kid graduated from the academy last year, didn't he?" Orochimaru rasped.
Last year's graduates: Nawaki had been placed under Orochimaru, Minato under Jiraiya, and Yo under Tsunade.
"Last year's graduate?" Jiraiya repeated incredulously, eyeing Yo up and down.
"Tsunade, have you lost your mind!?"
Before he could finish, Tsunade's piercing glare silenced him. Images of her fist flashed through his mind, and he swallowed his words.
"Heh, very good, Tsunade. Very good indeed."
Meanwhile, Yo forced a strained smile. What is happening? With Tsunade standing protectively in front of him, he truly looked like he wa
s living off her favor.
At the doorway, Kato Dan's expression twisted into an awkward smile as he watched the scene unfold.