Chapter 205

Proposing has traditionally been a man's role.

A woman proposing to a man? While not entirely unheard of, it's rare, and most women wouldn't do it.

But Tsunade wasn't like most women.

She always spoke and acted on impulse, following her own rules. If she was angry, she didn't hold back, regardless of who was at fault.

Marriage was something she had never seriously thought about. But after having a bit too much to drink, her mind inevitably wandered.

She had returned to the village earlier than Orochimaru and was more aware of the changes around them.

Take Hatake Sakumo, for example, a peer of theirs, the famed Konoha White Fang. He had gotten married before heading to war, and now his son was already a year old.

Even Might Duy, who trained tirelessly despite his humble abilities, had a one-year-old son as well.

In contrast, Tsunade and Orochimaru had been together much longer than these other couples. Yet they weren't even married, let alone thinking about children.

Reflecting on this, she couldn't help but feel a sense of restlessness.

Despite the faint ridicule in Orochimaru's tone, Tsunade didn't seem to care. With slightly tipsy eyes, she gazed affectionately at the man across from her, the man who had claimed both her heart and her body.

"Propose to you? Just say yes already. What other choice do I even have?" Tsunade quipped casually.

Her words carried a trace of weariness that Orochimaru couldn't miss.

"Are you… tired of fighting?" he asked, his voice soft.

"Yeah… You always seem to understand me," Tsunade admitted, setting her glass down and nodding without hesitation. "Honestly, I don't think it's right for me to feel this way, but I just don't want to go back to the battlefield anymore."

She glanced up at him, her voice quieter now. "I don't want to lose anyone else. And I definitely don't want to lose you. You understand, don't you?"

"I understand," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile. "As for marriage... While it's bound to happen eventually, I think we should wait just a little longer."

"Alright then," Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. "Can you help me home? My head feels a little dizzy…"

"Help you back? Of course." Orochimaru placed money on the table before reaching out his hand to her. "Give me your hand."

Tsunade hesitated for only a moment before placing her hand in his.

Whoosh!

In an instant, the two disappeared from the izakaya.

When they reappeared, they were standing in Orochimaru's room.

The familiar surroundings sobered Tsunade up almost immediately. She glanced around in confusion.

"This is…?"

"The same ability I used to defeat the Kazekage," Orochimaru explained calmly.

"You… You actually learned the Flying Thunder God Technique?" Tsunade asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

The Flying Thunder God Technique, invented by the Second Hokage, was a jutsu many had seen but few could even attempt to learn. It required not only exceptional intelligence but also precision and immense chakra control, qualities rare among even the most skilled shinobi.

When had Orochimaru mastered it? And where had he even learned it?

Tsunade's shock was evident, but she didn't press for answers. She knew there were things Orochimaru chose not to share with her, like the time he had been secretly monitoring Kushina.

And now, though surprised by his use of the Flying Thunder God Technique, she quickly brushed it aside.

She had no intention of digging further.

Over time, Tsunade had come to understand that Orochimaru disliked being questioned about certain matters. As long as he wasn't doing anything to harm the village, she chose to trust him and let things be.

If asking too many questions strained their relationship, it wasn't worth it.

Still slightly drunk, Tsunade soon fell asleep on the bed. Orochimaru, however, remained wide awake.

Marriage? The idea alone was troubling.

And given his current position, marriage was hardly practical.

As night descended, Orochimaru sat in the front yard, his mind clouded with thoughts about the future.

Meanwhile, in another part of the village, Danzo looked coldly at the girl kneeling before him, his brows furrowed.

The girl had striking orange hair, a sword strapped to her back, and wore glasses. Despite her polite demeanor, her eyes shone with unwavering determination.

Leaning on his cane, Danzo spoke in a low voice. "So, you're asking to leave the Root?"

"Yes. Please grant my request, Danzo-sama."

"Nonō, do you have any idea how much time and effort I've invested in training you? How many years you've served me and now you want to leave?"

"I deeply apologize, Danzo-sama."

"You're certain about this?"

"Yes. Please approve my request." Nonō's tone was resolute, her decision unwavering.

Danzo's eyes flashed with a brief but unmistakable hint of killing intent. It dissipated just as quickly.

"Fine. But you know the rules any ninja who leaves the Root cannot work under the Hokage's direct command. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand."

"Very well. Submit your resignation in writing."

"Understood."

Nonō was taken aback. She hadn't expected Danzo to agree so easily.

As a former member of the Root, she was well aware of how strict its policies were. Getting in was difficult, but leaving was nearly impossible.

And yet, Danzo had agreed without a fight. It felt almost too easy.

Still, she didn't dare overthink it. Bowing respectfully, she exited his office.

As her figure disappeared from view, Danzo narrowed his eyes.

"Fū," he called out.

A fully armed operative stepped forward. "Yes, Lord Danzo?"

"Assign two capable trackers to keep an eye on her."

"Understood."

…

Walking alone through the quiet streets, Nonō felt an odd mix of relief and unease.

While she had a plan for what came next, she hadn't anticipated Danzo agreeing so readily. The ease of her departure left her feeling unsettled.

Lost in thought, she found herself standing outside a brightly lit house.

"Here…?"

She stared at the door, both familiar and unfamiliar, and a memory surfaced of a pale-skinned, dark-haired boy.

Though their interactions had been brief, Nonō had always remembered Orochimaru.

His raw talent had left a lasting impression on her during their youth. He had once stood up for her, sparing her from the bullying of other Root operatives. Even as she worked undercover in enemy territory, his name echoed through the ninja world.

Orochimaru, one of the Sannin.

"Should I… see him before I leave?" she murmured to herself.

He had helped her once, after all.

Resolving to at least thank him, Nonō stepped toward the door, raising her hand to knock, only to pause and lower it again.

"I'm just a nobody. He probably doesn't even remember me."

She smiled bitterly, ready to walk away. What right did she have to disturb a living legend?

But just as she turned to leave, the door creaked open behind her.

"Nonō," came a calm, familiar voice. "If you were going to knock, why not come inside?"

Nonō turned, her expression one of shock.

"Lord Orochimaru… you… you remember me?"