Chapter 78 Handeling the fire

Tsunade's eyes were fierce, her fists clenched at her sides. "Helped you? With what, exactly? Because those marks on your neck don't look like the work of someone who was just 'helping' you!"

Hiro grimaced, knowing he was walking on thin ice. "It's not what it looks like, Tsunade. I—" he hesitated, struggling to come up with something believable. "I got hurt... and she used some kind of healing technique. The marks are just a side effect."

Tsunade's jaw clenched, her eyes narrowing further. "You expect me to believe that some random woman healed you with a technique that leaves love bites on your neck?"

Hiro scratched the back of his head nervously, his mind scrambling for anything that could salvage the situation. "Look, I wasn't exactly in a position to question it. I was exhausted, lost, and—"

He could tell her the truth, but he couldn't bring himself to reveal that it was Konan, a member of Akatsuki. Doing so would complicate matters further, forcing him to provide more explanations than he was ready to give.

Tsunade's hands tightened into fists, trembling with restrained anger. "Who is she, Hiro?" she demanded again, her voice quieter but more dangerous. "Tell me the truth, now, or you won't walk out of this room."

Hiro swallowed hard, knowing he had to come up with something—anything—that would appease Tsunade, if only temporarily.

"Tsunade..." Hiro started, his voice low, trying to sound as sincere as possible. "I swear, it wasn't like that. She was just... someone I ran into by accident. I didn't know her, and I wasn't about to start asking questions. I was tired, lost, and yeah, she helped me get through the night."

Tsunade's eyes flashed, but she didn't interrupt this time. He took that as a good sign—or at least not a bad one.

"I... I didn't even catch her name," Hiro continued, carefully choosing his words. "But nothing happened. She had some strange healing technique, and I don't know why it left these marks, but that's the truth. I was in a bad spot, and I just let her do what she could to help."

Tsunade's fists remained clenched, but her expression softened, if only a little. She didn't look entirely convinced, but at least the murderous intent in her gaze had dulled slightly.

"You expect me to believe that a complete stranger—out of the kindness of her heart—helped you, and that's all this is?" Tsunade asked, her voice still icy.

"Tsunade, why would I be with other women when I have a literal goddess at home like you? You're the most gorgeous woman on the planet," Hiro said, a hopeful grin spreading across his face.

A faint blush crept onto Tsunade's cheeks as she absorbed his praise. "You..."

Seizing the moment, Hiro stepped closer to her, catching her off guard with his boldness. He leaned in, locking eyes with her in a way that was both playful and intense.

"You truly are a goddess, Tsunade," he said, his voice low and sincere. "No one could ever compare to you."

With a swift and confident motion, he brushed his lips against her neck, feeling the warmth radiate from her skin. He lingered there for a moment, planting a soft kiss that sent a shiver through her.

Tsunade gasped, her surprise evident, but he didn't pull away. He pressed his lips against her neck again, this time with a little more pressure, leaving a light love bite—just enough to leave a mark, but not enough to truly hurt.

"Hey!" Tsunade exclaimed, half indignant and half surprised, her heart racing. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm just reminding you of your worth," Hiro replied with a playful smirk, pulling back just enough to admire the blush deepening on her cheeks. "A goddess like you deserves to be adored. And besides…"

He gently brushed his fingers over the marks he'd left on her neck, drawing her closer. "I think you could use a little reminder of how captivating you are."

Tsunade's eyes narrowed slightly, but a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "You're going to pay for that, you know."

"Pay? I thought we were just exchanging gifts," he teased, leaning in again to place another soft kiss, this time on her lips, lingering longer to savor the warmth and softness of the moment.

She melted into the kiss, momentarily forgetting her anger as she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Hiro felt a rush of triumph; he had turned the tables, and now it was Tsunade who was caught off guard.

When they finally pulled away, both breathless. "You're lucky I have a soft spot for you, Hiro. Otherwise, I'd have your head for that."

Hiro grinned, his heart racing. "I'd take my chances any day. You know you love it."

Tsunade shook her head, trying to maintain her stern demeanor, but the playful glint in her eyes betrayed her. "Just don't let it go to your head."

"Too late," he replied cheekily. "I'm the luckiest guy alive right now."

Tsunade rolled her eyes, but the smile that broke through her stern facade was all the confirmation he needed.

"Alright, get some rest," she said, her voice softening. "But don't think this is over. You still owe me an explanation."

"Sure thing, but only if you promise to keep being my goddess," he shot back with a wink, and Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle as she stepped out of the room.

Hiro sighed in relief as the anger faded from her expression.

 ...

In the dim light of the Akatsuki base, Konan landed gracefully, her thoughts still swirling with memories of her encounter with Hiro.

As she approached Nagato, her Akatsuki cloak enveloped her, the high collar concealing her neck completely.

Beneath the fabric, however, her skin was adorned with love bites—marks of a passionate night that not only decorated her neck but lingered in various hidden places as well.

"Did something happen, Konan? You're walking oddly," Nagato inquired, his voice steady yet laced with curiosity.

Konan's expression remained impassive as she brushed past him, a hint of tension in her shoulders.

"It's nothing, Nagato," she replied, her tone flat, carefully concealing the tumult of emotions bubbling just beneath the surface. "Just fatigue from my mission."

Nagato's gaze narrowed, clearly unconvinced by her words.

"Tired? You usually don't return from missions looking… distracted."

He stepped closer, his keen eyes scrutinizing her face for any telltale signs of distress or vulnerability. "Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine. Just some complications with the intel we gathered," she said, her voice steady and resolute, masking the turmoil within her. "I'll handle it."

Nagato frowned, the concern in his expression deepening as he studied her.

Despite his instincts telling him otherwise, he seemed to accept her response for the moment. "If you say so."