Kazuhiko observed the elders engrossed in a discussion about a sealing technique, wearing an expression of surprise.
"I'm pretty skilled with this sealing technique..."
"You can't use it; this technique is too advanced for such a small scroll..."
"Neither of you can compare to me in sealing..."
As the discussion heated up, spittle stars flew around, and in their domain of expertise, the patriarch had to stand aside.
Kazuhiko looked at them, speechless. Eventually, he shrugged helplessly at Tsunade. "Let them decide; they're the professionals. Let's go..."
Kazuhiko led Tsunade away from the spittle star battlefield.
Tsunade, looking at Kazuhiko with a bemused expression, chuckled for the first time. She covered her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter.
Kazuhiko, seeing Tsunade's laughter, couldn't resist tapping her forehead.
"Oh~"
Tsunade winced in pain, touched his forehead, and glared at Kazuhiko.
"How dare you hit me..."
Ignoring Tsunade's dissatisfaction, Kazuhiko turned and left, pretending not to notice.
Tsunade, watching Kazuhiko flee, hummed in dissatisfaction. "Where do you think you're going? I want revenge!"
Chasing after Kazuhiko, they fought their way back to the courtyard.
Reaching the small courtyard after the skirmish, Tsunade, despite the battle, looked exhilarated, with flushed cheeks and no sign of exhaustion.
"This is it; it's not coming, not coming. I surrender." Tsunade released Kazuhiko, and the battle concluded with his surrender.
Seeing his small courtyard, Tsunade suddenly felt at ease, an unexplained sense of tranquility washing over him.
Even though she never felt this way when returning to the courtyard alone on a mission, it felt like coming back to a place where she belonged, comfortable and peaceful. It was a unique feeling that she seemed to have experienced before but had gradually forgotten due to the passage of time.
Tsunade's heart suddenly stirred with a long-forgotten feeling— "home."
It had been so long since she last experienced it, and now, it only surfaced occasionally in Nawaki. But during this period, Nawaki was clearly not in the village.
Today, she felt it again, and she wondered if it was because of him. Tsunade looked at Kazuhiko beside her, a warm sensation swelling in her heart.
Kazuhiko remained unaware of Tsunade's sudden introspection.
He swung open the courtyard door, turned back, and gestured to Tsunade, "Come in!"
Tsunade surveyed his small courtyard; Sakura petals adorned the ground, and the sunlight bathed everything.
Walking ahead was Kazuhiko, someone who seemed young but always belied his age.
Observing him stroll in the sunshine, Tsunade felt as if something had been added to the courtyard, making it more whole.
Unexplainable happiness enveloped Tsunade as she took a couple of quick steps forward.
"I've been away for just a day, yet it's strange—why can't I get this place out of my mind?" Tsunade mused, not expecting Kazuhiko to answer.
Without waiting for a response, she continued cheerfully, "Tonight, I want to drink, and I want to eat meat!"
Kazuhiko caught on quickly, "Alright, I want to drink and eat meat too!"
Tsunade promptly summoned two Senju family servants, instructing them to procure sake and various foods, placing them in the small courtyard.
The two of them entered the house to prepare. Tsunade changed into her ninja attire and medical herbs, swapping them out for a spacious kimono.
Examining her hair, she couldn't help but feel that staying up late the previous night had affected its quality.
Tsunade immediately washed her hair again and, after some thought, decided to take a shower and apply aromatherapy afterward.
For some reason, she glanced at a box containing Beihong—a small shell with lipstick. She had bought it on a whim while out and about but always used it in secret, never allowing anyone else to see.
After a moment of contemplation, Tsunade couldn't resist reaching out and applying the lipstick to her lips.
Kazuhiko, on the other hand, went back to change into pajamas, concerned that he might not have time to undress later.
Clarification: He meant he might be too drunk to undress properly.
Worried about the lingering scent of blood from the day's battles, Kazuhiko, although unstained, opted to take a shower first. He headed to the back room and immersed himself in a large bucket of water.
Hot water? Apologies, as a member of the Senju family, hot water was available 24/7—just a call away.
Kazuhiko took a shower, changed into pajamas, and strolled out like an ordinary family man, a samurai sword strapped to his waist.
Opening the door, Kazuhiko saw Tsunade, and Tsunade noticed him too.
Tsunade's face immediately flushed as she caught sight of Kazuhiko's robust physique. The graceful figure emitted a distinctly masculine charm. Coupled with Kazuhiko's handsome face, it struck a chord in Tsunade's heart.
Tsunade couldn't help but swallow hard, her legs feeling a bit weak.
Kazuhiko also noticed Tsunade's lipstick, and with Tsunade's elegant demeanor, the occasional blush made her even more alluring.
As Tsunade moved about, despite the wide kimono, Kazuhiko couldn't shake the feeling that it was a bit too snug.
Because whenever Kazuhiko looked up, it was always easy to catch a glimpse of a certain... movement.
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