Shizune didn't believe Tsunade's excuse at all. She frowned and looked at Tsunade, asking again.
Having been by Tsunade's side for so many years, Shizune knew Tsunade could never fool her. If anything, it was the other way around; Shizune could always trick Tsunade.
Tsunade's body stiffened. She turned to Shizune and sighed.
"Alright, I'll tell you the truth."
"Just now..."
"Just now, what?" Shizune pressed as Tsunade trailed off.
Before Shizune could finish her question, Tsunade seized the moment when Shizune's attention was diverted and knocked her out with a swift chop.
"You must stay by Shishou's side and learn senjutsu. That way, you can protect yourself," Tsunade whispered to the unconscious Shizune, gently placing her on the bed.
Tsunade was caught off guard by Shishou's assertive advances today. She knew that once he returned, he'd likely try to further their relationship. At this rate, she felt she'd soon fall completely into his hands.
Though Tsunade did have feelings for Shishou—otherwise, she wouldn't have allowed his advances today—she wasn't ready to fully embrace a relationship with him or engage in deeper interactions. Hence, Tsunade decided to run away again.
Running away might be shameful, but it's effective!
Tsunade wrote a letter and placed it in Shizune's hand, instructing her to give it to Shishou. In the letter, she told Shishou not to look for her and to take care of Shizune. She promised to return once she had sorted out her feelings.
After completing her preparations, Tsunade, disguised as a blonde girl, left the house and headed straight for Konoha's main gate.
Half an hour later.
Shishou, who had just parted ways with the Third Hokage, arrived at Tsunade's house, hoping to continue where they left off.
"Where did Tsunade go?"
After searching the house and not finding Tsunade, Shishou felt puzzled.
"Hmm?"
Entering Shizune's room, Shishou found her unconscious on the bed, holding a letter.
A few minutes later.
After reading the letter, Shishou felt a bit helpless.
He hadn't expected the fierce Tsunade to be scared off by his romantic advances.
Should I chase after her or not?
Shishou hesitated, holding the letter.
Tsunade running away because of his advances showed she already had feelings for him but wasn't ready to face them. She clearly stated in her letter that she would return once she was ready, and then she'd be his to command.
Alright, he'd give her three months. If she didn't return by then, he'd go find her.
At least he didn't have to worry about her safety now that she had overcome her hemophobia.
As Shishou pondered, he felt someone grab his hand. Looking down, he saw that Shizune had woken up and was staring at him, her face flushed.
Seeing Shizune looking so endearing, Shishou's eyes lit up.
"Tsunade is gone," Shishou said, wiggling his fingers, smiling at Shizune.
"I know..." Shizune nodded, her face turning even redder.
When Tsunade knocked her out, Shizune had guessed her intentions, so she wasn't too surprised.
"Tsunade asked me to take good care of you. You'll need to listen to me from now on," Shishou whispered in Shizune's ear.
"Mm," Shizune responded in a voice as soft as a mosquito's.
Receiving her answer, Shishou cupped her face and kissed her. The frustration from Tsunade and Kurenai's teasing needed an outlet.
Shizune's initial surprise quickly turned into a responsive passion. She hesitated for a moment but soon melted into the kiss, her arms wrapping around Shishou's neck. The warmth of his body and the intensity of his kiss ignited a fire within her.
As their lips parted, Shishou's hands roamed over Shizune's back, pulling her closer. His touch was both gentle and possessive, making her shiver with anticipation. He lowered her onto the bed, his lips trailing down her neck, eliciting soft moans from her.
"Shishou..." Shizune whispered, her voice filled with both desire and nervousness. She had long harbored feelings for him but had never imagined things would progress so quickly.
"Trust me," Shishou murmured against her skin, his hands skillfully removing her clothing, revealing her smooth, soft skin. His touch was electric, sending waves of pleasure through her body.
Shizune's hands explored Shishou's muscular frame, her fingers tracing the lines of his body. As their bodies pressed together, the heat between them grew more intense. Shishou's kisses became more urgent, his hands exploring every inch of her.
Their passion reached its peak as they moved together, their breaths mingling, and their bodies perfectly in sync. Shizune's moans filled the room, a symphony of pleasure that echoed through the walls.
Afterwards, they lay entwined, their bodies glistening with sweat. Shishou brushed a strand of hair from Shizune's face, his eyes filled with a tender affection.
"Is this how you're taking care of me?" Shizune asked, her face still flushed from their lovemaking.
"Yes, this is how I take care of you," Shishou replied with a chuckle, leaning in to kiss her once more.
A soft hum of satisfaction escaped her lips as they embraced again, their connection deepening with each moment.
...
The next day.
In the Hokage's office.
"Tsunade left?" The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stood up abruptly, eyes wide with disbelief as he listened to Shizune's report.
"Yes, Lord Third Hokage," Shizune replied calmly, her hands placed in front of her. Though a bit upset that Tsunade left her behind, she had gained something more precious and didn't know how to react, so she kept a straight face.
"Guards!" the Third Hokage shouted, discarding his Hokage robe and preparing to retrieve Tsunade.
"Lord Hokage," three ANBU members instantly knelt beside Shizune.
"It's useless, Lord Hokage," Shizune quickly intervened. "Tsunade left yesterday. You won't be able to catch up."
"Ah!" The Third Hokage sighed deeply, slumping back into his chair. Was it because I drove away the Flying Thunder God user yesterday that Tsunade left in a fit of anger?
The Third Hokage regretted his actions. If he had known this would happen, he wouldn't have shown Shishou any attitude.
"Lord Hokage, Tsunade just left to take care of some matters. She'll be back soon, within three months," Shizune added, feeling pity for the Third Hokage.
Shishou had told her that Tsunade would return in three months, and Shizune believed him.
"Really?" The Third Hokage sighed in relief. "That's good, that's good!"
"Then I'll take my leave," Shizune said, getting ready to leave.
Shishou was waiting for her at home, and she didn't want to delay any longer. Knowing Shishou would have many women in the future, she cherished this time alone with him.
"Go ahead," the Third Hokage waved her off.
Before long, news of Tsunade's departure spread throughout Konoha, causing quite a stir.
During this time, it was clear to everyone that the Third Hokage had begun preparations for the transfer of the Hokage title to Tsunade. Her becoming the Fifth Hokage was almost certain.
But now, at this critical moment, the future Fifth Hokage had run away.