Chapter 75 : Kazuhiko x Tsunade

The Third Hokage watched as Kazuhiko and his companions departed, and Danzo joined him, both silently observing their departure.

"Why do you think they chose to live with the Senju clan?" The Third Hokage asked, taking out his pipe and exhaling a puff of green smoke before continuing, "Perhaps they have more trust in the Senju clan, especially considering the covenant Hashirama made with them. They may no longer trust Konoha."

Danzo, known for his cunning, didn't hide his thoughts, "And Tsunade's behavior towards Kazuhiko seems somewhat unusual..."

The Third Hokage nodded, noticing the same change in Tsunade's behavior. It was evident that something had shifted drastically within her in just a few days. 

He had tested Tsunade before, and she had no prior knowledge of Kazuhiko. Why had she changed so dramatically? Could someone from the Senju clan have secretly influenced her?

The thought crossed the Third Hokage's mind, but he dismissed it. Danzo, on the other hand, turned his attention to the Hokage building's window, only to find a massive tree stump where a towering tree once stood.

Danzo furrowed his brows and asked, "Hiruzen, who decided to cut down that tree so suddenly?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was momentarily perplexed by the question before realizing the situation. "I ordered it to be cut down. Is there a problem?"

Danzo seemed dissatisfied with the answer but didn't press further. "I'll leave now; there are many matters to attend to."

As Danzo departed, he muttered, "Hiruzen can be quite peculiar sometimes, cutting down that tree for no apparent reason..."

Hiruzen watched Danzo leave, puzzled by his behavior. Something was amiss with Danzo lately.

Meanwhile, Tsunade, elated, returned to theSenju clan's territory to arrange accommodations for Kazuhiko's group. Kazuhiko remained behind.

Turning to Tsunade, Kazuhiko inquired, "Which room have you chosen for me?"

Tsunade lowered her head, contemplating, "The room next to mine is vacant, for your safety."

She paused and blushed, adding softly, "You should stay next door... for now."

Kazuhiko was surprised by Tsunade's words but welcomed the idea. Tsunade clarified, "This arrangement was made by Lord Hokage to ensure your safety. Being near the Senju clan is the safest option."

Kazuhiko nodded with a simple "okay," unsure whether to fully believe it.

Soon, Kazuhiko and Tsunade arrived at her residence, an elegant courtyard with three houses. The garden was adorned with cherry blossom trees in full bloom, their petals dancing in the wind.

Tsunade's house was in the middle, and Kazuhiko's room was to the right of the entrance. Tsunade efficiently prepared Kazuhiko's bedding while he tidied up the already clean room.

Tsunade finished her tasks, and as the sky darkened, they dined on the courtyard with food retrieved from the clan. Kazuhiko and Tsunade were the only ones present for this meal.

Tsunade produced a bottle of sake she had stored, and they enjoyed it with rice balls. Sakura petals drifted in the wind as their laughter filled the courtyard.

Outside, the Anbu guards could only watch the courtyard gate, occasionally chuckling, their stomachs growling.

They dared not intrude too far, strictly monitoring the courtyard from the outside. Kazuhiko and Tsunade, immersed in their own world, remained oblivious.

Kazuhiko and Tsunade continued drinking, Tsunade's face turning increasingly flushed. In contrast, Kazuhiko, with his strong constitution, remained unfazed.

Tsunade, in her attempt to get Kazuhiko drunk, ended up intoxicated herself. Kazuhiko, gazing at the moonlit night and the falling Sakura petals, found the moment truly beautiful.

Eventually, he carried the inebriated Tsunade to her room and placed her on the bed. As Kazuhiko turned to leave, he hesitated and turned back, but Tsunade was already fast asleep.

Returning to his own room, Kazuhiko quickly tidied up and settled in for the night, closing his eyes to sleep. It had been an eventful day, with the highlight being in Konoha, sleeping in the room next to Tsunade.

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