Izakaya and Private Booths
"Wine~ Shizune, the wine is all gone! Shizune, Shizune…" Tsunade, dressed in a loose, sleeveless deep-V top, sat flushed and dazed, shouting without a care, completely unaware of the stunning allure she naturally exuded.
Beside her, Shizune—cradling the little pig Tonton—was already drunk, staggering as she held the wine jug with a dazed look.
"Lady Tsunade… why are there two wine glasses? No… two Lady Tsunades... Ugh…"
"Two? Seriously? Are you drunk already after just a little?" Tsunade tilted her head, clicked her tongue, and snatched the wine jug from Shizune's hands, pouring herself another drink.
"You must be Lady Tsunade, one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha. I am Amai from Kumogakure. I humbly request that you use your world-renowned medical ninjutsu to save my companion—please!"
Suddenly, a figure stepped into the booth, kneeling and pleading earnestly.
"A ninja from Kumogakure?" Tsunade's hand paused mid-pour, her expression cooling. Shizune, still foggy from the alcohol, blinked and forced herself to look up.
"Hmph!! You people from Kumogakure have the nerve to ask for my help? A bunch of shameless cowards who used dirty tactics to get what you wanted? Do you think you deserve to talk to me? I'm not treating!" She snapped coldly without hesitation.
"But that matter was settled. Can't we let the past go—?"
"Settled?" Tsunade's voice turned mocking. "Maybe in the eyes of those cowardly old fools back in the village, sure. But not to me. That so-called 'settlement' is Konoha's disgrace. Get lost before I really lose my temper."
"But—" Amai tried to explain but was cut off when a burly figure pushed aside the door curtain.
"That's enough, Amai. I knew she wouldn't agree so easily."
"This is our leader, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure." Amai straightened quickly and introduced him, the respectful tone from earlier gone.
"Oh? What a surprise. A big shot's here." Tsunade's drunk expression faded into one of feigned fright, lips curling into a teasing smile.
As one of the legendary Sannin, Tsunade had seen her share of powerful figures. A mere Raikage wouldn't rattle her—especially not someone from the younger generation.
Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for Shizune.
"The Fourth Raikage... of the Hidden Cloud...? Am I seeing things?" she muttered, clutching her throbbing head. Her face paled instantly.
She knew Tsunade's current state. With her Hemophobia and weakened mental condition, she wouldn't stand a chance in a fight against the Raikage. This was bad—very bad.
"Tsunade, I'm here to ask for your help. If you refuse… I won't rule out using force to make you agree." The Fourth Raikage's voice was like steel, his gaze sharp as a blade. He left no room for negotiation.
This was his way—to uphold the dignity of the Raikage while protecting his people.
"Oh? You're threatening me now?" Tsunade narrowed her eyes, her expression turning frosty. She slammed the wine glass down on the table and stood up. "Do you even know who you're talking to? I—"
"We Konoha ninjas aren't afraid of you Hidden Cloud bastards, even if you are the Fourth Raikage." A cold voice rang out suddenly, cutting her off.
The Raikage and his followers turned sharply—just in time to see the window on the opposite side of the booth shatter. Four figures leaped inside: one tall, and three smaller, positioning themselves protectively in front of Tsunade and Shizune.
"Kakashi? You're here too?" Tsunade blinked in surprise as she recognized the man leading them.
"Kakashi…" Shizune breathed out, her eyes lighting up. The overwhelming pressure and fear instantly lifted.
"I didn't expect to run into you here… and Lord Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Village as well." Kakashi looked at the two and smiled helplessly, visibly troubled by the sudden turn of events.
He had never imagined that a powerful figure like the Raikage would show up during what was originally a harmless A-rank mission. If he'd known, he would never have brought along Ishikawa and the three rookies to take such a risk. But faced with the situation just now, he had no choice but to act.
As a former ANBU captain, he was well aware of Lady Tsunade's Hemophobia—one of Konoha's most carefully guarded secrets. Since he knew it, he couldn't just stand by and do nothing.
"I'm sorry, Ishikawa, Taro, Jiro. This may escalate into a highly dangerous S-rank mission. I'll give you a chance to retreat soon." Turning his head slightly, Kakashi faced away from the three Genin and gave his solemn instruction.
This battle wasn't something they should be involved in. If he'd had time earlier, he would have already sent them away to safety.
"Teacher, are you joking? How could we possibly leave you behind and run away? Isn't the core of our team that we never abandon our comrades?" Ishikawa shouted, face dark with frustration, teeth clenched—on the verge of tears from the devastating pressure of the situation.
Damn it! He thought meeting Tsunade was a blessing. He didn't expect to immediately run into a Kage-level boss. How could background extras like them deserve this kind of protagonist treatment? This makes no sense!
As for fleeing? Ishikawa had never even considered it. Staying meant Kakashi and Tsunade could protect them—there was at least a chance at survival. Running would mean death for sure.
Unless the Raikage completely ignored them, who would dare gamble their life like that on an actual battlefield?
Ishikawa definitely wouldn't.
"I—we'll listen to Big Brother!"
"Yeah! We'll fight too!"
The two younger brothers didn't fully understand Ishikawa's thoughts, but their faces burned with guilt. They had agreed with Kakashi's retreat plan moments ago—that was wrong.
"You guys…" Kakashi's pupils trembled slightly at their reaction, recalling the past… familiar faces flashing through his mind.
Then, the corner of his mouth curled up beneath his mask. Slowly, he raised the Konoha forehead protector covering his left eye.
"Idiots… Now's not the time to act cool. I'm giving you a new A-rank mission: escort Lady Tsunade back to Konoha."
"Don't argue. That's an order!" As the three tomoe of Kakashi's Sharingan began spinning rapidly, his tone left no room for discussion.
Their talents might be limited—but he wouldn't let his students die here. Even if it meant risking his own life!
"Brother… what should we do?" Taro whispered nervously. Jiro also looked toward Ishikawa with hesitation in his eyes.
"What do you mean what should we do? Obviously, we fight side by side. Do we really need to say it out loud?" Ishikawa replied, clenching his fists and shooting a determined look at Kakashi.
Of course, he understood Kakashi's kindness. This 'escort' mission wasn't about them protecting Tsunade—it was about her protecting them. It gave Kakashi peace of mind, would keep them out of real danger, and earn them favor with the Hokage afterward. It was a thoughtful move…
But Ishikawa knew Tsunade's personality better than anyone.
He didn't want Kakashi to die here.
"Kakashi…" A low scoff cut through the air, and Tsunade suddenly stood, her eyes cold. "After all these years, you've gotten pretty arrogant. You think you can arrange my schedule now?"
The next instant, the golden hair behind her lifted as if blown by a storm. Brilliant chakra erupted from her body—golden and blazing—bursting out like a compressed air cannon.
The sheer chakra pressure shook the entire room.
"Raikage… please, continue. What were you saying earlier?"