The Next Day
Sakura Haruno arrived at the Senju Clan's library early in the morning, diving back into her research on Yang Release.
She had already discussed with the old man—Hokage-sama—her plan to join the latest supply convoy heading to the battlefield in the Land of Rivers in half a month. Alongside Kakashi Hatake, Terumi Mei, and Might Guy, she would form a specialized hunter team targeting Kakuzu, aiming to offer his head as a tribute to the spirits of the four thousand shinobi who had fallen.
This lineup against Kakuzu was, frankly, an extravagantly elite squad.
Forget Kakuzu—even these four charging into Sunagakure to take down Rasa would have a decent shot at success.
The only hitch was figuring out how to escape from the thousands of Sand ninja afterward.
After all, they couldn't exactly fly like Deidara.
Flipping through the documents in her hands, Sakura's eyes once again caught the signature of Senju Tobirama from her last visit.
This reminded her of the information she'd come across before about Uchiha Hikari.
Gently rubbing the paper between her fingers, Sakura tucked the book under her arm and went to find Tsunade, who was likely sleeping off another hangover.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Without hesitation, Sakura pushed open Tsunade's bedroom door, only to be hit by a wave of rancid alcohol fumes that sent her stumbling back.
Retreating several steps, she pinched her nose, grimacing at the room.
Empty sake bottles littered the floor, and Tsunade, disheveled and clutching a dripping bottle, was snoring loud enough to wake the dead.
This…
Sakura stared at the scene, her face twisted in disgust.
If outsiders saw Tsunade like this, her goddess aura would shatter into a million pieces.
"Sakura?"
As Sakura debated how to wake Tsunade without being knocked out by the stench, a familiar voice made her turn.
There stood Karin, holding a basin of water with a towel draped over her arm.
"Karin?"
Before Sakura could react, Karin calmly walked into the room.
Sakura's mouth twitched. Clearly, Karin was used to this.
Ugh, fine. If I pass out, I pass out!
Steeling herself, Sakura braved the alcohol fumes and stepped into Tsunade's bedroom. While Karin wiped Tsunade's face, Sakura flung open the window to let in some fresh air.
How Karin endured this was beyond her.
Feeling the circulation of fresh air, Sakura finally exhaled in relief.
"Ugh…"
"Water…"
Tsunade mumbled incoherently, still half-asleep.
"Water, Lady Tsunade?"
"Hold on a moment!"
"Sakura, can you wipe Lady Tsunade's face?"
Karin dashed out to fetch water, leaving Sakura no choice but to step forward. She grabbed the damp towel Karin had wrung out and carefully began wiping the face of this drunken mess.
"Sakura, huh…"
Tsunade, still groggy, caught a glimpse of familiar pink hair.
"Lady Tsunade, why do you drink so much?" Sakura sighed as she wiped her mentor's face.
She probably shouldn't have said that, because Tsunade's eyes welled up at her words, looking ready to cry.
"Sakura… hic… am I just destined to be a broke loser…?"
Tsunade, looking utterly pitiful, grabbed Sakura's sleeve, letting out a belch that nearly knocked her out.
"I… I saw a shooting star last night."
"I wished on it to be filthy rich…"
"And then…"
"The star shattered!"
Tsunade's bleary eyes glistened with heartbroken tears.
Without the overwhelming stench of alcohol, she might've looked pitiable enough to inspire sympathy.
But between her drunken state, the reeking room, and the chaotic mess, even the most beautiful woman would be hard to stomach.
"Hey, hey, Lady Tsunade, snap out of it."
"Wishing on shooting stars is just nonsense."
Sakura quickly finished wiping Tsunade's face with the towel. Just then, Karin returned with a water jug.
Tsunade grabbed it without hesitation, chugging half the jug straight from the spout.
After wiping her face and drinking, Tsunade seemed to sober up slightly.
"Lady Tsunade, how are you feeling?" Karin asked, leaning in with concern.
"Hic~~~"
Before Karin could react, Tsunade let out a massive belch right in her face. Sakura, witnessing this, gave Karin a look of pity.
With Shizune away at the frontline medical team, the burden of caring for Tsunade had fallen entirely on Karin.
Poor Karin, only twelve years old, stuck looking after a fifty-year-old "child."
Though, if you thought about it, Shizune had it even worse…
"I'm feeling better, Karin," Tsunade said, rubbing her throbbing head as she sat up on the bed.
"Lady Tsunade, breakfast is ready, and the bathwater's heated."
"Would you like to eat first or bathe?"
Karin didn't even flinch at the belch, instead asking about Tsunade's next steps with genuine care. Sakura raised an eyebrow.
Was Tsunade training a disciple or a maid?
"Bath first," Tsunade said, tossing off her sake-soaked clothes.
Karin caught them deftly and hurried off, likely to prepare clean clothes while tossing the dirty ones into the wash.
Sakura sighed, a mix of frustration and resignation.
Honestly, Tsunade was great—reliable in the big moments, no question.
But in private…
Spoiled by Hashirama Senju her whole life, Tsunade had grown up indulged and willful.
Even the Hokage's words went in one ear and out the other.
Dealing with a fifty-year-old with a princess complex? Shizune and Karin had their work cut out for them.
"Sakura, what's up?" Tsunade asked, her hair a mess as she looked at the pink-haired girl.
"It's about this, Lady Tsunade. Do you know anything about the 'Ultimate Weapon'?" Sakura held up the book, pointing to the text signed by Senju Tobirama.
"How would I know? Go ask the old man for records on the Uzumaki or Sarutobi clans," Tsunade replied dismissively after a quick glance.
"Alright, I'll do that."
Sakura turned to leave but paused at the door, glancing back at Tsunade, who was still trying to shake off her grogginess. She opened her mouth to say something but ultimately stayed silent.
"Oh, you little brat," Tsunade muttered, catching Sakura's hesitation.
She knew exactly what Sakura wanted to say: Take better care of yourself, and stop treating Karin like your personal maid.
But doing it alone? Tsunade just couldn't.
She'd lived like this for years—changing now was easier said than done.
Meanwhile, Karin, who had gone to reheat breakfast so Tsunade could eat something warm after her bath, ran into Sakura on her way back.
"Sakura, leaving already?" Karin asked with a smile.
"Yeah, I've got things to do," Sakura replied, her voice subdued.
"Well, I won't keep you. Come hang out sometime, okay?" Karin flashed another smile before hurrying into the kitchen.
Sakura watched her go, saying nothing.
Maybe for Karin, having a place to belong, an environment where she wasn't coveted for her abilities, and people who treated her like family was enough.
Why stir things up?
Shaking her head, Sakura left the Senju residence alone.
Since Tsunade suggested checking with the Hokage for Uzumaki or Sarutobi records, that's what she'd do.
Besides, Sakura was pretty curious about this Uchiha Hikari.
And not just her—if Uchiha Sasuke learned about this person, he'd probably be just as intrigued.
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