Despite Senju Wakama having just had an unpleasant exchange with Tamayo Nara.
But because of Tamayo Nara's last words, Senju Wakama ultimately escorted her personally to a hot pot restaurant on Hot Spring Street for a meal.
This place was a separate, independent area from the hot spring district, and it was very spacious.
Senju Wakama booked a private room with the clansmen.
The building housing the hot pot restaurant was a large, four-story pavilion complex in a square, courtyard-style layout, jointly created by Tsukuyo and his eldest brother Hashirama using Wood Style. The foundation was reinforced with Earth Style.
Every corner was guarded by Murien's rat and raptor legions.
Should any situation arise, the animals would immediately notify the Senju clan members on duty, saving a great deal of manpower.
But the animals' abilities were limited, so Tsukuyo still hoped the major ninja villages would willingly merge with them.
Just now, the Senju clan and the major ninja clans had just finished antagonizing each other, so it was clearly not the best time.
Senju Wakama led Tamayo Nara to a private room on the first floor, where they sat facing each other.
To the side was an open window. Looking through it, one could see the courtyard in the center of the square-shaped pavilion and the rows of rooms on the other side.
A table separated them, with the hot pot placed in the middle. The soup in the pot was bubbling and steaming, releasing the fragrant aroma of spices.
Senju Wakama skillfully picked up the ingredients arranged to the side and used his chopsticks to push them into the pot.
Tamayo Nara said softly, "Wakama... If I said I just want to do something intimate with you, and you don't have to take responsibility, then... would that be okay..."
"No," Senju Wakama replied without hesitation, his eyes fixed on the hot pot.
Tamayo Nara pouted, "You don't even have to take responsibility, don't tell me you..."
As she spoke, Tamayo Nara's gaze slid downwards suggestively.
Is he a man?
Is there something wrong with him?
How could a real man be abstinent?
Senju Wakama looked back at her candidly and said, "What? You want me to sleep with you, then pull up my pants and leave, so you can judge me as an irresponsible bad man, and then you can finally give up on me, right?"
Tamayo Nara blinked. "Isn't that a good thing? I'm not asking you to take responsibility."
Senju Wakama retorted, "But why should I satisfy you?"
Tamayo Nara: "..."
Why did his words make it sound like she was the one taking advantage of him? That dog of a man!
Senju Wakama chuckled lightly. "I'm not sleeping with you simply because I don't like you. But to become someone even I dislike just to make you stay away from me? Wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?"
While speaking, Senju Wakama had already thoughtfully placed all the ingredients into the pot and prepared the dipping sauce.
Tamayo Nara watched the brightly colored ingredients tumbling in the hot pot.
The soup was clearly boiling hot, yet when Senju Wakama added so many ingredients, not a single drop of broth splashed out. His actions, though seemingly casual, were completely considerate of Tamayo Nara.
Senju Wakama's words were seemingly heartless, but his actions were very considerate.
Tamayo Nara said wistfully, "Wakama..."
"Hm?" Senju Wakama responded subconsciously.
Then she heard Tamayo Nara say sorrowfully, "I've discovered that I like you even more now. What should I do?"
"Let it hang," Senju Wakama replied with a bored expression.
Pfft—
She had been feeling sorrowful, but upon hearing this, Tamayo Nara couldn't help but laugh. "You're so mean."
"That's how mean I am, so don't like me." Senju Wakama casually picked up a thin slice of beef. "This is ready to eat. If you cook it any longer, it'll get tough."
Tamayo Nara looked at the slice of beef placed in her sauce dish, then she looked at Senju Wakama. "What am I to do? I still like you, even more so now. Tell me what to do."
Senju Wakama felt no shyness or embarrassment whatsoever, saying with a smile, "It has no effect on me. You can continue to like me, but whether or not I accept you will depend on your future performance."
Hearing this, Tamayo Nara's face fell. "I feel like you're even meaner now. How can a person be so mean?"
"So, just don't like me, and the problem will be solved." Senju Wakama picked up his bowl and started eating.
"Then it can't be helped."
After lunch ended.
The two took a momentary break.
Senju Wakama planned to part ways with Tamayo Nara right at the entrance of the hot pot restaurant.
Tamayo Nara looked reluctant. "Wakama, why won't you walk me to my lodgings? It's not like I'll bite you."
As she spoke, she added with a mischievous smile, "Unless you pay me..."
Senju Wakama also smiled. "This is the heart of the Senju clan's territory. There are no wolves or tigers; it's very safe. Besides, Miss Tamayo is an extremely skilled kunoichi, so I imagine you don't need an escort."
Tamayo Nara huffed. "You've been watching the sky this whole time. What, do you have a date with another girl?"
"Yes," Senju Wakama admitted.
Today was his appointed time with Uchiha Yuki.
Tamayo Nara seemed to have thought of something and couldn't help but ask, "The girl who was lucky enough to sleep with you?"
Senju Wakama raised an eyebrow. "Correct."
"You really aren't shy, are you." Tamayo Nara looked curious. "Can't you just humor me? Wouldn't it be better not to tell me the truth?"
"No, I can't do that. It would be unfair to you, and if she found out, she would be sad." Senju Wakama shook his head.
"Do I not have a single chance?" Tamayo Nara was sorrowful.
"Do you want to hear a lie, or do you want to hear the truth?" Senju Wakama countered.
"Alright, I get it. Don't say any more." Tamayo Nara waved her hand dismissively.
Senju Wakama said goodbye with a smile and turned to leave.
Tamayo Nara stared at his hastily retreating back, a peculiar emotion flashing in her eyes.
After leaving Tamayo Nara's side, Senju Wakama quickly slipped into the bushes and entered a stealth mode.
Senju Wakama couldn't know what Tamayo Nara was thinking.
Just in case, he had to prevent Tamayo Nara from following him.
From beginning to end, Tamayo Nara never knew Senju Wakama's specific residence, which was located right in the center of the new Senju clan territory.
The mountainside had been hollowed out to create 'residences', a place where the clan members lived communally.
Senju Wakama was protected by his clansmen.
And among the women involved with Senju Wakama, only Uchiha Yuki had permission to enter.
Now, Uchiha Yuki only needed to change into Senju clan attire to move about the new Senju territory without hindrance.
They no longer needed to meet in secret. Every time, Uchiha Yuki would go directly to Senju Wakama's room and wait for him there.
Furthermore, because Tsukuyo had already secretly brought the Uchiha clan under her control, even if Uchiha Yuki spent the night here, Madara of the Uchiha clan would turn a blind eye.
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