Medical Department.
During this wave of major infrastructure renovations sweeping through Leaf Village, Konoha Hospital had also expanded—brand new Medical Department buildings were constructed, and a large number of beds added.
Heiyan stepped through the hospital entrance and walked down the spacious corridor toward Director Tsunade's office.
A group of young nurses approached him, chatting and giggling cheerfully. Their youthful energy brightened the hospital atmosphere like a vibrant scene.
"Heiyan-sama!"
Upon seeing Heiyan, they gasped in surprise while covering their mouths, then stopped walking. Once regaining their composure, they warmly bowed to him, greeting him enthusiastically. Each pair of eyes shone with admiration and affection.
Heiyan's reputation throughout the village was currently unmatched. His unparalleled strength along with his tall, handsome appearance made him incredibly popular among these young women—he was the ideal match every girl dreamed of.
"Is Director Tsunade in her office?" Heiyan nodded politely, then asked this group of nurses.
"Tsunade-sama seems to be operating in the surgical room. Please wait here in the lounge area for a moment," one nurse replied, guiding Heiyan to the lounge area's sofa and even pouring him a glass of water.
"Thank you."
Heiyan thanked her, drank some water, leaned back against the sofa, and patiently waited.
Minute by minute passed slowly.
Since most of the day's work had finished and their duties were done for now, that group of nurses didn't leave but instead gathered not far away, secretly glancing at Heiyan while quietly gossiping about him.
"I wonder if Heiyan-sama has a girlfriend? Sigh, how amazing would it be if I could date him..."
"Don't get your hopes up! With Heiyan-sama being so amazing, someone like us could never be his match. If we're talking about social standing, Tsunade-sama would be the perfect match for Heiyan-sama—they really seem destined for each other."
"That's right. After all, the Senju Clan and Uzumaki Clan have been longstanding allies across generations, and there's already the precedent of the happy marriage between the First Hokage and Mito Uzumaki. Viewed like that, Heiyan-sama and Tsunade-sama really do make a perfect couple."
"But still, Tsunade is six full years older than Heiyan—it might not be quite appropriate. However, Tsunade-sama will turn twenty-two soon and hasn't even had a boyfriend yet. Could she actually have a crush on Heiyan-sama?"
Once women start gossiping, there's no stopping them.
Suddenly,
"What are you all talking about?" A crisp, cool voice came from behind the nurses.
All the girls startled greatly. They hadn't noticed when Tsunade appeared directly behind them, now staring coldly at them.
"Tsunade-sama, we were just joking around—please don't take it seriously..." Frightened by Tsunade's sudden arrival, the nurses hurriedly waved their hands apologetically while smiling nervously before quickly scattering away like birds.
Tsunade sighed as she watched the nurses flee—her cheeks had unknowingly turned a soft shade of pink. She had overheard every word they said, causing ripples within her heart.
Much to her own surprise, Tsunade actually found the idea of being "well-matched" kind of reasonable. Considering her age, maybe giving a relationship with Heiyan a shot wasn't such a bad idea...
Damn it, Tsunade! What are you thinking?
Shaking her head fiercely to chase away those chaotic thoughts, Tsunade composed her expression and took a deep breath before walking toward Heiyan.
"How's the Medical Department doing lately? Not too busy, I hope?"
Heiyan stood up from the sofa when he saw Tsunade approach, greeting her with a smile.
"Not quite as busy as before," Tsunade replied, returning his smile while brushing a strand of golden hair behind her ear. Clad in her signature black mesh bodysuit under a white lab coat, with gold-framed glasses perched on her nose, she exuded the mature allure of a confident, high-class professional woman.
"I'm about the same. Everything I needed to get done is already finished."
After a short pause, Heiyan casually invited her, "Then during your time off, would you be interested in traveling together? We could do a mission for some extra cash."
Truthfully, the assistant Heiyan had wanted all along was Tsunade.
Currently, when it came to expertise in Wood Release techniques, Tsunade surpassed Heiyan by far. Her Sage Art combined with Wood Release had become nearly indispensable for Sunagakure's Oasis Plan.
Travel together?
Caught slightly off guard by Heiyan's sudden suggestion, Tsunade blushed but quickly recovered her composure.
"Sure." She replied calmly while secretly feeling excited inside.
"Don't just stand there. Let's go grab a bite first. I'll explain all the details about this trip and our mission."
Seeing Tsunade accept, Heiyan spoke again, taking the initiative.
"Okay."
Nodding, Tsunade entered the office with Heiyan, removing her white coat and glasses before changing into a green jacket.
Then arm in arm, they left Konoha Hospital under the watchful eyes of medics and nurses alike.
Both Heiyan and Tsunade were public figures who always drew attention in the village. Walking together, they became an even greater spectacle, attracting stares from everyone they passed.
Much to their dismay, crowds of fans seemed to follow them everywhere they went, making finding a peaceful place to eat almost impossible.
Finally grabbing some takeout,
"What if we go to Shikkotsu Forest? Don't you have a cabin there?" Heiyan suddenly suggested.
"Great idea!" Tsunade's eyes lit up at once. Actually, being busy these past few months, she hadn't visited Shikkotsu Forest in quite a while. This would be the perfect opportunity to return with Heiyan.
Without hesitation, Tsunade naturally linked arms with Heiyan.
As Heiyan formed a one-handed hand seal activating [Reverse Summoning], the pair vanished from the spot, reappearing instantly thousands of miles away at Shikkotsu Forest's island.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting crimson clouds across the sky.
At the mountaintop in the center of Shikkotsu Forest, the evening breeze ruffled the surface of the crater lake, creating rippling waves. The water refracted the deep red glow of the setting sun, like scattered shards of crimson agate shining brilliantly.
Beside the crater lake stood a towering tree over a hundred meters high, its countless green branches and leaves swaying gently in the wind, producing a rustling sound.
It was truly a breathtakingly beautiful place.
After arriving at Shikkotsu Forest, Heiyan and Tsunade first visited Sage Katsuyu, then checked on Six-Tails and Seven-Tails to ensure they were well-behaved, before finally leaping onto the giant tree, passing through layers of thick foliage until reaching deep within its trunk.
Inside was a cozy little wooden cabin.
The two entered one after the other, placing the food and drinks they had brought on the table near the window. Then they tidied up the room and opened the windows to let in some fresh air.
Once these tasks were done, Heiyan and Tsunade finally sat down, enjoying fine wine and delicious food while admiring the scenery outside the window.
In the cozy, pleasant atmosphere, they chatted and laughed over drinks, letting their weary bodies relax and tense emotions ease.
Before they realized it, they had already had several rounds of drinks.
Night fell, and a crescent moon rose. Bright moonlight poured through the window into the cabin, covering everything inside with a silver veil—so hazy, so beautiful.
Tsunade was drunk.
In fact, since vowing to quit gambling, she hadn't touched alcohol for a long time. Drinking today made her flush-faced quickly, and soon she leaned drowsily over the table.
Her eyes closed, her golden hair messy. Moonlight softly caressed her cheeks, making her even more enchanting and heart-stirring.
Seeing this scene, Heiyan recalled how last time when Tsunade got drunk, he had carried her back home—an ordeal indeed for any man.
He smiled and shook his head slightly, tidied up the table, then gently helped Tsunade onto the bed. After she fell into deep sleep, he went into another room to rest.
Heiyan certainly desired Tsunade's body, but he would never take advantage of her while she was drunk.
When the right moment arrived, he would bravely confess to Tsunade and win her heart.
The night passed quietly.
The next day.
Morning sunlight filtered through gaps between leaves into the cabin, leaving dancing specks of light on the floor. Tsunade woke from her hangover, discovering that Heiyan had already risen and thoughtfully prepared breakfast for her.
While eating breakfast, neither spoke much, yet without realizing it, their hearts had drawn a bit closer again.
Later, Heiyan and Tsunade returned to Konoha, handled affairs within their respective departments, and then prepared to set out toward Sunagakure.
On the circular rooftop terrace of Hokage Tower—
On!
Heiyan formed a hand seal skillfully, entered Sage Mode, summoned a red [Heavenly Release thundercloud], and invited Tsunade to step onto the cloud.
Whoosh!
Under his control, the thundercloud ascended halfway into the sky before carrying them forward at incredible speed toward the Land of Wind.
Riding the thundercloud, Heiyan and Tsunade flew across vast distances in a single day.
By the next day, they had arrived at the Land of Wind.
The Land of Wind was the largest among the Five Great Nations. However, over ninety percent of its territory was covered by desert, with very little rainfall—only a few scattered oases offered habitable land.
For a long time, trade between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire had flourished, and historically, these two countries had generally maintained an alliance.
Hidden deep within the heart of the desert in the Land of Wind, Sunagakure was slightly smaller than Konoha. It was constantly battered by flying sand and suffered from poor air quality. Yet this harsh natural environment proved to be an ideal training ground for ninja.
Whoosh!
On a morning in early October, a red thundercloud ten meters across rushed rapidly from the distant sky and entered the village of Sunagakure.
"Intruders!"
Many Suna ninja shouted in alarm, swiftly grabbing weapons and bracing for an imminent attack.
The thundercloud shot straight toward the center of the village before slowly descending above the Kazekage Building. A young man and woman—Uzumaki Heiyan and Tsunade—then stepped down from it.
"It's Uzumaki Heiyan and Tsunade from Konoha."
At this point, many people recognized the identities of the pair and finally relaxed upon realizing they weren't enemies.
Several figures quickly emerged from the Kazekage building—leading them was none other than the Third Kazekage, followed by Chiyo, Ebizō, Pakura, and Rasa.
As soon as Pakura saw Heiyan, her eyes lit up with delight. But almost immediately, she noticed the graceful figure of Tsunade standing beside him, and her gaze instantly dimmed.
"Heiyan-kun, welcome to our village."
The Third Kazekage spread his arms wide and approached warmly, expressing sincere hospitality toward Heiyan and Tsunade.
"Lord Kazekage, hello." Smiling, Heiyan shook hands with him. To outsiders, the two seemed perfectly equal—but actually... the posture of the Third Kazekage appeared even lower.
After all, while Heiyan wasn't technically the Hokage, he practically held that authority. Moreover, since Sunagakure currently needed Heiyan's help, the Third Kazekage naturally dared not act too presumptuous.
Heiyan and Tsunade were warmly escorted into the Kazekage Building, where a welcoming banquet had already been set up in the dining hall to treat their honored guests.
After their meal, the two took a short break to gather their strength, preparing for the task ahead.
Subsequently, in the meeting room, the high-ranking elders of Sunagakure provided them with detailed explanations about the "Oasis Plan."
With no time to waste, Heiyan and Tsunade resolved to act at once and see the mission through without delay.
Thus, escorted by everyone present, the two arrived at a location outside the village.
"Let's begin."
Heiyan and Tsunade exchanged a meaningful glance before simultaneously raising their palms together. Soon, identical sage markings appeared on both of their faces.
[Sage Art: Tree Encampment Creation!]
Tsunade swiftly formed hand seals, ending with her palm forcefully pressing onto the ground. Amidst rumbling earth, countless roots surged up from underground, growing wildly in all directions.
Within the astonished gazes of the Suna villagers, a vast forest stretching hundreds of meters quickly took shape. As soon as it emerged, it effectively shielded the village from massive amounts of blowing sand—the results were immediate and striking.
Elsewhere.
[Hermit's Art: Exploding Water Shockwave]
Heiyan also unleashed his signature Water Release technique, summoning a massive torrent of water that created a lake in the desert nearly the size of Sunagakure itself.
Together, he and Tsunade instantly created an oasis, leaving all the Suna villagers present completely stunned.
Ordinary ninja jutsu-generated flames, water, dirt, and so on would gradually vanish once the chakra sustaining them ran out.
But Immortal Sage techniques were different. The sage arts Heiyan and Tsunade used drew upon Sage Chakra produced by absorbing Natural Energy, capable of lasting for decades without fading.
Over the next half-day, the two continued performing several more sage techniques at various locations within Sunagakure, creating a large number of trees, flowers, grasses, rivers, and stone walls, successfully completing the most crucial part of the Oasis Plan.
Thus, they easily earned the enormous reward of 100 million ryō.
This money seemed effortless to earn, but the barrier to entry was extremely high—it required not only entering Sage Mode but also mastery of advanced bloodline limit techniques like Wood Release and Yin-Yang Release.
Across the entire shinobi world, only Heiyan and Tsunade possessed the ability to claim this reward.
When they finished the mission, the two followed their plan to spend several days sightseeing in Sunagakure. Upon hearing this, Pakura eagerly invited them to stay at her house.
Night fell, clouds obscured the moon, and only scattered lights remained across the village.
Because of the extreme daytime-to-nighttime temperature swings in the desert, the Suna villagers didn't have much nightlife and usually went to bed early.
"Only one guest room available?"
When Heiyan and Tsunade went to rest, they realized this awkward situation, exchanging helpless glances.
"Huh? I thought you two were already living together."
Pakura paused in surprise, then looked at both of them, asking in astonishment, "Wait—you mean it's not like that?"
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