After Natsume let off some steam, he came out and saw a beet-red Tayuya, and scratched his head without thinking.
Forgot this gal was outside.
"Pervert!"
The dazed Tayuya snapped back to her senses and shouted angrily.
She had seen them just now crystal clear.
The shout startled Hinae.
She forced herself to lift her head and noticed an unfamiliar little girl.
Almost instantly, her body trembled, a blush spread, and she nearly fainted.
So this is what social death feels like.
"So spirited?"
A mischievous smile tugged at Natsume's lips.
Tayuya immediately took a few steps back. The soles of her feet seemed to itch again, and she didn't dare say another word.
"Alright, let's eat later."
Natsume stopped teasing her and turned to look at the complicated expression on Hinae's face.
"Sorry."
He knew what this beautiful woman was like.
Being seen was indeed too stimulating.
Hinae quickly stood, endured the weakness in her legs, and nestled her delicate body into Natsume's arms.
"It's okay."
Her tone was infinitely gentle.
If not for the time, Natsume would've wanted to go for another round.
He reached out and gently stroked her hair.
"Natsume-oniisan!"
Karin's voice rang out.
She ran in from outside and even glanced at Tayuya.
But in the end, Natsume beat her curiosity.
She darted between the two, saying, "I want a hug too!"
Hinae bent down and picked her up.
Karin immediately opened her arms and looked at Natsume.
The meaning was obvious.
Hinae couldn't help but smile.
Her daughter really does side with outsiders.
"Big brother's going to cook."
Natsume pinched her chubby cheek and said.
"Oh."
Karin was a bit disappointed, but quickly cheered up—she could enjoy big brother's cooking again.
"Tayuya, come in."
Natsume remembered there was someone else and beckoned.
Tayuya didn't want to pay him any mind, but when she noticed the danger in his eyes, she reluctantly walked over.
"A random underling I picked up."
Natsume's introduction left Hinae and Karin stunned.
Tayuya, however, went straight to furious.
What do you mean, picked up at random?
I'm not some stray cat!
Natsume crouched down and whispered at her ear, "Get along with them. Otherwise—you know the consequences."
Tayuya trembled, bit her lip, gave a cold snort, but still agreed.
She's got a clear-cut personality—only hates Natsume and won't drag others into it.
Hinae and Karin, for their part, welcomed her arrival.
The former is gentle and accommodating—whatever Natsume does is right.
The latter has long wanted a playmate her age, and now she's gotten her wish.
All in all, everyone was quite happy.
…
…
Two days later, at Konoha's main gate.
Tsunade and Asuma appeared.
Facing the long-lost yet familiar streets, both felt a little dazed.
Tsunade thought of Natsume.
It was their first time apart for so long.
How was he doing?
Asuma's feeling was simpler—he'd been away for years.
A sense that things had changed.
But he wasn't the brooding type; soon a smile returned to his face.
"Lady Tsunade, I'll head off first, go check on the old man and my old buddies."
"Go on."
Tsunade waved, unconcerned.
She hadn't taken this mission for Asuma; he was just along for the ride.
After he left, Tsunade took a deep breath. For some reason, a flash of nervousness crossed her face, but she quickly calmed.
She slowly walked into the village.
In a deserted alley, her body suddenly tightened as someone hugged her. Just as she was about to strike, she heard a familiar voice.
"Sis, welcome back."
Natsume's arms circled her waist. Through the thin coat he felt her body suddenly relax, and he couldn't help feeling a jolt of fear.
If he'd been a second slower saying that, he might have been split in two.
This big sis—great in every way—but her whole body is an armory.
Any part could be lethal.
"How did you know I was returning today?"
Tsunade took his hand and turned him to face her.
She looked at his long-missed face, couldn't help reaching out, pinching his cheeks, and kneading a bit.
Still the familiar feel.
Natsume let her play and said, "This is what you call heart-to-heart connection."
Unfortunately, the romantic line didn't fool Tsunade.
"It was Slug, wasn't it."
She huffed softly, her rosy lips parting. "Only it could track my movements anytime."
Hey, I didn't sell you out.
Great Slug Sage, please don't blame me.
Natsume stepped in, pressed his face between her ample chest, and said gently, "I just wanted to see you a bit sooner, sis."
The familiar feeling returned.
Soft and fragrant.
He wanted to stay in that embrace forever.
Of everyone, only Tsunade gave him that immersive warmth.
Because she was just too perfect for kids.
Tsunade's body stiffened slightly.
Natsume's slight nuzzling and warm breath, even through fabric, she could feel them clearly.
After so many years, she was used to it.
But today felt inexplicably different.
"Let's talk at home."
Tsunade's expression cooled a touch. She pushed Natsume away and said, "What kind of behavior is this on the street."
She worried that acquaintances might see and cause trouble.
This trip, she had indeed made up her mind, but as for public appearances, she wanted to keep things as they were.
To keep Natsume from getting hurt by rumors.
And as a Senju heir, she couldn't openly cross that line.
She didn't care about her own reputation, but she wouldn't drag others down.
Like the two deceased Hokage.
Age is, in the end, a big problem.
Before Natsume could react, Tsunade was already walking ahead.
He sucked in a breath.
Tsunade wore heeled sandals; with her longer strides, her waist and hips swayed, making her figure even more voluptuous and alluring.
"Sis, wait for me."
Natsume hurried after her and took her fair, soft left hand.
Tsunade's lips subconsciously curved into a smile.
The dull streets around them suddenly became interesting.
As expected.
Being with Natsume was the happiest.
Life is short; she'd lived more than half already. For the rest, she might as well be a little reckless.
Though outsiders mustn't know.
Senju compound.
Tsunade opened the door and, seeing no one to greet them, asked, "Where's Shizune?"
Natsume answered at once, "She's been helping at Konoha Hospital lately."
As for Kabuto, he was basically holed up at the orphanage doing research.
He'd recently gotten Edo Tensei and Curse Mark knowledge and was even busier.
But without Orochimaru's instruction, his progress was slower.
Tsunade didn't dwell on Shizune. She let go of Natsume's hand, lay on the sofa, and stretched.
She'd been rushing all day without rest and felt tired all over.
Seeing this, Natsume poured her a glass of water.
Tsunade took a sip, wiggled a bit, and asked, "How about giving sis a massage?"
"…?"
Natsume blinked.
What's going on?
Did I just hear that from her mouth?
"What? Unwilling?"
Tsunade slipped off her tea-green coat, revealing a sleeveless top; her smooth white skin was very tempting.
"It's fine."
Natsume stepped behind her at once and said, "It's my honor to serve sis."