Chapter 65 – Tsunade & Shizune's First Foot Bath Experience
"I'll also have a basic foot bath," Shizune added.
"Alright, two guests—for the basic foot bath service, please follow me. I'll take you to your room."
Lady Tsunade and Shizune were led by the shop assistant through a magnificent corridor into an antique-style room.
Inside, three strange reclining chairs stood ready. The walls were lined with carved wooden murals, and a small incense burner filled the air with the faint scent of agarwood.
The warm, peaceful atmosphere made one feel instantly relaxed.
"Please have a seat, both of you. The technician will arrive shortly," the assistant said with a smile before leaving.
Tsunade paced around the room, muttering, "They've really made it quite presentable."
Shizune, after putting Tonton down, curiously touched the chair. It was soft and comfortable. She lay down with a satisfied sigh.
"Lady Tsunade, this chair is really comfortable! You should try it."
Tsunade pouted. "You're so unworldly. It's just a chair. What's so special about it? They're all the same."
Still, she sat down. The soft cushion surprised her, though she kept up her tough facade.
"Hmph, nothing special."
A knock came at the door.
"Come in," Shizune said.
The assistant returned, carrying two cups of green tea and a beautifully arranged fruit platter.
Shizune blinked. "Um, we didn't order fruit."
The assistant smiled. "It's complimentary. Also, if you turn right at the end of the corridor, there's a restaurant—complimentary meals are provided there as well."
After making sure they had no further needs, she left.
Shizune picked up a piece of fruit with a small fork and tasted it. Her eyes lit up.
"Lady Tsunade, the service here is really excellent!"
Tsunade sneered, "Maybe it only looks good on the surface. If this so-called 'basic foot bath' disappoints me, I'll demand a refund."
Shizune quietly continued eating fruit, secretly praying for the shop's sake that they lived up to expectations.
Spotting the television embedded in the wall, she eagerly turned it on, switching to a channel with a crosstalk performance. She reclined happily in her chair.
Another knock came.
"Come in," Shizune said again.
Two women entered in uniform—the technicians chosen earlier from the photo wall.
"Hello, esteemed guest, Technician 005 at your service!"
"Hello, esteemed guest, Technician 007 at your service!"
Both bowed with bright smiles.
Tsunade watched coolly in silence, while Shizune nodded with a smile. "Alright, please begin."
The women quickly brought out two large tubs, lined them with plastic, and began preparing the foot bath.
---
While Tsunade and Shizune were enjoying their foot bath, Mikoto had just finished her spa session. She dressed and left with Fugaku, heading home.
"Husband, this spa was wonderful! My neck doesn't ache anymore, and my shoulders don't hurt either," Mikoto said cheerfully.
Fugaku chuckled, occasionally responding as they walked back to the Uchiha Clan compound.
At home, while changing shoes in the entryway, they heard Sasuke call Naruto a "super idiot" from the living room.
Mikoto, in too good a mood to scold, chuckled at their bickering. Fugaku also smiled faintly.
A wife, children, laughter, warmth—this was the feeling of home.
---
A hundred miles from Konoha, three figures sped through the forest. Suddenly, one of them sneezed.
Uchiha Itachi muttered, "Who's talking about me behind my back?"
As a shinobi in perfect health, it puzzled him. Shaking his head, he pulled his cloak tighter and vanished in a blur, chasing after his companions.
---
At Pansi Cave's restaurant, a miniature waterfall decoration greeted customers with the sound of flowing water.
It was past 11 PM—the busiest hour. The restaurant was nearly full.
Shizune looked around in surprise.
"Lady Tsunade, this place is so popular! It even looks busier than the barbecue shop next door."
Tsunade said casually, "The food here is free. Of course it's crowded."
Shizune thought it was more than just free food—the service really was excellent.
They had just finished their foot bath, and Tsunade, now hungry, insisted they stop for dinner before heading home.
"Hello! Beef noodles and dumplings for the two beauties!" the chef called.
"Finally! I'm starving!" Tsunade grumbled, rubbing her stomach but not moving.
Shizune quickly stood and went to collect the food. Both dishes were placed on a single tray.
"Careful, miss—take two trips. It's hot," the chef warned kindly.
But Shizune smiled, steadied the tray with chakra in her palms, and carried everything in one trip.
The chef blinked in surprise. So, this girl was a kunoichi.
He himself was a former Uchiha clan chūnin. During the war, he had cooked for his squad. Afterward, he opened a restaurant in the Uchiha compound, earning the affection of clan members with his excellent cooking.
Recently, Uchiha Ryoichi had recruited him to help at Pansi Cave's new self-service restaurant, which was now thriving.
Seeing Shizune handle the trays so steadily, the chef smiled with approval before returning to his work.
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