Night had fallen, a gentle breeze blowing.
Tsunade held a bottle of sake in one hand as she came to this familiar railing. Sipping sake and lost in thought, she gazed down at the night view of Tanukichou Street.
A cold gust of wind made her instinctively tighten her collar. In this slightly tipsy state, a long-forgotten loneliness crept into Tsunade's heart.
She once chose to seal away her heart — if she chose not to love, she wouldn't lose the people she cherished again, nor feel lonely.
But since meeting that man, her heart had been like drought-stricken land nourished by heaven-sent rain, blooming vibrant and gorgeous flowers once more.
Staring blankly ahead, Tsunade gently touched the railing with her hand. Her thoughts were gradually consumed entirely by the man who was Heiyan.
In the past, she often came here with Heiyan, drinking and chatting under the night sky until late hours. Without realizing it, they had become inseparable, sharing everything without reservation.
When Tsunade realized their relationship had reached a dangerous stage, she chose to run away to avoid being drawn in further.
Yet right now, returning to this familiar place, she realized running away had been useless.
Unconsciously, her thoughts drifted back to him again.
That guy said he wanted to go watch the Chunin Exams in Konoha. Was he encountering any danger?
Tsunade felt extremely worried because from past experiences, anyone she cared deeply for would suffer misfortune. This happened with Dan, and likewise with Nawaki.
However, considering how lucky Heiyan was, perhaps he'd manage to turn the tide? Tsunade recalled that Heiyan was actually a ninja — though she had never seen him fight, not knowing his true strength, surely he couldn't be too weak.
Forget it, no need to keep overthinking.
Tsunade shook her head vigorously, trying to sober up.
She realized how foolish it was to worry about Heiyan from afar without taking any actual action.
If she truly worried about him, why not immediately set off to Konoha and find him herself?
At this thought, Tsunade finally made her decision.
"Heiyan, you damned guy better stay alive. Don't you dare get hurt!"
Muttering softly to herself, she took one last look at the night scenery of Tanukichou Street, preparing to turn around and leave immediately for Konoha.
The next moment.
Tsunade froze on the spot.
She saw a familiar figure approaching from not far away.
"I heard you left Tanukichou and came back, so I knew you'd definitely be here. How about it? Still can't bear to part with me, huh?"
Heiyan smiled, gazing intently at Tsunade.
"Hmph, conceited guy. I just happened to come out for a random walk."
Huffing lightly, Tsunade threw the sake bottle into a nearby trash bin, crossed her arms, and stubbornly declared, "I returned because I heard something was going on in Konoha and wanted to look into it, that's all. Absolutely has nothing to do with you!"
"But I already heard what you were saying just now."
Touching his chin thoughtfully, Heiyan looked puzzled.
"You must've misheard!"
Tsunade flushed red, loudly retorted, and quickly walked past Heiyan in flustered embarrassment.
Just as the two passed each other.
Heiyan suddenly turned around and wrapped his arms around Tsunade from behind.
"What are you doing?!"
Tsunade panicked, instinctively struggling hard. But soon she was surprised to find that with her strength, she couldn't break free from Heiyan's arms.
How could this happen?
For the first time in decades, Tsunade had been outpowered by someone else.
"Let me go, damn it!"
She yelled, though her resistance grew weaker and weaker, clearly not matching her true feelings—classic case of playing hard to get.
If anyone else saw this scene now, they'd think it was just a couple engaged in playful teasing.
"You've had too much to drink. Let me carry you back."
Without waiting for her approval, Heiyan decisively swept her into a princess carry.
After putting up a token resistance, Tsunade finally gave up.
Fifteen minutes later.
At the inn, inside Tsunade's room, candlelight flickered softly, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Now sober, Tsunade sat on the edge of the bed, eyes meeting Heiyan's.
"Heiyan... do you think I'm a flirty woman?"
Tsunade nervously brushed a strand of golden hair away from her ear as she spoke. "But I don't know why... when I first saw you, something deep inside felt strangely familiar, like we were friends from a past life. It's such a weird feeling, right?"
"You're definitely not a flirtatious woman."
Heiyan reassured her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. "After all, what kind of playful girl would still be single at fifty?"
"You..."
Upon hearing that, Tsunade twitched an eye. For her, any mention of age was strictly off-limits.
Angry yet embarrassed, she threw a punch toward Heiyan's face. However, Heiyan simply tilted his head and dodged calmly before grabbing her smooth wrist with a backhand motion.
Actions speak louder than words, as they say.
Fully understanding this principle, Heiyan without hesitation leaned forward and kissed Tsunade on her red lips.
"Mmm..."
Tsunade's pupils shrank instantly; a shocking sensation coursed through her entire body, making her stiffen completely.
Surprisingly, at that moment, she didn't push Heiyan away but slowly closed her eyes instead, silently accepting his bold move.
Perhaps deep down, she had already accepted this man long ago.
"Tsunade-sama…"
At that moment, Shizune arrived at the door and caught them in the act.
Her eyes widened—she almost screamed, but quickly covered her mouth with both hands.
Snapping back to her senses, Shizune blushed and quietly closed the door behind her. She stuck her tongue out playfully and tiptoed away.
The night passed without further incident.
They were up all night and didn't wake up until 2 PM the next day.
Dong dong. Dong dong dong.
Knocking sounds came from outside.
"Come in." Heiyan said, lying against the bed.
The door creaked as it opened.
Carefully pushing it open, Shizune stepped in holding a tray of snacks and tea.
"Master Heiyan, you must be hungry, right? I'll leave these snacks here for you."
Shizune murmured while stealing glances and noticed Tsunade holding Heiyan in her arms. Heiyan was still sound asleep, clearly exhausted.
"Thank you, Shizune. I'll wake her up for dinner later," Tsunade said softly.
"Don't let us interrupt your rest. I'll step out first."
Shizune blushed and hurried to the door, leaning against the wall in the corridor as she looked up at the ceiling.
Deep down, she was really happy for Lady Tsunade.
All these years, Shizune had followed Lady Tsunade across various countries. Although Tsunade always had that laid-back, carefree look about her, Shizune could sense the loneliness and sorrow within this woman's heart.
The truth was, Tsunade had always numbed herself with gambling and alcohol, yet nothing could ever mend the scars buried deep in her heart.
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