Tsunade wasn't like Pakura and Mei.
Those two had no way back. Tsunade did. If she ever didn't feel like doing this anymore, she could grab Shizune and run. As long as she didn't get lured in by a roadside pachinko again and fall into a trap, she could go back to that decadent, wine-soaked life.
At least, that's what it looked like on the surface.
…
Seeing Uchiha Yorin's brimming confidence, Tsunade let out a breath.
As if. Who wants to go back to that hopeless, slumped-over past? Chasing around after Uchiha Yorin every day was way more fun.
If the gambling itch hit, fine—play cards with Pakura and Mei, or drag Yorin in and make it a four-player mahjong table.
But before that, there was still one problem to solve.
Unease.
A strong, gnawing unease.
Uchiha Yorin radiated "I'm going to do big things" from every pore. And he went about it utterly unrestrained, like there wasn't a single thing in the world he held in awe.
Tsunade even felt that if the Sage of Six Paths showed up, Yorin would sling an arm around his shoulder and say, "Yo, old man, you here? Let's grab a bite," and then go hit the bathhouse with him.
In a sense, that domineering, reckless style was a big part of what drew Tsunade in.
Women do admire strength—even a woman as strong as Tsunade.
Only—
She ought to ask, clearly.
Otherwise, she'd stay uneasy.
Very, very uneasy.
…
Tsunade looked at Uchiha Yorin with a hesitant gaze, waiting for his answer. Even if he lied, that would be… acceptable.
Then, before he could answer, she blurted:
"You told me at the start we'd revive the Senju and then ally the Senju and Uchiha.
"But now—I can't read you. What exactly do you want? You don't even seem to want to be Hokage. You—"
Uchiha Yorin raised a hand for "stop," then told her:
"I already told you what I want, didn't I?
"I want world peace—a better, more equal world.
"To that end, I'll topple the Five Great Nations' rule. I'll raise the status of shinobi. I'll let commerce and industry replace the old feudal nobles.
"I already said all this when we talked about Akatsuki.
"Of course, if you're still uneasy, I can say it again. And if you think what I'm doing is wrong, you can bow out anytime—I won't stop you…
"Ah, though—while I won't stop you, I will be disappointed."
"Ah…" Tsunade was a little surprised.
If Uchiha Yorin were the typical, unhinged Uchiha, that would be easier to grasp. But he was actually calling himself a good guy.
What "good guy" laughs like ke-ke-ke?
Seeing her conflict, Yorin continued, "To reach my goal, I need enough comrades—enough excellent subordinates.
"You are the woman I most want."
The kind of line that's easy to misunderstand—Yorin stepped closer and took her soft, pale hand.
This time, he wasn't afraid she'd bolt or crush his bones. "The Senju revival—and the new Senju–Uchiha alliance—are one part of a new world order, and also my gift and my sincerity for winning over the world's greatest medical ninja.
"Does that answer satisfy you, Tsunade-nee?"
As he spoke, he kept closing the distance.
By the last line, he was already close. No—pressed up close.
The distance between them had left the "safe social range" far behind. It wasn't ambiguous anymore—it was dangerous.
Tsunade could feel his body heat—could feel that wall-press posture's overwhelming aggression—and those eyes, brimming with madness, black and bottomless like a Sharingan about to open.
His hair brushed her forehead; his smile brushed her heart. She almost couldn't help it—like Shizune squeezing poor Tonton to death—she wanted to let out a helpless, girlish little sound.
…
Tsunade almost forgot why she'd come.
She felt she needed to steady her breathing, her heartbeat. Then what—blush shyly like a maiden, or pounce like the Roman she-wolf and pin Uchiha Yorin to the bed and devour him whole?
In the end—neither.
On the path of a shinobi, Tsunade was Kage-class. On the path of love, she was just a clumsy, fluffy, newly hatched, adorable chick.
Uchiha Yorin grinned, quite pleased with himself for "outplaying" the legendary Tsunade in the realm of romance.
Especially with the way she flushed—he felt he could push a little farther, take another inch.
[Emergency Quest · Tsunade's Love — Objective: Enter a romantic relationship with Tsunade. Reward: Senju Clan Special Physique (Love, boy! While you're still young—love hard!)]
Tch.
Seeing the pop-up, Yorin scoffed inside.
Like he'd back down just because the system didn't post a quest.
…
"You're adorable, Tsunade-nee."
No more talk of war, justice, or saving the world.
Those vibe-killers could wait till later… No, a moment—still a step short… Fine, take B for now. C can wait a while.
"You little pervert."
She knew perfectly well she'd gotten caught like a fly in a web, become his catch. She still forced herself calm, meeting his eyes without flinching.
"If he goes for a kiss… fine, let him have that. But if he wants to go further, I'll punch him into next week. Yes—decided. I am not that easy."
That's what she told herself—then she saw Uchiha Yorin smiling, inching closer, and that urge to smash him faded and vanished.
In the end, with a helpless little surrender, she let Uchiha Yorin slip an arm around her waist—and kiss her.