Shinho clenched his fingers briefly before slowly releasing them again.
He picked up another document from the desk, this one proving to be the most challenging to read.
It felt like he was being wrested in the jaws of a snake, writing and tightening, maximising the sensation.
As he read, he noticed something unusual once more.
Unlike Ichikishima-hime, who enjoyed monopolizing, Tagori-hime quickly yielded her position to Tagitsu-hime.
Shinho couldn't help but marvel at the strong bond between the three sisters.
Time flowed steadily, and soon, it was noon.
Shinho set the document aside and took a sip from his water cup.
The three snake sisters, too, were busy dividing their food and drinks.
"That's enough for today," Shinho said, estimating that Tsunade would soon come looking for him.
If she saw the three snake sisters here, the Hokage Tower might not survive the aftermath.
Not long after, the door swung open.
"I've sent Kakashi ahead with the vanguard. They're already moving toward Iwagakure," Tsunade announced as she entered, cutting straight to the point.
She was concerned that Kumogakure might attempt a sudden attack, so she had dispatched Kakashi's team to establish defenses along the border.
After all, in terms of speed, the Fourth Raikage was unmatched since Minato's death.
"Sensei, come here," Shinho said with a smile.
Tsunade paused for a moment, her expression softening.
She walked over to him and settled onto his lap.
"When are you leaving?"
Shinho wrapped his left arm around her waist, burying his face against her chest.
"Once the remaining forces have gathered," he murmured.
The warmth of his breath against her skin made her voice quiver slightly.
"Tomorrow?"
Shinho took a deep breath, savoring her fragrance. Unable to resist, his hand lightly weighed her curves.
"Maybe tonight," he replied.
Tsunade didn't seem to mind his bold behavior. Instead, she gently stroked his head.
"It's hard to part from Sensei," Shinho said, nuzzling her affectionately.
"I'm always here," Tsunade said with a chuckle. "Why do you act like a child sometimes?"
"Only in front of you," Shinho corrected, "There's a saying, 'A crying child gets…' cough, cough."
"Can't you ever be serious?" Tsunade said, exasperated, knocking him lightly on the head. She softened her tone. "Doesn't the looming war make you nervous?"
"The only thing that makes me nervous is you," Shinho said, raising his head to meet her gaze, his eyes lingering on her lips.
Tsunade froze briefly, realizing the meaning behind his words.
She leaned in, kissing him softly, while thinking to herself, Me too.
Shinho stood up, carrying her to the resting area behind the bookshelf.
Tsunade's heart fluttered; she knew what he intended.
But she didn't resist.
She had already decided back in the meeting room that this little rascal deserved a reward.
Looking at him, her cheeks flushed as her eyes grew moist and alluring.
Her lips curled into a confident smile as her clothes slipped to the floor, revealing her perfectly sculpted figure.
Her pale, smooth skin was not only beautiful but also reflected her ninja training, carrying a hidden strength.
Shinho was no stranger to this sight.
As ninjas, they were as flexible as if they had mastered advanced yoga, easily performing feats of physical finesse.
"Sensei," Shinho murmured, wrapping his hands around her soft waist.
Tsunade leaned close to him, her body radiating warmth.
The familiarity between them had grown to the point where such intimacy felt natural.
Sometimes, she wondered if he might ever tire of her.
But it was a question with no answer.
For her, just encountering this young man in her later years was enough.
She didn't want to think about how long this might last.
"What are you thinking about?" Shinho asked, his hands caressing her shapely thighs.
Tsunade didn't respond immediately. Instead, she stepped back, lying on the bed, her hands gripping her thighs.
Her long, pale legs stretched elegantly, pressed against her curvaceous body.
And most importantly, she wore nothing.
Shinho's breath quickened.
He stepped forward to help ease her "burden," her ankles eventually resting on his shoulders.
Outside, the sun began its descent, leaving only a crimson glow on the horizon.
"Do you want to rest for a bit before heading out?" Shinho asked, looking down at Tsunade.
Her face was flushed, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. Her expression was both enticing and exhausted.
She clung to Shinho like an octopus, her embrace tight and unyielding.
"No need," Tsunade said, shaking her head, "Have you forgotten about the Yin Seal? I just need a moment to adjust."
"All right," Shinho said, gently stroking her soft cheek, "Take care of yourself."
"Don't you trust the people you've chosen?" Tsunade teased with a smile.
Shinho swallowed hard.
With each of her breaths, her pale skin quivered ever so slightly.
"You're impossible," he muttered.
Tsunade reached out, pulling his head against her chest.
She bit her lip gently, her eyes shimmering.
Until a knock broke the silence.
"It seems to be your pretty secretary," Tsunade said with a soft chuckle.
"There's nothing between us," Shinho quickly replied.
"Do you think I don't know you?" Tsunade shot him a sharp look.
Shinho froze for a moment.
Wait, is this… approval?
"Sensei, you're the best."
Although he didn't fully grasp the situation, Shinho knew when to seize an opportunity.
"Scoundral!" Tsunade let go of him and said, "If you delay any longer, she'll start to get suspicious. You'd better head out first."
Shinho leaned down, kissed her lightly, then quickly dressed and left the resting area.
At the office door, he opened it to find none other than Konan waiting outside.
"H-Hokage-sama, the troops have already been assembled," Konan said, her voice quickly calmed even though her keen senses detected a faint, unfamiliar mix of scents.
She chose not to comment on it.
The quick assembly was expected, as Konoha had been preparing for this for some time.
Once news of the Anti-Konoha Alliance forming had reached them, everyone knew war was inevitable.
"Jiraiya-sama left for Kirigakure about half an hour ago," Konan continued.
"Let them proceed first," Shinho replied after a brief thought.
At his full speed, it would take Shinho just an hour to reach Kumogakure.
However, the other ninja couldn't match his pace.
Even considering Kumogakure's advancing forces, it would take one or two days before they clashed.
There was no need for him to rush just yet.
"Understood." Konan maintained her composed demeanor.
"Go and inform the others," Shinho instructed.
He watched as she left, then closed the door.
Turning around, he saw that Tsunade had already dressed.
She held a teal jacket in her hand and wore a sleeveless top and long pants.
As always, her sleeveless top struggled to stay in place, as if on the verge of slipping.
Yet, there was something slightly different about her today.
Her hand rested over her lower abdomen.
"Sensei, are you feeling unwell?" Shinho asked, though he already knew the answer.
"Do you have a death wish, kid?" Tsunade snapped, glaring at him with barely concealed annoyance.
"Apologies, Sensei," Shinho said smoothly, shifting the tone of the conversation.
"…?"
Tsunade blinked, puzzled.
"To make up for my rudeness, how about I carry you home?" Shinho offered, stepping forward and scooping her into his arms.
Tsunade sighed in resignation, though a hint of amusement flickered in her eyes.
This kid always found a way to take advantage of the situation, even an apology became an excuse to him.
Shinho glanced down.
Her soft body curled slightly, her hips full and inviting.
Her long legs extended past his arms, suspended in mid-air, their elegant curves captivating from her toes to her thighs.
Her toes, painted with red polish, gleamed like tiny, juicy grapes.
With a leap, Shinho jumped through the window.
If he walked through the front door, by morning the entire village would be gossiping about him and Tsunade.
Before long, they landed gracefully at the entrance to the Senju estate.
"Put me down," Tsunade said, "You can't open the door while holding me."
"I can manage," Shinho replied, lifting his foot to knock on the door.
"…"
Tsunade chuckled wryly.
So your solution is to make Shizune open it?
The door creaked open, and Shizune stood there, momentarily stunned at the sight of Shinho holding Tsunade.
She quickly recovered, though her cheeks flushed faintly as she caught a whiff of a familiar scent.
Her mind raced.
What were they doing? Could it have been in the Hokage's office?!
Her heart began to pound uncontrollably.
"Shizune-nee, what's on your mind?" Shinho asked playfully, leaning closer.
"N-Nothing!" Shizune stammered, taking a step back instinctively.
"Hey!" Tsunade's voice cut in, her tone tinged with annoyance. "I'm still here, you know!"
Shinho leaned down and silenced her with a kiss.
Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise, her body softening almost immediately.
Shizune, watching this unfold, froze as a deep blush spread from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.
After a moment, their lips parted.
Shinho stepped forward and, before Tsunade could react, planted a kiss on Shizune as well.
"Kid!"
Tsunade snapped out of her daze, her hazy gaze quickly sharpening.
She leapt out of Shinho's arms and retaliated with a swift kick.
Caught off guard, Shinho dodged mid-air with a deft twist, landing safely a short distance away.
Unfortunately for him, the kiss had only lasted two seconds.
Smacking his lips, Shinho could still faintly taste two distinct fragrances.
"Wha…?"
Shizune stood frozen, dazed.
Did that really just happen?
When she finally realized what had occurred, she turned on her heel and fled the scene in embarrassment.
"Sensei," Shinho said, acting as if nothing had happened, "What would you like for dinner?"
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