Chapter 12: Hiruzen Sarutobi
Tsunade returned home to find that Nawaki and Kushina were already asleep. They had exhausted themselves practicing swordsmanship throughout the day.
After setting her things aside, she headed to the bath. Stripping off her clothes, she eased herself into the warm water, letting it envelop her body. As she soaked, her mind wandered to the events of the day, particularly her time spent drinking.
Images surfaced: her pulling Kawakaze into her embrace and pressing his face against her bosom, her daring kiss, and the utterly stunned expression on Sakumo's face. The memories made her cheeks flush anew.
Splashing water on her face to cool down only seemed to intensify the heat. She couldn't stop thinking about how Kawakaze had cradled her, how the two of them had fallen asleep together. The mere thought made her blush furiously. Embarrassed, she covered her face with her hands and submerged herself under the water entirely, trying to will the feelings away.
It took a long while for her to compose herself. It was innocent, she reassured herself. Even if it wasn't... Kawakaze is a good man. He'd take responsibility if it came to that.
By the time she left the bath, she was too drained to bother with dinner. The sake still lingered on her breath, its distinct baijiu aroma evident as she exhaled. Crawling into bed, she hugged her quilt tightly, as if to replace the comforting warmth she'd grown used to. It wasn't the same, but it would have to do.
The Next Morning.
The sunlight was faint when Nawaki came knocking at Tsunade's door, asking her to join him for a visit to the Hatake Clan. She declined, citing other pressing matters to handle.
Meanwhile, Kushina was being tutored by Mito in fūinjutsu (sealing techniques). With the Ninja Academy on holiday, Kushina suddenly had ample time to dedicate to her studies.
Left on his own, Nawaki made his way to the Hatake residence. Though Konoha was rife with political tension, no one dared to openly target him—not even ROOT under Danzo's command. After all, Danzo was a disciple of Tobirama Senju.
Kawakaze had been up since early morning, full of energy. Though slightly disappointed that Tsunade wasn't accompanying Nawaki, he didn't let it show. Welcoming Nawaki warmly, he spent the morning teaching him foundational stances and basic kenjutsu techniques. Then, leaving Nawaki to practice, Kawakaze focused on his own training—mastering the Flying Thunder God Slash.