Chapter 15: Root Ninja
"Sooner or later, you'll get what you want."
Kawakaze didn't retreat. Instead, he leaned in closer, extending his right hand to gently lift Tsunade's chin. Their gazes locked, his eyes carrying a hint of mischief.
Tsunade's blush deepened as she took in his handsome face, now mere inches from hers, still adorned with that wicked smile. Embarrassed, she turned her head away, her voice softening.
"Kawakaze, I'm hungry."
Nawaki stood frozen, his jaw slack in disbelief. Is this really my sister? he wondered. Has something dirty possessed her?
"Haha, let's go, Nawaki! Let's eat!"
Kawakaze burst into hearty laughter, throwing an arm around Nawaki's shoulders. Without waiting for a response, he steered his reluctant brother-in-law toward the dining hall.
Tsunade followed a few steps behind, her head lowered, her thoughts inscrutable.
Meanwhile, in a concealed underground chamber somewhere in Konohagakure, the air was heavy with tension. The room was spacious yet sparsely furnished, save for a single chair positioned at its center.
A middle-aged man sat there, his presence commanding. An X-shaped scar marked his chin, and his sharp eyes glimmered with malice. Kneeling before him was a masked ninja, poised and silent.
"My lord," the ninja reported, his voice steady, "the land for the Hatake Clan has been approved by the Third Hokage."