Chapter 254: Tsunade’s Concern
"Shōta is off today, saying he has a headache," Tsunade replied to Kawakaze nonchalantly as she carefully examined Nagato.
"You're the Medical-nin. Aren't you going to check on him?" Kawakaze teased, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Obviously, he's just messing with you, you idiot Hokage."
The two began bantering, their camaraderie lightening the mood. Kawakaze knew full well that with the heavy workload, Shōta deserved a day off now and then.
"You're just in time. Help me with the paperwork," Tsunade said, shoving a stack of documents toward Kawakaze.
"Nagato, you can go home. Minato and the others are back, so they're probably waiting for you."
Kawakaze was momentarily caught off guard by her.
Nagato, having finished Tsunade's brief check, nodded eagerly. "Okay, Sensei's wife," he replied before hurrying out.
He didn't look back once. He was far too eager to reunite with his friends to notice Kawakaze's look of exasperation.
What an ungrateful brat, Kawakaze thought with a sneer, though his expression quickly shifted to one of resignation.
Sighing, he resigned himself to Shōta's vacant role, reluctantly pulling a chair closer to Tsunade.