Chapter 18:
Orochimaru's request was both confusing and unexpected. Asking for her hair in the middle of a casual conversation? Tsunade couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
"Wh-why do you want someone else's hair?" she stammered, her cheeks flushing slightly.
Could it be…? Tsunade's thoughts started running wild. Does he want to keep it as some kind of keepsake? A token of love, maybe?
She already had a growing crush on Orochimaru, and in her mind, hair was something personal, even intimate. Given how shy she already felt around him, it was only natural that her imagination ran wild with possibilities.
"If it's inconvenient, forget it," Orochimaru replied nonchalantly, his calm demeanor showing no sign of ulterior motives.
"You…!" Tsunade, who had been shy moments ago, was now irritated by his total lack of awareness. How could he be so casual about asking for something like that?! "You're so arrogant, asking someone for something so personal!"
Nevertheless, Tsunade reluctantly plucked a strand of her hair and handed it to him. "Here!"
Had it been anyone else, she probably would've been furious, but since it was Orochimaru she begrudgingly complied. This guy is such a straight-laced fool, she thought.
Orochimaru took the hair calmly, his expression still as unreadable as ever. "Thank you," he said, his voice even and polite.