Chapter 38: Let’s Just Hire Someone to Take Him Out
Chapter 38: Let's Just Hire Someone to Take Him Out
"You don't have to overthink it. Honestly, I'm not even planning anything serious with you right now. Hmm, this sandwich isn't bad," Tsunade said casually, taking a big bite of the sandwich in her hand.
"Cough, cough... When it comes to matters of the heart, I'm actually quite conservative. Don't laugh, but last night was... my first time," Jinghang said awkwardly, visibly uncomfortable.
"Mine too." Tsunade lifted the blanket from the sofa bed, revealing a small bloodstain blooming on the sheet.
"I... I... I'm at a loss for words. I'll leave it to you to decide what happens. I'll... take responsibility," Jinghang stammered, his brain completely short-circuited. Damn it, I actually took Tsunade's first time. Wait... Didn't she meet Katō Dan after Nawaki's accident? Does this mean I just swooped in and stole her away? No, no, no—scratch that. I got there first. But still... ugh, forget it. That kid can go find someone else.
"Take responsibility? Hmm, I'll have to think carefully about how to make you fulfill that promise," Tsunade said with a playful tilt of her head, her expression somewhere between amusement and mischief. The look made Jinghang feel a bit uneasy.
Despite her teasing, Tsunade was anything but careless when it came to relationships. Born into a noble lineage, she might have had a bit of a temper, but she wasn't a spoiled brat. Despite being doted on by her grandfather Hashirama Senju, she had no real vices beyond her penchant for gambling. After all, she had been personally trained by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and had worked her way up from a genin to an outstanding kunoichi of the highest caliber. She was, in every sense, a worthy inheritor of the Will of Fire.
Deep down, however, Tsunade had feelings for the young Kazekage. From their encounter at Lake of the Moon, where the "Three Heroes fought Lü Bu," to the collapse of Danzo's Beast Cage Plan, and finally to their joint effort in battling the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist in the Land of Fields, Jinghang's heroic deeds on the battlefield had left a deep impression on her. In the eyes of her peers, Jinghang was undoubtedly the most exceptional—bar none. Whether it was his combat skills, ninjutsu, decision-making, or judgment, he stood head and shoulders above the rest. Even in terms of looks, he outshone everyone, including the future Fourth Raikage, A, who might have been the only one capable of matching him in strength. (And even then, A wasn't yet the Raikage, merely the "crown prince," while Jinghang had already been Kazekage for over a year.) As for Orochimaru and Jiraiya, they didn't even come close.
Watching Jinghang transform Sunagakure from a dying village into a thriving, vibrant community had only deepened Tsunade's admiration. His bold reforms, his willingness to empower her—a so-called "outsider"—with significant responsibilities, and their shared ideals and philosophies had all contributed to her growing respect for him. Many of her own unfulfilled dreams in Konoha had become a reality here in Sunagakure.