Evening.
Drake walked into Happy Bathhouse with Tsunade.
"Lady Tsunade?"
The moment they entered, Kushina Uzumaki recognized her instantly.
"It's been a while, Kushina." Tsunade nodded with a faint smile.
"When did you get back?"
"This afternoon."
Drake didn't interrupt their reunion. He leaned against the corridor railing and quietly watched.
"Hey," a soft voice whispered beside him.
It was Konan.
"I just got my team number for the exam."
"Good for you." Drake replied calmly.
He had personally written Konan's name into the exam list. However, to avoid stacking one squad unfairly, he didn't place her with Yahiko and Nagato. Instead, she was placed in his own team — and to keep things "fair," Drake removed Obito Uchiha from the roster.
On the side, Kushina and Tsunade kept chatting.
"By the way… you already know, right?" Kushina asked.
"Know what?"
"The Third was captured by Drake."
"I know." Tsunade sighed.
Kushina continued: "So where will you stay? Back at your clan's place?"
"…Not sure yet." Tsunade gave a vague answer.
She truly didn't know. She was currently under Drake's "care," and her living situation wasn't her choice.
"Then stay here." Kushina suggested cheerfully. "This bathhouse belongs to Drake, you know."
"Really?" Tsunade's interest perked up.
She hadn't realized the brat was this wealthy. She had assumed his money came from questionable means, but it seemed she was wrong.
"I'll cook dinner! Stay and eat with us!" Kushina said happily, dragging Konan away to help.
The room was now left with Drake and Tsunade.
"You need me to carry you in?" Drake asked dryly.
"No." Tsunade shot him a glare and walked ahead.
Bathhouse Scene (Implied Adult Scene)
Inside the bath, the steam blurred everything.
To Drake's eyes, Tsunade resembled freshly harvested tea leaves. Good tea requires patience and careful brewing.
First, he unwrapped the "tea leaves," examined their fullness, and nodded approvingly.
He tested the "freshness," then carefully "steeped" them, washing away impurities.
Steam rose. Ripples stirred.
The "tea" was finally brewed.
Drake stood up and left without looking back.
"Wait! I have no clothes!" Tsunade's panicked voice echoed from the pool.
"I'll have someone bring you some." Drake replied casually.
Then he left.
"Damn brat! Puts his pants on and walks away!" Tsunade cursed under her breath.
Soon, Konan brought clothes.
"Lady Tsunade… why are your clothes shredded?" Konan blinked in confusion.
"I tore them myself… for fun." Tsunade replied with a straight face.
Konan tilted her head but didn't question further.
Dinner Time
When Tsunade walked into the dining room dressed, she was surprised to see Drake bringing out dishes.
Her impression of him rose slightly.
Dinner was lively. Kushina happily chatted.
"So what have you been doing all these years, Lady Tsunade?"
"Traveling between countries."
Kushina's eyes sparkled. "Must have been fun seeing the world!"
"Yeah… you could say that." Tsunade nodded.
(Truthfully, "traveling" meant hopping from one gambling den to the next.)
Drake ate quietly, not exposing her.
Suddenly, frantic footsteps rushed in. Shizune burst in holding her pink pig.
"Lady Tsunade! People from the Happy Casino are here! They're demanding repayment!"
Silence fell over the room.
"Happy… Casino?" Kushina looked confused.
And with that, Tsunade's dignified image shattered completely.
Her face burned with shame.
"I only owe them for one day! Why did they chase me here?!"
Shizune whispered, "They found out you returned to the village…"
Tsunade had no comeback.
Her eyes flicked desperately toward Drake.
Drake set down his bowl.
"Tell the Military Police to arrest those debt collectors. I'll interrogate them tomorrow."
"And the charge?" Shizune asked nervously.
Drake didn't hesitate.
"Attempted assassination of the Hokage."
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