After Danzo was imprisoned in Konoha's detention facility, Hiruzen Sarutobi returned silently to the Hokage Building.
When he stepped into his office, he found Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane already waiting for him.
"Hiruzen, how could you imprison Danzo?" Koharu demanded the moment she saw him, her voice sharp with agitation.
Her anger did not stem solely from decades of friendship with Danzo Shimura. More than that, it was fear. If Danzo—one of the Hokage's closest aides—could be thrown into prison, then what did that mean for them, the advisors?
If he could fall, so could they.
Hiruzen ignored the outburst. His face was grim as he walked to his desk and sat down heavily.
Homura hesitated. He had intended to side fully with Koharu, but seeing Hiruzen's expression, he chose his words carefully.
"Even if Danzo made mistakes," Homura began, "imprisoning him is a major decision. You should have consulted us first."
"That's right," Koharu added, her tone slightly calmer now. "Danzo has devoted his life to Konoha."
Hiruzen finally spoke.
"Danzo acted without authorization against Seisui and Nonou. He even involved the Seven-Tails' Jinchuriki from Takigakure."
His voice was low but firm.
"I have already shown him mercy by not executing him."
Both elders stiffened.
"There must be some misunderstanding," Koharu insisted. "Danzo would never harm the village's interests."
"The evidence is conclusive," Hiruzen replied, meeting their eyes. "There will be no further discussion."
The finality in his tone left no room for argument.
Though the two elders wanted to press the matter, they eventually sighed and left together. It was clear they were dissatisfied, but they could not overturn the Hokage's authority so easily.
"Even if he erred," Koharu muttered as they walked away, "prison is too much."
Homura nodded faintly. "Hiruzen is acting out of anger. We'll speak with him again later."
Evening — Yakiniku Q
That night, the atmosphere in Konoha was entirely different.
To celebrate the promotions of Seisui, Nonou, and Minato to Jonin, everyone gathered at Yakiniku Q.
"Drink! Drink! I want sake!" Tsunade declared cheerfully, raising her cup.
She had despised Danzo for years. Watching him finally face consequences had lifted a weight from her heart.
"It should've happened long ago," she said with satisfaction. "That man was never trustworthy."
Kushina Uzumaki, seated beside her, nodded enthusiastically. Having grown up under Tsunade's influence, she had inherited her distrust of Danzo.
"Who exactly is this Danzo?" Tomoki Mukai asked, confused.
Ayame Sasaki, sitting beside him, also looked puzzled. They were Mikoto's subordinates and Minato's comrades; they knew Seisui but not the inner politics of Konoha.
Uchiha Mikoto patiently explained Danzo's role and his recent actions.
When they heard everything, both Tomoki and Ayame were indignant.
"He's a villain," Tomoki concluded.
"I only heard rumors before," Minato Namikaze said thoughtfully. "But today confirmed it."
Yumiko, sitting beside him, shuddered slightly. "I'm just glad Hokage-sama acted decisively."
Sensing the mood growing heavy, Seisui clapped his hands lightly.
"Alright, enough talk of unpleasant matters. Tonight is about celebration."
"Seisui-nii is right," Nonou said brightly as she flipped the meat on the grill. "Let's enjoy the moment."
The table gradually returned to laughter.
Only Seisui, Tsunade, and Mikoto drank sake. The others stuck to tea.
After several rounds, Tsunade's cheeks flushed, and Mikoto's face reddened as well—but for a different reason.
Under the table, Seisui's hand had been anything but idle.
Though his face remained composed, his left hand moved mischievously, brushing lightly against Mikoto's leg.
Mikoto stiffened.
She shot him a warning glance, but Seisui only smiled faintly.
"Too many people," she whispered near his ear, her breath warm. "Behave yourself."
Her voice was soft, tinged with embarrassment.
Seisui leaned slightly closer. "You're the one distracting me."
Ayame suddenly looked over. "Mikoto-sensei, your face is so red. Are you feeling unwell?"
Mikoto froze.
"It's… a bit warm in here," she replied quickly. "I'll step out for some air."
She rose, slightly flustered.
Moments later, Seisui stood as well. "Restroom."
No one questioned it.
The Alley Behind Yakiniku Q
Mikoto stood at the end of the corridor, breathing in the cool night air.
Before she could fully gather herself, Seisui appeared and gently pulled her into a leap.
The next instant, they landed in a quiet alley behind the restaurant.
Seisui formed a quick hand seal.
A small sound-blocking barrier shimmered faintly around them—subtle but effective.
Before Mikoto could protest, he stepped closer.
The kiss was brief at first—tentative.
She was tense, worried about being discovered.
"It's late," Seisui murmured. "No one will notice."
Gradually, her resistance melted.
"You're impossible," she muttered softly, though there was no real anger in her tone.
Her hand rested lightly against his chest.
The thrill of secrecy, the warmth of affection, the quiet intimacy—it stirred emotions she rarely allowed herself to express.
"You make it hard to behave," Seisui said lightly.
Her heart swelled at his words.
After a while, they straightened their clothes and returned.
"So slow," Tsunade complained immediately. "Who takes that long?"
Mikoto's cheeks burned again.
Seisui smoothly poured three cups of sake. "Then I'll accept punishment."
Nonou immediately placed grilled meat in his bowl. "Eat while you drink."
Kushina wasn't about to lose.
"Seisui, try this," she said boldly, feeding him directly.
Nonou mirrored the action.
"Mine tastes better!"
"Eat mine first!"
The table fell silent.
Minato quietly sipped tea.
Yumiko, copying the others, shyly fed Minato a piece of meat, which made him nearly choke.
Tsunade laughed.
"This," she declared, wrapping an arm loosely around Seisui's shoulders, "is what happens when you're greedy."
If they could, perhaps each of them would prefer to have him to themselves.
But reality was rarely so simple.
After some time, Tsunade stood up.
"It's too stuffy. I need air."
Before leaving, she gave Seisui a knowing look.
He sighed internally.
"Restroom," he announced again.
Mikoto glared at him—but did not stop him.
The Alley — Again
Tsunade was already waiting.
The barrier went up once more.
"You little brat," she said teasingly. "Can't even sit through dinner properly."
Unlike Mikoto, Tsunade was bold and direct. She stepped close without hesitation.
Her presence carried confidence and maturity, completely different from Mikoto's gentle warmth.
Seisui wrapped an arm around her waist.
Their exchange was brief but affectionate—playful rather than reckless.
"…Don't rush back," Tsunade murmured with a faint smile.
Seisui chuckled softly.
After ensuring everything was in order, they returned.
Eventually, the celebration wound down.
Laughter lingered in the cool night as the group dispersed.
Passing by the Konoha Hot Spring Inn, they noticed it was brightly lit despite the late hour. Villagers relaxed inside after long days of work.
Then—
A suspicious figure crouched near the women's bath window.
White hair.
Perverted grin.
Before anyone could react—
"DIE, JIRAIYA!"
Tsunade's roar shattered the night as she launched forward.
Jiraiya yelped in panic, scrambling desperately.
The peaceful night of Konoha ended in chaos once more.
And the celebration would certainly be remembered—for more than just promotions.
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