After a long silence, Tsunade finally spoke in a low, drawn-out voice.
"Shizune… you're still young. There are some things you don't understand."
Because… What her teacher had gone through these past two days was simply too hard to say out loud.
Of course, Tsunade kept that part to herself.
Shizune blinked.
"Huh?"
Her face was full of confusion.
Tsunade's answer completely threw her off.
I'm still young? I don't understand?
She was the same age as Uchiha Yusuke—twenty-six!
At twenty-six, she was very much an adult. What on earth could she not understand?
But since Tsunade refused to elaborate, Shizune could only force down her curiosity and stop herself from asking further.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Tsunade gestured for Shizune to check.
Shizune walked over.
"Who is it? Do you need something?"
A clear voice came from outside.
"I'm Uchiha Yusuke-sama's secretary—Uzuki Yugao."
The visitor was indeed Uzuki Yugao.
Ever since the Konoha Crush incident, when Yugao had been rescued by Uchiha Yusuke…
She had re-examined her heart, finally releasing the feelings she had suppressed for so long.
Yugao decided to follow Kurenai's example—pursue Yusuke-kun again, stay by his side, and never leave.
Whether he accepted her or not—
She would remain steadfast.
For that reason, Yugao resigned from ANBU and entered Yusuke's Root.
Now, Uzuki Yugao was not only a First Squad Captain within Root—
She also held the position of Yusuke's personal secretary.
A few days ago, Yugao had boldly gone to Yusuke's office and volunteered for the role.
Yusuke considered it briefly.
He did, in fact, need a secretary—someone to arrange meetings, manage schedules, handle miscellaneous tasks, and keep everything running smoothly.
And he trusted Yugao's ability.
So he agreed.
Thus, Uzuki Yugao officially became Uchiha Yusuke's first personal secretary.
The moment she heard Yusuke's name, Tsunade's expression stiffened slightly.
Of course.
She feared exactly what she feared most.
Shizune turned back to Tsunade.
"Tsunade-sama, Yusuke-sama's secretary is here."
Tsunade's expression shifted several times before she let out a weary sigh.
"I know. Let her in."
Shizune opened the door.
"Yugao, please come in."
Shizune already knew Yugao had left ANBU and joined Root, becoming Yusuke's secretary.
And she couldn't help but envy her friend.
As Yusuke-kun's personal secretary, Yugao could see him every day.
How wonderful.
As for why Yugao had done it—
Shizune understood perfectly.
Back in the academy, Yugao had been just like her: a loyal little admirer of Yusuke-kun.
Resigning from ANBU and becoming his personal secretary…
It was a clear declaration.
She wasn't giving up.
To be honest, when Shizune first heard the news, she had admired Yugao's persistence and courage.
At the same time, she couldn't help but feel a little resentment.
Why didn't I have that chance?
Shizune… why couldn't you be braver too?
But every time she remembered that Yusuke-kun was now Tsunade-sama's man—
That tiny spark of courage would instantly vanish.
A man like that…
Her teacher's man.
She couldn't possibly pursue him.
No.
She couldn't even allow herself to think about it.
Uzuki Yugao—shoulder-length purple hair, delicate features, and a pretty face—smiled at Shizune as a greeting.
Then she entered the Hokage's office.
Tsunade held a pen, head lowered, looking serious as she processed documents.
"Tsunade-sama," Yugao said respectfully.
Tsunade didn't look up.
"Mm. It's you, Yugao. What is it?"
"Yes, Tsunade-sama. Yusuke-sama asked me to pass on a few words."
At that, Tsunade's body tensed subtly.
Her grip on the pen tightened, but she still didn't lift her head.
"Go on."
Yugao's expression turned slightly strange as she looked at Tsunade bent over the paperwork.
Then she spoke slowly.
"Yusuke-sama said he understands that you've just taken over your duties and are very busy, so you haven't had time to go back…"
"But after the Hokage inauguration ceremony, he asks that you return at least once. He said there's an important matter he wants to discuss with you, and…"
Yugao paused, then continued somewhat awkwardly.
"Yusuke-sama emphasized this specifically: If you don't come back, you'll bear the consequences."
After delivering the message, Yugao finally let out a quiet breath of relief.
She was envious of Tsunade.
Like Kurenai, Tsunade had moved into Yusuke's new home—what that meant was obvious to everyone.
And yet, Yugao couldn't help feeling puzzled.
Why had Tsunade-sama been avoiding going back lately, as if she were hiding from Yusuke-kun?
Had they argued?
Pushing down those thoughts, Yugao stopped herself.
This was between Yusuke-sama and Tsunade-sama.
She had no right to interfere.
And besides—she hadn't even "made it" herself yet.
She had more urgent things to focus on.
Yugao finished speaking, but Tsunade showed almost no reaction.
The office atmosphere grew strangely stiff.
"…I understand," Tsunade said after a long silence.
"Then, Tsunade-sama, I'll take my leave."
Yugao departed.
The office became quiet—eerily so.
Shizune looked at Tsunade, wanting to speak but stopping herself again and again.
Tsunade let out a sigh.
Avoiding it is only temporary. It never solves anything. What's coming will come.
"Tsunade-sama… are you alright?" Shizune asked softly, sensing something was off.
"It's nothing."
Tsunade finally made up her mind.
If she couldn't avoid it—
Then she would face it head-on.
"What a joke… I'm the Fifth Hokage—Senju Tsunade!"
"It's just that little wolf cub, that damn brat!"
"How could I possibly be afraid of him?!"
"…Even if I can't beat him—then I'll fight him to the death!"
She clenched her teeth, eyes turning resolute.
She looked like someone marching to the gallows—grim, fearless, and utterly determined.
In that moment—
The Tsunade-hime who never backed down—
Was back.
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