After all—
The Fifth Mizukage standing before her was undeniably beautiful.
Even Tsunade had to admit that.
And Uchiha Yusuke himself was strikingly handsome—one of those men women instinctively glanced at twice.
A talented man and a beautiful woman.
Like dry wood meeting blazing fire.
To say they met and nothing ever sparked?
Who would believe that?
The thought made Tsunade grind her teeth.
Her fair fist clenched subtly, faint veins surfacing beneath the skin.
That shameless pair… she cursed inwardly.
Yusuke's talent for attracting women—
Tsunade now understood it even more deeply.
Kurenai was one thing.
She had tolerated that.
Women from the same village? Fine.
She could close one eye.
But now—
Even women from other villages?
This was intolerable.
And to stand here—
Smiling innocently.
Pretending not to know him.
Tsunade's irritation flared.
Acting?
You're acting in front of me?
"Fine," Tsunade thought coldly. "If you want to play dumb, I'll play along."
Suppressing her anger, she forced her expression back to neutrality.
"Mizukage," Tsunade asked with a thin smile that didn't reach her eyes, "are you interested in meeting Uchiha Yusuke?"
Mei, unaware of the brewing storm, nodded naturally.
"If possible, I would appreciate an introduction."
Tsunade sighed faintly, as though regretful.
"That's unfortunate. Mizukage-dono, you've come at an inconvenient time."
Mei frowned slightly.
"What do you mean, Hokage-dono?"
"Clan Head Uchiha Yusuke," Tsunade said smoothly, "was dispatched yesterday to Sunagakure to discuss certain matters."
Her tone was steady.
Her face calm.
As if this were a completely ordinary fact.
"Eh?"
Behind her, Shizune's eyes widened in shock.
When had Yusuke been sent to Sunagakure?
This morning, hadn't he sent Yugao to deliver a message?
Why was the story suddenly different?
Shizune was bewildered—but wisely remained silent.
Nearby, Hyūga Hiashi's expression turned subtly strange.
Yesterday afternoon, his daughter Hinata had trained under Yusuke.
She had even stayed for dinner.
And returned home only this morning.
There was no way Yusuke had gone anywhere.
Which meant—
The Hokage was lying.
Hiashi lowered his gaze, thoughtful.
Why would Tsunade deceive the Mizukage?
On the other side, Nara Shikaku narrowed his eyes.
Yusuke negotiating in Sunagakure?
Impossible.
It had already been agreed—
Konoha would settle accounts with Sunagakure only after the inauguration ceremony.
That plan would not change.
Conclusion?
The Hokage was fabricating a story.
Shikaku folded his hands quietly.
He would observe where this was going.
Other officials reacted in various subtle ways.
As for Mei—
Her heart sank.
"He… went to Sunagakure?" she repeated, stunned.
She had crossed oceans.
Devised excuses.
Lowered her own dignity.
All to see the man she hadn't met in ten years.
And now he wasn't even here?
The disappointment hit her visibly.
For a brief moment, she looked like a deflated balloon.
Seeing that—
Tsunade felt a surge of satisfaction.
Serves you right.
Trying to steal my man? Not happening.
Now she finally understood why Mei had arrived so quickly.
It wasn't about diplomacy.
It was about Yusuke.
Previously, Tsunade had felt a trace of gratitude toward the Mizukage for attending personally.
Now?
That goodwill evaporated.
In her mind, Mei had traveled across the sea for one purpose—
To steal her man.
A blatant provocation.
A declaration of war.
It didn't matter that Mei herself had no idea Tsunade thought this way.
That was irrelevant.
Tsunade's only thought now was clear:
No matter what—
She would not let Mei meet Yusuke.
And preferably—
She would send her away as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Mei regained her composure.
She inhaled quietly, smoothing her expression.
Then she smiled again.
"I see. That is unfortunate."
"Though this may be presumptuous… may I ask—"
"When will Clan Head Yusuke return?"
She still wasn't giving up.
After coming all this way—
How could she accept not seeing him?
Tsunade: "..."
Her patience nearly snapped.
Enough already.
Do you think I'm some soft target you can push around?
"I don't know," Tsunade replied stiffly. "At least a month. Possibly three to five months."
Her tone was no longer as gentle.
The irritation was unmistakable.
And for the first time—
The air in the room grew faintly tense.
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