"Since you understand, I won't say much more. Just stay alert." After saying this, Isamu and Orochimaru parted ways. Although Isamu invited him home, Orochimaru declined.
Afterward, Isamu returned home.
"I'm back," Isamu called out as he stepped inside.
"Why are you so late today? I've already made dinner. Go wash your hands and let's eat," Tsunade said, walking out in an apron with a dish in her hands.
"Sorry, something came up and delayed me. Is there more food? Let me help," Isamu said, heading toward the kitchen.
"No, that's everything—four dishes and a soup. Go wash your hands," Tsunade said, pulling him back.
"Alright," Isamu said. He quickly kissed Tsunade and went to wash up.
"Honestly, you're still so childish," Tsunade muttered, rolling her eyes—but there was a faint smile on her face.
After sitting down, Isamu asked, "Why hasn't Nawaki been coming over for dinner lately? What's he been busy with?"
"You didn't know? Nawaki has become Orochimaru's disciple. He's been going on training missions with him," Tsunade said, placing some food into Isamu's bowl.
"Really? I didn't know. Orochimaru actually took him as a student? With someone as strong as me at home, he still goes looking elsewhere—I don't get him," Isamu said while eating.
"Sigh, Nawaki doesn't really get along with you anyway. And he admires Orochimaru, so just let him be," Tsunade replied.
Unlike Tsunade, Isamu felt conflicted.
In the original timeline, Nawaki became Orochimaru's student... and died not long after.
This is troublesome.
If he saves Nawaki, the timeline changes. If he doesn't, Tsunade will suffer.
"What's wrong?" Tsunade asked, noticing his expression.
"Nothing, just thinking," Isamu said, brushing it off. Everyone walks their own path—he would deal with it when the time came.
"What were you thinking about?" Tsunade pressed.
"About the Hokage Building today," Isamu said, shifting the topic.
"Oh right, why did Sensei call you?" Tsunade asked.
"The Ninja World isn't stable lately. Border conflicts are increasing, so Hiruzen wants me to guard the border," Isamu said carefully.
"What?!" Tsunade slammed the table. "We just got married and he's already sending you away? That old man Sarutobi must be doing this on purpose! I'm going to find him!"
She stood up to leave, furious.
"Hey—calm down," Isamu said, pulling her back.
"How can I stay calm? Once you leave, who knows when you'll come back? He's clearly trying to separate us!" Tsunade struggled.
"Tsunade," Isamu said softly, pulling her into his arms, "we're ninja. Protecting the village comes first. It's just time apart—not the end of the world."
"I know... I just don't want you to go," Tsunade said, hugging him tightly.
"I promise I'll come back whenever I get the chance," Isamu said, stroking her hair.
"You better not break that promise."
"I won't."
The mood shifted.
Isamu picked her up and carried her toward the bedroom.
---
They hadn't even finished dinner.
---
The next morning, around 8 AM, Isamu slowly opened his eyes.
Tsunade was still clinging to him.
"Stop... I'm exhausted," she murmured sleepily.
"I'm leaving for the border today. You're not getting up?" Isamu teased.
Tsunade's eyes snapped open.
"That's right—you're leaving today!" She quickly got up and began getting dressed.
Watching her, Isamu felt his thoughts drifting again.
...Yeah, this is dangerous.
Before she could finish dressing, he pulled her back onto the bed.
"Are you crazy?! You're leaving today!" Tsunade protested.
"Relax, we still have time," Isamu said.
---
Two hours later.
---
"Oh no—it's already nine!" Isamu jumped out of bed. "I'm late!"
Tsunade lay there, smiling lazily. "Now you're in a hurry? What were you doing earlier?"
"I thought it would take one hour, not two! I haven't even gathered my team yet," Isamu said, rushing to get dressed—fumbling in the process.
"Didn't you say time wasn't an issue? Want another round?" Tsunade teased.
"You just wait. When I come back, I'll deal with you properly," Isamu shot back, finally finishing dressing. He grabbed some spare clothes and sealed them into a scroll.
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