Ignoring Hayato Ren's clowning around beside her, Tsunade picked up her spoon and quickly shoveled the fried rice into her mouth.
Instantly, a blissful expression spread across her face.
This kid really had skills - his cooking was delicious, he was good-looking, and his abilities weren't bad either. The only drawbacks were his young age and his flirtatious nature. If not for those, he'd be perfect.
Thinking this, Tsunade couldn't help but kick Hayato Ren.
This guy already had Kushina, yet he still had to come bother her. What's worse, she had actually fallen for it.
The most frustrating part was that if word got out about their relationship, people would definitely say she was an old cow eating young grass, while he, the instigator, could remain completely unaffected.
The more Tsunade thought about it, the angrier she became. She kicked Hayato Ren again, then chewed the fried rice in her mouth with extra force, as if she weren't eating fried rice but rather someone's flesh.
Watching Tsunade's inexplicable anger, Hayato Ren was completely baffled.
He took a bite of his own fried rice - the flavor was perfect, absolutely delicious.
Why was Tsunade eating so aggressively? Could it be that time of the month? But calculating the timing, that didn't seem right.
After finishing the meal, Hayato Ren originally wanted to linger in Tsunade's room to spend the night.
But Tsunade grabbed him by the collar and hauled him to the guest room like carrying a chick.
Time flew by, and half a month passed. During this period, Kushina and Mikoto passed the Leaf's internal Chunin Exams and became Chunin.
Meanwhile, Tsunade's Yin Seal had made breakthrough progress - a diamond-shaped mark had already appeared on her forehead.
The Anbu member standing before Tsunade appeared somewhat flustered. If not for his mask, the expression on his face would likely show great distress.
"I've said it before - if there are any missions, tell that old man to come find me himself. That old dog Danzo still hasn't given me an explanation for what happened."
Tsunade crossed her arms, speaking with clear displeasure.
Seeing Tsunade's resolute attitude, the Anbu had no choice but to return to the Hokage Building to report.
"Teacher, you looked so commanding just now. I was almost captivated by you," Hayato Ren said to Tsunade with exaggerated expression.
Tsunade shot him a glance and retorted irritably:
"And who do you think I'm doing this for?"
On her first day back from the Land of Fire's border, Tsunade had stormed into the Hokage Building because of Danzo's previous scheme against Hayato Ren.
If not for not knowing the location of the Root base, she probably would have gone and smashed the place directly.
In the end, it was only after Sarutobi Hiruzen promised that he would definitely give her and Hayato Ren an explanation that the furious Tsunade was persuaded to leave.
In the Hokage's office.
"Hiruzen, is this how you discipline your student? Actually refusing village missions for personal reasons - it's utterly absurd. I think you should stop being Hokage and focus on disciplining your three students first. Leave the Hokage position to me."
Danzo spoke with a look of contempt.
Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, who usually maintained a calm demeanor, couldn't suppress his fury upon hearing Danzo's words. He sprang to his feet and roared while pointing at Danzo:
"Do you realize whose fault this is? Why did you send people to attack Hayato Ren? How dare you target someone within the village! Have I been too lenient with you, or have you entered some rebellious phase? Root will be temporarily placed under Homura's command. You better reflect seriously on your actions."
Mitokado Homura, who had been watching the drama unfold from the sidelines, never expected to become involved himself. After glancing at Danzo's grim expression, he readily accepted the arrangement.
Hearing this, Danzo also stood up and shouted at Sarutobi Hiruzen:
"Hiruzen, you can't treat me like this! Everything I've done has been for the Leaf!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen gave him a cold look before responding:
"This matter is settled. I am the Hokage. Meeting adjourned!"
After speaking, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't even glance at Danzo before turning and leaving the conference room.
Truth be told, Sarutobi Hiruzen had long felt that Danzo's influence had grown too substantial.
Particularly concerning the Root organization under his control, which had dared to oppose the Hokage's direct Anbu forces in certain matters.
This presented a perfect opportunity to substantially weaken Danzo's power.
After exiting the Hokage Building, Sarutobi Hiruzen's extremely gloomy expression instantly transformed into one of amiability.
His previously brisk and decisive footsteps slowed to a leisurely pace.
Walking along the road, he no longer appeared like the powerful Hokage holding great authority, but rather resembled an elderly gentleman out for a stroll.
"Good morning, Hokage."
"Hello, Hokage."
"Greetings, Hokage."
Along the way, Sarutobi Hiruzen warmly responded to the villagers' greetings before arriving at the Senju clan's compound.
...
Hayato Ren placed a cup of hot tea before Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled at Hayato Ren, expressed his thanks, then brought the teacup to his lips. After gently blowing on it a few times, he took a sip and remarked:
"Ah~ Hayato's tea brewing skills are quite excellent, and this tea leaves are wonderful too."
Tsunade shot Sarutobi Hiruzen a glance and responded bluntly:
"If you came here just to drink tea, you can leave now."
Hearing this, a wry smile appeared on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face as he explained:
"That matter was indeed Danzo's mistake, but the village is still at war and needs stability. However, rest assured - I've ordered Danzo to reflect on his actions behind closed doors, and Root has been handed over to Homura. Please calm your anger."
Yet this answer failed to satisfy Tsunade, who let out a cold laugh.
"Heh, so this matter just passes like that? What if Hayato had been captured by Root? Would he still be my student then? Don't think I'm unaware of Root's disgusting methods."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed deeply and remained silent for a long moment before looking at Tsunade and saying:
"In that case, Tsunade, tell me - how should the village compensate Hayato?"
"The Book of Sealing."
Upon hearing these four words, Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock.
"No, the Book of Sealing is far too important. Choose something else. How about I personally give you five million as compensation?"
Under normal circumstances, Tsunade might have agreed.
After all, it had been so long since she last visited the casino that her fingers were itching. Moreover, as the renowned "Big Gambling Addict," she still had a large gambling debt left unpaid.
The reason Tsunade hadn't indulged in casino visits for so long wasn't just because she'd been overwhelmed by the Shinobi World War. It was also because her unpaid debts had gotten her banned from entering casinos.
Given Tsunade's strength and status, if she really insisted on not repaying her debts, the casinos would have no way to deal with her. Otherwise, she'd resort to using her iron fists to physically reason with them.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's five million conveniently solved Tsunade's urgent financial needs. After paying off all her gambling debts, she still had money left to continue her battles.
But today's Tsunade was different from before. Faced with the temptation of money, she resolutely chose to say NO.
Because this matter genuinely involved Hayato Ren. In Tsunade's heart, the status of this student she'd taken under her wing even surpassed her gambling addiction. This was truly commendable.
Tsunade stood up and slapped the tea table. The solid rosewood table instantly fell apart.
Hayato Ren, who was nearby, couldn't help but blink several times. With that one slap from Tsunade, the reward from an S-rank mission had just vanished.