The clouds in the sky parted, and the moonlight illuminated the attacker's face.
"It's you?"
Saigoji Youmu was momentarily stunned.
The one who had just attacked him was none other than Tsunade.
But the Tsunade standing before him now was nothing like the woman he had seen in the casino earlier.
She was calm, composed—the presence of a future Sannin was already beginning to take shape.
Tsunade crossed her arms, her sharp gaze locked onto Saigoji Youmu.
"I knew you weren't from around here." She spoke in a low voice. "But I didn't expect you to be from Kirigakure."
Her tone carried suspicion.
"Tell me—why did you deliberately approach me? Do you want to form an alliance?"
Saigoji Youmu sighed inwardly.
She noticed, huh?
His actions in the casino had been too deliberate. Someone like Tsunade—who had survived years as a ninja—would naturally be suspicious.
Saigoji Youmu smirked. "And why do you think I'm from Kirigakure?"
Tsunade's expression didn't change. "Because you use Ice Release. That's the bloodline ability of the Yuki Clan from the Mist."
In response, Saigoji Youmu waved his hand, dispelling the ice shield that had blocked her punch earlier.
"You're too rigid in your thinking, Princess."
"Huh?"
"Just because someone uses Ice Release, does that mean they have to be from the Mist?"
Tsunade's brows furrowed.
His words made sense. The ninja world was full of strange talents and abilities. It wasn't impossible for someone outside Kirigakure to wield Ice Release.
She took a deep breath, slightly lowering her guard. "So… you're not from Kirigakure?"
"Nope." Saigoji Youmu shook his head.
"Then why did you approach me?"
Saigoji Youmu smiled. "I just wanted to meet the famous Tsunade-hime, that's all."
"…That's all?"
"That's all."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, scanning his face for any deception. But she found none.
However—
"You're not a ninja?"
His last statement took her by surprise.
Of all the things he had just said, this was what shocked her the most.
"If you're not a ninja, then what was that Ice Release defense just now?"
Saigoji Youmu simply shrugged. "I have no reason to lie."
Of course, he wasn't going to explain the truth—his time travel, his system, none of it was something he intended to share.
Tsunade stared at him for a moment before sighing. "Alright."
She wasn't the type to pry into other people's secrets. Everyone had things they wanted to keep hidden.
"If that's all, I'll be heading back."
He turned to leave.
Tsunade remained silent, watching his back.
Then, a small smile played on her lips.
"Not a ninja? …Interesting."
At least he doesn't seem like an enemy of Konoha.
After returning to the hotel, Saigoji Youmu and Konan prepared to explore the town.
As they walked down the bustling street—
Tap.
Someone lightly tapped his shoulder from behind.
Saigoji Youmu and Konan turned around.
"You again?"
It was Tsunade.
Saigoji Youmu sighed. "What now?"
Tsunade gave a somewhat awkward smile before her expression turned serious.
"I want to talk to you about something. Can you come with me?"
Saigoji Youmu raised an eyebrow.
Judging from her expression, it seemed important.
"Fine."
He saw no reason to refuse.
"Let's go to where I'm staying, then," Tsunade suggested.
"Doesn't matter to me."
Tsunade grinned. "Great, let's go!"
She then casually threw her arm around Saigoji Youmu's shoulder.
Smack.
Without hesitation, Saigoji Youmu knocked her hand away.
"Tch, you're so boring." Tsunade pouted. "No wonder you don't have a girlfriend."
Saigoji Youmu gave her a blank look. "That's not something you need to worry about."
"You—!"
She clenched her fists but ultimately let out a sigh.
Still, as they walked, Saigoji Youmu didn't notice.
The moment Tsunade turned away, her expression shifted drastically.