After bidding farewell to Tsume Inuzuka and little Hana, Saiki visited the Genhai household to inform them of his departure. Next, he found Kurenai Yuhi to say his goodbyes, before finally spending the afternoon with Kushina Uzumaki and Shizune.
With Shizune present, Kushina finally managed to look at Saiki without her face turning into a complete tomato.
Of course, this was largely thanks to Saiki's endless repertoire of adapted stories, which kept the girls captivated and their minds off the awkwardness.
Though the heavy reality of Tsume's loss weighed on the village, Saiki's thoughts couldn't help but wander to the pleasures waiting for him that night.
To his surprise, however, Tsunade did not return to the hospital. Instead, she sent word for Saiki to meet her at a private izakaya for dinner.
Shizune was confused, but Kushina seemed to guess the true intent behind the invitation. Her face flushed a deep pink, her eyes swirling with an unreadable mix of jealousy and longing.
Following the Anbu's directions, Saiki arrived at a secluded corner of the commercial district, standing before a modest establishment called "Koyuen Izakaya."
It was a typical "hole-in-the-wall" joint, yet reasonably crowded. Saiki wondered why Tsunade would pick such a place, but after sensing the auras inside—several of which were formidable—he realized it was a perfect location for a discrete meeting.
Upon entering, a waitress led him to a private room where Tsunade was waiting. The sight was not what he expected.
"Sister Tsunade, what is all this about?" Saiki asked, his eyes roaming over her. She was dressed in a loose, silk bathrobe. It covered everything, yet his senses told him she was completely naked and commando underneath.
Tsunade, who had already drained two cups of sake, glared at him with flushed cheeks. "Stop with the questions! Sit down and drink with me!"
"I don't drink," Saiki replied simply. He preferred his mind sharp and untouched by toxins. Nevertheless, he sat down at the table where a set of utensils had already been laid out for him.
Despite her demand that he drink, Tsunade stopped drinking herself. Instead, she began serving him food, which left Saiki utterly bewildered.
Every time Saiki tried to probe her, she maintained a grumpy facade, insisting he eat his fill. Once they were finished, she finally began to discuss the dire situation at the front lines.
When the meal was fully digested, Saiki finally realized the true purpose of her summons.
As they moved toward the inner resting chamber, Tsunade spoke with an air of a mafia matriarch demanding a tribute from her favorite gigolo. "Strip. Now. Get on the bed and lie down."
Seeing her effort to act tough while masking her deep-seated fear, Saiki understood.
Tsunade had lost almost every blood relative she had to war. Despite Saiki's monstrous strength, she was terrified of him dying on the battlefield.
She wanted him to be at his absolute peak recovery before he left, but her pride wouldn't let her ask for it normally. So, she played the part of the "drunken leader."
She was so worried about him being tired that she even ordered him to lie down so she could do all the work. To Saiki, she was incredibly adorable.
Seeing Saiki obey her command, Tsunade let out a hidden breath of relief. She yanked the sash of her robe, and the silk fabric slid down her creamy, voluptuous body, revealing the masterpiece of her mature frame. Saiki's "joystick" had already stood up to give her a rigid salute.
"The alcohol hasn't made me drunk, but the sight of you certainly has," Saiki thought. Tsunade's face turned even redder, but she steeled her nerves. "Focus on your recovery. Don't let your mind wander to filthy things."
With her body already slick and ready, Tsunade straddled him. She found her balance and lowered herself, beginning a vigorous, rhythmic riding session.
In a state where they were both fully conscious, this was as much effort as Tsunade could muster to be proactive.
"What is it?" Tsunade asked, panting slightly. She noticed a trace of regret on Saiki's face despite her strenuous efforts. Her brow furrowed with displeasure.
"Ah, I'm just a bit sad that I have no memory of the very first time we did this," Saiki said shamelessly. He wasn't afraid of her temper. Tsunade's body and expression froze for a heartbeat before she lowered her head and resumed her movements with even more intensity. It was impossible to tell if she was annoyed or simply choosing to ignore him.
From dusk until the dead of night, Saiki was relentlessly milked. He was nearly drained dry by the time he staggered out of the izakaya, leaving behind a Tsunade who had finally collapsed into a deep, satisfied slumber.
But knowing that Kushina might still be waiting for him, Saiki's fighting spirit remained unextinguished. Sure enough, when he returned to the hospital, Kushina had already bathed and undressed, her bed prepared to welcome him.
The morning mist had not yet fully lifted, and the great gates of Konoha stood as a solemn silhouette in the pale dawn light.
The air carried a distinct chill, as if the world itself sensed the weight of the coming departure.
Saiki stood before the gates in simple traveling gear, a shinobi pouch at his back and a long tachi strapped to his waist.
He still possessed the slight build of a youth, but his brow carried a gravity far beyond his years, along with a razor-sharp edge of hidden lethality.
The previous night's "exchanges" with Tsunade and Kushina had left no trace of fatigue; instead, his eyes were clearer than ever.
He hadn't told many people. This mission was more akin to the strike of a lone wolf.
Steady, powerful footsteps echoed from behind him.
Saiki didn't need to turn around to know who it was.
Tsunade approached, dressed in her classic tea-green haori with the kanji for "Gamble" on the back. Her golden twin-tails swayed slightly in the morning breeze.
Her face showed a hint of exhaustion, but her complexion was radiant and her gaze was absolute.
"You've decided?" Tsunade's voice was lower than usual, lacking its typical irritation, replaced by an inexpressible complexity.
"Mm." Saiki turned around, flashing his usual rogue-like grin to break the tension. "I've caused enough trouble here. I can't exactly watch the front lines collapse and leave you drowning in paperwork, Sister. That would be a sin."
Tsunade didn't scold him for his "slick tongue" this time. She simply looked at him, her amber eyes searching for any lingering weakness.
"Your body... is it really okay?" she asked, unable to help herself.
His recent state of collapse was still a thorn in her heart.
"Thanks to someone's 'meticulous care,'" Saiki winked, his meaning clear. "I'm almost fully recovered. Besides, like I said, Tailed Beast chakra might actually help me. A trip to the front might not just solve the war; I might even come back stronger."
He knew she was worried, so he offered a mix of half-truths to soothe her.
While consuming Tailed Beast chakra could benefit him, it wasn't strictly necessary. But right now, he needed to project absolute confidence.
Tsunade pursed her lips, choosing not to probe further.
She knew Saiki. Once he made up his mind, a team of ten bulls couldn't pull him back.
She stepped forward and reached out to straighten his collar—though it wasn't actually messy. The gesture was unpracticed, yet carried a rare, heartbreaking tenderness.
"Remember what you promised me," she whispered, her voice so low it was meant only for his ears. "Know your limits. If things go wrong, retreat immediately. Your life... is more important than anything."
The last few words were ground out through her teeth.
It wasn't just a concern for the village's primary combat asset; it was a private, primal emotion she hadn't yet fully reconciled with her logic.
Saiki dropped his playful facade and nodded seriously. "I promise. If only to come back and keep annoying you, I'll stay alive."
He looked at the faint shadows under her eyes and felt his heart soften.
He knew the pressure she was under—the chaos after the purge, the Uchiha threat, the empty treasury, and the crumbling war front.
He reached out and gently squeezed the hand that was still fussing with his collar. Her skin felt cool.
"Don't worry about me. You need to take care of yourself, Sister Tsunade," he said with rare solemnity. "Wait for me."
Tsunade's hand trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away.
She turned her hand over and squeezed his back with a desperate strength. She was afraid that if she let go, she might never see him again.
After a long moment, she slowly released him and took a stumbling step back.
"Go then," she said, her tone suddenly turning crisp and authoritative. "Let Onoki and Hanzo know that Konoha is not a fruit they can simply pluck."
Saiki smiled, baring his white teeth.
This was the Tsunade he knew—decisive and domineering.
"Don't worry. I'll beat them so hard they won't even recognize their own mothers."
In a blur, he flickered in front of her, gave her a tight hug, and pressed a firm kiss to her forehead.
Before she could react, he turned and faced the road leading out of the village.
The morning light bathed his back, casting a long shadow toward the gate.
He didn't look back, merely waving a hand over his shoulder as a final farewell.
With a sudden surge of movement, a flash of lightning erupted. Saiki transformed into a streak of blue light, disappearing past the horizon in a matter of seconds. His speed was terrifying.
Tsunade stood there for a long time, her gaze fixed on the spot where he had vanished.
Only when the last trace of his lightning faded into the sky did she finally withdraw her gaze, taking a deep lungful of the cold morning air.
Worry, anticipation, and a lingering sense of melancholy swirled in her chest.
She knew that where Saiki was going, there was only blood and slaughter, unknown powerhouses, and perhaps even the shadow of the legendary "Madara Uchiha."
But she also knew that this seemingly lazy boy possessed a power capable of rewriting the fate of the world.
He was the sharpest spear Konoha had—and the only man who truly held her heart.
"You'd better... come back safe," she whispered to the wind.
Then, she turned with iron resolve toward the Hokage Rock, her steps firm as she headed for the Hokage Building.
On the other side of the village, at a hospital window, a red-haired woman also watched the village gates, sending her silent prayers with the morning sun.
A new day had begun. Konoha needed her, and it needed him. Together, they would hold up the sky.