Seeing through Tsunade's thoughts, Shin felt quite amused in his heart, but he pretended to be tired and said, "I'm feeling rather drained. I think I'll head back to my room to rest for a while"
Tsunade immediately felt extremely disappointed but forced herself to keep her emotions in check. "Alright then, go ahead and rest."
"Actually," Shin stepped closer. He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, his lips nearly brushing her ear as he whispered, "I was hoping you might join me."
The warmth of his breath against her skin sent a shiver down Tsunade's spine. Her face turned crimson, and she felt deeply embarrassed.
He's seen right through me again, she thought.
Shin, completely unbothered by her momentary hesitation, simply smiled and gathered her into his arms. In a flash, they disappeared from the hallway and materialized in his room.
Once inside, Tsunade suddenly felt less confident. "Shin, I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing. I… I'm a little nervous."
"Weren't you just saying you were tired? How come you're still so energetic?"
"I find your company quite invigorating," he replied, closing the distance between them.
"It's still daylight," she protested halfheartedly, even as she moved toward him.
"Does that matter?" His hands found hers in the gentle afternoon light filtering through the curtains.
"Just... be careful with me," she whispered, allowing herself a moment of surrender that few besides Shin had ever witnessed.
---
Three days later, a different kind of tension filled the air in the Hokage's office meeting room. Konoha's leadership had gathered to discuss several internal reforms.
Among those present were the Third Hokage, Koharu, various clan leaders, prominent ninjas who had distinguished themselves in recent years, and key figures from the Medical Department.
The meeting progressed through its agenda for about an hour before Hiruzen directed their attention to the next topic.
"We now turn to the proposed reforms for the Medical Department," he announced. "Tsunade has submitted two key initiatives for consideration."
He glanced down at the documents before him. "First, an enhanced training program for medical-nin throughout our ranks. Second, a protocol for assigning trained medical-nin to accompany critical mission squads."
Shuffling the papers slightly, he continued, "The detailed plans have been distributed to each of you. Please take five minutes to review them before we open the floor for discussion."
As the assembled leaders began examining the documents, a furious gaze began sweeping across the room. Several of them glanced up, sensing a disturbance, only to find themselves caught in Koharu's withering glare.
Every person present had a similar reaction: first, alarm at attracting her attention; second, a mental inventory of recent actions that might have got them on her bad side; and finally, the strategic calculation of how to avoid becoming her target.
Koharu's reputation was well-established. Her position as an elder gave her significant authority, but it was her temperament that truly made people wary.
Her close relationship with the Hokage afforded her additional protection. Even when her behavior crossed lines, the other leaders typically chose to tolerate it rather than create further complications.
Soon, however, everyone realized that her focus wasn't on them individually. Her hostile attention was directed at Tsunade and, by extension, at anyone who might support her proposals.
The message was clear: support Tsunade, and you position yourself as Koharu's adversary.
The five minutes passed in silence as everyone pretended to read while actually calculating their political positions.
"Regarding Tsunade's proposals," Hiruzen finally said, "does anyone wish to comment?"
The room remained silent. No one volunteered an opinion, positive or negative. Just as Koharu's expression began to shift toward smug satisfaction, a clear voice broke the silence.
"Lady Tsunade's proposals demonstrate exceptional foresight," the voice said confidently. "Both initiatives would significantly enhance our village's operational effectiveness and reduce casualties. I believe they deserve our full support."
All eyes turned toward the speaker, a rising talent named Katō Dan, whose reputation for both skill and integrity had been growing steadily among the village elite.
Tsunade frowned at his intervention. From the moment the meeting began, she'd noticed his occasional glances in her direction, which she found extremely off-putting.
And now, with everyone else remaining silent, he suddenly jumped in to express support, what was he trying to do?
She and Shin had already analyzed ahead of time that the proposal would likely be rejected today. So she wasn't particularly upset by Koharu's targeting or the others' silence.
Yet here was Dan, inexplicably throwing his support behind a proposal he must know was doomed to fail in the current climate. And those looks he kept giving her, despite her well-known relationship with Shin, suggested motives beyond mere policy agreement.
"Support? With what are you supporting it?" a sharp, mocking voice suddenly interrupted Tsunade's thoughts.
Koharu snapped, "Do you even know what the village's financial situation is?"
She didn't wait for Dan to respond.
"Each of these proposals requires substantial investment at a time when our budget is already stretched thin. The village faces numerous priorities competing for limited resources. Your enthusiastic endorsement, while perhaps well-intentioned, demonstrates a concerning lack of practical consideration."
"The potential benefits justify the investment," Dan refused to be intimidated. "Reducing field casualties would actually save resources in the long run."
"You think I don't recognize the theoretical benefits?" Koharu's voice rose slightly. "Theoretical benefits aren't the issue. Real-world implementation requires more than good intentions, it demands practical solutions for existing constraints."
She gestured dismissively toward the documents. "Anyone can draft impressive proposals. But blindly pushing forward without considering the situation will only harm the village in the end."
She turned toward Hiruzen. "Forcing these two policies through under financial strain would bring our development to a standstill. So I suggest Tsunade's two proposals be postponed for now, wait until the village's finances improve, and then revisit them."
Throughout this exchange, Hiruzen had maintained a thoughtful expression. After Koharu finished, he finally spoke, "Since these initiatives would ultimately benefit the village, if there's sufficient consensus, I'm willing to examine possible adjustments to our financial allocations."
Tsunade kept her expression neutral, though inwardly she noted how perfectly this aligned with their prediction. Hiruzen had almost certainly signaled Koharu to oppose the proposals beforehand, yet now positioned himself as the reasonable mediator willing to consider all options.
"Let's put it to a vote," Hiruzen continued. "All those in favor of adopting Tsunade's proposals, please raise your hands."
Dan's hand shot up immediately. He glanced around the room, clearly expecting others to join him.
No one did.
The other leaders, reading the political winds, kept their hands firmly in their laps. Some suddenly became deeply interested in the documents before them; others examined the ceiling architecture with fascination.
The meeting continued for another hour, covering various other matters before finally concluding. As the attendees began filing out, Tsunade gathered her materials quickly, intending to make a swift exit.
"Please wait!" The voice calling from behind was familiar, if unwelcome.
She paused at the entrance to the Hokage Building, reluctantly turning to face Dan as he approached.
"Lady Tsunade," he said, "I apologize that I couldn't be more effective in supporting your proposals. They truly represent the kind of forward thinking our medical corps needs."
His earnestness only deepened her discomfort. She took a step back, creating additional distance between them.
"I would appreciate it if you maintained professional boundaries," she said firmly.
Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked away.
Dan was left standing there, dumbfounded and utterly dejected.