Since Tsunade wanted to act alongside him, Byakuya decided to play along—at least for now.
He didn't expose her identity. Instead, he cheerfully intercepted the "little" Tsunade and Uchiha Mikoto just as they were about to go shopping.
Facing his enthusiasm, Tsunade inwardly sighed. She had no choice but to follow him reluctantly, trying to maintain her act.
"Hungry, little one? How about some candied haws? My treat," Byakuya said with a teasing tone.
"I'm not hungry. I—" Tsunade began, hoping to excuse herself.
But before she could finish, Byakuya casually shoved a candied haw into her mouth.
"Mmgh—!" Tsunade let out a muffled yelp of surprise.
"How is it? Not bad, right?" Byakuya grinned.
"You—hmph…" Tsunade didn't answer. Instead, she began munching on the snack aggressively, more out of frustration than hunger.
But… she had to admit, it was delicious.
"Hehe…"
Byakuya watched her eat with amusement. It wasn't every day he got to see Tsunade, the future Fifth Hokage, reduced to such a helpless, childlike state—especially one where she couldn't lash out at him.
"Here, try this mung bean cake. It's really good too," he added, stuffing another snack into her mouth before she could object.
"Mmmph—!"
Though initially annoyed by Byakuya's overly forceful actions, Tsunade slowly grew accustomed to the treatment. Whether it was the transformation's effect or just resignation, she began responding like a true child.
"Big brother! I want more! That one too! And this!" she exclaimed, pointing to the various sweets Byakuya had bought.
Watching Tsunade act so innocently, Mikoto's motherly instincts kicked in. She began picking out cute little hairpins and accessories and started adorning the transformed Tsunade like a living doll.
As the day passed and dusk approached, Tsunade had her arms full of snacks, her face dotted with crumbs, and her hair clipped with glittering ornaments. She looked more like a pampered noble's daughter than the fierce kunoichi she truly was.
Finally, Tsunade spoke up, still hugging her snacks, "Big brother Byakuya, I remembered where I live… I think I should go now."
She maintained her innocent look, but deep down, she was mortified. I've spent the whole day acting like a brat in front of Uchiha clan members… How humiliating. Still, she comforted herself: At least he didn't find out who I really am. This will all be over soon.
But just as she turned to leave, Byakuya's tone suddenly darkened.
"Leave? Where do you think you're going?" he said, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Home, obviously," Tsunade replied, blinking innocently.
"Home? You mean that direction?" Byakuya pointed—not toward a random location, but toward the Senju compound.
Tsunade's expression froze.
"W-What are you talking about? I don't know any Senju clan!" she stammered, trying to play dumb.
"Oh? You don't?" Byakuya said, smiling knowingly. "How long are you planning to keep up the act, Senju Tsunade?"
Tsunade's eyes widened in panic.
"M-Master Byakuya… did you say Senju Tsunade?" Mikoto echoed in shock, staring at the little girl she had just been treating like a doll.
"Of course," Byakuya replied casually. "Didn't you notice? This is clearly a transformation jutsu."
Tsunade stood frozen, mouth slightly open, unable to deny it now that her cover had been blown.
After hearing what Byakuya said, Mikoto immediately activated her Sharingan.
"It's really a Transformation Jutsu… This is really Lady Tsunade…"
Thanks to her Sharingan, Mikoto was able to see through the chakra flow of the technique and confirm Tsunade's true identity.
She froze, recalling how just earlier she had been adjusting the little girl's hair and even pinched her cheeks.
That little girl was Tsunade-sama… and I pinched her face.
At that moment, Tsunade realized her cover was blown. Dropping the pretense, she immediately canceled the jutsu.
Poof—!
With a burst of smoke, the petite figure vanished, revealing the tall, voluptuous blonde with twin ponytails, unmistakably Senju Tsunade.
"...When did you see through me?"
Tsunade looked at Byakuya, her tone icy.
"Hmm, let me think... I noticed when you were slipping past the patrols. You were good, but not good enough," Byakuya said with a smirk.
"No one can hide from the Sharingan…" Mikoto added softly, glancing at Tsunade with awe and slight embarrassment.
"You… You bastard!"
Tsunade flushed in anger, both from humiliation and frustration. She had genuinely thought her disguise was flawless. To realize she had been acting cute all afternoon in front of someone who already knew the truth—it was unbearable.
Seeing Byakuya's teasing expression, her shame boiled into fury.
"You damn brat! You dared to toy with me! I'll kill you!"
Without hesitation, Tsunade lunged forward, chakra surging into her fist.
Boom!
Her punch smashed into the ground where Byakuya had stood a moment ago. The earth cracked and caved, forming a massive crater that spread outward with terrifying force.
"Hey! Tsunade, are you serious?!" Byakuya shouted, stumbling back in panic.
"Are you trying to kill someone?!"
He had no doubt—if that punch had connected, he would've been reduced to a mangled heap.
"Yes, I am trying to kill you!" Tsunade yelled, her fists clenched, her anger unabated. She charged again without pause.
At this point in time, Tsunade had not yet lost her younger brother Nawaki or her lover Dan, and thus had not developed her hemophobia. Her combat prowess remained at full strength, and her rage only made her more dangerous.
[Ding! Tsunade's anger detected. +400 negative energy. Taijutsu +12.]
[Ding! Tsunade's anger intensifies. +500 negative energy. Taijutsu +13.]
[Ding! Tsunade's wrath surges. +600 negative energy. Chakra +20.]
"Haha! If you're serious about killing me, then let's see what you've got!"
Byakuya grinned like a maniac, unafraid. The more furious Tsunade got, the more energy he harvested—and the more exhilarated he became.