"I am Ryun's girlfriend, Tsunade." Tsunade extended her right hand. Yugito was stunned for a moment before shaking it.
"Former Two-Tails Jinchūriki of Kumogakure, Yugito, now a rogue ninja from Kumogakure." A shadow of gloom flashed in Yugito's eyes.
The difference in their statuses—one being the princess of Konoha, the other a rogue ninja from Kumogakure—made Yugito feel somewhat inferior.
"Welcome, Yugito, to Konoha Village, to become a part of it. Ryun specifically asked me to check on you." Tsunade smiled.
Uchiha Ryun wasn't afraid of the rumors and slander from Kumogakure targeting him and Konoha. What he feared was that Yugito, the newly acquired Two-Tails Jinchūriki, would be affected and eventually leave Konoha.
Wouldn't all his efforts have been in vain? However, since he was a man, and a man about to get married, it was somewhat inconvenient for him. So, he shared his thoughts with Tsunade.
Tsunade smiled brightly, covering her mouth with her hand. "Alright, I'll go. After all, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki is also a rare combat asset. Now that we've managed to bring her into Konoha, I don't want her to leave because of this."
Thus, this scene unfolded. Yugito was stunned. "Don't you think I'm a burden? Because of me, Konoha will even suffer slander and curses from Kumogakure."
Tsunade stepped forward and took her hand. Wow, this girl's hand is unexpectedly smooth. She couldn't help but give it a squeeze, which made Yugito blush.
However, due to Tsunade's enthusiasm, she didn't say anything.
Tsunade realized her behavior might have been a bit inappropriate. She cleared her throat and said, "We're all family here. Besides, under the leadership of my future husband, Konoha Village is no longer the Konoha of the past."
"What do slander and curses matter? Real gold and silver are the truth. Kumogakure, Iwagakure, Sunagakure—aside from that small island nation's Kirigakure—which one doesn't owe Konoha hundreds of millions?"
"We've probably already been cursed to high heaven by them in secret. As for you, Yugito, my friend, the reason Kumogakure is condemning Konoha isn't because you're worthless, but because you're too important, too influential!" Tsunade clapped her on the shoulder.
"You need to understand that the enemy's curses are the best compliments to yourself. They're afraid of you contributing to Konoha, worried about you becoming a part of it. They want to exploit your kind and upright nature to force you out of the village, then finish you off with a single strike." Tsunade's words were clear and logical.
Yugito's mind was shaken. She couldn't help but open her mouth slightly. So that's how it is? They're not condemning me because I'm worthless, but because I'm too outstanding, and they want to force me out of the village!
With Tsunade's guidance, Yugito instantly saw the light. She looked at Tsunade sincerely and said solemnly, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
Tsunade waved her hand. "Mumu, can I call you that?"
Yugito blushed and nodded. "Of course."
"From now on, don't call me 'Lady' either. Just call me Tsunade. We're good sisters from now on!" Tsunade grinned broadly, wrapping her arm around Yugito's shoulder and tilting her nose up proudly.
Yugito's heart was filled with warmth. In Kumogakure, Jinchūriki were not only monitored but also trained. They were only allowed to befriend people approved by higher-ups.
As for other bonds, don't even think about it. On one hand, it was to foster closeness between Jinchūriki and the higher-ups.
On the other hand, it was to prevent Jinchūriki from forming their own bonds and committing unforgivable acts of betrayal for the sake of those bonds.
Yugito understood the reasoning, but deep down, she yearned for genuine friendship. Now, in this village she once considered an enemy, she had finally found it!
"Thank you, thank you, Tsunade!" Yugito couldn't help but tear up. Meanwhile, Uchiha Ryun, leaning against the door outside, curled his lips into a smile and teleported away with the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Tsunade held Yugito's hand as they walked through the streets of Konoha, eating snacks, buying clothes, and playing ring toss games.
The usually icy beauty Yugito was now smiling.
Matatabi: "Yugito, you're smiling?" Honestly, Matatabi's heart skipped a beat when it saw Yugito's expression. It was kind of cute.
"Huh?" Yugito was stunned. She looked at the mirror in front of her. The reflection showed her lips curled up, her eyes wide open, and her cheeks flushed, looking utterly charming.
She raised her right hand and touched the corner of her lips. Calming her mind, she savored the joy of this moment and murmured, "So this is what a smile feels like?"
Normally, she might smirk coldly after defeating an enemy or laugh in anger when provoked. But this kind of ordinary, peaceful smile was something she had never experienced before.
Kumogakure taught Jinchūriki that they were war machines, meant to protect their villagers even at the cost of their own lives!
Seeing Yugito smile, Tsunade's eyes sparkled. "Whose little cat is this?"
"Oh, she's mine!" Tsunade hugged Yugito from behind, resting her chin on Yugito's shoulder and blowing into her ear.
"Ngh!" Yugito's face turned red, and her legs went weak. A shiver ran through her body. What was this feeling?
Her breathing grew increasingly heated, and her legs felt even weaker. Tsunade quickly stopped. "Ahem, Mumu, I was just joking."
To her surprise, Yugito's eyes gleamed with a different light. Though her legs were still weak, she steadied herself and nodded with a smile. "It's fine, Tsunade. That feeling just now was special. I liked it."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow and nodded. She had always thought this move felt nice. She liked it too. Uchiha Ryun often did this to her. She suddenly wondered what would happen if a girl did it to another girl.
Turns out, it felt the same. Tsunade grinned and pulled Yugito toward the Senju clan compound. She wanted to introduce her new friend to her grandmother.
Yugito didn't know where Tsunade was taking her, but she trusted Tsunade wouldn't disappoint her!
After all, Tsunade was the first person to hug her waist and blow into her ear.
She didn't fully understand the meaning of such an action, but it felt good. She liked it. As for Tsunade, she was smitten!
Soon after, Tsunade led Yugito to the Senju compound. At that moment, Nawaki had just returned from training with Orochimaru, his whole body aching. Then he saw his older sister holding hands with a beautiful woman, chatting and laughing.
Yugito had already learned how to smile. She gave a faint smile and looked up, immediately spotting Nawaki, who had just returned.
Nawaki's face turned completely red, but he forced himself to stay composed. He bowed slightly and said, "Sis, we have a guest? Who is this?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes. "You stinky brat, go wash up first! You reek of sweat after training! This is my new sister, Yugito."
With that, she pulled Yugito into the compound. Nawaki, however, stood frozen in place, murmuring to himself, "Yugito, huh?" Unbeknownst to him, the corners of his lips curled upward.