"T-Tsunade… maybe you should go change your clothes first…"
Uchiha Shin's face turned even redder as he stammered.
Tsunade tilted her head, the corners of her lips curling up in confusion.
"But… this is my home."
Uchiha Shin felt his mind explode. He quickly lowered his head.
"S-sorry, I—I'll go out first."
With that, he rushed out the door as if fleeing, arriving in the courtyard of the Senju residence.
A cold breeze passed by, clearing his head considerably.
He let out a long breath, looking up at the moon in the sky, his heart pounding.
From inside, Tsunade looked through the window at Uchiha Shin in the courtyard and couldn't help but burst into laughter.
When had she ever noticed that this usually quiet and reserved boy had such a side?
Looking at him bathed in moonlight, she suddenly found him a little handsome.
She shook her head, drew the curtains, and changed into looser yet still proper clothing.
In the courtyard, Uchiha Shin gazed at the moon as its soft light poured down.
As it illuminated him, he suddenly froze.
"The people of today do not see the moon of ancient times, yet this very moon once shone upon those of the past."
The ancient verse slipped naturally from his lips, adding a touch of melancholy to his aura.
Tsunade's hearing was excellent. The moment she heard the poem, she was deeply impressed.
Looking again at Uchiha Shin under the moonlight, she suddenly felt her face grow warm.
"Uchiha Shin-kun, what elegant talent. 'The people of today do not see the moon of ancient times, yet this very moon once shone upon those of the past'…"
"With lines like that, who knows how many girls will fall for you?"
Tsunade said with a smile.
Uchiha Shin turned his head to look at her.
She was now dressed in a loose kimono.
Her fair arms were flawless as she stood beside him, both gazing at the bright moon.
"Tsunade-sama, you flatter me."
Uchiha Shin smiled and gave a slight bow. Technically, he was a Genin while she was a Jonin.
Though they were classmates, in rank she was still his superior.
Tsunade shook her head.
"Uchiha Shin-kun, just call me Tsunade. No need to be so formal. We're not just superior and subordinate—we're also classmates."
Only then did Uchiha Shin raise his head.
This time, Tsunade lifted her chin, looking at the moon.
He took the chance to observe her features up close.
An oval face, high ponytail, bright sparkling eyes.
Her figure was already taking shape, her long legs slender, and the smile at the corner of her lips impossible to hide.
At this moment, the beauty's eyes held only the moon.
The moonlight reflected within them like a shimmering glow.
Suddenly, Tsunade realized something.
She looked up at the man who stood a head taller than her and smiled.
"Uchiha Shin-kun, congratulations. After eighteen years, you finally awakened your Sharingan!"
Her smile was clear and pure.
Unlike others—
There was no mockery, no ridicule.
Only sincere congratulations.
Uchiha Shin's lips curved slightly into a smile.
"You're the first person who has genuinely wished me well."
"Hm? Before this, no one in your clan cared about you or looked after you?"
Tsunade was startled and turned to look at him.
Uchiha Shin smiled faintly.
"They did… once. But for certain reasons, not anymore."
He was speaking of his parents and friends.
When his parents were alive, he had been their cherished treasure.
But during the First Great Ninja War, his father died on the battlefield.
His mother, worn down by grief and illness, passed away the following year.
As for friends, he had once had a few.
But under the instigation of certain clan members, they gradually distanced themselves from him.
In the end, he became a marginal figure within the Uchiha clan.
Tsunade looked at Uchiha Shin, who could still smile in such circumstances.
She suddenly felt that he was far more mature than others his age.
As for the reason—
If she continued asking, it would be tactless.
She shook her head and smiled softly.
"Well then, Uchiha Shin-kun, get some rest early. We set out tomorrow…"
"If you don't rest, you won't be able to get up."
She pointed toward the guest room, stretched lazily, and returned to her bedroom.
Uchiha Shin smiled and followed the direction she pointed.
It was already midnight. At this hour, the entire village was silent.
Aside from patrol units, there was no one on the streets.
With war about to begin, going out at night was forbidden.
If caught, one could easily be suspected as a spy or someone with ill intentions.
So Uchiha Shin could only stay at the Senju residence.
He entered the guest room and saw it was spotless.
It must have been prepared under Lady Mito's instructions.
He couldn't help but feel grateful toward her.
If he remembered correctly, next year—
The Land of Whirlpool would be invaded by the Four Great Nations to seize the Uzumaki bloodline.
No matter what, he had to find a way to prevent that from happening.
His gaze became as firm as stone.
Then he lay down on the bed, pulled the blanket over himself, and fell asleep.
At this time, Uzumaki Mito opened her eyes, got up, and knocked on Tsunade's door.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Who is it?"
Tsunade had just taken off her clothes, her fair legs exposed.
This was her home.
This room was hers, so naturally she didn't feel the need to be overly cautious.
Senju Nawaki had been called away by Orochimaru.
He was being instructed on wartime precautions, along with some private training.
So he wasn't home tonight.
As for Uchiha Shin—
After their earlier conversation, Tsunade was certain of his character.
He definitely wouldn't do something like sneaking around or spying.
Still, in case there was something urgent, she asked who it was.
"It's me."
Uzumaki Mito's voice came from outside, instantly snapping Tsunade to attention.
She loved and respected her grandmother deeply.
After her grandfather passed away, it was Mito who raised her and Nawaki.
Naturally, she held deep affection and respect for her.
Creak…
The door opened.
"Grandma."
Her voice was heard before she was seen, bringing a warm smile to Mito's face.
Her granddaughter's voice was always so pleasant.
But the moment the door opened and she saw Tsunade completely undressed, her expression darkened.
Her brows furrowed, and her voice dropped.
"How many times have I told you? A young lady should sleep properly clothed, yet you never listen!"
"It's one thing when you're alone—but now there's a guest in the house, and you're still so careless! What if someone saw you?!"
Mito scolded angrily.
Tsunade shrank her neck slightly.
She knew her grandmother was truly angry.
Her not-so-often-used brain started working rapidly.
Trying to figure out how to coax her grandmother—
But no matter how she thought, she couldn't come up with anything…