A dozen minutes later.
Tsunade escorted a group of women out of the female changing room.
Deterred by Tsunade’s formidable aura earlier, there was currently not a soul outside.
“Lady Tsunade, thank you so much today…” “Yeah, if it weren’t for you, we really wouldn’t have known what to do…” “You truly are the guardian deity of us Konoha women!” “…” The group of women looked at Tsunade gratefully.
Tsunade kept a straight face and nodded solemnly.
“It’s only what I should do.” “You were all frightened today as well, so hurry home.” The women offered their thanks repeatedly, not daring to linger, and quickly departed.
Tsunade watched silently.
Although she hadn’t gotten to take a bath today, inside the changing room earlier, under the pretext of helping out, she had certainly taken hands-on action plenty of times.
She had helped several younger girls, who were trembling with fear, dress and tie their sashes.
Having had so much close physical contact, it could be considered a complete success.
Tsunade thought to herself delightedly.
Watching the women scatter and leave, Tsunade patted the dust off her hands, just about to make a break for it herself.
Just then, a young girl from behind the changing room’s door curtain…
…cautiously poked half her head out.
Tsunade’s eyes lit up instantly.
This was it!
The young girl looked to be only about twelve years old.
Her skin was fair and delicate, her facial features refined.
Her eyes were large and bright.
A total beauty in the making.
At this moment, she was wearing a light purple yukata.
Her wet hair draped over her shoulders, water still dripping from the tips.
“Lady Tsunade…” The young girl spoke softly in a sweet, gentle voice.
“Earlier…
thank you so much.” She took a few steps forward and bowed deeply to Tsunade.
“If you hadn’t stepped up in time to guide everyone, I really don’t know what would have happened.” Tsunade immediately put on a kindly smile and walked over.
Naturally, she reached out and patted the girl’s head, which was still damp.
“Don’t be afraid, little sister.
With your Big Bro—ahem, Big Sis here, no one can bully us women!” Hearing these bold and heroic words, the girl looked up, her eyes gleaming.
“Lady Tsunade, having you in Konoha really brings such peace of mind.” “Hahaha, not at all, it’s only what I should do, what I should do~” Tsunade waved her hand, secretly overjoyed, and seized the chance to ask: “By the way, little sister, what’s your name?
I don’t think I’ve seen you at the bathhouse before?” The girl blushed slightly and answered with a touch of bashfulness: “My name is Uchiha Mikoto.” Mikoto~ “Eh?” Tsunade froze for a moment.
Uchiha Mikoto?
The wife of Uchiha Fugaku, the next Clan Chief of the Uchiha?
The mother of Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke?
The number one beauty of the Uchiha?!
No wonder she was so pretty!
“Lady Tsunade?
Do you know me?” Mikoto tilted her head to look at her, curiosity in her eyes.
Tsunade snapped out of it and laughed heartily.
“Of course I’ve heard of you!
The prettiest girl in the Uchiha Clan, how could I not know?” Mikoto’s face instantly flushed red.
“N-No way…
Lady Tsunade is the one with much more feminine charm.” “Feminine charm?” Tsunade wrinkled her nose and took a couple of sniffs.
No feminine charm here.
She was just covered in smelly sweat.
However, she keenly noticed that Uchiha Mikoto was stealthily peeking at her chest.
Ah, understood.
So that was the feminine charm she was talking about~!
Tsunade rolled her eyes thoughtfully.
Generously reaching out, she draped an arm straight around Uchiha Mikoto’s shoulders.
Pulling her into her chest.
“Ah, don’t compare that!
You’re still young, plenty of room to grow in the future!” As she spoke, she secretly inhaled deeply of Uchiha Mikoto’s sweet scent.
Counteracting the smell of sweat on herself.
“Mmh—!” Mikoto bumped right into Tsunade’s chest and was left somewhat breathless.
Yet she did not struggle.
“Lady Tsunade’s body is so soft, warm, comfortable, and comforting…” She raised her head, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Tsunade.
“Lady Tsunade, your skills earlier were amazing!” “You sent that peeping bastard flying with just one punch…
I couldn’t even see how you threw it!” “Ah?
That…” Tsunade scratched the back of her head, feeling a bit embarrassed.
After all, the one sent flying was her “accomplice” and “scapegoat.” “Actually it was just…
a bit of raw strength, no real technique behind it.” Mikoto shook her head repeatedly, saying in all earnestness: “It wasn’t just raw strength!” “You rushed over, shattered the tiles, blocked those men’s vision, and even commanded us to take cover.” “The whole process was so fast and decisive!” “It really was incredible!” Tsunade felt a bit flattered by the praise, but she still stayed modest aloud.
“Keep it low-key, low-key, routine operation.” Seeing her feign composure like this, Mikoto couldn’t help giggling, then quickly covered her mouth.
“What are you laughing at?” “Nothing…
I just think Lady Tsunade is so fun.” Tsunade raised an eyebrow: “Fun?” “Mhm!
So amazing, fun, and so gentle…” As Mikoto spoke, she lowered her head again, her voice growing smaller and smaller.
“I wish I could be like you.” Looking at the young girl’s adoring expression, Tsunade felt overjoyed inside.
She reached out and patted Mikoto’s head once more.
“In the future, if anyone bullies you out there, drop my name.
Got it?” Mikoto snapped her head up, her dark eyes surging with eager light.
“Really?
I can?” “When have I ever lied to anyone?” “Mm!
I’ll remember that!” Mikoto nodded heavily, then thought for a moment before adding softly: “Then…
can I come see you in the future?
To take a bath together.” Uchiha Mikoto looked at Tsunade with expectant eyes.
“Of course!
You’re welcome anytime!” Tsunade answered with a serious look.
Mikoto nodded vigorously, thrilled beyond belief.
That appearance was just like a fan noticed by her idol.
Tsunade was delighted as well.
“Tsk tsk, successfully gained a little fangirl!” “Although she’s a bit young right now, her growth potential is immense!” “Feelings are something…
that need to be nurtured from a young age~ Hehe.” Just as she was daydreaming…
In the distance, a sudden rush of hurried footsteps was heard.
A young man wearing Konoha Ninja clothes ran over quickly.
The moment he saw Tsunade, his eyes lit up.
“Awesome!
Lady Tsunade!
You really are here!” Tsunade’s heart sank, a bad premonition washing over her.
She released her hold on Mikoto’s shoulder and turned around.
“What’s wrong?
Why are you in such a panic?” “Lord Jiraiya…
he was seriously injured!” The Ninja gasped for breath and spoke at top speed: “Just now, it was like he was thrown out of the sky, slamming heavily beside the training ground.” “Several of his ribs are broken, and his arm is fractured!” “The Medical Ninjas are trying to save him, but he’s too heavily injured, he’s nearly dying…” “Please go take a look quickly!” Tsunade’s mouth twitched.
At the time, she had only cared about “better a Fellow Daoist suffer than myself.” It seemed…
she really hadn’t controlled her power much?
After all, Monster Strength was something she had just taken over.
She hadn’t fully mastered distinguishing the force between a “Friendship Face-Smashing Punch” and a “Lethal Strike.” I hope I didn’t actually beat Jiraiya to death…
“Ahem!
I’m on my way.” Without offering much explanation, she turned back to Mikoto.
“Mikoto, let’s call it a day for now.
I have to go deal with something, let’s bathe together next time~” Mikoto nodded obediently.
“Okay, Lady Tsunade.
Be careful on the way!” Tsunade chuckled: “What do I need to be careful of?
It’s not like I’m injured.” With that, she sprinted off, dashing towards the training grounds in the west of the village.
Mikoto stood in place, gazing at her departing figure.
That silhouette was upright and sharp, carrying a decisive, ready-to-go air.
Her long blonde hair tossed in a beautiful arc under the sunlight.
The hem of her clothes fluttered.
She ran further and further away.
Mikoto slowly clutched her heart.
She could hear her own heartbeat.
Thump, thump.
Fast and heavy.
“Lady Tsunade…
is so cool…” “I really want to become a woman like Lady Tsunade.” As the wind blew, the corner of her yukata gently fluttered.
Mikoto’s cute nose twitched slightly.
She sniffed her body, smelling Tsunade’s lingering scent.
“Lady Tsunade’s scent…
really smells so nice…” Having spoken softly, a faint blush immediately washed over her face.
But soon, she clenched her little fist.
“I will become stronger.” “To become like Lady Tsunade.” “And send all those stinky men who bully us flying!” The setting sun pulled her shadow long.
The young girl’s secret feelings quietly took root.