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The Hidden Leaf Village bustled with its usual energy as the sun rose higher in the sky. The training grounds were alive with the sounds of kunai slicing through targets, students practicing taijutsu, and senseis barking instructions. Amidst this vibrant backdrop, Tsunade stood glaring at Ronglin, her hands trembling slightly with suppressed rage.
"This... this can't be happening..."
For a moment, Tsunade's mind was in chaos. She hadn't considered such possibilities before, and now she found herself viewing things from Ronglin's perspective—imagining Asuma sneaking around like Jiraiya. The thought of him crouched outside a hot spring inn, drooling and leering at women bathing made her skin crawl. Shaking her head to dispel the image, she snapped, "Brat!! Are you doing this on purpose?!"
"Believe what you want."
Ronglin shrugged nonchalantly, pretending to focus on the scroll in his hands while stealing a glance at Tsunade out of the corner of his eye. Though he appeared indifferent on the surface, inwardly, he cared more than he let on.
Tsunade couldn't bear to imagine Asuma turning into another Jiraiya. Should she kick him to death or punch him half-dead if that happened? Being the queen-like figure she was, her line of thinking differed from ordinary women. While most women would worry about their relationship breaking down or whether they'd split up, Tsunade wasn't one to foolishly investigate such matters.
Though half-convinced by Ronglin's words, she wouldn't stoop to tracking Asuma like some insecure girlfriend. Even if he did something inappropriate, investigating would only make her look foolish. Still, Ronglin's comments had stirred her thoughts into disarray.
Glancing at Ronglin, who seemed engrossed in studying, Tsunade secretly wondered if the boy had intentionally planted these ideas to confuse her. Reflecting on the men she knew—the Third Hokage, Jiraiya, Minato always glued to Kushina, her father, grandfather—it dawned on her that she might be overthinking things.
"Ho ho ho~"
Watching Tsunade's fluctuating expressions covertly, Ronglin struggled to suppress his laughter. Pretending to immerse himself in learning, he wondered if Tsunade would chase after Asuma immediately. To his disappointment, she didn't—an indirect proof that Tsunade wasn't bound by the same impulses as ordinary women.
Meanwhile, far away at a tavern, Asuma sat drinking with his teammates. They understood the pressure he was under and wisely avoided mentioning Tsunade, choosing instead to silently accompany him in his misery. What Ronglin hadn't said—but could have—was that a frustrated man's courage grew exponentially when drunk.
As alcohol clouded Asuma's judgment, images of Tsunade lingered in his mind. Their relationship had become strained due to their busy schedules—he constantly on missions, she buried in hospital work and mentoring newcomers. Months passed without them meeting properly; brief exchanges replaced meaningful conversations. This left Asuma feeling unfulfilled.
Things unsaid during sobriety flowed freely under intoxication, especially among friends egging him on. Thus, Asuma became unusually talkative, spilling details he normally kept private. By morning, rumors about Tsunade and Asuma spread throughout the village.
BAM!
The scrolls on the table bounced high as Tsunade slammed her fist down. Startled, Ronglin looked up at her furious expression, utterly perplexed.
"Did you know this would happen?! Did you?!"
"What are you talking about?"
Ronglin blinked innocently, genuinely puzzled. He'd spent the entire night studying jutsu scrolls, so how could he possibly know anything?
Still, judging from Tsunade's demeanor, it wasn't hard to guess why she was angry. After all, In his previous life knew a thing or two about gossip-worthy scandals. Without some skill, how could anyone stir emotions?
"Did Asuma really say those things?"
A smirk tugged at Ronglin's lips as clarity returned to his once-hazy mind.
"Uchiha Ronglin, watch your tone!!"
Tsunade gritted her teeth, barely containing her fury. That morning, she'd heard whispers about her and Asuma—and worse, they supposedly came straight from Asuma's mouth! She wanted to confront him immediately but discovered he'd already left the village for a secret mission. With no outlet for her anger, she simmered silently.
As for Asuma, oblivious to the rumors circulating back home, he remained blissfully unaware of the trouble brewing. Focused on completing his mission, he fantasized about spending more quality time with Tsunade upon his return. Little did he know, his drunken ramblings had undermined any chance of reconciliation.
"Anger won't change facts, will it?"
Unfazed by Tsunade's wrath, Ronglin remained calm. Her intimidating facade was just that—a facade. If she had been truly enraged, she'd remain silent, brooding quietly. In that case, Ronglin would've buried himself in his studies without hesitation.
But Orochimaru… now that guy was insane. How many scrolls had he amassed? Most were ordinary techniques, sure, but still valuable. Selling them could fetch quite a sum.
"Fine, I admit I'm furious. But you seem to have anticipated this. What exactly are you hiding?"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Ronglin. Something about him had felt off since the beginning, especially after he'd subtly warned her. And now, here they were.
"You're overthinking this, Lady Tsunade. Your age makes you old enough to be my mother!"
Ronglin emphasized the words "Lady" and "mother," ensuring maximum impact.
"GET OUT!!"
Tsunade's murderous aura flared. No woman liked being reminded of her age, especially not someone pushing thirty. Ronglin's comment hit harder than intended.
Shrugging, Ronglin continued, "So no, I harbor no ulterior motives toward you. Do you think I'd sabotage your relationship with Asuma just to worm my way in?"
Facing a woman like Tsunade—explosive both physically and emotionally, with unparalleled strength—was enough to make any man's heart race. Yet ambition required more than desire alone. Glancing down at his small frame, Ronglin decided to shelve those impractical fantasies.
"Pfft~"
Despite her lingering anger, Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle at Ronglin's audacity. If anyone else had said such things, she might have suspected foul play. But a seven-year-old brat like Ronglin? Impossible. Perhaps it was all unintentional. As for Asuma... maybe it was her fault after all?