Tsunade could only turn her head away, not daring to look directly at Aoyama Ryūun. Even her ears had turned red.
It wasn't until they arrived at the Hokage Building that she finally managed to calm down.
"Yo, Tsunade!"
Jiraiya, with his trademark white hair, stood beside Orochimaru, both already waiting inside.
Seeing her approach, Jiraiya's expression lit up with curiosity. He had been trying to find Tsunade for days, but every time he went to the Senju compound, she was nowhere to be found.
"Tsunade, where have you been lately? Haven't seen you around at all."
"None of your business," she snapped, crossing her arms.
What was she supposed to say—that she'd been staying at Aoyama Ryūun's place all this time? Not a chance.
"Uh…" Jiraiya scratched his head helplessly. Tsunade had always treated him like this, and by now, he was used to her sharp tongue.
Just as he was about to say more, Jiraiya noticed Aoyama Ryūun walking beside her.
"Wait a second—you two?"
Weren't they supposed to be rivals? Why were they walking together… looking like that?
Being stared at so intently made Tsunade's composure crumble. Her eyes widened, and she immediately raised her voice, flustered.
"What about us two? There's nothing between us! Absolutely nothing! Hmph!"
She stormed past him toward the Hokage's office, not giving Jiraiya the chance to reply.
Aoyama Ryūun merely smiled faintly and followed her in without saying a word.
"Uh… what did I even say?" Jiraiya mumbled, completely lost.
He turned to Orochimaru, who was watching him with that familiar, bored expression.
"Idiot."
Orochimaru's tone was sharp, his golden eyes narrowing slightly.
Unlike Jiraiya, Orochimaru could read the situation instantly. Tsunade's flustered reaction told him everything. She was definitely interested in Aoyama Ryūun.
That fact alone piqued Orochimaru's curiosity.
He actually made Tsunade fall for him? Interesting.
Without another word, Orochimaru strode into the Hokage Building.
"Hey! Who are you calling an idiot, you stinky snake!" Jiraiya barked, chasing after him.
Of course, it was a one-sided argument. Orochimaru didn't even bother responding, only rolling his eyes occasionally in irritation.
Can't this fool ever shut up?
---
Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was tense. By the time Aoyama Ryūun and Tsunade entered, many clan heads and elite jōnin had already gathered.
The Elder Council—Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado—and the ever-present Danzo Shimura were all there.
After all, this meeting concerned the outbreak of another Shinobi World War.
"I believe everyone has already heard," Hiruzen Sarutobi began gravely, "the forces of Sunagakure have launched a renewed assault on Konoha's border."
Normally, the Third Hokage would speak with deliberation, but with the front lines already engaged, there was no time for hesitation.
"Tch. Isn't this all because of you idiots?"
The only person bold enough to say that aloud in the Hokage's office was Senju Tsunade.
Aoyama Ryūun, standing beside her, wasn't even surprised.
"Tsunade, what did you say?" Koharu Utatane frowned deeply, her voice sharp with indignation.
Tsunade didn't back down an inch. "You heard me! If it weren't for your stupid decisions, White Fang wouldn't be dead—and this war wouldn't have reignited!"
"You—you're being insolent!" Koharu sputtered, her face red with rage.
Since becoming an Elder, few dared to challenge her authority. Yet Tsunade, the Princess of the Senju Clan, clearly didn't care for titles or rank.
"Insolent? I'll be insolent to your whole family if I feel like it! If you've got a problem, step up and fight me!"
Koharu froze, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. Fight Tsunade? Not a chance.
At her age—and with her current level of strength—she wouldn't last two seconds.
Around the room, clan leaders and jonin avoided eye contact, wisely staying silent. None of them dared offend either the Elder Council or the Senju heir.
"Cough, cough…"
Finally, Hiruzen Sarutobi broke the tension. "Alright, Tsunade. We all regret White Fang's death, but this has nothing to do with the Elders."
"Hmph."
Tsunade crossed her arms, saying nothing more. She was impulsive, yes—but not stupid. Picking a fight with Hiruzen himself before reaching Kage-level power would be reckless.
Still, Hiruzen found her attitude troubling.
In the past, Tsunade had been hot-tempered, but never openly hostile toward the village leadership.
Could it be that she already knew something about the truth behind Sakumo's death?
Hiruzen hid his thoughts behind a calm mask. "Let's return to the matter at hand. The Sunagakure front will remain under your command, Tsunade."
It was a logical choice. Suna's puppet users relied heavily on poison, and Tsunade was the foremost medical expert in Konoha—her antidotes had saved countless lives.
And besides, her monstrous strength made her a nightmare for puppeteers.
No one objected.
Because when it came to fighting Suna… there was no one more suited than the Slug Princess herself.