Many villagers didn't even know what a Tailed Beast truly was.
But they did know about the Nine-Tails. And to defeat a monster of that level — that was something only another monster could do.
"That's a hero!"
"I heard it was Lord Liu Yun who ended the war!"
"Really?"
"He's so handsome… I wonder if he has a girlfriend!"
Indeed, no matter the world, appearance mattered.
With golden hair and a wild, regal face like a lion king, Aoyama Ryuyun stood out effortlessly. A few young women even stared dreamily as he passed.
The whispers were far from subtle, and Ryuyun naturally heard every word.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression, however, remained unchanged — calm, unreadable.
He had wanted to suppress news of Ryuyun's deeds, but the achievement of defeating a Tailed Beast was far too grand to hide.
Walking beside him, Tsunade noticed the adoring looks from the girls along the road. Jealousy flared immediately.
"Tch. A bunch of lovestruck idiots," she muttered. You can only look. This old lady can do whatever she wants.
But when she caught Ryuyun's smug expression, she couldn't resist snapping at him.
"I say, you didn't actually take a liking to one of those girls, did you? Want me to introduce you?"
Her tone dripped with mockery — a skill Tsunade had long mastered.
"You're overthinking it," Ryuyun replied lazily. "Having you is already more than enough trouble."
"What do you mean by that? Are you saying I'm unreasonable?"
"Aren't you being unreasonable right now?"
"I—!"
So infuriating! Everyone said that having a boyfriend meant being doted on — yet Tsunade somehow felt that hers only raised her blood pressure daily.
Shikaku and the others, long accustomed to their bickering, simply smiled.
It was hard to believe that the fearsome, hot-tempered Tsunade could act like this in front of anyone.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura exchanged a brief glance.
Indeed — intelligence reports were accurate. There was something unusual between Aoyama Ryuyun and Tsunade.
Soon, the group arrived at the Hokage Building.
The lower-ranking ninja had already dispersed, returning to their families. Only Tsunade, Aoyama Ryuyun, and the Ino–Shika–Chō trio followed Hiruzen and Danzo inside.
"This war was only able to end thanks to all of you," Hiruzen said warmly.
No matter what he thought privately, outwardly he maintained his benevolent Hokage image flawlessly.
Seeing that neither Tsunade nor Ryuyun intended to speak, Nara Shikaku stepped forward and smiled politely.
"It's nothing. This was everyone's effort. If Hokage-sama hadn't guarded the village, we wouldn't have been able to fight at the front lines with peace of mind."
Shikaku's words were textbook diplomacy — practiced, balanced, and perfectly timed.
Hiruzen chuckled, clearly pleased. "Hahaha! As Hokage, it's only natural I protect Konoha! Hahaha!"
…
"Although the battle wasn't long, I'm sure you're all exhausted," he continued kindly. "Take a few days to rest and recover."
Anyone unfamiliar with Hiruzen Sarutobi would have believed his concern was genuine.
"Oh, that's right."
As if something had just occurred to him, his gaze shifted between Tsunade and Ryuyun, a faint curiosity in his tone.
"Tsunade… what exactly is your relationship with Liu Yun?"
Intelligence was one thing — but in Hiruzen's view, it was always better to confirm such matters directly.
Tsunade smiled confidently. Without hesitation, she took Ryuyun's hand and met Hiruzen's eyes head-on.
"This is the man this old lady has chosen."
"…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent. Even Danzo said nothing for a long moment.
Ryuyun, caught off guard by Tsunade's sudden boldness, raised an eyebrow. He hadn't expected her of all people to announce it so openly.
"Hiruzen-sensei, what's wrong?" Tsunade asked sweetly. "Do you disapprove?"
"No! Of course not!"
Pressed by her tone, Hiruzen immediately reverted to his usual warmth.
"You are my most outstanding student. Naturally, I'm happy that you've found someone who makes you happy."
Whatever he was truly thinking, Hiruzen's surface performance remained flawless.
He smiled as he looked at the two of them. "If you really do get married, don't forget to invite me."
"Of course," Tsunade said with a grin.
If you're still alive by then, she thought silently.
Both sides hid their own thoughts behind polite smiles.
"Well then," Hiruzen said, waving his hand, "don't waste any more time with this old man. Go rest."
"Mm."
The group nodded and exited the office together.
…
"See, Hiruzen? I told you — that Aoyama Ryuyun can't be trusted."
Once everyone had left, only Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura remained.
Danzo didn't bother with pleasantries.
Hiruzen rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Danzo."
Do you really need to tell me something so obvious? he thought bitterly. I have eyes, you know.
Lighting a cigarette, Hiruzen exhaled slowly, lost in thought.
Danzo's eyelid twitched.
Does he even realize I'm still here? he thought irritably. Just because you like smoking doesn't mean everyone does, you bastard.
Still, he forced himself to stay. "Hiruzen, let me handle Aoyama Ryuyun."
This time, Hiruzen didn't immediately refuse.
Now that he knew Ryuyun stood firmly at Tsunade's side — and uncertain whether Tsunade herself knew the full truth about her clan's decline — it was safer to act preemptively.
"…Fine," he said at last. "Once his popularity dies down, I'll assign him to an outside mission. By then, make sure your 'Root' is ready."
Danzo's lips curled into a faint, knowing smirk.
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