Chapter 146: Just Go for It!

"This is only our first date. Isn't this a bit too fast?" Young Tsunade turned her face away, trying to hide her blushing cheeks.

"Sorry, sorry..."

The apology was accompanied by hearty laughter, though it sounded more like teasing than genuine regret.

Amidst the playful laughter, young Tsunade hurriedly escaped to the bathroom, where she brushed her teeth, washed her face, and even took a quick shower.

When she returned to the room, the fresh fragrance of her post-bath skin filled the air. Her face was flushed from the heat of the steam, and her exposed skin glowed with a soft, rosy hue. Droplets of water clung to her still-damp golden hair, shimmering like tiny jewels.

"You were in there for almost an hour, weren't you?"

The older Tsunade glanced at her and, estimating the time, smirked teasingly.

"Was it really that long?"

The younger Tsunade seemed lost in thought, unsure of how much time had passed.

"You really have no sense of time, do you?"

The older Tsunade pulled back the blanket she was sitting on. She was dressed in a simple nightgown, but given her curvaceous figure, it was impossible not to notice just how well that nightgown fit.

"Come here, let me help you get ready."

She took the younger Tsunade's hand and led her to the dressing table. Using a blow dryer, she carefully dried her hair and styled it into twin ponytails, identical to her own, cascading down her back.

"Thank you," the younger Tsunade said, then turned to the wardrobe to select her outfit. After some rustling sounds, she was dressed and ready.

The sun peeked through the clouds, lighting up the day—it was already late morning.

Tōshirō, who lived with them, opened the door just then, clearly intending to check on them. Though he had seen them countless times before, the sight of the younger Tsunade made his heart race a little.

"Tsunade, can you check if my hair looks okay? Is anything sticking up?"

The younger Tsunade nervously patted her hair while glancing in the mirror.

"Oh, come on. Why are you so nervous? It's just a date!"

The older Tsunade grinned mischievously and gave her a playful push out the door. Watching her younger self brought back memories of her own first date.

"Wait, I'm not ready yet!"

The younger Tsunade protested but was half-pushed out of the room. As soon as she stepped out, she bumped into someone—a tall figure. When she looked up, her gaze locked with his deep, enigmatic eyes.

"Good morning. What are you doing here?"

She quickly looked away, unable to meet his gaze directly, her eyes darting over his attire instead.

Today, Tōshirō wore a crisp white shirt, black trousers, a black leather belt, and simple sneakers with a prominent swoosh logo—clean and fresh.

"I came to get you two since Shizune asked me to check. You were taking forever to come out."

While explaining, Tōshirō also sized up her appearance. Her twin ponytails, sleeveless top, lace-trimmed skirt, over-the-knee white socks, and polished Mary Jane shoes gave her an energetic, youthful vibe.

His Sharingan activated, its crimson glow reflecting the three swirling tomoe as he gazed at her.

"Why are you staring at me?"

The younger Tsunade fidgeted nervously, her hands clasped in front of her, exuding a shy, girlish charm.

"This outfit suits you perfectly," he said with a smile.

"Really? Thank you," she replied, a hint of confusion in her expression. "But... why did you activate your Sharingan?"

"I wanted to etch today's version of you into my memory forever."

The red glow of his eyes was intense yet soft, carrying an almost affectionate warmth.

"You're ridiculous," she muttered, though the corners of her mouth betrayed a rising smile she couldn't suppress.

"Alright, let's go," he said, holding out his hand.

They bid farewell to the older Tsunade and Shizune, deciding to skip breakfast at home.

As they walked, the two trailed behind them, silently exchanging a knowing glance before following at a distance.

During their walk, the younger Tsunade kept her head down, distracted, and didn't notice Tōshirō stopping. Inevitably, she bumped into him.

"What's wrong?"

"I was just thinking… we're on a date now, aren't we?"

"Yeah, we are."

Tsunade's straightforward answer revealed her nervousness.

"You're really something else," Tōshirō said, turning to face her. "Give me your hand."

"Why?"

"Just do it. You're so indecisive today—not at all like the person I know."

"Fine, fine. Stop rushing me," she mumbled, hesitating for a moment before shyly holding out her hand.

"Alright, here we go."

Without giving her time to react, Tōshirō took her hand and intertwined his fingers with hers.

The younger Tsunade gasped in surprise.

"When we're on a date, I want us to be closer," he said, holding her hand firmly.

"If you don't like it, I'll stop..." Tōshirō loosened his grip and began to turn away.

Before he could take a few steps, she tugged lightly at his sleeve.

"I... I'm okay with it," she murmured.

With a deep breath, she mustered her courage, stepping closer to loop her arm around his. The sleeveless top allowed him to feel her cool, soft skin against his arm.

"How's this?"

Her voice wavered with uncertainty, but she held on tightly.

"It feels like my arm is about to break," he joked.

"What? I didn't use my strength!"

"I'm just teasing you."

"You're so annoying..."

After a brief moment of playful banter, they grew more comfortable with each other.

Walking side by side, the younger Tsunade smiled softly as she held onto Tōshirō's arm. "Where to next?"

"Breakfast, of course! We didn't eat before we left, remember?"

"Ah, true."

In Love, Tsunade Forgot About This Matter.

The two arrived at a bustling breakfast shop.

Young Tsunade had an incredible appetite. She immediately ordered a table full of food and started devouring it like a "gluttonous beast" Jinchūriki, eating with no restraint.

Tōshirō rested his chin on one hand, quietly watching her.

Noticing that Tōshirō wasn't eating and was just staring at her, young Tsunade paused and asked, "Why are you watching me? Aren't you eating?"

Tōshirō smiled and replied, "I find watching you eat with such relish quite amusing."

If young Tsunade were living in her past life, she'd definitely be a hit as a mukbang streamer.

"Hey, don't you find it disappointing?" she asked.

Tōshirō looked puzzled.

"Because I don't eat like a refined and graceful Yamato Nadeshiko. Men usually prefer women with elegant eating manners, right?"

Perhaps because she now had someone in her heart, she started overthinking her table manners, which she had never cared about before.

Tōshirō shook his head. "Those kinds of women are too fake. I prefer someone as genuine as you."

"Even if you're flattering me... I won't be happy about it..." Young Tsunade said, but her face was full of joy.

She picked up a bun from her bowl and placed it in Tōshirō's. "Here, eat this. Stop watching me eat. It's embarrassing."

"Alright."

After finishing breakfast, Tōshirō suggested going to the cinema.

At this time, cinemas were already a thing.

"What's a cinema?" Young Tsunade asked. Ever since arriving in this era, she'd mostly stayed by the older Tsunade's side, learning medical ninjutsu. Tōshirō was the one investigating related information.

"You'll find out when we get there," Tōshirō said mysteriously, pulling young Tsunade along to the cinema. The movie playing that day was a major film starring an international celebrity, Koyuki Kazahana. The audience was large, and it took some effort for them to find seats.

As the big screen flickered, young Tsunade's eyes lit up. Having never seen such advanced technology in her era, she grabbed Tōshirō's hand, cheering excitedly.

Her overly loud voice drew the dissatisfaction of the people around them.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Tōshirō quickly calmed her down.

Realizing her mistake, young Tsunade immediately covered her mouth to avoid being scolded.

After the movie, the two walked out of the cinema. Young Tsunade, full of excitement, gestured animatedly as she recounted everything she had just seen. Everything in this era was so new to her—it was simply amazing.

Tōshirō explained what movies were to her.

"Huh... How do you know so much?"

"Unlike you, who's always studying, I wander around collecting information. Naturally, I learn a lot."

Hearing this, young Tsunade pouted with a hint of envy. "Must be nice. I'm the only one working hard on medical studies, while you just wander around playing."

Tōshirō soothed her slight annoyance. "Well, there's no helping it..."

As they talked, a spring breeze swept through, rustling the treetops. A few leaves fell onto Tsunade's head, and among them was a small bug.

Tōshirō noticed it and said, "Don't move."

He leaned closer to her.

Having just watched a movie, and being on a date, young Tsunade naturally misunderstood his actions.

Ah~ So soon?

Is he going to… do that?

Alright…

She mentally prepared herself.

Unaware of her thoughts, Tōshirō gently removed the leaves from her head.

"Uh… Mm…"

Young Tsunade puckered her lips slightly.

After removing the leaves, Tōshirō noticed her strange behavior. She had her eyes closed, her lashes trembling, and her lips slightly puckered as she leaned closer.

"There was a bug on your head. I removed it," he said.

"…Huh?"

The breeze carried away a few leaves but couldn't take away young Tsunade's fluttering heart.

"Oh, uh… Is that so? That's good then," she stammered, her focus entirely on Tōshirō, unaware there had been leaves on her head.

If Tōshirō knew what I was thinking earlier, would he think I was indecent or overly forward?

Embarrassed, she glanced at Tōshirō out of the corner of her eye before quickly looking away.

Tōshirō wasn't oblivious and picked up on her behavior.

Her earlier actions… Was she thinking about...?

He directly asked, "Did you want a kiss?"

"What nonsense are you spouting?! We've only been dating for a short time, and it's not like I'm interested in kissing or anything! It's just that… you looked like you were going to lean in, so I… just anticipated it… That's all! Ahh, why am I even explaining this!" Flustered, young Tsunade's cheeks turned as red as apples.

"Oh, I see. Then never mind..."

"You idiot! How can you just say 'never mind'?! You're supposed to take responsibility! No, wait—anyway, I have to meet the older Tsunade tomorrow to learn ninjutsu. This date was fine, goodbye!"

She turned and bolted like a startled rabbit, disappearing in an instant.

She's fast… No wonder she's destined to reach a '10' in physical stats someday, Tōshirō thought.

Suddenly, a familiar voice yelled out in frustration, "You idiot! How could you just let her run away at a time like this?!"

That voice…

The older Tsunade?

Tōshirō looked toward the source but saw only bushes.

Hidden in the bushes, Shizune restrained the older Tsunade, pressing a finger to her lips. "Tsunade-sama, please calm down."

Tōshirō shook his head, exasperated.

He could sense there were people in the bushes—most likely the older Tsunade and Shizune, bored and following them to spy on their date.

He didn't dwell on it and ran in the direction young Tsunade had fled.

Meanwhile, the older Tsunade muttered in frustration.

I should've just jumped in and taken over! Why waste time on this slow-paced, ambiguous nonsense?

(End of Chapter)

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