Chapter 42: Beauty Under the Moonlight

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In his past life as a gamer, Sasame's favorite activity had been scavenging—digging through every nook and cranny for loot.

Logically speaking, collecting spoils after a battle should have been the same.

But now, he was rich. These impoverished Cloud ninja weren't worth his time.

Besides, the two Jonin had been pummeled beyond recognition by Tsunade's massive fists, their bodies a bloody mess—disgusting to even look at.

Yet, Kabuto Yakushi didn't seem to mind at all, meticulously gathering anything useful.

Sasame sighed. At this rate, you're really going to become the ultimate support and auto-farming bot.

Tsunade waited for a moment, her brow furrowed in discomfort. The stench of blood clung to her, making her skin crawl.

This wasn't just about cleanliness—no one could tolerate this.

She glanced at Kabuto and Shizune, who were still cleaning up the battlefield, then turned her gaze to Sasame, who was happily slacking off.

"Come here."

"Huh?"

Sasame, who had no intention of rifling through dead men's belongings, immediately trotted over at her call.

"I remember we passed a river this afternoon. Come with me and keep watch."

Tsunade pinched his chin, smiling as she asked, "Can I trust you, little brother?"

"Of course!"

Sasame thumped his chest confidently. "I won't let anyone get close!"

Tsunade blinked in surprise.

She had actually been referring to him peeking.

But seeing the sincerity in his clear, guileless eyes, she felt a pang of guilt.

How could I think that way? He's a good kid—not like those perverted men who can't control their eyes.

The river wasn't wide, but it stretched far.

Tsunade found a section where the water cascaded down a small waterfall.

Sasame sat on a large rock a few meters away.

The moonlight was beautiful tonight.

From a distance, Tsunade glanced at him—his silhouette almost ethereal, like some kind of mythical spirit under the silver glow.

With her skills, she'd definitely notice if he tried to peek.

And honestly… she did trust him.

Her fingers hesitated as they touched the hem of her clothes. For some reason, her cheeks warmed, her heart pounding inexplicably.

For a fleeting moment, she wasn't sure whether she wanted him to look or not.

Under the cold moonlight, Tsunade's delicate bare feet stepped into the water, ripples spreading as she waded toward the center.

Her flawless, jade-like figure slowly submerged beneath the surface.

Her shimmering eyes lingered on Sasame's back, and an inexplicable disappointment flickered in her chest.

"…Do I really have no charm at all?"

She cupped a handful of water, letting it trickle down her body in glistening rivulets.

The sight was no less breathtaking than the moon itself.

Yet, there was no one to appreciate it.

Sasame stared fixedly into the distance, silently reciting Nie Feng's Heart-Freezing Mantra in his mind.

"Heart as calm as ice, unshaken even if the sky collapses."

What kind of veteran could withstand this kind of test?!

Two tiny versions of himself were wrestling in his head.

To peek or not to peek—that was the question.

But in the end, he didn't.

First, Tsunade would notice.

Second, it might backfire.

She had asked him to stand guard precisely because she thought he was an innocent boy.

Can't ruin the act now.

Before long, Tsunade emerged, dressed in fresh clothes, her bare feet padding onto the shore.

"You did well. Should I reward you?"

Her gaze softened as she looked at him, pausing before adding, "Anything you want."

What's this? Another test?

Do I look like that kind of person?!

Sasame tilted his head innocently. "I was just doing my duty. No reward needed."

Retreat to advance.

As expected, Tsunade found him even more endearing.

She leaned down and planted a kiss on his forehead.

The sensation was warm and soft.

Instinctively, he looked up—and was met with a sight even fairer than the moonlight.

Water droplets trailed down snowy peaks.

Combined with Tsunade's current posture and expression, it was enough to send his heart racing.

I'm in love. Truly.

Sasame's dream was now set in stone.

"Alright, let's head back."

Tsunade ruffled his hair, then sat on the rock he had been on earlier, stretching out her long legs as she prepared to put on her shoes.

Sasame had a sudden idea. "Let me help."

"Sure."

Tsunade didn't suspect a thing.

After all, he hadn't peeked—her trust in him was absolute.

Besides, sitting made it awkward to put on shoes anyway.

As his foster mother, accepting his help wasn't a big deal.

Sasame knelt, admiring her cute toes and smooth feet before suppressing his excitement and carefully slipping on her sandals.

"Done."

Tsunade stood, bouncing lightly on her feet. "Not bad at all."

Sasame agreed. Very bouncy indeed.

They returned to their temporary camp—not the Cloud outpost, but a secluded spot they'd found.

Kabuto and Shizune had already finished organizing everything and were waiting for them.

"Sensei, there's some intel here."

"Oh?"

Tsunade released Sasame's hand, scanning the documents quickly.

They mentioned recent movements in Kumogakure.

Something was off.

The Cloud ninja were aggressively dismantling Konoha's outposts—almost as if they were mobilizing their entire force.

"Are they preparing for an all-out war? Doesn't seem like it."

Tsunade frowned in thought.

The Fourth Raikage alone couldn't wage a full-scale war.

Unless they brought in the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki.

This seemed more like an attempt to force a favorable negotiation after a few victories.

"Tomorrow, we'll reach the location where Team Akimichi Shitō went missing. If no one's there, we retreat immediately."

She made her decision swiftly—complete the mission first.

With Uchiha Fugaku and Hyūga Hiashi holding the fort in Konoha, they could afford to wait a little longer.

"Rest up."

Tsunade tucked away the documents. "Everyone's exhausted tonight, and there might be another tough battle tomorrow. So go to sleep—I'll take first watch."

"Yes."

Kabuto and Shizune retreated to their respective tents.

"You too."

Tsunade glanced at Sasame, who hadn't moved. Her tone softened. "You're still young. You need proper sleep."

"No."

Sasame shook his head. "It'll be boring if you're alone. I'll keep you company."

"Absolutely not!"

Her voice turned stern. "Listen to me. Go to bed, or I'll get angry—and spank you."

"Then let's compromise."

Sasame quickly came up with a solution, pulling out a sleeping bag. "You keep watch. I'll sleep right next to you."

Tsunade couldn't help but laugh. "Fine, fine. You win, clever little devil."

She agreed mainly because… it didn't sound too bad.

Exhausted from the night's battle, Sasame fell asleep almost instantly.

Tsunade turned her head, studying his face in the dim light.

A strange warmth fluttered in her chest—like a soft paw gently brushing against her heart.

Unable to resist, she leaned down like a sneaky cat stealing a treat… and stole a kiss.

The Next Day

The four of them set out again.

An hour later, they reached their destination—not a forest, but a valley.

Kabuto closed his eyes, activating his sensory jutsu.

"No one's here… Wait. There's someone on the northern side of the valley. Barely alive."

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