Chapter 53: Tsunade's Weakness

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Tsunade rested her head on Sasame's lap and closed her eyes.

"I'm starting now."

After announcing, Sasame gently brushed aside Tsunade's bangs and began massaging her forehead.

Truthfully, he knew nothing about proper massage techniques.

But how hard could it be? Just kneading and pressing in a steady rhythm.

Within minutes, Tsunade's body relaxed.

Already exhausted, the soothing touch lulled her into sleep.

Sasame shifted his attention to her face—soft yet firm, perfectly proportioned.

This kind of woman wouldn't feel bony to the touch.

Suddenly, Tsunade turned sideways, her face now angled toward him.

This made it awkward to continue.

After a moment's thought, Sasame leaned down and blew lightly on her delicate earlobe.

ASMR—a technique from his past life.

While it never cured his insomnia, the tingling sensation was undeniably pleasant.

Too bad he lacked proper tools, like cotton swabs.

"Don't!"

Tsunade jolted awake, her eyes snapping open to find Sasame blinking innocently.

"Ears... don't need massaging," she murmured, cheeks faintly pink.

Sasame paused.

Since when did Tsunade speak so softly?

Ah—a weak spot.

If this were a game like Sekiro, a red marker would've appeared right then.

Mentally noting this discovery, he nodded. "Got it."

Tsunade shut her eyes again, soon drifting back into steady breaths.

Sasame reveled in the silky texture beneath his fingers until his hands grew too sore to continue.

"I—"

Shizune, about to speak, froze upon seeing the sleeping Tsunade.

This... wasn't how a master-disciple relationship usually looked.

Yet given their usual dynamic, it somehow made perfect sense.

Quietly, Shizune slipped into the kitchen.

Meanwhile, Sasame gently stroked Tsunade's hair—payback for all those head pats he'd endured.

Finally, the tables have turned.

Come dinnertime, Tsunade awoke, surprisingly well-rested.

Since overcoming her hemophobia, sleeping alone had occasionally left her unsettled.

Sasame stood, only for his numb legs to buckle.

Tsunade swiftly caught him—

Then froze.

In his stumble, Sasame instinctively grabbed for support... and found himself clutching summit peaks.

Scarlet-faced, Tsunade released him, letting him crash onto the couch.

"Come eat," she muttered before vanishing.

Sasame stared at his left hand.

I swear, that was an accident!

The evening passed uneventfully with dinner, training, and sleep.

Sasame dozed off easily.

Tsunade, however, lay wide awake, mind racing.

Hours later, she crept to his door—unlocked—and slipped inside with practiced stealth.

Sasame slept soundly, his serene face porcelain-fragile in the moonlight.

An inexplicable emotion swelled in her chest.

She knew keeping her distance was wise... yet couldn't suppress the pull.

The more you resist, the harder it rebounds.

With a silent sigh, she lingered, then withdrew without touching him.

Morning came with a knock.

"Lady Tsunade, is Sasame home?"

Shisui Uchiha stood at the doorstep.

Tsunade's brow arched. While she bore no grudge against the Uchiha, she preferred Sasame keep his distance.

Typical parental instinct.

"He wants to thank Sasame over a meal," Shisui explained, noting her wariness.

After a pause, Tsunade relented. "I'll ask."

"Shisui's inviting me to dinner? For helping him?"

Now Sasame understood yesterday's cryptic message.

Ah—stopping Orochimaru.

"I'll go."

At the烤肉店, Shisui raised his glass.

"To your aid—without it, I might've lost these eyes."

Though underage, they toasted with juice.

"After reading your essay on the Will of Fire," Shisui added earnestly, "I knew we shared ideals. I'd like us to be friends."

Oh hell no.

Uchiha friendships are lethal—next thing you know, you're sacrificed for a Mangekyō!

Smiling, Sasame picked up his chopsticks. "Let's... exchange ideas."

The meal ended cordially.

While he'd gained temporary trust from Shisui and Itachi, daily life resumed unchanged.

A week later, Cloud envoys arrived.

Hiruzen greeted them with clan representatives—noting one absence.

"Where's Hiashi?"

"Preparing for Hinata's third birthday," an aide whispered.

Hiruzen's pipe clenched.

A silent protest.

The recent propaganda had glorified Tsunade and Fugaku—omitting the Hyūga entirely.

No matter. Their loyalty is unwavering.

The Hyūga always backed the winning side—hence their enduring power.

As negotiations commenced, Sasame received an ornate invitation:

Hyūga Hiashi personally requests your presence at Hinata's birthday celebration.

Perfect timing.

With Cloud envoys in town, that incident was imminent—

Hinata's kidnapping.

A golden chance to alter not just her fate, but also Hizashi's and Neji's—

And perhaps stir the Branch-House conflict for even more Fate Points.

Though the Caged Bird Seal remained an inescapable shackle...

No matter how they struggle, the Branch House can never break free.

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