Perhaps it was simply the same desire as any other child—to protect those who had cared for him.
Although at first, Shizune felt such an impulse, she later calmly analyzed the situation and rejected that initial thought.
In reality, this was indeed the case.
Although Shiki Uzumaki could sense the fragrance beneath Tsunade's bloody scent, and his chest was tightly pressed against her soft bosom, his only intention was to calm the person before him. There were no other intentions whatsoever.
"You arrogant brat. Seems like you're enjoying this hug quite a bit,"
Tsunade's cold voice came, although her tone was still somewhat weak, not as domineering as usual.
But at least it indicated one thing—she had calmed down.
Hearing this, Shiki loosened his hands and leaned backward slightly.
"Tsunade-sama, I'm glad you're alright."
Though Shiki spoke lightly, his delight showed clearly.
He hadn't expected Tsunade's emotions to actually settle down.
And had she truly overcome her fear of blood?
Tsunade raised both hands and tiredly rubbed her temples.
"I really don't know how you, brat, sometimes seem like a child yet at times mature beyond your years."
Looking straight into Tsunade's eyes, Shiki said, "Because wanting to protect someone often feels childish when spoken aloud. Yet if you keep it inside, how can others feel your resolve? When you're certain enough, even someone seemingly cold will give rise to hope."
Tsunade gazed at Shiki Uzumaki, not expecting him to offer such a response.
She'd expected him to sound more like her younger brother Nawaki—someone who'd say, "I'll do anything to protect my big sister if she gets hurt."
Yet what Shiki Uzumaki said was surprisingly serious.
Still, there was something about him that naturally inspired trust.
A kid like him would probably be super popular, even in Konoha.
Just like The Fourth, everyone had complete faith in him.
Actually, wasn't every past Hokage someone the whole village deeply respected and cherished?
Grandfather was. So was the teacher.
For some reason, she suddenly realized she no longer feared the sight of blood.
Decades ago, when she fought on the battlefield—back then, she had already grown numb to the sight of blood.
"Brat, perhaps you'll become an excellent ninja someday."
Tsunade looked at Shiki Uzumaki with genuine seriousness, a rare expression of admiration in her voice. In truth, she didn't say everything outright—what she omitted was: Perhaps in your future, you will become a new hope, even the next Hokage for everyone in the village.
Shiki smiled faintly but remained silent.
Sighing, Tsunade asked, "Now, you have nothing else to worry about anymore?"
"No."
"Then get lost quickly. Don't hang around here annoying me." [to be continued]
Chapter 181 Returning to the Village
"Tsunade-sama, are you really not planning to return?" Standing beside Tsunade, Shizune bit her lip and finally voiced this question.
The two gazed through the window, watching the retreating figures.
It seemed like an ordinary squad led by a Jonin. There was nothing particularly unusual about them, yet these two just kept watching until they disappeared from sight.
Even Tonton was staring out the window, lost in thoughts.
"I'm not going back," Tsunade said indifferently.
Even though she was no longer suffering from her blood phobia, Konoha always stirred up painful memories.
She felt she wanted to wander for a few more years, until she truly became indifferent toward everything.
But when exactly would she manage to achieve such detachment?
She didn't know. She had already wandered outside Konoha for countless springs and autumns. Every time she was defeated badly, it seemed like her memories were briefly sealed away.
"Orochimaru alone cannot harm that old teacher. Plus, there's the Anbu watching over things," Tsunade remarked. In her eyes, the Third remained as powerful as she remembered.
Even though it had been years since she last returned to Konoha, she still trusted her teacher.
But perhaps time had moved too quickly, and she hadn't noticed—when she left Konoha, the Third had already been growing old.
And now, he had become a gloomy old man. He no longer possessed the strength of his prime, and even now, he likely no longer had confidence in defeating Orochimaru.
Sigh... It's been a while since I last returned to the village. I guess I do miss it a little bit.
Shizune gently placed Tonton on the ground and stretched lazily in the sunlight.
"It sure has been a while... But Shizune, I borrowed a big sum of money again."
"Ahh—"
Shizune's lazy posture froze instantly.
"You mean..."
A devilish grin spread across Tsunade's face. "Exactly! Tanzaku Street is known as a major gambling hub. Let's make this big!"
The return journey was undoubtedly faster—not only did they no longer need to stop searching for clues, but also they were eager to get back in time for the Chunin Exams.
Hayate Gekko dashed forward, still looking ahead. "Shiki Uzumaki, how are your meridians feeling now?"
Even now, he still found the situation quite sudden.
Within just this morning, Shiki Uzumaki had completely healed a meridian injury that had plagued him for quite some time.
Even at this point, he still couldn't quite believe it.
"How to put it..." Shiki Uzumaki hesitated for a moment. "Back when I was injured, I didn't really feel like there was anything wrong. But now that I'm healed, it's like I've been reborn."
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