Indeed, Hayato Ren had left Flying Thunder God seals on these two necklaces.
By injecting just a bit of Chakra into them, Hayato Ren would be able to sense it and use the Flying Thunder God Technique to instantly appear by the two women's side.
Although in the original storyline, both Mei Terumi and Ameyuri Ringo had successfully survived the Third Ninja World War...
What if some butterfly effect caused them to meet with unexpected misfortune? That would be truly unfortunate.
For added insurance, Hayato Ren also left over a dozen Flying Thunder God kunai each with Mei Terumi and Ameyuri Ringo, finally feeling somewhat at ease.
Then, under the reluctant gazes of Mei Terumi and Ameyuri Ringo, Hayato Ren embarked on his journey back to the Leaf through the night.
To return to the Leaf as quickly as possible, immediately after leaving Hidden Mist Village's territory, Hayato Ren summoned Charizard.
Charizard certainly lived up to Hayato Ren's expectations.
What originally would have been a journey of over a week was completed by the next morning with Charizard's help.
His first priority upon returning to the Leaf wasn't to visit Sarutobi Hiruzen, but to head straight to the Senju clan's compound.
This past month had nearly driven him crazy. After all, both Ameyuri Ringo and Mei Terumi were tantalizing presences he could only look at but not touch.
Of course he needed Tsunade's generous embrace to properly comfort him.
As for Sarutobi Hiruzen? Just an old man - he could be visited anytime.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi Hiruzen who was reviewing documents suddenly sneezed.
Then, Hiruzen scratched his head and muttered uncertainly to himself:
"Is that Danzo secretly cursing me behind my back again?"
Setting Hiruzen aside, Hayato Ren had already arrived at Tsunade's doorstep.
Hayato Ren used Sensory Ninjutsu, and the corners of his mouth immediately curved into a noticeable smile.
It seemed his luck was quite good today - Tsunade wasn't at the gambling den or tavern.
At the same time, Tsunade who had been napping at home suddenly opened her eyes, an annoyed expression appearing on her face.
As Uzumaki Mito's granddaughter, she naturally possessed perception abilities beyond ordinary people.
Hayato Ren's Sensory Ninjutsu had been immediately detected by Tsunade.
Just as Tsunade was cracking her knuckles, preparing to let this rude "uninvited guest" taste her fist-sized fists...
Hayato Ren's figure suddenly appeared before her.
Because Hayato Ren had long ago carved a Flying Thunder God seal in Tsunade's room.
When she saw Hayato Ren, Tsunade immediately understood what had just happened.
So she lay back down on her bed, a cold smile appearing on her face.
"Heh, if it isn't Lord Ren? How could someone of your stature condescend to visit my humble abode? This small temple can't possibly accommodate a great Buddha like you."
Clearly, Tsunade still held some resentment in her heart toward Hayato Ren, whom she hadn't seen for a month.
Hayato Ren completely ignored Tsunade's sarcastic tone, instead getting up and walking to the bedside to sit down.
"Alright, didn't I inform you before I went to the Hidden Mist Village? I can't keep using the Flying Thunder God to come back every few days. Even if I wanted to, my Chakra wouldn't allow me to do so."
Hayato Ren's explanation didn't satisfy Tsunade, as she rolled her eyes and continued with her sarcastic remarks.
"Hmph, isn't it because someone got his soul stolen by some little enchantress in the Hidden Mist Village, lingering there and forgetting to return? An old hag like me would naturally be forgotten."
Hayato Ren reached out and pinched Tsunade's collagen-rich cheek.
"How could that be? You're the most beautiful woman in the entire world. If you're an old hag, then what does that make everyone else? Monsters and demons?"
Although she knew Hayato Ren was using sweet talk to flatter her, Tsunade couldn't help but let a slight curve form at the corner of her mouth.
"Did you manage to gather any information in the Hidden Mist Village?"
"Of course I did. I've obtained information about the Three-Tails Jinchuriki."
"Quite capable, aren't you?"
"Then shouldn't you give me a little reward?"
"I knew there was no good reason for your return."
...
"I'm going to take a bath. I feel all sticky and uncomfortable."
Tsunade got up and prepared to head toward the bathroom.
At that moment, Hayato Ren approached from behind and embraced her, then whispered in her ear:
"Might this beautiful lady require back-scrubbing services? Since you're our first customer, this service will be provided free of charge."
"You'd better really mean just back-scrubbing. You go take your bath in the bathroom on the first floor."
After rejecting Hayato Ren's invitation for a couples' bath, Tsunade took her clothes and entered the bathroom.
After sitting on the bed for a moment savoring the recent experience, Hayato Ren also took clothes from the wardrobe and went downstairs to bathe.
After taking a refreshing shower, Hayato Ren began busying himself in the kitchen.
After all, he hadn't eaten for nearly a day and was practically starving.
Tsunade was fine, having replenished plenty of protein earlier.
Because Hayato Ren often stayed over, Tsunade's kitchen actually stored some ingredients now, unlike before when it was purely used for instant noodles.
But a month had passed - surely Tsunade would have restocked these ingredients...
Just as Hayato Ren had expected, Tsunade hadn't been lazy to that extent.
So he took some green vegetables, a few eggs, and some ham, planning to make a simple fried rice.
Then, taking some seaweed and lean meat, he prepared to cook a pot of smooth meat seaweed soup.
For two people's dinner, one soup and one rice dish would be enough.
By the time Hayato Ren brought out the fried rice and soup, Tsunade had already finished her bath.
Because she had just bathed, Tsunade's clothing was quite revealing at the moment.
If not for being absolutely starving, Hayato Ren might have transformed into a beast again, as the sight was truly tempting.
After they sat down, while serving rice for Tsunade, Hayato Ren said:
"How could you come out dressed like this? What kind of propriety is this? It's simply unbecoming of a proper woman."
Hearing this, Tsunade rolled her eyes and said irritably:
"I can wear whatever I want in my own house. If you say one more word, get out."
Since Nawaki had long since moved to live near the Ninja Academy, this luxurious house was occupied by Tsunade alone.
Therefore, Tsunade's clothing had become increasingly bold. She simply wore whatever made her comfortable.