Chapter 284: Chapter 287 : Secret Date!!
When Kazuhiko asked his question, the little slug on Tsunade's shoulder paused, waiting for an answer.
But Tsunade had already dashed over with excitement, wrapping her legs around Kazuhiko like a koala and hugging him tightly.
"Kazuhiko-kun~ I've missed you so much..." Tsunade clung to Kazuhiko, not caring that the little slug was watching.
Kazuhiko embraced her with emotion, then gently patted her head. "Okay, come down now. The little slug is still watching us."
The two antennae of the slug, which had been silent for a while, wiggled slightly, perhaps in silent protest.
Tsunade reluctantly released her hold on Kazuhiko, but still kept both hands wrapped around his arm.
Kazuhiko's arm was now enveloped in a soft, warm embrace.
His heart, which had just begun to calm down, stirred again as he glanced at Tsunade. Her face was flushed, and her eyes had a gentle, affectionate glow, as if she was brimming with emotion. Despite meeting Kazuhiko's gaze, she didn't let go.
"This girl is completely in love," he thought. "Anyone could see it."
Even Kazuhiko could feel it. This girl had given herself completely to him. There was no doubt—they were meant to be together.
Realizing this, he squeezed her hand and interlaced his fingers with hers. Both of them felt a comforting warmth.
Turning his attention back to the slug, Kazuhiko asked, "So, you haven't answered my question yet. How did you sense the unusual changes in the ninja world?"
The slug crawled from Tsunade's shoulder to Kazuhiko, seemingly understanding that Tsunade was preoccupied. It was time for a chat with Kazuhiko.
"Well, I can sense things from the ninja world," the slug replied. "There's a certain pressure in natural energy. Whenever I detect this kind of tension, it usually means you humans are gearing up for another war."
"So that's how it is..." Kazuhiko touched his chin thoughtfully as the realization dawned on him.
"But why can't I sense it?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Maybe it's because the natural energy you feel isn't as massive as mine," came the response from the Sage Katsuyu.
"The change can only be detected when you have the same level of awareness of natural energies as I do," the sage continued. "The ninja world is vast, and it's not easy to detect shifts across such a large area."
Kazuhiko nodded, grasping the sage's point. He'd always had an innate sense of his surroundings, able to perceive subtle changes in the environment.
But he hadn't expected that the Sage Katsuyu, with her immense body, could sense the entire ninja world.
This realization meant that the Sage Katsuyu's vast experience and deep connection with natural energy allowed her to read shifts across the whole world.
"As expected of you," Kazuhiko sighed, acknowledging the sage's unique ability. It was a gift that came with mastering an extraordinary amount of natural energy, something that allowed her to have a broader perspective than most.
Compared to the sage, the natural energies he sensed were like ripples on a pond, whereas hers were like ocean waves. The natural energies she tapped into could reveal the entire ninja world's movements, making it easier to detect significant changes.
Kazuhiko knew he couldn't replicate this ability. The sheer difference in size and scope between him and the Sage Katsuyu was like comparing a cloud to the ground.
Given their unique approaches to mastering natural energy, it was impossible to expect the same capabilities from both.
With this understanding, Kazuhiko resolved not to force himself to try to attain what was beyond his reach.
Each had their own path, one focusing on massive physical presence, the other on mastery of natural energy.
After reflecting on all this, Kazuhiko remembered the main reason he had come to the Shikkotsu Forest. It was time to focus on business.
When Tsunade wrapped her arms tightly around him, Kazuhiko gently held her in return, offering comfort to her warmth.
Together, they stood in the small wooden cabin they had built—a simple place, furnished with only a wooden bed, a cupboard, a table, and a couple of chairs.
Tsunade had added her touch with some blankets and other small decorations, making the space feel homier.
Despite the distance since Kazuhiko returned to the Land of Red, they had agreed to meet at Shikkotsu Forest every so often.
Tsunade seemed to cling to Kazuhiko even more intensely than when they were in Konoha. Every time they met, her embrace felt like she wanted to meld into his very being.
It was no different this time; she hugged him so tightly that it seemed as if they were inseparable.
Kazuhiko understood the depth of her affection. There's a saying that "absence makes the heart grow fonder," and in the ninja world, emotions often run deep and intense. Tsunade's feelings were clear and passionate.
Their relationship had blossomed, but Kazuhiko had to leave her behind again. For Tsunade, the thought of their next separation was unbearable. As soon as one meeting ended, she was already counting down to the next one.
So, on the agreed-upon days, Tsunade would arrive at Shikkotsu Forest early, eager to see him again. Kazuhiko anticipated their reunions, but his responsibilities kept him occupied.
His rationality often tempered his emotions, while Tsunade wore her heart on her sleeve.
Knowing this, Kazuhiko always made sure to spend quality time with her when they met. Their bond had grown strong, and they were nearly at the point of taking the final step in their relationship.
This cabin was their secret hideaway, their love nest. Tsunade cherished the place, adding new items each time she visited.
This time, she had brought a curtain and hung it at the entrance, ensuring that no one could see inside while they embraced on the wooden bed.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone