After the report to Hiruzen Sarutobi regarding the Second Ninja War, Tsunade stepped out of the Hokage Building alongside Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and the White Fang.
But the moment she reached the entrance, her brows furrowed.
The brat wasn't there.
It was unlike Guts to not wait for her, and the absence nagged at her.
She asked around and eventually found a patrolling ninja who informed her that Guts had wandered off toward the training grounds outside the village—with Kurenai Yuhi.
With a scowl tightening on her face, Tsunade made her way there.
When she arrived, what she saw nearly made a vein pop in her temple.
Under the shade of a tree, Guts lay comfortably in Kurenai's lap, completely passed out, while the girl sat frozen like a deer caught in a genjutsu.
Furious, Tsunade marched over and yanked Guts up by the ear.
"Wha—?!"
Guts jolted awake, twisting around to see Tsunade looming above them.
Kurenai, cheeks flushed red, covered her face in panic. She looked as if she was about to explode from embarrassment.
"S-Sorry! I have to go—home! Right away!"
Kurenai stammered, springing to her feet and dashing off without waiting for a reply.
Now, only the two of them were left.
"Did I interrupt your little romantic picnic?"
Tsunade asked, her voice sharp with sarcasm and a not-so-hidden smirk.
Still rubbing his ear, Guts looked up and grinned.
"If you're jealous, you can lend me your lap next time. Might be more comfortable, actually…"
His eyes shamelessly trailed down her long legs.
Unlike the lean, delicate look most girls aimed for, Tsunade's legs were toned, full of strength and elegance—undeniably the kind men dreamed of. Lying on them would be a privilege.
Thud!
A solid fist slammed into his shoulder, making him grunt. Tsunade hadn't used chakra, but even without it, she packed enough power to leave a bruise.
"Try that line again and I'll rearrange your teeth," she growled.
Guts plopped down onto the grass and casually patted the spot across from him.
"Alright, alright. So, what's the big deal?"
Tsunade sat down, still fuming, and looked at him seriously.
"The Third told me. Someone from Root saw you visiting White Fang the other day. That alone is enough to put a target on your back."
"Let me guess. Danzo's pissed?" Guts asked, unconcerned.
Tsunade gave a sharp nod.
"More than pissed. Suspicious. That old snake doesn't like people he can't control. You showing initiative, making connections—it makes you dangerous to him."
"So what? He's gonna spread rumors? I don't have a reputation to ruin."
"No. If Danzo wants to deal with someone like you, he won't bother with words. He'll go for something direct."
"Assassination?"
Guts said it flatly, as if talking about the weather.
Tsunade didn't answer, which said enough.
He sighed, leaning back on his elbows.
"Well, I don't have family for him to use against me. Maybe Might Duy and Guy. You, maybe. Kurenai. That's about it."
"Exactly why I'm not taking chances," she said.
"You'll be moving in with me. Starting today."
Guts blinked. "Huh? Wait—cohabitation?"
"Don't flatter yourself!" she snapped.
"I'm just keeping an eye on you so you don't get gutted in your sleep."
He looked at her for a moment, then smirked.
"Well, it's not the worst deal. Better than my rundown apartment, that's for sure. Princess Senju's mansion, huh? Sounds cozy."
An hour later, they stood in front of her estate.
Tsunade opened the door and pointed at a room down the hall.
"You'll stay in my brother's old room. Mine's across from it. If you so much as touch the doorknob to my room, I'll bury you where you stand."
"No thanks,"
Guts said, already walking toward the room next to Nawaki's.
"I'll take this one."
Tsunade blinked. "That's not the one I told you—"
"I'm not trying to replace your brother,"
Guts called back from inside the room.
"That room's got too much history. I'll take the empty one."
Tsunade stood there for a moment, watching his figure disappear inside, then sighed.
He really was a strange kid.
Stubborn, reckless, shameless—and smarter than he let on.
She shook her head and closed the door behind her.
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