Shizune had noticed that Tsunade-sama had been acting strangely lately.
She... quit gambling.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime event, like seeing the sun rise from the west.
Shizune realized this change in Tsunade must definitely have something to do with Heiyan.
So what exactly did Heiyan say to Tsunade that day in her room? How could she suddenly abandon her decades-long bad habit of gambling and seem like an entirely different person?
Shizune found herself extremely curious about this.
The night sky shimmered with stars as a gentle breeze blew.
On the rooftop terrace of the inn, Tsunade leaned lazily against the railing, idly gazing at the night view of Tanukichou Street.
Since discovering she was a massive curse magnet, Tsunade had been thinking all night before deciding to give up gambling. She feared that if her luck suddenly turned around one day and she won money, it might bring misfortune to those around her again.
But losing her greatest hobby overnight left her feeling aimless and restless.
Most women her age would already be grandmothers by now, spending their days raising grandchildren, cooking meals, or doing square dancing at community plazas—enjoying family happiness.
However, even though Tsunade was over fifty years old, both physically and mentally she seemed much younger—visually appearing to be in her mid-twenties.
An age perfectly suited for love and marriage—if only she weren't so resistant inside.
Dan Kato's tragic death still lingered in her heart like a scar that never healed. Tsunade couldn't bear imagining her next lover—the man she would fall for—also dying because he'd been cursed by her own unlucky aura.
Maybe I really am destined to live a lonely life forever.
Thinking this, Tsunade gave a self-mocking smile, then reached out to brush away her hair, which had been messed by the evening breeze.
At that moment, footsteps approached from the stairs.
"Oh, there you are."
Holding a bottle of sake and two small cups, Heiyan came onto the rooftop terrace and greeted Tsunade.
Tsunade recalled what happened that day. Not knowing how to face Heiyan, she immediately felt flustered and wanted to make an excuse to leave. But Heiyan quickly saw through her thoughts and spoke first:
"Don't think too much. I'm simply here to share some good wine with you. This is thirty-year-old premium sake imported directly from the capital of the Land of Fire. It cost one million ryō—a fortune in anyone's book. Drinking it alone feels like a waste."
What? Wine worth one million ryō per bottle?
As soon as she heard this, Tsunade's eyes lit up, staring intently at the bottle in Heiyan's hand.
Drinking was just as much a part of her life as gambling. She often drank until her face turned red and sometimes got so drunk she could barely make it home, always needing Shizune to help her back.
Thirty-year-old aged sake was nearly impossible to find even for those who could afford it—this might've been the last bottle left anywhere.
Involuntarily, Tsunade licked her lips, saliva gathering slightly.
Heiyan smiled softly, naturally stepping closer. He handed her one small cup, then opened the bottle and poured her some wine.
Of course, fine wine needed some appetizers to accompany it.
Heiyan had already prepared for this—he brought grilled meat, peanuts, and several cold dishes. Pulling out a small table, he neatly laid everything out before inviting Tsunade to join him in enjoying this late-night feast together.
"Gugu..."
Tsunade suddenly remembered she hadn't eaten dinner yet. Her stomach let out a loud protest at the thought, so without hesitation, she sat down.
The two enjoyed their drinks and late-night snacks while admiring the night view, chatting casually about this and that.
During their conversation, Tsunade was amazed to discover that Heiyan seemed to know her extremely well—especially about her youth and childhood days. He spoke with such familiarity and clarity, even better than she herself remembered.
It felt as if he had grown up alongside her as a childhood friend.
Curious, Tsunade pressed him for answers, but he merely smiled without replying.
His mystery further piqued her curiosity, making her unknowingly drawn to this enigmatic man.
Two hours passed before long.
Shizune was on her way to the rooftop terrace to look for Tsunade when she caught a whiff of alcohol in the hallway—and some slurred voices.
"Tsunade-sama, you..."
She quickly pushed open the door and immediately witnessed an astonishing sight: Tsunade and Heiyan were walking side by side, arms over each other's shoulders, chatting and laughing.
Though Tsunade looked pretty tipsy, she was still conscious—leaning into him voluntarily, clearly having a good time.
All these years, this was the first time Shizune saw a man so intimately close with Tsunade. It was truly surprising.
"Shizune, please take good care of her."
Heiyan supported Tsunade as he gave Shizune a brief instruction before handing Tsunade over and turning to leave.
That night passed quietly.
The next day, Tsunade woke from her hangover leaning against the bedhead. Her hair was messy, and she looked dazed, struggling to recall what happened the previous night.
"Tsunade-sama, have some porridge to sober up."
Shizune brought over a bowl of hot porridge, placing it beside the bed while secretly observing Tsunade's expression.
She originally thought once Tsunade sobered up, she would get angry and yell about punishing Heiyan for taking advantage of her.
However, Tsunade didn't lose her temper. She simply coughed twice, looking calm and composed, as if nothing had occurred.
More surprisingly, starting from that day onward, Heiyan almost came every night to see Tsunade, and Tsunade never refused him.
Heiyan also invited Shizune to join them occasionally for drinks and chats.
During those days together, Tsunade was surprised to find out another common interest between her and Heiyan—
[Medical Ninjutsu]
Moreover, Heiyan wasn't just some hobbyist messing around with healing. His medical skills were top-notch in the shinobi world. His techniques might have been a bit rough around the edges, but his Yang Release chakra was immense and rare. It could easily cure most injuries and illnesses.
Bonding over Medical Ninjutsu, Tsunade and Heiyan exchanged many insights. Shizune listened in most of the time and occasionally joined the discussions. All three benefited greatly.
With shared hobbies forming a strong connection, the relationship between Heiyan and Tsunade became increasingly intimate—not exactly lovers yet, but at least close friends.
That night, the trio stepped out of the izakaya after dinner and headed back to where they were staying.
"Tsk tsk..."
Shizune walked behind them, watching Tsunade and Heiyan's side-by-side silhouettes. They really made the perfect couple, sparking envy among many passersby.
Tsunade-sama must be having her second bloom of youth — finally found herself some real love?
Shizune couldn't help thinking this, sincerely feeling happy for Tsunade.
Unfortunately.
Just when Tsunade and Heiyan's relationship was heating up,
"You're returning to Konoha?" Tsunade stopped walking, turning around to look at Heiyan in surprise.
"Yes. I heard the Chunin Exams are about to begin. The Leaf Village will surely be lively. Want to go watch together?"
Heiyan smiled while extending the invitation.
"...No."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>