Chapter 139: Night Visit to Tsunade
A golden flash appeared as Sasuko's figure materialized quietly in the courtyard.
She immediately spotted Yu sitting in his usual spot, maintaining that posture she knew all too well—sipping tea while reading, like a recluse uninvolved with worldly affairs.
Seeing this familiar scene, Sasuko's doubts about Kaguya dissipated considerably.
Recalling her earlier cold words toward Yu based on speculation, she felt somewhat chagrined.
If she pressed him about Kaguya now, wouldn't that make her seem too petty?
"You're back?" Yu looked up, revealing a gentle smile. "How did your first mission feel?"
Sasuko sat beside him and began recounting the journey's experiences.
For her, sharing what she'd seen and learned with Yu meant far more than the mission itself.
She spoke of her initial anticipation at departure, Tanzaku Town's prosperity, and amusing incidents during the return.
Yu listened quietly, occasionally taking a light sip of tea.
When hearing they'd encountered human traffickers, his brow furrowed slightly. Upon learning Kaguya had easily resolved the situation, his expression eased.
"That Miss Kaguya..." Sasuko chose her words carefully. "Her strength is quite extraordinary."
"Is that so?" Yu's tone remained even. "Seems you have a reliable teammate."
Sasuko carefully observed his expression. Seeing nothing unusual, she continued her account.
When mentioning the Akatsuki organization and Pain with the Rinnegan, she noticed Yu's eyes shift slightly.
"Akatsuki organization... Rinnegan..." Yu repeated the two terms softly. "You handled it well."
He lifted the teapot to pour tea for Sasuko, movements composed and unhurried, though he'd already reached a decision internally.
"Be more careful on future missions." Yu gently reminded. "Don't overextend yourself when facing danger."
Sasuko nodded, warmth spreading through her heart at his concern.
She described in detail Kaguya's confrontation with Kakuzu and Hidan, particularly the Ice Style that required no hand seals and the familiar-seeming spatial ability.
"Speaking of which, Miss Kaguya's abilities are somewhat similar to yours." She said with feigned casualness.
Yu gently set down his teacup. "When power cultivation reaches a certain level, there are indeed commonalities."
This answer completely set Sasuko's mind at ease. She cheerfully continued sharing mission details, even mentioning the adorable little girl Yoya.
Listening to Sasuko's joyful voice, Yu's thoughts gradually drifted.
The Rinnegan... seems the Sage of Six Paths' descendants had also become entangled.
If so, he couldn't allow them to continue their activities.
What he intended to do was too important—he absolutely couldn't tolerate any mishaps.
Before proceeding with the next step, he must ensure absolute certainty. The Akatsuki organization, this potential threat, must be eliminated quickly.
After that night, Yu could no longer tolerate any accidents. He would strangle all variables in their cradles!
"By the way," Sasuko suddenly remembered something. "Lady Tsunade said this mission is assessed at S-rank. Can I be promoted to chunin soon?"
"Should be no problem." Yu responded with a smile. "What reward would you like?"
Sasuko's eyes lit up. She was about to speak but hesitated.
The reward she most wanted—she couldn't say yet.
"I'll tell you when I think of it." She winked playfully.
Sunset stretched their shadows long. Sasuko remained completely unaware that while she chatted and laughed easily, Yu had already made a major decision in the basement.
That evening, after Sasuko fell asleep, Yu stood alone in the courtyard.
Night wind rustled past, a few leaves drifting down gently. His figure also vanished from the spot.
---
Deep night, Tsunade's residence.
Tsunade reclined alone against her headboard, fingertips lightly caressing the empty sheets.
Time seemed particularly kind to this legendary kunoichi. Her loose nightgown still couldn't conceal her graceful curves. Golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, gleaming with soft luster.
A light knock broke the night's silence.
Tsunade sat upright instantly with alertness—there shouldn't be visitors at this hour. She instinctively gripped the kunai beside her pillow.
"Who is it?"
"Uchiha Yu."
The familiar voice from outside the door made her relax, though confusion immediately followed.
So late—why was he looking for her? Could it be...
A ridiculous notion surfaced uncontrollably in her mind, making her cheeks flush slightly.
She quickly shook her head, trying to dispel such wild thoughts.
"One moment."
She called out softly.
Tsunade rose to straighten her nightgown, took a deep breath to calm herself, then approached and opened the door.
Under the night lamp, Uchiha Yu maintained his usual composure, though those deep black eyes appeared especially bright in the darkness.
"My apologies for the late disturbance." His tone remained characteristically calm. "There's something I wanted to ask you."
Tsunade stepped aside to clear the doorway, unconsciously tugging at her nightgown's neckline.
For some reason, every time she faced this man now, she experienced an indescribable tension, a tightness in her chest.
"Please come in to talk."
She turned toward the living room, her nightgown's hem swaying gently with her steps, outlining a still-graceful figure.
As a mature woman who'd lived alone for years, she had to admit that in this silent deep night, Uchiha Yu's sudden visit did indeed accelerate her heartbeat somewhat.
Setting aside those unpleasant past events, Uchiha Yu truly was an impeccable companion candidate—exceptional appearance, unfathomable strength, a personality that avoided conflict. He was perfect to the point of seeming unreal.
Even Tsunade, in the quiet depths of night, couldn't help indulging in certain fantasies.
Moreover, over these years, this man had never caused trouble in Konoha but instead resolved the village's crises. The current peaceful situation owed largely to his existence.
This man, simply by remaining in Konoha without taking any action, could intimidate the entire shinobi world!
Yu remained standing at the entrance, maintaining an appropriate distance. "No need for trouble. I came to ask where that man Sasuko and the others brought back today is now."
Hearing this business-like inquiry, an indescribable sense of loss swept through Tsunade's heart.
But she quickly collected her emotions, responding seriously, "Kakuzu has been sealed in ANBU's underground interrogation room with dedicated guards."
"Thank you." Yu nodded slightly. "Sorry for the late disturbance."
His words had barely fallen when his figure vanished from the spot.
Tsunade stood alone in the room, gazing at where Yu had just stood, not moving her gaze for a long while.
The air seemed to still retain his cool scent, reminding her that the brief visit hadn't been an illusion.
She sighed softly, reaching up to gather her nightgown's collar.
Night wind stirred the curtains, bringing slight coolness, yet couldn't dispel that indescribable melancholy in her heart.
From the beginning, his gaze had never rested on her...
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