Day after day, peaceful daily life passed by as usual.
Spring passed and winter came, and another new year arrived.
Konoha Year 57.
With the threat of war completely eliminated, the entire Shinobi World flourished under Konoha's rule, brimming with prosperity and lively activity.
Standing on the top-floor balcony of the Hokage Building, Tsunade leaned against the railing and stared blankly into the distant scenery.
Wrapped in drifting clouds and mist, the city below appeared and disappeared beneath the clouds like a fairyland from a storybook. The moving figures were so tiny they seemed like ants, streaming endlessly back and forth.
She raised her hand absently, as though she wanted to grasp something.
They had often played together when they were children, their hearts drawing close as they worked toward the same goal. But now that they had grown up, one lived lurking in the abyss underground, her face hidden in the darkness, while the other lived above the clouds in the high heavens, her appearance concealed behind the mist. The distance between them seemed so far that they could no longer reach each other.
Even when their paths occasionally crossed, they discovered that when standing face-to-face, they no longer understood what the other was thinking.
And so, she was lonely.
I want to know what she's thinking.
It had nothing to do with anything else. The reason was simply that.
A woman's reason.
"Is it really just such a simple reason?"
Deep in her heart, a voice seemed to be questioning her.
"Yes."
"Then what are you doubting?"
"What bad intentions could she possibly have?"
"You understand better than anyone how gentle she is, don't you?"
"Be honest. Treat each other honestly."
"Sincerity is a sure-kill move."
"Since you chose to hide things from her, isn't it only natural