Tsunade's Fury, an Insincere Apology That Went Nowhere
Naruto has his own desires, but he can't say them directly; he has to put them in a different way.
For example, right now, if he suddenly said to Choji, who was slurping up barbecue, "I'm going to control the Raikage, "Choji would most likely spit out his soda.
But if Naruto said, "I wish there were no more sandstorms in the world, and that people would still sell wine and flowers," Choji might give him a thumbs up and say, "You're truly a great saint."
When there is no disaster within the four seas, people can do whatever they want.
That's the art of language; a different way of saying it can completely change the meaning. Just like NTR can be described as a pure love story between a married woman, or a blond guy can be portrayed as a pure and innocent woman.
He bit his nails, squinting at Choji who was devouring his food, his eyes darting around several times. Choji choked from eating too fast and was searching the table for water.
He looked up and suddenly met Naruto's gaze, and was immediately startled.
"Hiccup! Naruto, hiccup! What do you want to do?"
"It's nothing." Naruto sighed. "Choji, you're no longer of any use to me."
"I... I really don't know whether to be happy or sad," Choji mumbled, swallowing another bite of grilled meat. "What are you planning to do?"
"What else can I do but grit my teeth and apologize?" Naruto mumbled, stuffing a piece of vegetable into his mouth. "She can't really break my legs."
"That's hard to say." Choji had heard a little about Tsunade's temper and clicked his tongue. "Anyway, don't drag me into this and get blood all over me."
"Shut the hell up, you bastard," Naruto said irritably, letting out a soft sigh. "Choji, if anything happens to me, I'll definitely drag you down with me."
"You don't want anyone to know either."
"You idiot! You're the dog! You're despicable!" Choji almost choked to death, and only survived by pounding his chest. He then turned to look at Naruto.
That guy had already gotten up and headed towards the Hokage Building without hesitation, leaving behind only a profound silhouette.
"Naruto," Choji murmured.
"Hello, sir, please pay the bill." The owner suddenly came over.
Choji, then became furious.
"He promised to treat us, but he skipped out on the bill again!"
Naruto, having easily skipped out on the bill, walked briskly to the Hokage Building, whistling as he went. Under the moonlight, it was as if Konohagakure was draped in a layer of silver frost.
He carefully climbed up the Hokage Building; the lights were still on in the Shizune Office. He crept closer and glanced at the lights inside.
With the door closed, Naruto couldn't see clearly, so he couldn't help but stand on tiptoe to confirm whether it was Shizune or Tsunade inside. He immediately regretted it after confirming it was Tsunade.
He really wanted to run away. That's what he thought, and that's what he did.
He apologized with great enthusiasm, only to realize at the end that he didn't know how to apologize at all. He might be able to appease young girls, or he might be able to use some shameless tricks.
But facing Tsunade, he was genuinely unsure, not out of fear, but because he felt he had gone too far with the joke and felt a little guilty, unsure how to face her.
Just as she took her first step, Tsunade's voice suddenly came from inside the office, carrying boundless coldness and chilling intent.
Where do you want to go?
"No, I'm not going anywhere, I'm just passing by." Naruto gave an awkward laugh, pushed open the door, and then toned down his flamboyant manner, becoming a little more serious.
Things are different now; you have to stand up straight when you get a beating. He couldn't be flirtatious at all, and only then did he regret not reading more books on emotional intelligence and Tenten reading banned comics.
"Lord Tsunade... I..." He stammered, unsure of where to begin, trying to figure out how to apologize.
"Sit down and let's talk." Tsunade leaned back in her chair, the overhead light was bright, and her eyes looked somewhat tired as she glanced at him and said.
"Okay." Naruto felt a little reserved for the first time.
Ironically, Tsunade was at her most relaxed at this moment, showing no intention of holding anyone accountable. She lay lazily in her chair like a homeless, pampered cat.
Her eyes were half-open, a cup of wine sat on the table. Strands of golden hair clung to her temples, her cheeks were as white as snow. Her red lips were slightly pursed, exuding the unique aura of a mature woman.
She glanced at him slowly, then slowly closed her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" She shifted her position and managed to glance at him. "What brings you here so late? I'm no longer the Hokage."
"Isn't that much easier?" Naruto asked.
"Hmm, I feel much more relaxed." Tsunade reached for her wine glass, only to find it empty, and frowned. "I have very few things left that I cherish, and Konohagakure is one of them."
"Having left Konohagakure, I don't know when I'll be able to come back again. Suddenly, I realize that it seems like I have nothing left except Shizune."
"I'll be leaving soon, and I'll probably be gone from Konohagakure for a while." Naruto calmed down; now was not the time to apologize.
I should take this opportunity to apologize; it's more important to be honest with Tsunade first. Otherwise, if Tsunade really disappears one day, I won't be able to get her help.
"Why are you leaving?" Tsunade, somewhat taken aback.
"Lord Tsunade has left, there's no point in me staying here," he said, half-jokingly. "I'll leave for a while; Konohagakure might be a better place then."
"Aren't you planning to marry Ino?" Tsunade paused, then suddenly remembered something, "Or Hinata?"
Upon hearing this, Naruto's expression turned awkward again. It turned out Tsunade knew as well; although he had expected it, hearing gossip about himself from Tsunade was still quite a surprise.
Um... it still feels weird.
"Actually, I'm not that fast." Naruto said halfway through, not even knowing what he was saying, "I don't have that plan yet, it might be a while later."
"It's up to you, but this concerns both the Yamanaka Clan and Hinata clans, so you'd better be careful," Tsunade warned him meaningfully before immediately looking away.
"I see."
Naruto stared at the astonishing curve etched by the clothes, and the phrase "snow-capped peaks" popped into his mind again. He didn't mention that Ino would also leave Konohagakure later; the project couldn't be confined to Konohagakure if it wanted to be implemented.
As for Hinata, he needs Tsunade's help with a small matter. But now is clearly not the right time, so they have to wait a little longer.
Teuchi Naruto, her fingers tapping lightly on the table. In a fleeting moment, she realized that this gesture would also affect him.
Tsunade's mood immediately soured.
"If there's nothing else, go outside. It's annoying to look at you."
Naruto: "."
He swore he really didn't do anything. Is it because he didn't apologize? Shouldn't an apology be something like a scene from a banned comic? I've got it all mixed up.
Bigger is indeed better, and size is the ultimate truth.
"Um... there's one more thing, I think it's necessary to say." Naruto coughed awkwardly, "It's about the time travel thing."
"What are you trying to say?" Tsunade's eyes had turned cold. "Hmm? Naruto Uzumaki, didn't I say it was fine? What are you trying to say by bringing this up again and again?"
"Am I so easily fooled?"
As she spoke, Tsunade suddenly stood up and approached step by step. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed Naruto with one hand and slammed him onto the table.
She glared at him angrily, her pride shattered.
"Is it fun? Naruto Uzumaki, or do you think a thirty-year-old woman who has lost everything must be very lonely, and you can just tease her a little?"
"Um?"
"You even use your real name, without any attempt to conceal it." Tsunade looked at him coldly. Naruto was pinned to the table, and Tsunade grabbed his collar with one hand.
If Tsunade punch him right now, it would be no less than being hit hard by a heavy truck.
"It wasn't me, it was really my fault, Lord Tsunade." Naruto knew he couldn't explain himself clearly, and that trying to reason with her would probably not end well.
"No, then what is it?" Tsunade used some force in her hand, her tense nerves from the past few days finally relaxed, and her pent-up anger found an outlet.
"Saying we'll meet again someday, twenty years? Is that really fun? Naruto Uzumaki, you deserve to die! What else do you want to say?"
"At that time, I was just..."