"As expected, it really is you!"
In a tavern, the two sat facing each other, feeling neither the joy of meeting an old friend in a foreign land nor the excitement of a long-awaited reunion.
Or rather, both of them managed to suppress these emotions very well.
But the two people behind them were not so calm, and their eyes became excited as they looked at each other.
"So many years have passed, and you haven't changed at all, Tsunade!"
A slightly hoarse, deep voice reached their ears, accompanied by that signature smile.
"Orochimaru, aren't you going to give me an explanation?"
Ignoring the wine glass Orochimaru pushed in front of her, Tsunade stared intently at the familiar stranger before her.
The reason she felt both familiar and unfamiliar was because Orochimaru's actions and strength had exceeded her expectations.
"As you can see, Anko and I have also left Konoha."
Orochimaru ignored Tsunade's aggressive gaze and poured himself a drink.
This answer clearly did not satisfy Tsunade. After finishing his drink, Orochimaru continued.
"It's just that I wasn't as lucky as you; I was labeled Rogue Ninja by Konoha!"
His words remained calm and unchanging, revealing no emotional fluctuation from Orochimaru regarding the matter.
Although both were disciples of the Third Hokage, Tsunade also had another identity: the granddaughter of the First Hokage and Second Hokage.
Konoha was founded by her grandfather; the Princess Tsunade is not without foundation.
Even if they leave Konoha, no one can say anything or dare to say anything; it's just an immature child running away from home.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, was not so lucky. With Danzo treacherous Danzo causing trouble behind the scenes, it was difficult for him not to be manipulated.
These words made Tsunade lower her eyelids slightly. Imagine if she were in her shoes, having given so much for Konoha, only to be labeled Rogue Ninja, how would she feel?
Even if most people aren't on the opposite side of Konoha, they'd still feel some resentment.
"Phew... I hope one day you won't be on my side!"
With a heavy sigh, Tsunade spoke meaningfully, her eyes filled with complex emotions.
Orochimaru, seeing the hidden meaning in her words, said sullenly.
"If you become Hokage, I guarantee I won't be your enemy!"
The two grew up together, and sometimes they didn't even need to say a word; a glance or an expression was enough for them to understand each other.
Tsunade was simply worried that Orochimaru would harbor resentment towards Konoha and gradually descend into darkness, and she felt a pang of guilt but had no way to speak up.
Orochimaru did not give a clear answer; there was no need to say more now.
If you repay evil with kindness, how will you repay kindness? She can't very well advise Orochimaru to be magnanimous and let Konoha go, can she? Don't advise others to be kind if you haven't experienced their suffering.
Tsunade unconsciously picked up her wine glass and drank it all in one gulp. The reunion with an old friend was supposed to be a happy occasion, but unexpectedly, it made her feel irritable.
"Alright! Let's not talk about that! Didn't you make a fortune today? Aren't you going to treat me to a late-night snack?"
As soon as he finished speaking, the oppressive atmosphere in the room gradually eased.
Anko and Shizune behind her breathed a sigh of relief at the same time. Thank goodness, the worst outcome did not happen.
"Lady Tsunade, what would you like to eat? The food here is very famous!"
Anko greeted the waiter, who immediately came in with the menu.
"Let me see, let me see!"
Shizune also came over. Even though she had already eaten dinner, it didn't mean she couldn't eat anymore, especially some delicacies she had never seen or heard of before.
Women are a species that can eat and digest at the same time.
The two chattered away as they ordered, livening up the atmosphere.
"I wonder if your alcohol tolerance has decreased over the years!"
Orochimaru looked at Tsunade with a playful gaze. All the words were in the sake; it was better to talk while drinking.
"Pshaw! I've traveled all over the country for years, and I've never been afraid of drinking!"
After asking the waiter what good wines they had, Tsunade ordered two cases without hesitation.
Orochimaru couldn't believe his eyes. This was baijiu, with an alcohol content of at least 30 degrees. Drinking it by the case, weren't they afraid of getting sick?
Seeing Tsunade's bold and imposing manner, Orochimaru did not back down. Who was afraid of who?
"I'll risk my life to accompany you today!"
Soon the waiter started serving the dishes: snails, grilled fish, kebabs, and so on—all Hard Dish and specialties of Northern Lands.
For a moment, the table was filled with the clinking of glasses, as if scenes from Tsunade's past were being replayed.
Shizune and Anko were not at all estranged. They chatted about their experiences traveling around the world over the years, from interesting stories about the Ninja World to the scenery of the Northern Lands, as if they had endless topics to discuss.
After walking back and forth with Orochimaru a few times, Tsunade gradually started a conversation.
The history of Konoha, the situation in the Ninja World, his own strength, and so on.
Tsunade gradually learned about Orochimaru's experiences over the past few years.
According to Orochimaru, since he left Konoha, he has also traveled to many places with Anko, collecting experimental materials and conducting research along the way.
Tsunade didn't suspect anything; based on her understanding of Orochimaru, this was indeed Orochimaru's style.
Orochimaru did not deceive her, but whether the truth was that he was only conducting research was unknown.
"So many years have passed in the blink of an eye. I wonder how Jiraiya is doing?"
After a few rounds of drinks, the two naturally steered the conversation towards Jiraiya.
"That guy is living a much better life than you and me. The last time I saw him, he was still as energetic as ever!"
How could he not be energetic? I ran into him on the way to the Land of Water last time, Jiraiya even grinned at him.
"Do you think the nights in Konoha are as beautiful as here?"
Through the glass window, Tsunade looked down at the brightly lit Northern Lands. Because the tavern was located on higher ground, most of the street scene below was visible.
Orochimaru wasn't surprised by Tsunade's whimsical topics; perhaps she was just homesick.
The people of Konoha, the events of Konoha, every little Didi of Konoha... unfortunately... all of that is gone forever.
Before Orochimaru could reply, a dazzling firework suddenly streaked across the night sky outside the window with a loud "bang."
Wow... someone's setting off fireworks!
"So beautiful!"
Shizune and Anko quickly squeezed to the window, but unfortunately the phone hadn't appeared yet, otherwise they would have definitely preserved this beautiful moment.
Fireworks fade quickly; even the most beautiful things will pass and never see the dawn!
Tsunade, her cheeks flushed, was equally amazed by the scene. As soon as she finished speaking, a large hand pressed down on her head.
The familiar feeling is back; it goes without saying that only Orochimaru would be so audacious.
"If something beautiful cannot last forever, then it is not perfect! Besides, it may not necessarily end there!"
Orochimaru's philosophical words echoed in her ears again. Tsunade pushed his arm away, assuming that Orochimaru was indulging in his research again.
However, what happened next was beyond everyone's expectations, including Shizune, Anko, Tsunade, and the tens of thousands of residents of the Northern Lands.
In those youthful days, we basked in the spring sunshine, our horses galloping amidst the fragrant wine streams.
Love, hate, passion, and grudges come with the waves, and the cicadas' song awakens the night before it's over!
Fireworks lit up the sky over the Northern Lands that night!
That night, the Northern Lands turned from night to day, and a magnificent scene illuminated the entire night sky!
That night, Tsunade walked along singing, with someone by her side!