That day, after Tsunade returned home, she found Biwako actually waiting for her there, with Shizune attending to her and keeping her company.
"What brought you here so suddenly?" Tsunade asked with a light laugh.
"Am I not allowed to come?" Biwako said slowly as she sipped her tea.
"I never said that."
Seeing Tsunade take off her thick coat, Biwako carefully appraised her professional outfit. She too felt that the black stockings and hip-hugging skirt looked somewhat out of place on Tsunade. This was nothing like the Tsunade she remembered.
Tsunade noticed her gaze as well and said somewhat awkwardly, "I'll go change first."
With that, she went into the bedroom. A few minutes later, she emerged in casual loungewear, sat beside Biwako, and poured herself a cup of tea.
Biwako said to Shizune, "Shizune, go prepare dinner first. Don't make any for me—I won't be eating here tonight."
Tsunade asked, "Why not? There's no harm in eating here."
"Asuma is still waiting for me at home."
"He's a grown boy. He won't starve himself. He can go buy something to eat on the street."
"I'll leave after saying a few things."
Tsunade could not argue with her, so she stopped trying to persuade her.
"Go on, then. What do you want to say?"
Biwako held her teacup and sat quietly for a while before saying, "The day after tomorrow is Jiraiya's Execution Day, isn't it?"
Those words instantly stunned Tsunade, and her expression immediately darkened.
It sounded like a question, but everyone in the village already knew the answer.
"Yes."
"You've gone to see Jiraiya, haven't you?"
"I have."
"How was he?"
"How could he be..." Tsunade let out a long breath and slowly said, "He was still the same as always. Quite carefree, actually."
"..."
The atmosphere