Though Konoha's old district was not as prosperous and bustling as the new district, it was more tranquil and peaceful after nightfall.
The streetlights were not glaring, and only a scattered few pedestrians walked the streets.
Shin came alone to Tsunade's door and raised his hand to knock.
Knock, knock—
Shizune opened the door. When she saw Shin standing outside, she froze for a moment.
"Ho... Hokage?"
Shin casually glanced inside. "Is Tsunade home?"
"Ah... y-yes, she is!"
After recovering her senses, Shizune hurriedly bowed to Shin, then stepped aside and invited him in.
She was surprised that the Hokage had suddenly come to visit, especially so late at night. Did he have some urgent matter to discuss with Lady Tsunade?
"Do I need to change shoes?"
"I'll get them for you."
Shin stood in the entryway while Shizune hurriedly took a pair of slippers from the shoe cabinet.
"Shizune, who was knocking?"
At that moment, Tsunade's voice came from inside. Shin looked toward the living room and saw Tsunade wrapped only in a bathrobe, her hair still wet, clearly having just taken a bath.
"It's... it's the Hokage." Shizune could not help feeling embarrassed on Tsunade's behalf.
Tsunade instantly stood frozen in place. She stared at Shin in the entryway for quite a while before finally speaking. "Hokage... what brings you here?"
Shin's voice remained calm and casual. "There's something I want to discuss with you. Is now convenient?"
Convenient... Was she even in a position to say it was inconvenient?
Tsunade glanced at Shizune beside Shin again, her eyes flickering slightly. She pressed her lips together and said, "Please follow me, Hokage."
With that, she turned and went straight back to her bedroom.
Shin put on the slippers Shizune had brought out and headed toward Tsunade's bedroom.
Shizune