After leaving the Biological Science Research Institute, only the two Tsunades remained.
Shin had just made arrangements for this Tsunade from another world, who had once served as the Fifth Hokage, to continue living in this world's Tsunade's home.
"Are you afraid of him?" Hokage Tsunade suddenly asked.
The other woman's meek demeanor inside had greatly annoyed Hokage Tsunade, but remembering that the woman was technically herself made the feeling strange.
At first, she had thought that this world's Tsunade had willingly become involved with Hyuga Shin. But after what she had just seen, she felt that this version of herself had likely suffered something terrible before ending up like this.
"Our experiences were different. Why should we hold each other accountable?" Tsunade replied calmly.
Hokage Tsunade opened her mouth and explained, "I wasn't holding you accountable."
Lowering her gaze, Tsunade said, "In this world, simply staying alive is already difficult. You can be so reckless only because you live for yourself."
"..."
"Let's go back. Shizune still doesn't know about this."
Hokage Tsunade silently watched her retreating back before choosing to follow.
Staying alive was indeed difficult. There were many people in this world who no longer even had that privilege. She had witnessed too much death and understood this deeply.
Even so, was she supposed to accept her fate and compromise?
How could that be possible!
When they returned home, Shizune was stunned to see two Tsunades standing at the door.
Sitting on the living room sofa, Tsunade briefly explained the situation to Shizune.
Hokage Tsunade said, "I don't have anywhere else to go now. You wouldn't refuse to welcome me, would you?"
"How could I?" Shizune hurriedly said. "Even if you're from another world, you're still Lady Tsunade!"
Then, she hesitantly asked, "But you're both Lady Tsunade.