Was hurting oneself really considered being heartless?
Tsunade had never considered that question. There were too few things left that could move her now. As she watched Hokage Tsunade struggle with all her strength beneath her on the bed, she felt absolutely nothing.
Once she had done what she needed to do, Hokage Tsunade quieted down as well. She lay facedown on the bed without moving, her expression hidden from view.
Moonlight slipped through the window, washing the bed in pale white. Golden hair spread across the sheets, rising and falling with each harsh breath.
Tsunade pulled her pajama pants back up for her, then silently left the bedroom.
"Master?"
A sudden voice broke the silence of the night. Shizune stood at the bedroom door, without turning on the lights.
The living room was dim, and nothing could be seen clearly. Tsunade had just come out of Hokage Tsunade's room, yet Shizune still recognized her.
"...You're not asleep yet?"
Shizune was silent for a moment before replying, "I was about to sleep."
The two stood before separate doors, some distance between them. Tsunade could not make out Shizune's expression.
"Get some sleep."
After Tsunade returned to her room, Shizune went to Hokage Tsunade's bedroom door. After hesitating for a long while, she still did not raise her hand to knock. She stood there for a long time without making a sound.
If she knocked, what should she say? What should she ask?
Perhaps she did not even know what had truly happened. If that was the case, would her presumptuous concern hurt Lady Tsunade...
Concern cost nothing, but dignity did.
The next day.
When Tsunade woke up, she found the living room unusually quiet. It was already eight in the morning. Normally, Shizune would have long since gotten up, prepared