Rainy Alley

After the mission in the Land of Birds ended, the three-person team began their journey back.

The Land of Birds was beautiful, and both Tsunade, who loved to roam, and Qinglong, who wanted to travel, chose to enjoy the journey, exploring the country on foot or by motorcycle.

Before they knew it, they had reached the border of the Land of Rain again.

Tsunade, who was driving, didn't stop the three-wheeler. Instead, she sped into the Land of Rain.

"Tsunade-sama!"

Shizune looked at Princess Tsunade with concern.

"Don't worry. The Land of Rain won't stop me!"

The rain gradually grew heavier, forming a curtain. As far as the eye could see, the whole Land of Rain was shrouded in rain, as though the entire world were being rained on.

"Patter, patter..."

Even the dense patter of rain couldn't break through Tsunade's heavy heart.

She was like a lost deer in the rain, lonely, sensitive, and stubborn!

Images from years ago began to surface. The endless wars. Nawaki fell, and then Dan fell, too. That day, the rain had poured without stopping, as if the whole sky were weeping.

A puddle reflected the rain-filled sky. The next moment, a wheel broke its still surface, sending up a spray of muddy water!

The wheel sank into the mud, and the whole vehicle came to a complete stop. No matter how hard she twisted the throttle, the wheel spun wildly, flinging up nothing but muddy water.

Tsunade irritably pulled out the key and walked into the downpour, as if she were facing the entire rainy world alone.

Qinglong put away the three-wheeler, found a solid, level patch of ground, and tossed out a villa.

"Shizune, hurry and get Teacher Tsunade inside! If she stays out in the rain, she'll catch a cold!"

Shizune tugged at Tsunade like she was leading a big child, guiding her into the house and then into the bathroom. Soon, the sound of rushing water filled the room.

Qinglong really wanted to ask if Teacher Tsunade needed any help.

He'd be happy to help wash her—or be washed by her!

When Shizune finally brought Tsunade out, all cleaned up and bundled up, Qinglong grinned and gave her a thumbs-up!

Shizune really was a thoughtful little cotton jacket—and a professional, too!

Fresh from her bath, Tsunade looked a little dazed, both innocent and alluring!

Tsk! What was he supposed to do if he wanted to be Guo'er now?

Tsunade sat dazedly on the sofa beside Qinglong. He picked up the remote and put on the movie God of Gamblers for her.

As the God of Gamblers theme music played, Brother Fa appeared with his hair slicked back, sitting at the card table in a suit and dominating the game.

Tsunade's eyes grew brighter as the theme music played. Finally, she slapped the table, fully recovered and brimming with energy.

When God of Gamblers ended, Tsunade lamented that she had no one to play a round of cards with. At that moment, she—Princess Tsunade—felt like she was back in top form!

Luckily, Qinglong didn't know what Tsunade was thinking. But even if he had, he wouldn't have tried to win her pocket money. Tonight, he'd just let Tsunade be the one who was pampered!

The night passed quietly. When dawn came, Tsunade opened the door.

The rain still fell, but it could no longer dampen Tsunade's mood.

"Qinglong, bring out your little motorcycle!"

Tsunade pointed ahead as if they were about to set off for their destination.

Qinglong rubbed his forehead. Was Teacher Tsunade being a little silly? He took out another Hoi-Poi Capsule and tossed it.

With a poof, a motorcycle without wheels appeared before them.

"Hm? What's this?"

Tsunade examined it, folding her arms over her chest and pinching her delicate chin as she pondered.

"A hovercar!"

Qinglong put away the villa and climbed into the driver's seat. The hovercar had three seats, one in front and two in the back.

Tsunade and Shizune climbed aboard, but Tsunade was displeased.

"I should be the one driving!"

Qinglong looked back at her. "Do you know how to drive it?"

Tsunade leaned forward and realized she really didn't!

But her expression didn't change, and her gaze didn't waver. She kept her eyes fixed on the controls, watching how her student operated them.

Qinglong turned the key and started the engine!

With a clear chime, the hovercar floated into the air.

"Wow!"

Shizune was like a curious child, peering outside through the transparent canopy. The car really was floating!

Even Tonton the little pig looked astonished, giving a couple of curious snorts.

Tsunade was just as amazed. She grabbed the back of Qinglong's seat and leaned out to look, confirming that the car really was hovering. Excitedly, she turned back toward the controls.

"Buckle up! A veteran driver is taking the wheel!"

Qinglong shouted as the car started moving.

"Whoosh!"

The hovercar glided forward. The rough road became smooth beneath it, and the airflow sent puddles splashing across the road.

"Wow!"

Shizune cheered. The hovercar was going so fast!

The transparent canopy kept the rain out, and watching the rainy scenery from inside the car had its own special charm.

They hadn't been driving long before Tsunade had already learned how to operate the hovercar.

"Ahem! Qinglong, you've been driving for a while. You must be tired, right?"

"Huh? I'm not tired. This is super fun!"

After a while, Tsunade spoke again. "You've been driving for ages, Qinglong. Take a break! Remember, there are countless rules of the road, but safety comes first. If you don't drive properly..."

"Don't worry, Teacher. I haven't even driven for four hours yet!"

Qinglong kept a firm grip on the steering wheel, speeding across the rain-soaked ground and sending up sprays of water wherever he went. This was awesome!

"That's enough!"

Tsunade clenched her fist and leaned closer. Her voice turned cold, but she smiled sweetly.