Kazuhiko cured Tsunade's Hemophobia and persuaded her to return to Konoha, indirectly raising Shizune's affection for him all the way to the level of a close friend, just like Kurenai Yuhi.
With that foundation in place, it would obviously be easy for Kazuhiko to keep advancing their relationship and raising her affection.
However, under the current circumstances, going all the way and taking Shizune right then wasn't realistic.
Tsunade and Kakashi were both resting at the camp. The timing was wrong.
More than indulging in a fleeting pleasure, Kazuhiko wanted Shizune's affection.
Kazuhiko walked up to Shizune. Seeing her bashful expression, he smiled and took the girl's hand.
"The night is long, and I can't sleep. I wouldn't be able to sleep even if I went back to camp now, so I'll stay here with you for a while and chat."
In Shizune's eyes, Kazuhiko had become the person most responsible for her return to Konoha—a former classmate who had worked quietly for her and followed through on his promises.
So, despite her shyness, she let him take her hand, murmured, "Mm," and followed him obediently, lowering her head as they slipped into the small grove.
"So treating Lady Tsunade's Hemophobia requires you to expend the power of your Sharingan?"
"Mm. You know Lady Tsunade's situation. A psychological affliction she's suffered for more than a decade isn't so easy to cure completely."
Kazuhiko led Shizune to sit down on the grass and deliberately put on a tired expression.
Today, he'd used "Psychological Genjutsu" in front of Shizune. His chakra was greatly depleted, and he needed kisses and cuddles to recover.
Sure enough, Shizune looked worried. Her gaze softened even more as she looked at Kazuhiko, and she said quietly:
"You must have worked so hard for this, right?"
Having to