Dongfang Mao Worries for His Country and People

Dongfang Mao felt a surge of wild joy upon hearing this, knowing that Tsunade had finally agreed to follow his lead.

However, Tsunade's words also made him somewhat alert, his expression turning slightly grave.

It was indeed as Tsunade said; if Konoha were to find out that she had accompanied him in orchestrating such a massive event, they would certainly send people to investigate, and that would likely lead to no small amount of trouble.

"I understand. I will make sure everyone present today keeps their mouths shut tight!"

Seeing Dongfang Mao act as if he were facing a formidable enemy the moment Konoha was mentioned, Tsunade's originally heavy mood lightened significantly, and she found it somewhat amusing.

But then, as if thinking of something, she arched a brow, reached out a slender, jade-like finger to gently tap the center of Dongfang Mao's forehead, and said in a lingering tone.

"You fellow, since you are so wary of Konoha causing you trouble, why aren't you afraid of me, one of the 'Konoha Sannin'? You're always thinking of ways to play tricks on me—it's truly a waste of how well I treat you!"

Hearing the slightly resentful tone in Tsunade's voice, Dongfang Mao let out two awkward, dry laughs.

Just kidding, you treat me well, and my playing tricks on you is harmless.

If you didn't treat me well and I still played tricks on you, wouldn't that be the same as courting death?

Dongfang Mao did not respond, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the street below.

Although the soldiers were still patrolling in a tense, orderly fashion, some bold merchants had already set up their stalls and begun their business.

Seeing this, his eyes darted around, thinking that since he had just shared a heart-to-heart with Tsunade, she seemed quite moved.

It would be better to take this opportunity to add more fuel to the fire and deepen their relationship.

"Sister Tsunade."

He spoke suddenly, his tone light and breezy.

"Since I haven't had the chance to properly show you around Tsukimiura, and I have some free time now, would you like to accompany me on an inspection of the territory?"

"Oh?"

Tsunade was taken aback, though she was quite tempted; nevertheless, she looked at Dongfang Mao with a playful, enigmatic smile.

"What's this? Can our great Governor set aside his work to take his sister out for a stroll?"

"The meeting just finished, and everything that needed to be ordered has been ordered. A little walk won't hinder anything..."

Dongfang Mao chuckled, then straightened his chest and said with righteous indignation.

"Besides, this Governor is taking his Minister of Medicine out to inspect the public sentiment; it can hardly be called neglecting official duties!"

"You brat, you always manage to find some strange and curious excuses."

Tsunade's eyes now shimmered with a soft, melting light, as if soaked in the warmth of a spring day.

The corners of her lips lifted into an unconsciously doting arc.

She raised her hand to gently ruffle Dongfang Mao's hair, then naturally linked her arm through his.

And just like that, the two of them left the Governor's Mansion, leaning against one another.

As for Shizune, who had been left in the front hall due to their conversation, she was subconsciously forgotten by both of them.

Walking on the street, a faint scent of blood still drifted through the air.

But the fresh, clean scent radiating from Dongfang Mao lingered by her side, dispelling the lingering metallic tang entirely.

The familiar, subtle fragrance seeped into her nose, causing a delicate, sweet sensation to bloom in Tsunade's heart.

This made her tighten her grip on Dongfang Mao's arm, and a faint crimson flush quietly bloomed across her snowy cheeks.

"Hey, shall we go eat that?"

Just then, Dongfang Mao pointed to a dango shop by the roadside and turned his head to ask Tsunade.

"Mm... I'll listen to you..."

Tsunade leaned against his shoulder and nodded gently, her face shy; the once bold and heroic woman now looked just like a young girl who had just fallen in love.

This caused a tremor in Dongfang Mao's heart, his breath hitching, his vision momentarily dazed.

But soon, he regained his composure, gave a light cough, and with a small flutter of excitement in his heart, pretended nothing was amiss as he led Tsunade to the front of the dango shop.

However, compared to the subtly simmering, heated atmosphere between the two of them, the area in front of the small shop was much more desolate.

The shopkeeper's face was filled with panic and unease, and like a startled bird, he kept poking his head out to look left and right.

It seemed as if he were terrified that someone would burst in the next second and smash his shop to pieces.

"Shopkeeper, two servings of dango."

"Coming right up, guests, please wait a moment!"

Hearing a human voice, the shopkeeper's shoulders visibly tightened, but after casting a glance, he let out a clear sigh of relief.

Then, with a forced smile on his slightly pale face, he began to busy himself for the two of them.

"Tell me, shopkeeper, aren't these troops only targeting the City Lord and the great aristocratic families? They don't seem to be giving you small-business owners much trouble, do they? Is it really necessary to be this scared?"

Dongfang Mao leaned against the doorframe, watching the anxious shopkeeper with interest as he asked.

"Sigh, who knows?"

The shopkeeper merely let out a soft sigh, his expression pained, and said nothing more.

Dongfang Mao saw this, his eyes flickering as he pressed further.

"Shopkeeper, if this army had killed those corrupt city deputies and nobles, then improved the people's livelihood and allowed everyone to live a good life, what would your opinion be?"

"What opinion?"

Hearing this, the shopkeeper's hands paused for a moment, and then he let out a cold snort, his face turning slightly ferocious.

"Even if those nobles aren't good people, rebels are still rebels. What kind of livelihood could they possibly improve? Just wait. Once the Daimyo learns of what happened here, he will surely send troops to drive these damned rebels away!"

As soon as these words were spoken, not only did Tsunade's eye twitch, but Dongfang Mao's face also darkened.

However, he quickly regained control of his emotions, his expression returning to calm.

"Customer, your two orders of fish balls are ready!"

The shopkeeper seemed to realize he had let his emotions get the better of him and had perhaps said too much. He hurriedly glanced around, and seeing no one else nearby, he breathed a sigh of relief and handed the fish balls to Dongfang Mao with a beaming smile.

Dongfang Mao accepted them with a smile of his own, then pulled 40 ryo from his pocket and placed it on the counter.

"Alright, take care, customer."

After leaving the dumpling shop, Tsunade glanced at Dongfang Mao, who was currently eating his fish balls with a calm expression, and asked with some curiosity.

"Mao, aren't you angry?"

"Hmm... I expected as much, so why be angry? Besides, haven't I already prepared a plan to deal with this?"

Chewing the dumpling and swallowing it, Dongfang Mao raised the cup in his hand, his eyes brightening as he looked at Tsunade.

"Sister Tsunade, hurry and try it. This shop makes really good dumplings."

Hearing this, Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle.

"It seems the commoners in the city are still very resistant to you. Are you sure that plan will actually be effective?"

Dongfang Mao shook his head and let out a heavy sigh.

"I'm not sure, but it's the best option we have right now. I hope these people can change their attitudes because of it; otherwise, the taste of starvation is not pleasant, and I truly cannot bear to see it, sigh..."

Watching Dongfang Mao's display of concern for the country and its people, the corner of Tsunade's mouth twitched violently.

He was indeed concerned for the country and its people, though as for why he was concerned, it was best not to ask.