Dongfang Mao, Concerned for His Country and People

Dongfang Mao felt a surge of delight when he heard that, knowing Tsunade had agreed to go along with him.

But Tsunade's words also made him wary, and his expression grew slightly more serious.

She was right. If Konoha found out Tsunade had helped him stir up such a huge commotion, they would definitely send someone over. That could cause quite a bit of trouble.

"I understand. I'll make sure everyone who was here today keeps their mouths shut!"

Seeing how Dongfang Mao looked ready to face an enemy at the mere mention of Konoha, Tsunade's heavy mood eased, and she couldn't help finding it amusing.

But then she seemed to think of something. Raising an eyebrow, she gently pressed a slender finger to Dongfang Mao's brow and said in a plaintive tone,

"That's great, except you forgot to send troops to help me fight, and you even had the nerve to ask me to treat you. How dare you!"

Dongfang Mao heard the slight complaint in Tsunade's voice and gave an awkward chuckle.

Come on. Her being nice to me while I mess with her is harmless.

If she weren't nice to me and I still messed with her, wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

Dongfang Mao didn't reply. His gaze drifted down to the street below.

The soldiers were still patrolling in full force, but a few bold merchants had already set up their stalls and resumed business.

Seeing that, he rolled his eyes, thinking that he had just had a heart-to-heart with Tsunade, and she seemed quite moved.

Why not take the opportunity to fan the flames a little and bring them closer?

"Tsunade, sis."

He suddenly spoke in a lighthearted tone.

"I never got the chance to show you around Tsukimiura. We've got some free time now. Want to come with me and inspect my territory?"

"Hm?"

Tsunade was taken aback, then clearly tempted. Still, she gave Dongfang Mao a teasing look.

"What, our Grand Governor can put his work aside and take me shopping?"

"I've already given all the orders I needed to at the meeting. A little stroll won't hurt anything..."

Dongfang Mao grinned, then straightened his chest and declared righteously,

"Besides, I'm going out with my Minister of Medicine to inspect the people's living conditions. That hardly counts as neglecting my duties!"

"You always manage to come up with the strangest excuses."

Tsunade's eyes softened, warm as spring sunshine.

A fond smile tugged at her lips.

She reached up and gently ruffled Dongfang Mao's hair, then naturally slipped her arm through his.

And so, the two of them left the Governor's Mansion together.

As for Shizune, who had been left in the reception hall while they talked, they had both unconsciously forgotten about her.

As they walked down the street, the faint smell of blood still lingered in the air.

But the fresh scent surrounding Dongfang Mao filled the space beside her, driving away the last traces of iron.

His familiar, faint fragrance reached her nose, stirring a subtle sweetness in Tsunade's heart.

Without even realizing it, she tightened her hold on his arm, and a rosy flush spread across her fair cheeks.

"Hey, should we get some of those?"

Dongfang Mao pointed to a dango shop by the road and turned to ask Tsunade.

"Mm... whatever you want..."

Tsunade leaned against his shoulder and nodded softly, her face shy. The usually bold and spirited woman now looked just like a girl who had fallen in love for the first time.

Dongfang Mao's heart fluttered. His breath caught, and his gaze grew hazy.

But he quickly came back to himself, cleared his throat, and led Tsunade to the shop, hiding his little burst of excitement.

The shop was far less lively than the unspoken heat between them. Its owner looked flustered and uneasy, poking his head out again and again like a frightened bird, glancing this way and that.

He seemed afraid someone would burst in at any moment and smash up his shop.

"Shopkeeper, two servings of dango, please."

"Right away! Just a moment!"

At the sound of a voice, the shopkeeper's shoulders tensed. Only after he looked over did he visibly relax.

His pale face forced a smile at Dongfang Mao and Tsunade, and he set to work.

"Tell me, shopkeeper, aren't these troops only keeping an eye on the city lord and the powerful clans? They don't seem to be giving small businesses like yours much trouble. Is there really any need to be this scared?"

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

"Who knows?" the shopkeeper sighed, his face troubled, and said no more.

Dongfang Mao saw this, his eyes flickering. Then he pressed on.

"Shopkeeper, what would you think if these troops killed the corrupt city officials and nobles, then improved conditions in the city so everyone could live better?"

"What would I think?"

The shopkeeper's hands paused. Then his face twisted, and he gave a cold snort.

"Those nobles weren't any good, but rebels are still rebels. How could they improve people's lives?

"Just you wait. Once the Daimyo hears what's happened here, he'll send troops to drive all these damn rebels out!"

At that, Tsunade's eye twitched, and Dongfang Mao's expression darkened.

But he quickly brought his emotions back under control, and his face settled into a calm expression.

"Your fish balls are ready!"

The shopkeeper seemed to realize he'd gotten carried away and said too much. He hurriedly looked around, and only after seeing no one nearby did he relax. Wearing a broad smile, he handed the fish balls to Dongfang Mao.

Dongfang Mao took them with a cheerful smile and pulled forty ryo from his pocket, placing the money on the counter.

"Thanks, and take care!"

After leaving the dango shop, Tsunade glanced at Dongfang Mao, who was calmly eating fish balls, and asked curiously,

"Mao, aren't you angry?"

"Mm... I expected this, so what's there to be angry about? Besides, haven't I already put a plan in place?"

After chewing and swallowing a dango, Dongfang Mao raised the cup in his hand and looked at Tsunade, his eyes shining.

"Tsunade, sis, try one. These dango are really good."

Tsunade couldn't help laughing.

"It seems the commoners in the city are still very resistant to you. Are you sure your plan will work?"

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

"I'm not sure, but it's still the best option we have right now. I hope this will change their minds. Otherwise, going hungry won't be easy to bear. I can't stand to see that happen, sigh..."

Watching Dongfang Mao act so concerned for his country and its people, Tsunade's mouth twitched.

He really was concerned for his country and its people. As for why the country and people were concerned, it was best not to ask too many questions.