Within the Land of Rain.
At a hidden Konoha outpost.
A great many Konoha ninjas had gathered to watch, secretly sizing up the tall figure strolling leisurely across the grounds.
"Is that Captain Sosuke? He really is... as handsome as the rumors say...!"
A kunoichi pressed a hand to her chest, gazing at him in a daze as she murmured.
"So this is the Captain Sosuke that Captain Tsunade has been thinking about day and night... As expected... Captain Tsunade really is something! Even her boyfriend is so outstanding...!"
A kunoichi with a slightly cold expression thought gravely.
Sosuke was already used to being watched by everyone. He strolled through the outpost with calm ease, returning the curious gazes around him with a gentle smile.
His peaceful, warm nature quickly won him the admiration and affection of a group of kunoichi at the outpost.
"Whoosh!"
A curvaceous figure in a green ninja uniform suddenly appeared on the grounds.
Her golden ponytail swished through the air. She glanced from side to side with her brown eyes, then spoke in a cool, slightly stern voice.
"Have you all finished your assigned tasks? If they aren't done before nightfall, you'll be disciplined for violating ninja regulations!"
At her words, the kunoichi who had been watching from the sidelines stuck out their tongues and hurriedly scattered.
Seeing this, Sosuke, standing in front of her, couldn't help smiling. His magnetic voice rang out.
"Why so serious all of a sudden, Tsunade?"
At Sosuke's words, Tsunade's fair face flushed slightly. She turned her gaze away, afraid to meet his eyes, and answered softly.
"I... I'm not being serious. I was just telling them to get back to their tasks."
"Besides, you finally made it here. It must have been hard staying in Amegakure..."
"But I should