Kakashi tucked the Icha Icha Paradise in his hand into the back pocket of his vest.
His one exposed, dead-fish eye rolled in exasperation.
"You really do treat the Naruto like a nanny your family hired, kid."
Sen rolled over, picked up a grape so red it was almost purple, and popped it into his mouth.
"What else would I do?"
Sen chewed the grape, juice trickling from the corner of his mouth, and carelessly wiped it away with the slightly pilled hem of his shirt.
"I dragged the old man out of a snake's belly and cured Auntie's fear of blood. Surely those favors are worth a few years of peace and quiet."
"It's called equivalent exchange."
As he spoke, he even gave his well-fed, rounded belly a solemn pat.
Kakashi shook his head helplessly. This kid could make any twisted argument sound reasonable.
"Suit yourself. Just don't cause another uproar like that 'Divine Tree: Deep Forest Emergence.'"
Kakashi yawned.
"Lady Tsunade just took office, and she's got a raging temper. If you get in her line of fire, I won't be able to save you."
Sen didn't even lift his eyelids. He kept basking comfortably in the sun.
A new official always started by lighting a few fires.
He had experienced Tsunade's temper firsthand.
Back in Tanzaku Town, she'd smashed a gambling table with one punch, leaving not a single intact chunk of wood.
That had been a solid rosewood table, too.
The Naruto's office, Hokage Building.
Tsunade sat in the office chair Sen had repaired, which still gave off a faint woody fragrance.
Bang!
She slammed her palm onto the desk, shattering the pen in her hand.
Documents fluttered off the desk, scattering across the floor like snow.
"That senile old fool Hiruzen! How the hell has