At noon, the sun shone brightly.
Kitahara Kaede carried a two-tiered sandalwood lunch box into Konoha Hospital, walking through the entrance as if he knew the place by heart.
The nurses and medical ninja passing through the corridor slowed when they saw him.
Several young nurses exchanged glances, covered their mouths, and winked, their smiles full of knowing mischief.
One bold medical Chunin came over to greet him.
"Lord Kaede, bringing Lady Tsunade lunch again?"
Kitahara Kaede didn't break stride. He gave her an easy nod.
"Mm. She just finished surgery. She must be hungry."
A muffled chorus of exclamations rose around them.
What was going on between the two of them had long been an open secret among Konoha High Command and the hospital staff.
Top floor, director's office.
The door opened.
Tsunade walked in, exhaustion written all over her face.
Several consecutive, demanding suturing surgeries had drained her.
Her brow furrowed as she rubbed her temples, irritation radiating from her.
Then she looked up.
Her eyes met Kitahara Kaede's as he sat on the sofa.
Her irritation vanished in an instant.
Light brightened her golden-brown eyes.
The corners of her mouth lifted before she could stop them.
She hurried over.
"When did you get here?"
Kitahara Kaede stood, pulled out the cushioned chair beside him, and pressed her shoulders to make her sit.
"Just now."
He sat beside her, reached across the table, and popped open the lunch box's clasp.
The scent of fish and meat, along with a curl of warm steam, filled the entire office.
Kitahara Kaede didn't rush to hand her the chopsticks.
He took out a clean, pure white handkerchief.
He lifted Tsunade's hand and began wiping it for her.
His movements were unhurried, as if it were the most natural thing in the