With Tsunade and the others joining them, Akemi and her two companions could hardly go to a Dessert Shop. There were three men with them, after all, so they could not cater entirely to the girls' preferences. Instead, they found another restaurant that served both desserts and other food.
The eight of them asked for a private room. Once they had ordered, everyone took their seats. Tsunade knew what Akemi and Asuna planned to do in the future, so she congratulated them on graduating, then turned to Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, when Akemi joins your department, make sure you take good care of her."
Akemi pressed her palms together, looking endearingly pleading. "I look forward to learning from you, Orochimaru."
Orochimaru gave a slight nod, his expression impassive, indicating that he would look after her. Jiraiya chimed in from beside him, "Even if Orochimaru can't manage it, the former Hokage is still there."
"True. Grandpa Tobirama will definitely be fine." Tsunade glanced at the aloof-looking Orochimaru, feeling that he was not particularly good at looking after people.
"Honestly, if you're asking me to look after her, stop undermining me." Seeing Tsunade's look, Orochimaru sounded a little exasperated.
"Yes, I think Orochimaru is a gentle person too. You might not be able to tell from his appearance, but Father said we shouldn't judge people by their looks," Akemi said.
"Gentle?" Everyone else wore rather peculiar expressions at Akemi's assessment, as though unsure whether the word suited Orochimaru.
It was not just the others; Orochimaru himself felt awkward. He had never considered himself gentle. Truthfully, he could not even say exactly what gentleness felt like. Still, faced with Akemi's gaze, he could hardly deny it outright. No one would speak ill of themselves.
Seeing Orochimaru look slightly embarrassed, Jiraiya and Asumi could not help