Leaving Mito Uzumaki's courtyard, Shinichi made his way toward Tsunade's courtyard, his heart heavy with sorrow.
Outside, a bitter wind blew, and snowflakes still danced through the air. The icy chill seemed to sharpen the complicated emotions weighing on him.
When he entered Tsunade's courtyard, Shinichi found her seated at the stone table, absorbed in a thick medical book.
A warm fire burned gently beside her, illuminating her intent face. Soft light filtered through the window lattice onto the ends of her hair, lending the scene a particular warmth.
Shinichi stood at the entrance and watched for a moment before gently pushing the door open and stepping inside.
Tsunade looked up at the sound. When her gaze met his, a gentle smile touched her eyes, as though she had been ready to welcome him all along.
"What is it, Shinichi?" Tsunade put down her book, her relaxed voice carrying a hint of puzzlement. "You're back so soon. Did something happen?"
Shinichi sighed softly, approached her table, and slowly sat down. His gaze drifted beyond the snowy view outside, as though he were considering how to soften what he had to say.
The warmth of the fire mingled with the silence, and his heart seemed especially heavy at that moment.
"Tsunade," he finally said, his voice lower than usual and tinged with worry, "I need to go to Uzushio Village to bring a little girl back to Konoha."
Surprise flashed through Tsunade's eyes as soon as he finished, and then her brows drew together slightly.
She seemed to have guessed something. The light in her eyes dimmed, and an unmistakable sadness slipped onto her face.
"Uzushio Village?" Tsunade repeated quietly, complex emotions stirring in her eyes. "You mean... Kushina, don't you?"
Shinichi nodded, his expression somber. He knew Tsunade had already