Morning sunlight filtered through the Cherry Blossom Bathhouse's paper window lattice, casting soft patches of light.
The air carried the sulfur scent of the hot springs and the faint fragrance of cherry blossoms from the courtyard. An occasional clear birdsong added to the tranquility.
Tsunade had already washed and dressed in a simple, elegant pale purple yukata. Her long golden hair was loosely pinned up, a few strands falling beside her cheeks. She looked less fierce than usual, with more of the gentle warmth of a woman at home.
She shook her head helplessly at Shinichi, who was still sprawled across the tatami, a suspicious glimmer of moisture even hanging at the corner of his mouth.
"Hey, Shinichi, the sun's already high in the sky. Aren't you getting up?" Tsunade nudged his waist lightly with her foot.
Shinichi grunted, rolled over, and buried his face in the covers, mumbling, "Just a little longer... The hot spring felt so good last night, it turned my bones to jelly..."
Torn between irritation and amusement, Tsunade walked over and yanked his covers away. "None of that! We agreed to explore town today and try the Land of Hot Water's local snacks. Keep dawdling and the morning market will be over!"
The cool morning air made Shinichi shiver as his covers were pulled away. He blearily opened one eye and saw Tsunade standing beside his bedding with her hands on her hips, sunlight outlining her lovely figure. He chuckled. "Tsunade, this whole devoted-wife look gets more charming by the day."
"Smooth talker!" A faint blush colored Tsunade's pretty face as she gave him a reproachful look. "Hurry up. Minato and the others probably went out for their morning training ages ago. You're the only lazy one."
"They're young and full of energy. These old