The next morning, on the roof of the Miko Palace.
The faint light of dawn spilled across the glazed tiles of the Miko Palace. Night had receded, and a soft golden orange spread across the horizon.
A breeze swept past, carrying a hint of the morning chill.
Shinichi woke first. He opened his eyes slightly, felt the warmth in his arms, and paused before looking down—
Tsunade was sleeping peacefully in his embrace.
Her long golden hair lay scattered over his chest, rising and falling gently. A sleepy blush still lingered on her cheeks, and her breathing was slow and even. Gone was her usual temper, replaced by a soft tranquility.
Shinichi smiled faintly, finding himself reluctant to move for fear of waking her.
She's actually pretty cute when she's asleep.
He marveled inwardly and even began to savor the peace of the moment.
But soon, he realized there was a serious problem—
How would Tsunade react when she woke up?
The moment he thought of it, an image of Tsunade glaring furiously flashed through his mind, followed by an enhanced super-strength punch landing squarely on his face...
Cold sweat slowly trickled down his temple.
No, I have to retreat before she wakes up!
Yet just as he was about to ease himself away—
Tsunade's brows knitted slightly, and she mumbled, "Mm... Shinichi..."
Shinichi froze.
Tsunade slowly opened her eyes. Still groggy from sleep, she noticed where she was—
Normally, given her temperament, Tsunade should have immediately delivered an enhanced super-strength punch and sent him flying straight off the roof and out of the Land of Demons.
Yet when she actually looked up and met Shinichi's gaze, the anger on her face somehow vanished in an instant, replaced by a barely perceptible blush creeping up her cheeks.
"I... you... let