Night fell, and lights brought the streets of Konoha to bustling life.
A breeze swept through the streets, carrying the faint scent of charcoal fires and the rich aroma of sake.
The future Tsunade took her younger self and Shinichi straight to an old-fashioned izakaya, pushed open the door, and entered a private room at the very back.
The room was tastefully decorated, with portraits of the Hokage of Konoha hanging on the walls. Soft light spilled across the wooden table, giving the space a warm, nostalgic feel.
The future Tsunade sat down without ceremony and raised a hand to summon a server. Soon, a tableful of dishes arrived, accompanied by several bottles of fine sake. Their rich aromas filled the room, and the sight alone was enough to whet anyone's appetite.
Shinichi chuckled and picked up the sake flask to pour himself a cup, glancing at the two "Tsunades" sitting across from him.
One was the mature, composed Tsunade from the future, a playful smile on her lips; the other was the young, spirited Tsunade, sitting with her arms folded. Although she said nothing, her eyes held a mixture of wariness and anticipation.
Clearly, the future Tsunade was very interested in Shinichi's stories, while the younger Tsunade's feelings seemed rather more complicated.
There was a different sort of emotion in the way she looked at Shinichi.
The future Tsunade took it all in, her lips lifting into a knowing smile. She picked up her cup and gently swirled it, nostalgia and teasing amusement showing in her amber eyes.
"You know, back when I was young, my first love was Dan Katō."
Her tone was calm, with a hint of playfulness, as she looked at the younger Tsunade.
The younger Tsunade froze for a moment, then frowned, her expression turning