After entering the room at the inn, Tsunade's gaze naturally fell on the bed.
When she saw the girl's face clearly, her brow lifted almost imperceptibly, and a flicker of surprise crossed her green eyes.
It wasn't because the girl's condition was particularly critical. Quite the opposite-she looked perfectly normal.
If that really was the case, this could be a little tricky!
She stepped forward and quickly checked her pulse, eye color, and temperature, lifted her eyelids, then squeezed her slender arms and calves.
Hikari lay motionless as Tsunade examined her.
Naruto had told her beforehand that he would have a doctor check her for any lingering internal injuries.
There were no obvious external injuries, no signs of rampaging or obstructed chakra, no indications of poisoning-not even any of the usual hidden injuries or chronic ailments.
That wasn't common in the ninja world, but people like that did exist.
Her condition was uncomplicated-so "clean," in fact, that it was almost abnormal.
Tsunade withdrew her hand, straightened up, and turned toward Naruto, who had been standing silently to the side.
The room was dim, and her eyes looked especially sharp in the shadows, filled with curiosity and undisguised scrutiny.
"Is she from Konoha?" she asked.
Uchiha Hikari was about to answer, but Naruto stopped her.
"No."
Naruto answered quickly, offering no further explanation.
"I found her."
"Heh."
Tsunade gave a short laugh devoid of warmth, its meaning clear: Keep making things up. Go on.
She folded her arms and looked back at Uchiha Hikari's face. The girl had delicate, lovely features; even in her haggard state, her natural beauty was evident.
"Where did you find a girl this pretty? And you're willing to spend that much money to have me examine her?"
She drew out her words, her tone teasing.
"Maybe