Uchiha Yao sat down across from Tsunade.
As if she had not seen him, Tsunade poured herself another full cup of wine.
"What are you here for?"
Tsunade's voice was cold, devoid of even a trace of emotion.
"I came to see you."
Tsunade gave a derisive snort and tipped back her head, draining the strong liquor in one gulp. The burning liquid scorched her throat, yet it could not suppress the nameless fire in her heart.
"To see me?"
"I don't deserve that."
Tsunade slammed her cup heavily onto the table.
"Hokage-sama is busy with countless affairs every day, and you have a beautiful confidante by your side. You should not waste your precious time here."
That sour tone left Uchiha Yao somewhat helpless.
Sure enough, Kurenai was right. This woman is jealous.
"Tsunade, are you still angry about what happened in the office?"
"Angry?"
As though she had heard the funniest joke in the world, Tsunade burst into exaggerated laughter, drawing sideways glances from the nearby drinkers.
"What right do I have to be angry?"
"Who Uchiha Yao wants to be with, where you want to flirt and make out—that is your freedom, the privilege of Hokage-sama. What does it have to do with me?"
Seeing Tsunade's prickly, insincere appearance, Uchiha Yao found it rather amusing instead.
Without dwelling on the matter further, he took the document stamped with the Hokage's seal from his robes and pushed it in front of Tsunade.
"I've approved the Medical Department's budget."
Tsunade merely glanced at it from the corner of her eye before unceremoniously pushing the document back.
"No need."
"I've just thought it through. I'm done being the head of the Medical Department."
"You should find someone else."
The smile on Uchiha Yao's face slowly faded.
"Tsunade, have you made