"It seems a lot happened while I was away..."
Orochimaru removed his bamboo hat, his slit-pupiled eyes surveying the wounded village in the rain, his expression reflective.
Accompanied by Shizune, Tsunade stepped forward, equally bewildered.
She had run into Orochimaru along the way. Though she knew he had been resurrected and joined Naruto, she still could not set aside their old grievances.
Only because something else weighed on her mind had they managed to travel here peacefully, but they had barely exchanged a word along the way.
"Granny Tsunade, you're here..." Accompanied by Konan, Naruto came to greet them at the village entrance.
Tsunade naturally asked, "Naruto, what happened here?"
Naruto answered casually, "Amegakure was attacked. The situation is under control now."
Tsunade's gaze sharpened. "Any casualties? Do you need medical assistance?"
Naruto said, "No casualties. Only damage to the buildings."
Tsunade was astonished. "An attack on this scale, and no casualties? Could it be..."
Naruto said, "Anyway, come inside first. He's... already waiting for you."
Tsunade clenched her hand, her eyes flickering. Without another word, she strode into Amegakure.
Holding Tonton in her arms, Shizune followed Tsunade, nodding to Naruto as she passed.
Amegakure, beside the Nameless Lake.
"Hah, hah, hah..." Tsunade stopped, breathless, staring blankly at that familiar back, weathered by the years!
Before she could call out, he turned as though sensing her presence. His lips trembled as they parted, mouthing a greeting before settling into a warm smile.
Tsunade could no longer hold herself back. She broke into a run, heedless of the muddy water splashing her trousers, and threw herself into his sturdy embrace!
Two people who should never have been able to reach each other again embraced beside the rain-swept lake. Though silent, it spoke louder than a thousand words!
"Thank goodness, Lady Tsunade,