Naruto's Wood Release: Clone had transformed into Tsunade and served as Konoha's Acting Hokage for nearly three months.
At dusk, after a busy day, Naruto's clone sat in the office with his cheek propped on one hand, gazing absently at the sunset outside the window, lost in thought.
"It's just learning senjutsu. Why is Granny Tsunade taking so long to come back..."
Clones divided the original's chakra. Shadow Clones split it equally, while Wood Release: Clones were more versatile, allowing the user to set the proportion of chakra allocated to them.
This Wood Release: Clone carried one-tenth of Naruto's chakra.
Under normal circumstances, diverting that much chakra made no noticeable difference. But the blockade of Amegakure was nearing its limit. In other words, the day of Naruto's final showdown with Obito was approaching, too.
That posed a serious problem.
Naruto thought, If Granny Tsunade still isn't back by then, I'll have no choice but to tell Shizune the truth and have her find a way to keep things running here.
Shizune was busy tidying the desk.
Watching her back, Naruto couldn't help worrying, Come to think of it, if she finds out I was the one who attended the Female Ninja Hot Spring Gathering, will she beat me to death?
If death is inevitable... I might as well make it worthwhile.
"Shizune."
"What is it, Lady Tsunade?"
Turning his chair around, Naruto rested his chin on both hands and gave her a solemn look. "Tonight... how about a soak in the hot spring? It's been a while."
Tap!
Shizune stopped what she was doing.
Naruto asked, "What's wrong?"
With her back to Naruto, Shizune fiddled with the hair beside her ear and said casually, "Nothing. It's just rare for you to suggest we take a hot spring bath together~"
Then