The first thing Shingetsu did after returning from Sunagakure was soak herself in cold water and take a proper bath.
The trip to Sunagakure had really put her through the wringer. The temperature difference between day and night was enormous. During the day, the air was hot enough to steam someone alive, and she sweated nonstop. At night, it seemed determined to freeze her into an ice pop. Whenever the wind blew, sand flew everywhere, coating her hair and clothes in gray dust until she could barely open her eyes.
On top of that, the clan robes the Uchiha Clan wore every day were thick, heavy, and soaked up sweat. Their black fabric absorbed heat, and there was nowhere to bathe in the desert. After several days, she was utterly miserable.
It wasn't just her. Madara, Hōkaku, and Tobirama had suffered just as much, but those three had maintained their outward composure through sheer refusal to lose face.
After her bath, Shingetsu ate several bowls of Ice Cream, stopping only when her brain felt half frozen. Then she lay down in her soft bedding and drifted comfortably off to sleep. She slept for an entire day and night, much to the envy of a certain white-haired man who could only rest for a few hours.
While Shingetsu and Madara were both recuperating, two restless little pets crouched furtively in Shingetsu's room, craning their necks and looking around as though plotting something.
Kurama proudly raised his head and stretched his neck high like a smug, fat rooster, slowly spreading his nine tails like a peacock's fan.
"Little raccoon dog, let me tell you how to make those stupid humans bow before us!"
Forced to behave himself, Shukaku flicked his tail irritably. He opened his mouth to curse the damned fox for