In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.
Autumn deepened, and the wind grew biting.
Tsunade still came to the Memorial Stone as promised, wearing short sleeves as though it were still summer.
It was very cold that day, so her mother had not let Tsunade bring her little brother along.
Orochimaru, meanwhile, had already switched to heavier clothes.
"Aren't you cold, Tsunade...?"
As always, Orochimaru met Tsunade at the Rose Flower Pavilion. Seeing her outfit, he could not help blurting out the question.
"It's not that cold yet, but... it might become a problem later..." Tsunade said casually.
Apparently hearing the implication that Tsunade would dress this lightly even in heavy snow, Orochimaru frowned.
"Seriously, are you going to wear summer clothes even in winter?" Orochimaru wore a rare look of disapproval.
"Of course, but it's fine. I can wear a coat." Tsunade sounded as though she were comforting him.
Tsunade did not seem to want to keep discussing clothes with Orochimaru. She even added, "Father said this helps build willpower."
Orochimaru gave her a strange look. It reminded him of certain tiresome experiences in the Dōjutsu world, and he could not help saying, "What do you mean, building willpower? Chronic knee pain is calling your name..."
Tsunade looked utterly baffled. She had no idea what "chronic knee pain" meant.
Because Orochimaru had muttered it in Chinese.
Then...
Orochimaru took Tsunade on fifty laps around the Memorial Stone, only stopping once she felt warm. After that, he taught her some Taijutsu techniques, and the time soon slipped away.
Before they parted, Orochimaru took out a Storage Scroll and said it held a gift for Tsunade to welcome winter.
Orochimaru did not try to be mysterious either. He opened the Storage Scroll right in front of her.