Chapter 97: A wager
Xue Ge and Shizune sat to one side, quietly drinking sake and keeping a low profile as they watched Tsunade chat with her niece. After watching for a while, Xue Ge leaned toward Shizune and asked, "How are you related to Lady Tsunade?"
"My uncle was Lady Tsunade's lover."
"Then where is your uncle now?"
"-Dead."
Having successfully killed the conversation, Xue Ge shut his mouth and went back to listening to Tsunade and the princess talk.
The princess chatting with Tsunade looked about Shizune's age. She wore an elaborate crimson kimono, kept her eyes closed, and held a folding fan over her face the entire time.
The same odd habit as that guy Kakashi.
He quietly asked Shizune another question. "Why does Princess Lilan keep her eyes closed?"
The princess's name was Lilan. Ji was hime, which simply meant princess.
Shizune leaned closer and whispered, "I've only heard about it myself. They say Princess Lilan is the current daimyo's youngest grandchild. Her mother went into premature labor and died from a difficult delivery, leaving her in poor health too. She was born with weak vision. She's only squinting because she can't see clearly."
"Isn't Lady Tsunade the best Medical Ninja?"
"Uh, Medical Ninjutsu can't cure congenital illnesses-"
"Then is Princess Lilan particularly doted on?"
"Huh? Why do you ask?"
"Because the maids and guards here all look stronger than the ones outside."
"Huh? Well-I hadn't noticed, but it's probably because Lady Tsunade comes here often and gives them some training while she's here on business?"
Xue Ge raised an eyebrow at that.
Hmm-guidance from an expert?
Orochimaru was sinister, but his research into Ninjutsu was undeniably impressive. Xue Ge's Ninjutsu had essentially been built up by Orochimaru, with Danzo contributing the next most.
*Tsunade should