Tsunade frowned slightly at those words.
As a medical ninja, she was very familiar with that sensation.
She tried to suppress the burning heat.
But she found that instead of subsiding, it only grew more intense.
With an odd look in her eyes, Tsunade slowly turned toward Shizune beside her.
"Shizune~"
Shizune's cheeks were flushed as well.
A watery sheen veiled her eyes.
Her lips were slightly parted.
Soft, broken pants kept escaping them.
When she noticed Tsunade's gaze,
Shizune seemed to think of something.
Panic stirred within her, and she hurriedly tried to move away.
But Tsunade reacted swiftly and had already pulled Shizune over.
"Lady Tsunade, what are you doing?!"
Shizune cried out, but Tsunade already held her firmly in her arms.
Shizune's body stiffened slightly.
Tsunade teased her:
"Relax, I'm just giving you a massage~"
A long while later, the two finished fooling around.
They soaked in the Hot Spring a little longer, only getting up to leave once they had recovered some strength.
After changing, they returned to the guesthouse. Exhausted by the intense physical exertion, they fell into a deep sleep in each other's arms.
Meanwhile, a maid delivered an intelligence report from the Anbu to Xuandou.
Xuandou opened the report and found it read:
Kumogakure's A-B Combo battled Jiraiya. Jiraiya was injured!
Xuandou's eyes flickered at the news.
It's in the bag!
Just watch how I handle Tsunade!
Early the next morning, Tsunade woke up refreshed, the previous night's exhaustion swept away.
She changed into formal clothes and took Shizune to the Imperial Palace again to request an audience with Xuandou.
After announcing her arrival, the Anbu soon returned and said respectfully:
"Lady Tsunade, Lord Daimyō is attending to state affairs and cannot receive you at present. Please come back another day."