Early the next morning.
Xuandou returned to the Senju Clan Compound with Tsunade and Shizune.
The moment they landed, Tsunade snorted, took Shizune by the hand, and walked away without saying a word to Xuandou.
Shizune stumbled along as Tsunade pulled her forward, pitifully pleading for Xuandou's help.
Tonton, nestled in her arms, hurriedly squealed twice. "Oink~" She struggled to squeeze out from between Shizune's enormous breasts, half the single strand of white pearls around her neck pushed up over her ears, looking utterly pitiful.
Even so, Tsunade paid neither of them any attention, dragging Shizune forward with a cold expression and heavy footsteps.
Xuandou gave Shizune a helpless gesture and look, praying inwardly for her and Tonton.
He hoped they would be all right today.
Yesterday, he had really put Tsunade through her paces, trying every trick, with Shizune occasionally egging him on from the sidelines, on top of the conditions Tsunade had agreed to for Hiruzen's sake.
Tsunade had really gotten the short end of the stick on this trip to Kirigakure.
Today, on her home turf, with her tough exterior and soft heart, she would probably have to vent her anger thoroughly.
"Never mind. I'd better head back and take care of the pregnant Konan first."
"As for Tsunade, I'll soothe her in a few days, once the 'Hokage wine' comes out of the cellar."
"I'd better not provoke her again for the next few days."
Xuandou shook his head and stopped dwelling on it. He used Flying Thunder God, and with a ripple in space, he left the Senju Clan Compound once more.
He appeared in the bustling, prosperous Azure Tide Port, its streets teeming with people.
"How did this place end up like this?"
Xuandou was stunned. He had lived in Azure Tide Port for