Main World.
Konoha Year Twenty-Two, autumn.
British Continent, New Capital.
Imperial Palace, Consort Xin's Bedchamber.
It was late at night. Moonlight spilled through the window, casting silvery patches on the floor. Kushina sat by the bed, holding the sleeping Jilan. The little boy was over two now, but he still fidgeted in his sleep, his small hand clutching Kushina's hair, a trace of drool at the corner of his mouth. Kushina gently eased her hair out of his hand and wiped the drool away with a handkerchief.
Jilan let out an "Ah, ah" in his sleep, rolled over, and went on sleeping.
The door opened. Tsunade walked in, wearing deep purple nightclothes, her long blond hair loose over her shoulders and her face still flushed from her bath. Carrying a pot of tea and two cups, she went over to the low table by the window and sat down.
"Still awake?" Kushina's voice was soft.
"Can't sleep." Tsunade poured two cups of tea and set one across from her. "Come sit for a while."
Kushina looked down at Jilan in her arms, gently laid him on the bed, and covered him with the quilt. The little boy rolled over, his small hand grasping at the air before he sank back into deep sleep. Kushina walked to the window, sat opposite Tsunade, and took a sip of tea.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Your man." Tsunade's answer was blunt and crisp.
The corner of Kushina's mouth twitched. "Could you be a little more tactful?"
"No." Tsunade shook her head. "I've never learned tact in my life."
Kushina sighed. "What about him?"
"What kind of person he really is." Tsunade put down her cup and leaned back in her chair. "You could call him a good man, but the things he's done-Danzo's