On the grass slope.
Chishima Chiba and Tsunade lay side by side on the ground, their heads resting against the setting sun behind them, each with one leg crossed over the other.
Tsunade chattered nonstop, though she only talked about amusing childhood memories: the first time she received New Year's money, the first time Senju Hashirama cleaned out her little savings, and the time she secretly drank sake and got scolded for it.
Chishima Chiba listened attentively. Every now and then, a few pointed remarks from him made Tsunade clutch her stomach and burst out laughing.
When the horizon had swallowed two-thirds of the sun, Tsunade smacked her dry lips, turned her head, and stared intently at Chishima Chiba's face with her beautiful eyes.
Though Chishima Chiba had hidden it well, Tsunade ultimately noticed something was off.
"Chiba, are you hiding something from me?"
"I am." Chishima Chiba steeled himself and finally decided to tell her the truth. "Second Grandfather died in battle."
"Stop it, Chiba!" Tsunade forced an unnatural smile, raised a hand, and shoved Chishima Chiba beside her. "You're not allowed to make jokes like that. If I get mad, I won't talk to you for three days!"
"I'm not joking. Grandma is holding things together at home right now. She suddenly called me back because of Second Grandfather's death."
"You're lying to me, right?" Tsunade grew nervous, her eyes pleading as she tugged at Chishima Chiba's sleeve. "You're joking, right?"
"It's fine. If you admit it now, I promise I won't get mad or ignore you."
"But it's true." Chishima Chiba's words were like a heavy hammer striking Tsunade's heart.
"You're lying, Chiba! You're lying!" Tsunade's voice trembled with tears as she suddenly sat up. "Second Grandfather was so strong. How could he... how could he?!"
Chishima