Many days had passed since the grand play, yet as Tsunade walked through Konoha's streets, she could still feel the villagers' reverent gazes. Even the way the ninja looked at her had changed. Any order she gave was carried out enthusiastically at once, with extraordinary speed.
Only then did Tsunade understand Anyo's deeper purpose in staging the play. Her current prestige in the village could be said to rival that of her grandfather Hashirama in his day. If those members of Konoha High Command dared to pull rank on her as they had before, a single word from her would have them drowning in public condemnation.
Inside a small tavern, Shizune was chatting with Kurenai Yuhi, who had returned to the village after completing a mission.
Shizune's face was flushed, and she had clearly drunk quite a lot. Staring straight at Kurenai Yuhi's chest, she said, "It's not fair. It's so unfair. Look at you-you have such a great figure, and you're so pretty."
"You've had too much to drink, haven't you?" Kurenai Yuhi said helplessly.
But Shizune leaned closer with a hint of excitement and asked, "Speaking of which, how are things between you and Asuma?"
Kurenai Yuhi waved a hand, puzzled. "We're just ordinary friends. Why?"
"No way. I could tell back when we were at school that he liked you. Didn't you know?" Shizune looked utterly bewildered.
Kurenai Yuhi shook her head. Anyo came to mind, and she blushed slightly. "I've had someone I like for a long time."
"Ooh, you're even blushing." Shizune plopped down and sighed. "I'm so jealous. Unlike you, I have to stay with Lady Tsunade all day, and sometimes I even have to help her look after her child. The men we meet when we travel are even worse. At this rate,