The road from Tanzaku Town to "Forest of Whispers" is actually not that close.
But for three ninjas with extraordinary feet, it was not a difficult journey.
The three of them were not in a hurry. The atmosphere of this trip was really like the "outing" that Senju Chen said.
Along the way, Tsunade completely let himself go.
She is no longer the "Legendary Sucker" who was burdened with countless pains and infamy, nor is she the "Sannin" who needs to maintain dignity at all times. She is just a sister enjoying the long-lost family affection.
She would scream when she saw a strange-looking hare on the roadside, and like a little girl, she would play in the clear stream with bare feet, and the splashing water would wet the clothes of Senju Chen and Shizune, in exchange for her own series of unbridled laughter.
At this time, Shizune also seemed to have been relieved of a heavy burden.
Over the years, she had actually been very nervous. During their "wandering" journey, she not only had to take care of Tsunade's daily life, but also often fended off all kinds of passers-by who came to harass Tsunade when she was drunk. It was simply physically and mentally exhausted.
But since the arrival of Senju Chen, as far as I can see, Lady Tsunade is obviously becoming more cheerful day by day, and even drinks less of his favorite wine.
Senju Chen is like magic. As soon as he came, Lady Tsunade was relieved of the hemophobia she had suffered for many years. Senju Chen also took care of all the things she had to worry about before.
By Senju Chen's side, she doesn't have to think about anything. She just needs to follow, as if Senju Chen can easily solve anything.
Walking on the road, Shizune hugged Tonton and looked at the back of Senju Chen in front of him. He suddenly thought of something and his cheeks suddenly turned red unconsciously.
During this "outing" trip, Senju Chen, he perfectly played the role of a considerate and omnipotent younger brother.
He can always find the most suitable camping spot in advance, and with a few simple Earth Release Ninjutsu, he can build a comfortable temporary residence.
He seems to know the ingredients in the wild very well, and the wild vegetables and mushrooms he picks at will can be turned into delicious food that makes people's mouths lick with his simple cooking.
Especially his grilled fish technique is simply superb.
The fresh river fish was cleaned, skewered with the iron skewers that came with it, and placed on the campfire. Senju Chen turned it slowly and slowly, and occasionally sprinkled some spices he prepared himself. The oil "sizzled" under the flames, and under the golden fish skin, the snow-white fish meat exuded a mouth-watering aroma.
"Okay, sister, Sister Shizune, you can eat it."
Senju Chen handed over two grilled fish that were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
"Hmm... delicious! So delicious!" Tsunade took a big bite without caring about the image. He inhaled because of the heat, but couldn't bear to spit it out. He praised vaguely, "Little Chen, your skills are much better than those so-called chefs Konoha!"
She even felt that compared to the spicy liquid in the wine flask, the delicious grilled fish in front of her made her want to stop eating more.
Shizune also ate in small bites, with a happy smile on her face. Tonton in her arms also got a small piece of fish without salt, and was eating it happily.
Seeing this warm and harmonious scene in front of him, the corners of Senju Chen's mouth curled up unconsciously.
This kind of plain and warm daily life can make him temporarily forget those calculations and intrigues.
He enjoyed it all and was determined not to let anyone ruin it.
As night falls, a bright moon hangs on the dark blue velvet, dotted with stars like diamonds.
In the forest, the bonfire crackled, and the orange-red Kakkō dispelled the chill of the night and reflected the faces of the three people.
Tsunade drank a little wine and became a little tipsy. He leaned against a big tree and fell asleep with a satisfied smile on his lips.
Shizune covered her with a blanket, and then gently Earth Flow walked to the campfire, where Senju Chen was adding firewood, and Kakkō jumped on his handsome profile, casting warm light and shadow.
Seeing the young man's focused look, Shizune was filled with emotions.
She hesitated for a moment, then walked over and sat down next to Senju Chen.
"Little Chen." Her voice was very soft, as if she was afraid of disturbing the peaceful night.
"Huh? What's wrong, Sister Shizune?" Senju Chen turned around.
"This time... I really... really want to thank you." Shizune lowered his head, nervously twisting his clothes with his hands, and mustered up the courage to say, "If it weren't for you, Lady Tsunade she... she doesn't know how long she would have to be depressed before she can cheer up again."
Over the years, she has watched Tsunade sink, watching her use gambling and alcohol to numb herself, feeling like a knife, but unable to do anything about it. The appearance of Senju Chen is like a ray of light, illuminating this gloomy world.
"Sister Shizune, what you said is too outrageous."
"My sister is my relative, and I should do anything for her. On the contrary, it is you, Sister Shizune, who has been by my sister's side all these years and has never left her to take care of her. Thank you for your hard work."
"No... it's not hard!" Shizune shook his head vigorously. "Being able to see Lady Tsunade cheer up again is the happiest thing for me!"
"Thank you, Little Chen."
A warm and soft feeling spreads instantly on Senju Chen's cheeks.
Senju Chen was slightly startled and turned around to look at the girl in front of him blankly.
Seeing Senju Chen looking at him blankly, Shizune's cheeks suddenly turned red.
I... I actually kissed him like this. It's over. How will Little Chen treat me? He won't hate me anymore, right?
Shizune suddenly didn't dare to look into Senju Chen's eyes, and hurriedly withdrew and stood up.
"I... I... I'm going to see Tonton!"
She dropped a sentence incoherently, turned around and ran away, staggering and almost tripping over her own feet. Her panic-stricken look was both cute and ridiculous.
Senju Chen looked at her fleeing back and shook his head in amusement.
He reached out his hand and gently touched the cheek that had just been kissed. There seemed to be a trace of soft warmth and faint fragrance remaining there.
Hey, it's all my sister's fault, and my own damn charm that has nowhere to go.
But Senju Chen himself didn't notice it, his mouth Kakuzu was grinning almost to the base of his ears.
Not far away, Tsunade was leaning on a tree and taking a nap. His eyelids moved slightly, the corners of his mouth raised a clear arc, then he turned over and continued to sleep, as if nothing happened.
The bonfire is still burning, but the dancing flames seem to bring a hint of spring.