Tsunade Can Hear My Inner Voice novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29 - 29: Departure

"Open the gate!"

Seeing that everyone had gathered, and with Neji and Tenten also present to guard the gate, Tsunade gave the order.

Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu immediately stepped forward to form hand seals. A complex barrier seal was completed, and Konoha's grand gates opened, revealing the fresh air outside.

"Tsunade-sama, you're the Hokage now, how about we prepare a palanquin for you?" Hikari suggested.

[Since she's the Hokage, having a palanquin carried by four people would be fitting. That way, I can also hitch a ride.]

Kamizuki Hikari had a rather ambitious thought, but unfortunately, Tsunade could hear his inner musings. Moreover, since this trip was to the Daimyō's residence and she was in a hurry, there was no way she would let herself be carried in a palanquin and waste time dawdling.

"No need for such formalities. Neji, Tenten, you two guard the gate well. We'll be back soon!" Tsunade said before taking the lead and walking out of the village.

The group hurriedly followed, except for Hikari, who patted Tenten's head.

"Be careful. If there's danger, just let Neji handle it. He's a guy, so even if he gets hurt or crippled, it's not a big deal. But you're such a beautiful girl—if you get injured, I'd feel really bad."

"Mmm! Hikari-senpai, I'll make sure to protect myself!" Tenten beamed happily at Hikari.

She hadn't felt such genuine care in a long time.

Her parents at home weren't very expressive, but ever since she became Maito Gai's disciple last year, Hikari had always looked after her, which deeply touched her heart.

Beside her, Hyūga Neji silently rolled his eyes.

He felt that his strength was still lacking. Once Hikari returned from the Daimyō's residence, he had to challenge him properly.

"Hikari, let's go!" Tsunade turned around and gave him a sharp reprimand.

Kamizuki Izumo also looked at him with a pleading expression.

'Dear little brother, can you please stop causing trouble? The one in front of you is our direct superior, Tsunade-sama. Are you really not afraid?'

Hikari: Afraid? Not a chance. Someone here got drunk, threw a tantrum at me, and even took all the cash from my wallet. Can a person like that really be a responsible Fifth Hokage?

Even though he was grumbling internally, the moment he saw Tsunade's urging gaze, Hikari obediently ran over.

Hands behind his back, he assumed the classic shinobi running posture.

---

Hokage Office.

Shizune arrived early, and upon seeing the towering pile of documents on the desk, she quietly sat down and began working.

After a while, Hatake Kakashi entered the office. Seeing Shizune working diligently, he didn't disturb her. Instead, he glanced around before casually plopping down onto Hikari's usual seat.

So comfortable.

Shizune wasn't blind. The moment Kakashi entered, she had already noticed. However, since Kakashi was the enforcer Tsunade assigned to her, and he was a loyal Konoha shinobi, there was no way he was a spy.

Because of this, she didn't mind.

A moment later, the laid-back middle-aged man, Nara Shikaku, walked in.

"Shikaku."

"Kakashi."

The two men exchanged polite nods before Shikaku turned to Shizune to report.

"Tsunade-sama has left the village. According to her instructions, Shizune, you are to handle the paperwork. Kakashi and I will take care of the village's defense and security. If anything comes up, you can contact us through the ANBU."

"Kakashi, come with me for a moment."

Hatake Kakashi adjusted his forehead protector, glanced at Shizune, who was seriously reviewing documents, and seeing that she had no objections, he followed Shikaku outside.

The two arrived at the Hokage Rock, overlooking the village from above.

"Kakashi, the Intelligence Division just reported that the Root shinobi have been showing irregular activity."