Tsunade Can Hear My Inner Voice novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39 - 39: The More Things Change...

Leaving the Finance Department, Tsunade was in high spirits, a wide grin spread across her face.

"Gai, you head back first. We'll stay here for the night, and tomorrow, we return to Konoha!"

"Yes, Tsunade-sama!"

Without Kakashi around, Maito Gai seemed listless, not even bothering to flash his signature grin.

This... actually felt kind of nice.

Kamizuki Hikari followed behind Tsunade as they wandered through the streets, occasionally stopping to buy things, looking for all the world like a loving couple enjoying their time together.

"Hikari, go buy me a bottle of water over there. I'm a bit thirsty." Tsunade said, pointing at a shop selling drinks in the distance.

Hikari glanced up, then extended his right hand.

Tsunade frowned. "What?"

"Money!" Hikari said matter-of-factly.

Tsunade's mouth twitched as she stared at him, full of complaints in her heart.

"I'm the Fifth Hokage. What's wrong with asking you to buy me a bottle of water?"

Hikari waved his hand. "I'm not talking about money for the water. I'm talking about the military funds you just collected from the Finance Department. Tsunade-sama, kindly hand them over for safekeeping."

What?

Tsunade's expression changed drastically. "Are you trying to rob me? Kamizuki Hikari, let me remind you, this money is Konoha's hope. You can't just take it!"

"Heh."

Hikari chuckled and pointed at a gambling den in the far corner. "Since we left the Financial Department, you've glanced in that direction at least twenty times. The moment you sent Gai away, I knew you were itching to gamble."

"If you want me to buy water, fine. But first, give me the money."

Tsunade fumed. "I'm the Fifth Hokage! Do you really think I'd take Konoha's precious military funds to gamble? Am I that kind of person?!"

"Yes."

Damn it!

Tsunade hadn't expected Hikari to be so blunt, making her feel even more embarrassed.

Truth be told, ever since returning to Konoha, she had been restraining herself, focusing entirely on her duties as Hokage. It had been a long time since she'd last gambled. Now, holding such a large sum of money, her hands were itching to go all out, to leave the gambling den in shambles after taking all their money.

But she never expected Hikari to see right through her.

Could it be... that he actually had feelings for her?

How embarrassing.

"Let's go."

"Before we return to Konoha, I will make sure you don't step foot into a gambling den."

Tsunade laughed.

"Hikari, have you forgotten who I am?"

Hikari: "What do you mean? The Hokage?"

Tsunade shook her head. "No—I'm Senju Tsunade, one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin! My strength is among the best in the village. Do you really think a mere chūnin like you can stop me? Dream on!"

Hikari crossed his arms. "And if I can stop you?"

Tsunade scoffed. "Impossible!"

Hikari grinned. "Then let's make a bet. If I do stop you, you hand over the money to me."

Tsunade hesitated for a second before nodding. "...Fine!"

The moment she finished speaking, Hikari grabbed her arm.

"Heh, don't underestimate me! Take this punch!"

Tsunade carefully controlled her strength, ensuring that the punch would only injure Hikari, not kill him. With her medical skills, healing him afterward would be easy. She could even charge him a medical fee—what a brilliant plan!

And then—

Tsunade froze.

Her fist landed on Kamizuki Hikari's chest, but it felt as weak as a girl's playful punch to her lover. It had no real impact.