Chapter Sixty-Nine: A Farewell Kiss

Before noon, Kato Mikaze wrapped up the various matters at the Spring Base and left early for the Task Management Office at the Hokage Residence. With the enthusiastic assistance of Kubi Otani, Mikaze efficiently completed the procedures for accepting multiple missions. The tasks he selected—carefully chosen with Otani—were all of the kind Mikaze excelled at: short, swift, and easy to batch together, allowing him to complete several assignments in a short span.

Ordinarily, a ninja would finish one mission, return to the village to report and hand it over at the Task Management Office, then accept the next task. Mikaze’s approach was different, considering the nature of the missions, his own skill set, his unique ninjutsu, and his relationship with the Third Hokage. It wasn’t exactly breaking the rules—more like taking advantage of the flexibility afforded to close acquaintances, making things smoother within the boundaries of propriety.

When one's strength hasn’t yet reached the level to utterly overshadow others by several orders of magnitude, a favorable environment can often double the results for half the effort. That’s why Mikaze worked so hard to cultivate connections, and why his lavish treat for Otani at the clubhouse last night was well worth it.

This morning, Mikaze noticed Otani seemed both exhilarated and yet somewhat drained; now, as noon approached, the fatigue and weakness in Otani’s demeanor had grown even more pronounced, with darker circles under his eyes. Mikaze found it puzzling…

With a hint of confusion, Mikaze left the Task Management Office and used ninjutsu to hurry to Konoha Hospital. He intended to say farewell to Tsunade, perhaps share a meal, and—if luck favored him—convince her to grant him a farewell kiss, a “kiss of death” for a reverse buff, adding an extra layer of protection for his upcoming journey.

Tsunade was aware of Mikaze’s plan to leave the village on missions, though she found it odd. Ninja live by missions, but they don’t usually forsake easy tasks for troublesome ones without reason. This isn’t just true for shinobi—ordinary people wouldn’t willingly seek out greater burdens either.

Mikaze kept little from Tsunade, except matters concerning the ninja system; otherwise, he was open and sincere. Tsunade assumed his purpose was simply to amass more experience and rapidly enhance his abilities.

Their midday farewell at the hospital was unadorned. No elaborate gestures; just a simple lunch in the hospital cafeteria. Tsunade didn’t act particularly reluctant to part—though they were in the midst of romance, she was never sentimental. Besides, she knew Mikaze would be gone only two or three days at most, a week at the longest.

She firmly refused Mikaze’s request for a farewell kiss.

After leaving the hospital, the two returned briefly to Mikaze’s home. He picked up his carefully packed sealing scrolls, changed into a fresh set of ninja gear, and said goodbye to his clan. Together, they headed straight to the main gate of Konoha, where Tsunade intended to see him off.

The midday sun blazed overhead, its heat baking the ground and draining the energy of anyone lingering outside. Beyond the village gate, Mikaze and Tsunade stood for their final goodbye. Mikaze had already completed the departure formalities with Kamizuki Ryūun.

Yes, today’s gate guards were once again the duo of Kamizuki Ryūun and Gangziko—the special jonin team assigned to watch the gates.

The pair, ever perceptive, noticed Tsunade’s presence and, after exchanging a few words with Mikaze, tactfully returned to their posts, leaving the couple—whose romance was the subject of much village gossip—to their private moment.

“Well then, I’m really leaving now. I’ll miss you, Tsunade,” Mikaze said, still unwilling to give up, trying once more for a farewell kiss, his tone gentle.

“Go on. I’ll see you off only this far,” Tsunade replied, feigning ignorance of Mikaze’s intent, or perhaps purposefully pretending not to notice.

“Isn’t there anything else you want to say, or do?” Mikaze pressed, his eyes wide and fixed on her lips. The words “cherry lips, crimson like sakura” danced in his thoughts as he stared at her mouth. The lip gloss she wore was one they had recently bought together at Konoha’s shopping district, perfectly complementing her natural color.

“Did she wear this shade at lunch? If I recall, it was pink… When did she switch to this color?” Mikaze wondered, his gaze nearly rivaling the midday sun in intensity.

After a pause, Tsunade finally spoke softly, “Be careful. I trust your strength, but keep the special antidotes I prepared close; they’re very effective against the poisons of Sand and Rain.”

Her concern for Mikaze was clear—missions outside the village were never as safe as those within, and worry was inevitable. Under the heat of Mikaze’s gaze, Tsunade’s cheeks gradually flushed, two soft blushes blooming on her fair skin.

Sensing the moment was right, Mikaze stepped closer, closing the distance until their breaths mingled, then stopped.

A brief silence.

“All right, all right… You’re so dramatic—it’s just a few days outside the village, honestly!” Tsunade muttered.

At last, she surrendered to Mikaze’s fervent look, quickly fanning her face to cool it, then glared at the watching guards before turning to face Mikaze, whose signature pale blue hair shone in the sunlight, his arched brows curved with a smile, his lips curled with a smug satisfaction Tsunade couldn’t quite describe.

She grabbed his collar, pulling him off balance into her broad embrace, then pressed a quick kiss to his brow—like a dragonfly touching water. Finding it insufficient, she kissed him again, firmly this time, right where she had struck him last.

“Take care, Mikaze. I’ll be waiting for you in Konoha,” Tsunade murmured quickly, then turned and strode back toward the village, waving her right hand and sending her loose green robe fluttering behind her.

Mikaze’s smile could no longer be concealed, and under the midday sun, he grinned triumphantly, his left hand caressing the spot Tsunade had kissed. Though she could no longer see him, he waved his right arm after her retreating figure and called out, “I promise, Tsunade! Wait for me in Konoha—I’ll be back soon!”

He then turned and left through the village gate, heading down the road toward the outside world. Tsunade, already some distance away, heard his call but did not reply. Her face betrayed little sorrow at their parting, only a faint, elusive smile.

“Cherry shade… I made time to change it at noon…” she mused to herself.

The village gate now stood empty of Mikaze and Tsunade, with only Kamizuki Ryūun and Gangziko, the diligent guards, remaining.

“Kamizuki, if I remember right, Mikaze’s departure records say he’ll be gone two or three days, a week at most,” Gangziko remarked, sounding as if he had eaten his fill of romantic drama.

“That's right, Gangziko. I checked again just to be sure. His departure is only for a few days, no more than a week,” Kamizuki answered, his voice unusually dull.

Gangziko patted Kamizuki’s shoulder, saying, “Kamizuki, this bowl of dog food was good—I finished it, you do as you please!”

Kamizuki glared at him, retorting, “Gangziko, I’ve had enough of this. Young people these days have no restraint. Is it so easy to force-feed dog food? Having a partner isn’t that special!”

Gangziko, puzzled, asked, “Kamizuki, aren’t you married? You even have kids…”

Kamizuki replied, “Yes, I have a wife, but I’m still annoyed!”

Gangziko continued, “I have a wife too, but Mikaze and Tsunade’s dog food tastes pretty good. What do you think, Kamizuki?”

Kamizuki pondered a moment before saying, “…Tomorrow—no, after work today, I’ll go see Elder Mitomon Yan. I must get him to arrange a better shift!”

PS: Chapter of 3200 words, trying a 3000-word chapter to feel the pace. I’m full from this bowl of dog food with green peppers—how about you? If you’re satisfied, please save the children: recommendation tickets, favorites.

New author seeks patronage, recommendation tickets, and favorites.