Chapter 156: On the Road Again

Even believing in his own abilities after three years, Shikamaru naturally distrusted Tsunade's words. It would be foolish of her to give in to some arrogant fellow in a stupid deal. If it was an argument between two men, everything could and would be different, but here she can react differently, simply by taking advantage of the situation. Of course, Shikamaru considered this option even at the moment when he conceived such an agreement. Only he did not care about it, rather the deal was just an excuse, he did not impose particularly difficult conditions on himself. In the end, after defeating Tsunade, she can deny her involvement in this conversation as much as she wants, even by persuading Shizune. But deep down, she will understand everything, and Shikamaru will have an undeniable advantage in future conflicts with her, which will surely lead to victory. Then the loss of the legendary kunoichi will not be so shameful for her herself, because she will understand that he did not take her by force. Simply put, the resistance from her side will definitely decrease. He will prove his strength, determination and desire to get it. With such a proud woman, an appropriate approach is also needed.

Walking along the rocky road, the guy smoked a cigarette and thought about the future. Only now, with its current appearance, the cigarette in its teeth looked not so funny as in the past. And the expression on his face was already more like an adult than like a petty jerk hooligan. Pedigrees and genomes really did not badly change his body, and he was able to start growing up earlier. Now even at ten years old, he looked more like fifteen. Although, in fact, many ninja, and so, grow up earlier. Therefore, he looked even more mature. Perhaps it is also a matter of chakra. Shikamaru wanted to study it, but he hadn’t had a chance yet. First you need to know the world.

- Still, it didn’t work out as planned ... I didn’t even think that we could do something with her. But, I admit, when I saw her, I could not restrain myself. Even her hot temper is quite attractive. She's probably a great woman when she gets cute. Although my first reaction was not to give her too much attention, but she still got her way ... Ha, I wonder how it will turn out with May. I am a lover of older beauties, but to have two at once ... It will be fun, I'm sure.

***

At the same time, on the reverse side of Shukuba.

This morning the two girls hurriedly left the city. Mostly Shizune insisted on this, but Tsunade still had to agree. Therefore, the two kunoichi now quietly walked along the rocky road to the next city of the Land of Fire. Tsunade had the idea to visit the Tanzaku neighborhoods. In any case, there is almost nothing to catch in Shukuba, not only because of the destruction, but also because of some debts. Largely because of this, Tsunade did not mind leaving quickly.

Since yesterday, no one has spoken about what happened at the hot spring, or what happened after.

Shizune calmly walked and looked around, trying once again not to look in the direction of her teacher. Tsunade was getting more and more annoyed.

- Eh, - slapping herself on the forehead, Senju finally could not resist: - Enough already, can you stop?

- A? What? Shizune asked with an innocent expression.

Tsunade cast a furious glance at her student.

- Shizune.

- And ... You mean it, - the girl hesitated and tightened her grip on Taunton: - Well ... Yesterday, you are not serious about the deal with that guy?

- With this Nara? Tsunade snorted. “Let him think what he wants. Defeat the Kage? He thought too much of himself. He has a Sharingan or Mokuton, these old farts are considered the strongest in their countries for a reason. They were the strongest even when the milk on his lips did not dry out!

Shizune was silent for a moment, but still asked:

- Um, what if he can?

- Will be able? - Tsunade glanced at the student again with rage: - Do you think I have such bad luck ?! - the girl calmed down again: - In any case, even if he succeeds in something, it will cost. I would also let some jerk touch me. Only over my dead body!

Tsunade quickened her pace, while Shizune looked after her thoughtfully.

“After all, this is the first time with her ... I will never forget her yesterday's look. It was the first time she let anyone go after that. This guy definitely did something ... ”Stroking Tonton, Shizune quietly muttered.

- I think it will not end so easily, - having paid attention to the pig, the girl smiled:

- You think so too?

An affirmative grunt was heard in response, Shizune thought even more ...

- Are you going there or what ?! Tsunade shouted, turning around.

- A! Y-yes! I'm coming!

The princess turned away and still slowed down, but the thoughtfulness never left her face. This did not happen to her often. Even now, although anger was reflected on the girl's face, but deep inside, she herself did not understand how to react to her. What if he really can win?

***

Three days later, Shikamaru reached the next border town - Furuki. Although, this place can be called borderline, rather, this city can be considered the closest to the territory of the Land of Waves and the Land of Noodles. Basically, there were not so many cities in this part of the Land of Fire. True, there was one large port in the north, but Shikamaru was not on the way, so he chose this place. Here he stayed only a day, replenishing supplies, and then set off again on the road. He was not particularly interested in the Land of Waves, as it was rather poor and completely unremarkable for events. Only the situation with the bridge can still be interesting, and then only because of Zabuza and his partner Haku. Therefore, after spending the night at the hotel, Shikamaru moved on.

The path lay through rice fields, where the guy met many working people, and then disappeared among the coastal mountains. Through them the path to the Land of Noodles ran. Shikamaru didn't plan anything there. At least he was not yet interested in power over Daimyo or something else like that, and even more so he was not interested in noodles and the principle of their production. According to rumors, the best ramen was prepared in this country, but the guy did not really like this dish too. If it were the country of fault, he probably would have lingered.

Crossing the border was as easy as shelling pears, because usually no one guarded the border in such places, and indeed around the world. Although the ninja power kept the countries under its control, the shinobi most often did not send people to guard the borders, except only the borders of their own village. Therefore, the apostates were not really tracked down, and they could just wander wherever they liked.