Naruto Karyuden

Chapter 12: Be Strong I

BE STRONG I

Tsunade is currently nursing a drink while sitting in a lounging chair, dressed in an outfit reminiscent to her usual attire. She's donned a sleeveless red robe that still exposes her cleavage, and white pants. Around her waist is a wide white sash with the symbol of the Hidden Leaf embroidered into it. To her side is a white haori and the traditional Hokage's headdress that she's taken off while resting.

It's different from what she's used to, but it's an official affair and she had to look more presentable. Shizune really got on her case to get these clothes.

( Description based on art by xXHancockXx: xxhancockxx/art/I-Am-Legend-210203330 )

Around her is a vast garden worthy of the Fire Daimyo. Well, people say 'worthy', but to her, it's overblown and a complete waste of space. No person needs this much space just for a private park that only a handful of people even get to see, anyway. Hedge mazes as far as she can see, beautiful flower beds, topiary art- hedges trimmed in the shape of various animals. It might've been a relaxing sight if she wasn't so stressed over the reason she's here.

She and her regiment arrived a day before to prepare for the meeting, bound to be a rather annoying one. Something like two nations merging into one hasn't happened since the First Great Ninja War. A historical moment that's bound to change how relations will progress in these new times. The Five Great Nations are still keeping the peace and the Kage are civil to each other for the probably the first time since the founding of the Hidden Villages. Smaller nations, however, are still doubtful or everything and things are more strained with them than ever. Not that they can be blamed for it, they've suffered a lot and promises such as this have been broken before. Maybe if they can prove that this time it's serious, things will change for the better.

She's interrupted from her musings by her trusted student and right-hand woman, Shizune. Dressed in the traditional white robes of the Hidden Leaf medical unit which she usually only dons while on duty. She has her cap in her hands and brushes off the sweat from her brow.

"Lady Tsunade, the meeting is to take place soon. We should get ready."

Tsunade turns around and stares at her aide for a few moments.

"Is... something the matter, Lady Tsunade?" She brushes her hair back and dabs her forehead with a towel.

"No, it's just odd seeing you in uniform is all." She notices Shizune is clearly feeling hot. "You know you don't have to wear that thing if it's too much."

"That won't do! I am your aide, but I'm also the head medical ninja, so I must look my part. At least while this is going on."

Tsunade sighs and stands up from her chair. "That's why I really hate this part of leadership. Putting on airs for no reason." She downs her sake in one shot and puts on her haori and headress, making her way inside.

"It is how it is." Shizune turns around and follows. She plans on making modifications to the medical uniform once she gets back.

The meeting hall of the Daimyo's palace is as overly large as the garden. Intricate columns line the sides of the room and various pieces of art decorate the walls, from expensive paintings to busts.

There are currently three large tables positioned in the middle of the room. So that their ends are facing each other. On the opposite ends are three grand chairs with the symbols of 'Fire', 'Woods,' and 'Rice Paddy' carved into them, meaning that the three Daimyo to be seated in them will all be facing the same point. On the sides are multiple other chairs for the Daimyo's advisors and the village leaders and their own advisors.