Konoha: The Honored One

In a dimly lit tavern, the faint hum of quiet chatter had been replaced by an eerie silence. At the center of it all sat Tsunade, cross-legged, a black sake bottle in her hand. She tilted it boldly, the liquor flowing past her lips and tracing a line down the corner of her mouth before dripping onto her sleeve.

She drank as if trying to drown some unspoken anguish, each gulp a futile attempt to wash away a scar that lingered far deeper than the skin. But tonight, it wasn't just her demons she was chasing away—she had another purpose in mind. Sometimes, courage came bottled, and for a plan this bold, she needed all the liquid bravery she could muster.

Gojo leaned casually against the table, his blindfold slightly askew, the mischievous smirk on his lips belying the casualness of his posture. Without hesitation, he dipped a finger into the drops of sake on Tsunade's jacket, then licked it clean. "Sweet," he murmured in a teasing tone, the words dripping with innuendo.

Tsunade, caught off guard, felt the warmth creep up her cheeks. She wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand and exhaled heavily, playing it off like the seasoned gambler she was. "Phew, now that's the good stuff," she muttered, trying to mask her embarrassment with a gruff demeanor.

Her sharp eyes scanned the room, noting the complete absence of other patrons. "Why's this place so empty?" she asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.

Gojo casually flicked a stack of cash onto the table, the bills fluttering as they landed. "I reserved the whole place. Thought it'd be awkward if anyone saw the great Hokage getting plastered," he said with a grin.

Tsunade's brow twitched. "You've always been reckless with money," she snapped, picking up a dried fish and tossing it into her mouth. She chewed thoughtfully before continuing, "You're just like me. Rich one day, broke the next. Poor Shizune, always cleaning up our messes."

Gojo shrugged, unbothered. "Money's meant to be spent. What's the point of hoarding it?" He propped his chin on his hand, giving her a sly look. "Besides, aren't you enjoying the private drinking session? You wouldn't want anyone seeing the mighty Hokage drunk off her feet, would you?"

"Idiot," Tsunade shot back, glaring at him. "I don't get drunk."

"Sure, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night," Gojo replied, clearly unconvinced.

The conversation shifted to weightier matters. Tsunade's expression turned serious. "Terumi Mei claims the Akatsuki already captured Three Tails, but Uchiha Obito says otherwise. So what's going on?"

Gojo leaned back, his carefree attitude unshaken. "After a Jinchūriki dies, the Tailed Beast disappears for a while. Then, it's reborn somewhere random, all Chakra and no breadcrumbs to follow."

Tsunade's eyes widened slightly. "So the Tailed Beast can't actually be destroyed? I always thought they just broke out of the seal when their host died."

Gojo chuckled. "Nope. They're like stubborn weeds. Yank them out, and they'll sprout back up somewhere else."

Tsunade frowned, mulling over this revelation as she downed another bottle of sake. Her face had taken on a light flush, the alcohol finally catching up to her. She muttered, almost to herself, "The villagers are scared of Six Tails. No one's volunteering to be its Jinchūriki."

Gojo smirked, his tone dripping with mockery. "Ignorance breeds fear. It's the same old story: frogs in a well too scared to climb out."

He paused, then added nonchalantly, "What about Kakashi? He'd make a decent Jinchūriki."

Tsunade shook her head. "Kakashi thought about it, but he's too weighed down by his past. He believes the power should go to someone younger, someone who represents the future of the village."

Gojo raised an eyebrow. "Fair enough. Weaklings and their moral dilemmas."

Tsunade glared at him, but before she could retort, Gojo continued, "If no one wants it, I'll just turn Six Tails into a pet. Ugly as it is, it might make a decent Summoning Beast."

Tsunade, slightly buzzed, took a deep breath. She'd been building up to this moment all night. Finally, emboldened by the sake, she stood abruptly and grabbed Gojo by the collar, her face a deep shade of red. "You... you're my most important person," she blurted out, her words spilling out in a rush. "I'm scared you'll leave me. I want you by my side. Always."

Gojo blinked, genuinely surprised. He had seen this coming—he always did—but hearing it out loud caught him off guard.

"I've liked you for a long time," Tsunade continued, her voice trembling. "Just being your foster mom isn't enough. I can give more… everything, even! Together, with you!"

Her confession hung in the air, the weight of years of suppressed emotions crashing down all at once. Before Gojo could react, she leaned in and kissed him. It was brief—a mere three seconds—but it felt like time had frozen.

When she pulled away, her cheeks were burning, her eyes filled with a mix of defiance and shyness. "Come with me. We're sleeping together tonight."

Gojo raised an eyebrow, his trademark smirk returning. "So demanding? You sure you're not the Hokage of the Last Era?" he teased.

"Shut up," Tsunade snapped, tightening her grip on his collar. "You don't get a choice. You're coming with me."

Gojo sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But just so you know, you have hemophobia."

Tsunade's resolve didn't waver. "I don't care," she said, her voice softening slightly. "We'll figure it out."

With that, she dragged him out of the tavern, her determination unwavering despite her flushed face and slightly unsteady steps. Gojo couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

"Guess I'm the damsel in distress tonight," he muttered under his breath, thoroughly amused by the turn of events.