"If you hadn't had that accident, Nawaki and the others might not have died…" Thinking of her younger brother, Senju Nawaki, Tsunade's expression darkened.
"No, you're overthinking it. Even if I had been there, I couldn't have prevented everything from happening. Everyone has their own fate. When the time comes, some things simply can't be avoided. Of course, I'm not saying Nawaki deserved to die. If anyone is to blame, it's this chaotic ninja world and the greed within people's hearts."
Isamu said this because he didn't want to interfere with Nawaki's fate. With his current abilities, reviving someone wouldn't be difficult, but he had never been particularly fond of the overly idealistic boy. In his view, it was better to let fate run its course.
"Yeah… this damned ninja world, and the greed that drives it, are truly filthy. Sometimes I even wonder whether Grandpa Hashirama was right not to unify the entire ninja world."
After losing so many people she loved, Tsunade had begun questioning her grandfather's decision.
"Whether it was right or wrong, time will be the judge. That's not for us to decide. But there is one thing you did that wasn't right."
Thinking of something, Isamu's expression became serious.
"What did I do wrong? I don't remember doing anything bad."
Tsunade looked at him in confusion.
"I'm talking about Grandma Mito. She was your grandmother. How could you not even come back to see her one last time when she passed away?"
Isamu wasn't angry. He simply stated the fact.
At those words, Tsunade lowered her head.
When it came to her grandmother's death, she knew she had failed her.
"I know I let Grandma down. If I ever return to Konoha, I'll definitely visit her grave and apologize."
"Lord Isamu, Lady Tsunade was devastated when Lady Mito died. She was afraid she wouldn't be able to bear losing another loved one, so she didn't dare return. Please don't blame her."
Shizune immediately spoke up in Tsunade's defense.
"Shizune, stop talking and eat your food."
Tsunade quickly interrupted her.
"It's fine, Shizune. I'm not blaming her. I just wanted to talk about it."
Isamu smiled.
To be honest, Uzumaki Mito wasn't his grandmother, so he wasn't personally affected. However, he believed one thing firmly: people could be cold toward the world if they wished, but they should never be cold toward their own family.
That was one of his principles.
Hearing that, Shizune finally relaxed.
To her, Tsunade was the most important person in the world. No matter what, she wanted to protect her.
"Shizune, take your time eating. If you're tired, rent a room upstairs and rest. Tsunade and I are going out for a walk."
Leaving a million ryō on the table, Isamu walked out of the restaurant with Tsunade.
They remained in the small town for ten full days.
During those ten days, they spent their time eating, drinking, sightseeing, and enjoying each other's company without worrying about anything else.
Although both of them were nearing forty years old, they still looked like they were in their prime.
Tsunade's youthful appearance was maintained by the Strength of a Hundred Seal, while Isamu's body remained unchanged thanks to the immense vitality provided by the Ten-Tails within him.
For ten peaceful days, they enjoyed the life they had long been denied.
After those ten happy days passed, Isamu finally told Tsunade that he would soon be leaving.
"Isamu, do you really have to go? Can't you stay?"
Standing on the southern edge of town, Tsunade looked at him reluctantly.
"I don't want to leave either. But there are things I have to do. You know better than anyone that I was never meant to stay in one place forever."
He gently touched her face.
The truth was that he genuinely didn't want to leave.
But strength was something that could never be taken for granted. If he stopped advancing, everything he currently possessed could someday be lost.
No matter how powerful he already was, there was always another peak beyond the current one.
"By the way, if you happen to see Senba, give this to him."
Isamu opened the Kamui Dimension and pulled out a massive scroll nearly half a meter tall.
"What is it?"
Tsunade asked curiously.
"A ninjutsu scroll."
He placed it in her hands.
"It contains nearly every technique I've ever collected or created. Forbidden techniques, secret arts, rare ninjutsu—almost everything is recorded here."
His expression grew serious.
"I have a feeling this journey may take quite a long time. If I don't come back for years, give this to Senba and tell him to pass it down."
Tsunade frowned.
"Why does that sound like you're arranging your affairs? Isamu… nothing's going to happen to you, right?"
"What are you talking about?"
He laughed.
"I'm just preparing for the possibility of a long absence. Maybe it'll be a few years. Maybe only a few months. I honestly don't know."
"Then why go at all?"
Tsunade still couldn't help trying to persuade him.
"There are things I must do. Even if I tried to avoid them, they would eventually force me to move forward."
Seeing that his mind was made up, Tsunade finally stopped arguing.
As long as he came back, she could wait.
She had waited before.
Immediately afterward, Isamu opened the Kamui Dimension again and pulled out several bank cards along with dozens of boxes filled with jewelry.
"I'll leave these with you. I have no real use for money. If you feel like gambling, go ahead and spend it."
The total value exceeded a billion ryō.
To Isamu, wealth was merely a tool.
To Tsunade, it was at least something that could make life more enjoyable.
"Shizune, pack everything up and bring it back."
Tsunade tossed several sealing scrolls toward Shizune.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
Shizune's eyes immediately lit up.
Quickly sealing away the mountain of wealth, she wisely excused herself and returned to town.
She understood perfectly well that Tsunade wanted some private time alone.
Watching Shizune leave, Tsunade stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Isamu before kissing him.
He returned the embrace.
The two stood together silently for a long time.
Hours later, after spending their final moments together, they finally emerged from the Kamui Dimension.
This time, it was truly time to say goodbye.
"Let's leave it at that, Tsunade."
Isamu smiled gently.
"Let's look forward to our next reunion."
He turned away without looking back.
If he saw the expression on her face one more time, he wasn't sure he would be able to leave.
Tsunade clenched her fists tightly.
"I'll wait for you, Isamu. No matter how long it takes."
"Thank you, Tsunade."
After speaking those final words, Isamu activated Kamui.
His figure vanished into the swirling space, disappearing from sight.