Haruki knocked on the door a few times but didn't hear a response. Instead of waiting, he just pushed it open and walked in. He knew Tsunade had been busy lately, putting together teaching materials for the new medical class.
With the war winding down, both he and Tsunade had made a name for themselves as top medical ninjas. Eventually, Hiruzen and the village elders gave the green light to introduce medical training at the Academy. But since there were no textbooks or guidelines, the responsibility of writing them fell on Tsunade, Hidden Leaf's number one medical ninja.
Haruki headed toward the study and saw the door slightly open. He paused at the entrance, leaning against the frame as he watched Tsunade at her desk, focused on her work.
She wore her usual loose, sleeveless top, exposing her fair arms. And as always, her chest pressed against the fabric, subtly bouncing with her every movement.
Tsunade had already noticed him standing there, but since she was close to finishing the page, she decided to wrap it up first.
A few minutes later, she finally set her pen down and looked up at him. Her brown eyes held a hint of apology, knowing she had kept him waiting.
Haruki smiled and walked over, sliding his arms around her shoulders. For once, he dropped all pretense.
"Finally done?" he asked, his warm breath hitting against her neck.
"N-not yet," she admitted. "The medical class is opening soon, and I need to have everything ready before then."
She blushed slightly, then lifted her hand and flicked his forehead with her finger. It was more like a teasing gesture rather than an actual reprimand.
Haruki didn't hesitate. He squeezed into the chair beside her, forcing himself in close.
"Ah!" Tsunade gasped, glaring at him in annoyance. But when she saw his mischievous grin, she sighed and simply climbed onto his lap, facing him.
"Your hands must be sore after writing all day," Haruki said, wrapping an arm around her waist while gently holding one of her hands. "Want me to give them a massage?"
Tsunade smirked and flexed her muscles dramatically. "You think I'd get tired from just that?"
Haruki held back a chuckle. She looked completely ridiculous trying to act tough, but he found it cute.
Honestly though, if his system hadn't confirmed that Tsunade's affection for him was maxed out, he would've never dared to confess to her. One solid punch from her would've put him in a hospital bed for weeks.
But this Tsunade wasn't the hardened woman who had lost so much and drowned her sorrows in alcohol. She was younger, still carefree in some ways.
Haruki pulled her closer, tightening his grip around her waist.
"H-Hey! What do you think you're doing?" she stammered in surprise, but she didn't resist.
Resting his chin lightly against her shoulder, he simply enjoyed the warmth of her body. With her soft breathing mixing with his own, the moment felt peaceful.
Then, out of nowhere, he asked, "Tsuna, have you ever thought about becoming Hokage?"
She blinked her eyes in surprise, caught off guard by his words, "Hokage? Where's that coming from all of a sudden?"
Haruki smiled and massaged her fingers gently. "Just answer the question."
In the original storyline, Tsunade had always been against the idea of becoming Hokage. That dream had belonged to her little brother, Nawaki, and her lover, Dan, both of whom had died chasing it.
But now, even after losing Nawaki, she hadn't completely shut down. Thanks to Haruki, she had managed to move forward instead of sinking into despair.
"I never really thought about it," she admitted, closing her eyes as she relaxed into his chest. "But if you're asking about my dream....I just want to travel the world and win big in every casino I visit."
Haruki chuckled, kneading her shoulders a little firmer. "That sounds exactly like you."
"But it won't just be you, right?" he murmured, squeezing her left hand gently. "It should be the two of us, traveling together."
Tsunade let out a small laugh, tilting her head slightly. "Isn't that a given?"
[The host has discussed dreams with his girlfriend. Reward: Wood Release: Nativity of a World of Trees.]
The system's sudden notification made Haruki pause for a split second, but he was already used to it.
More importantly, he had completed yet another milestone in his relationship with Tsunade. From holding hands to hugging, kissing, and now deep conversations about their future, every step had earned him something new.
When he had first bind her, he had gained her medical skills and he had received Wood Release from his confession.
Tsunade noticed his brief distraction and gave him a questioning look. "What's up?"
Haruki twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers, bringing it close for a quick sniff before asking, "What if I wanted you to be Hokage?"
Tsunade blinked in surprise before slightly straightening her posture. "Huh? And why do you want me to be Hokage?"
Haruki scratched the back of his head, avoiding her gaze. "Well....my dream is to be Hokage's man"
Tsunade stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter. "What kind of nonsense is that?"
"Besides, sensei is still in his prime. It's way too early to be talking about this."
"That's not the point." He cupped her cheek gently, his thumb brushing against her skin. "Just let me know if you ever change your mind. I'll make it happen for you."
Tsunade gazed into his eyes, her heartbeat quickening.
Ba-thump!
For the first time, the idea of becoming Hokage didn't seem so bad, at least, not if it was for him.
After three years together, she knew Haruki was always plotting something. But maybe love made people stupid, she never once suspected him of anything bad.
Narrowing her eyes, she grabbed his hand and asked suspiciously, "Be honest, are you just trying to get out of being Hokage yourself?"
Haruki gasped, putting on an exaggerated expression of shock. "How did you figure that out?"
His acting was so bad that Tsunade saw through him instantly.
Rolling her eyes, she flicked his forehead. "Idiot."
"Well, my brother also wanted to be Hokage, so if anyone's taking that seat, it'll be me. I'll fulfill his dream for him." Her expression dimmed slightly at the mention of Nawaki, her gaze growing distant.
Haruki didn't say anything, he simply wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
After a while, she looked up at him and reached out, gently tracing his face with her fingertips.
"When I lost my brother, I really thought I had the worst luck in the world," she said quietly.
Then, she smiled. "But then I met you.....Turns out, my luck isn't so bad after all."
Even though Tsunade was smiling, there was still a trace of sadness in her eyes. Haruki felt a little awkward. Wanting to lighten the mood, he decided to crack a joke.
"Hey, Tsuna, you know what they say?"
She raised an eyebrow at him. "What now?"
"A man's true strength is tested by how well he handles three things—power, wealth… and women."
Tsunade smirked. "Oh? And what's your point?"
Haruki grinned, leaning in slightly like he was sharing some great secret. "Well, I've got some power, I make decent money, and as for handling a woman..." He gave her a playful look. "Let's just say, I'm pretty good at it. Especially when the woman is....quite a handful."
Tsunade's smile turned sharp. "Oh, is that so?"
Before Haruki could react, she cracked her knuckles. "I think you've been getting a little too comfortable."
Boom!
Her fist shot out in a flash, and Haruki barely had time to throw up his arms in defense. The chair beneath him let out a pitiful creak before completely giving out under the force. Splinters flew as he crashed to the floor with a loud thud.
"Whoa, whoa! I was just kidding!" he gasped, wincing at the pain in his back.
Ignoring his protests, Tsunade casually straddled him, as she looked down at him like a queen passing judgment.
"So? Still feeling bold enough to run your mouth?"
Haruki groaned, rubbing his sore arm. "Okay, okay! Maybe I was slightly wrong"
Tsunade arched an eyebrow. "Slightly?" She flexed her fingers, as if debating whether to hit him again.
"Alright, fine! Completely wrong!" Haruki quickly corrected himself, raising his hands in surrender. "Geez, you're brutal."
Tsunade flicked his forehead, hard enough to make him wince. "You say dumb things, you suffer the consequences."
Haruki sighed. "I swear, I take more damage from you than I do in actual battles."
"Then maybe you should learn from it."She huffed, rolling her shoulders.
At that moment, a ninja wearing an animal mask appeared at the window. She took one look at the scene and immediately froze.
"Ah! Sorry!" she blurted before disappearing in a flash.
Haruki, still lying on the floor, caught a glimpse of the frog patterns on her mask. "That was Haru from the Anbu."
Tsunade suddenly shot to her feet, covering her face as a deep blush spread to her ears. 'Oh no. It's over. I'm done for.'
Haruki chuckled, reaching up to ruffle her hair.
"Relax."
Taking a deep breath, Tsunade returned to her usual calm. "Come in."
Haru reappeared but this time entering through the door like a normal person.
"Tsunade-sama, Haruki-sama," she said with a slight bow. "The Hokage has requested your presence for a meeting."
Haruki flashed a smile. "Thanks for letting us know, Haru."
"I-it's no problem. Just doing my job,"she stammered, her voice slightly flustered after being called out by her name.
Once Haru left, Haruki sat up, a thoughtful look on his face. "It's probably a post-war meeting."
Tsunade nodded. "Even though the war is over, there's still a lot of cleanup to do. Looks like we won't be getting a break anytime soon."
Haruki sighed. He hated meetings, especially the ones that felt like long, pointless speeches.
But this one was different.
He had earned enough recognition in the war, and many of the village's major families favored him. Under these circumstances, his request shouldn't be rejected.
Haruki reached for Tsunade's hand, lacing their fingers together.
"Let's go."
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