Tsunade's brows were drawn low, her mood heavy and distant.
Tōshirō gently guided her down into a chair, his gloved hands resting on her shoulders, giving them a light squeeze. "How does that seat feel?"
Tsunade blinked, slightly confused. "What… what do you mean, how it feels?"
"That's the Hokage's seat, after all."
On the way back, she had still been mourning her brother's death; only now was her mind starting to clear. At the mention of it, she finally asked, "Right… along the way, I noticed people calling you Lord Hokage. What's that about?"
Tōshirō smiled faintly. "It's literal. I'm the Hokage now."
Tsunade froze for a moment. "You're the Hokage?"
"Why? Does that sound impossible?"
After the brief surprise, she exhaled softly. "No… I'm just… amazed, that's all."
"If you want," Tōshirō said casually, "I can give you the position."
"You're joking."
"Not at all."
Tsunade studied his face and realized he was serious. She shook her head.
"Why not? You always wanted to be Hokage, didn't you?"
"Like you said, people change." Tsunade's gaze dropped, her voice quiet. "After everything I've been through… I've learned there are things in life more important than titles. Besides, everyone recognizes you. I can't just steal your place."
Tōshirō almost said that the villagers didn't truly recognize him—they simply feared him. But he didn't.
"…Alright then," he murmured.
He didn't push her further. Instead, he changed the topic. "In that case, how about another role—Captain of the Fourth Division. Medical Corps. I created it specifically with you in mind."
"Captain of the Fourth Division?" Tsunade tilted her head in confusion. "What's that supposed to be?"
Tōshirō explained briefly—about his new organizational structure for the village, about improved systems, policies, even things like identification numbers, pensions, and standardized welfare.
Tsunade's lips curved into a proud smile. "Not bad, you've really grown into this Hokage thing."
"You can refuse the Hokage position, but you can't turn this one down. Don't make me lose face."
"But…" she hesitated, "I don't even know anyone here now."
"That's fine," Tōshirō replied lightly. "I know you. That's enough."
Tsunade chuckled softly. "You're too domineering. People might think you're playing favorites. You're the Hokage—you're supposed to set an example. Careful, or they'll start calling you a dictator."
Tōshirō shrugged. Let them.
Favoritism didn't bother him. Skills could be trained; trust could not.
Of course, he couldn't just say that out loud. So he rephrased, tone even. "I just mean—I know your medical ninjutsu better than anyone. Even back then, you were already the finest healer in Konoha. You can't deny that."
Tsunade smirked. "When you say it like that, you make me sound arrogant if I agree."
"As they say, true merit shouldn't be hidden. Don't refuse."
She laughed. "Still as smooth-tongued as ever."
"I'm only stating facts."
"…Alright, alright. I'll try it."
If she didn't, Tōshirō would just keep insisting anyway. She sighed in surrender. "By the way, what about Lord Hiruzen? Now that you're Hokage, I suppose the old man's retired and enjoying his last years?"
Tōshirō's expression stiffened. I killed him.
"What is it?"
Tsunade noticed his silence—and the look on his face. Her heart skipped a beat, recalling how he'd looked when he'd told her about Nawaki. "Don't tell me…"
Tōshirō gave a single nod.
Tsunade pressed a trembling hand to her forehead. So being alive wasn't necessarily a blessing after all. Everything she'd known—her brother, her elders, her teachers—gone.
Then, she felt a hand take hers. It was cold—chillingly so even through the glove—but somehow, it felt warm.
"Let's get married," Tōshirō said simply.
Tsunade looked into his calm, unflinching eyes.
He smiled faintly. "The things we've lost—we'll build them again."
The words were plain, but to Tsunade, they were more moving than any love poem. Tears welled up and shimmered in her eyes.
The wedding was simple—no grand banquet, no ceremony filled with crowds. Barely ten people attended.
But for the two of them, it was enough.
Izumi stood beside Itachi, who was dressed sharply in a black suit, feeling a little out of place.
Orochimaru, Fugaku, Mikoto—all had known Tōshirō and Tsunade for years. Their presence made sense. But her?
Itachi noticed her unease. "Relax," he murmured. "Uncle Tōshirō invited you. That means he sees you as one of his own."
Izumi's heart fluttered—she felt both honored and overwhelmed. Why would the Hokage value me so much? Just because I'm Uchiha? Or because I'm his secretary? That can't be all…
She looked at Itachi for reassurance.
He lowered his head slightly, voice barely audible. "If I have the chance one day… I want you to stand by my side."
Her cheeks flushed crimson as her heart skipped. She lowered her head shyly, unable to meet his eyes.
No… I have to be brave.
Summoning her courage, Izumi reached out to hold his hand. Her fingers brushed something soft.
Wow… Itachi's hand is so smooth… so warm… I could hold it forever—wait…
Something felt off.
She followed the touch with her eyes—and froze.
Her hand wasn't holding Itachi's at all. It was squeezing the cheek of a small boy.
Sasuke glared up at her with a fierce pout.
Izumi let out a nervous laugh. "S-Sasuke! What are you doing here?"
"Hmph!" Sasuke crossed his arms, glaring daggers. "You were acting all suspicious toward my brother. I saw you!"
This woman's trying to steal my nii-san! he fumed internally. Over my dead body!
Izumi's smile stiffened.
So this was the true obstacle between her and Itachi—a full-blown brother complex.
Fugaku and Mikoto, watching nearby, could only smile helplessly.
After the ceremony, Orochimaru leaned over to Tōshirō. "So, how does it feel?"
"What do you think it feels like? Same as before."
Neither of them had needed a ceremony to prove their bond. The marriage was more formality than anything.
Tsunade, radiant in her white wedding dress, pretended to pout. "Hey! What's that supposed to mean? We've only just married and you're already bored of me?"
Tōshirō groaned dramatically. "It's our first day and you're already bossing me around. Can you not?"
"Oh? Talking back already?" Tsunade smirked and grabbed his ear.
"Ah—ow ow ow! Mercy, my wife!"
The guests burst into laughter, the room bright with cheer and warmth.
The wedding was held at home. When everyone left, the newlyweds were alone at last.
Normally, this would be the time for passion—for shared warmth and love.
But unfortunately, Tōshirō's body was still far too cold. Such things would have to wait.
He sighed deeply. Damn it…
So close—and yet so far.
Tsunade giggled softly. "What's wrong, dear husband? You have such a beautiful wife and you're sighing already?"
Tōshirō blinked. "What… did you just call me?"
"'Husband,' of course."
He blinked again, processing it. "Oh. Oh… oh."
"Don't just 'oh' me," Tsunade teased. "You should be calling me something too, shouldn't you?"
"…Wife?"
"Mhm. Again."
"Wife."
"Keep going."
"Wife."
"Continue."
"Still?"
"What, you tired of it already?"
"Impossible. Even if I got tired, I'd never tire of you."
"Heehee~ Good answer."
Tōshirō grinned mischievously. Alright, you have me calling you wife now—but just wait. Later it'll be your turn to call me husband again…
The thought had barely formed when reality struck him like a splash of cold water.
Right. Cold.
…He couldn't do a damn thing in his current state.
Damn it.
(End of Chapter)
────────────────────────────────────
"If you want early access to nearly 60+ chapters, join my patreon:- patreon.com/BaDwYGaMeR"