Both advisors knew the truth.
None of the major clans were ever going to oppose Fujimoto Tōma becoming the Sixth Hokage. Once Tsunade agreed, the matter was settled. Everything else was just formality.
After dinner, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, hands behind her head, looking unusually relaxed.
"A few more days," she said with a grin. "Then I finally get to enjoy retirement. I've been jealous of that old man's lifestyle for years."
Tōma blinked but wisely said nothing.
He had no intention of letting Tsunade truly fade into the background. Someone like her sitting idle would be a waste of talent. Still, she was clearly in a good mood, and Tōma valued his bones too much to invite a punch.
"Mom," Tōma said instead, "there's something I want to discuss with you."
"Hm?" Fujimoto Sana tilted her head. "If it's about you becoming Hokage, I don't think I can help much."
"It's not about that."
Tōma glanced at Tsunade, who hadn't moved an inch.
"Is there something I'm not allowed to hear?" Tsunade asked lazily.
"It's not a secret," Tōma replied after a brief pause. Given her position, forcing her out would be pointless.
He reached over and pulled Ino closer. She'd been helping Sana clean up and looked completely confused as she was dragged into the center of the room.
Tsunade froze for half a second.
Then she smiled.
She looked around instinctively. Pity there was no sake. This felt like a moment worth drinking to.
"Mom," Tōma said calmly, "I plan to get engaged to Ino."
Sana stared for a beat.
Then she smiled warmly. "That's wonderful. In a few days, I'll visit the Yamanaka household and talk things through properly."
Tsunade wore an expression that said I knew it, while Shizune's eyes practically sparkled as she watched.
"In– engaged?!"
Ino finally caught up to reality. Her face turned bright red in an instant.
"You don't want to?" Tōma asked, gently holding her cheeks, amused by how warm they felt.
"N-no! I do!" Ino said quickly, forgetting everyone else was still there. "It's just… it's sudden. I wasn't prepared."
"We were going to wait until next year, after we turned sixteen," Tōma explained. "But since I'm about to become Hokage, I'd rather do it sooner. It'll put your parents at ease."
Ino's parents trusted him, but trust and peace of mind weren't the same thing. And once he officially took the Hokage's seat, there would be no shortage of eyes on him.
Every clan dreamed of shortcuts to power.
Girlfriend meant nothing. No engagement meant opportunity.
Tōma had no interest in leaving that door open.
"I understand," Ino said softly, her eyes shimmering as she nodded.
Tsunade cleared her throat loudly. "Didn't expect to be force-fed this much sweetness at my age. I'm full. Shizune, let's go."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Shizune replied, though she cast one last envious glance at the couple.
Ino only realized then where she was. Her teacher. Tōma's home. Her face burned with embarrassment.
Even so, this time she leaned closer instead of pulling away.
After Tsunade and Shizune left, Tōma informed Sana they'd be heading out and walked Ino toward the Yamanaka compound.
"We've known each other for nine years," Tōma said quietly.
Ino smiled. "You didn't even know where the cake shop was back then. I had to show you."
She was glad she'd met him then.
If they hadn't crossed paths so early, she suspected she'd have ended up just another classmate in his eyes. Someone ordinary. Someone distant.
Because even now, Tōma was dazzling.
"Yeah," Tōma said. "Funny how things turn out."
His original thoughts back then hadn't been complicated.
One reason was simple. Ino had always been one of his favorites.
He knew what she'd grow into.
The other reason was practical.
Ino–Shika–Chō had supported him since the beginning. They were his backbone now, and they would remain so even after he became Hokage.
Choosing Ino had never been strange.
"Your stamina was awful back then," Tōma said with a grin. "I had to carry you home."
He leaned down and whispered something in her ear.
Ino froze, then nodded.
Moments later, just like when they were kids, Tōma carried her on his back, walking steadily through familiar streets as they talked.
"Engagement can come early," Tōma said after a while. "But marriage will wait. The next few years won't be peaceful. We'll do that after things settle down."
"Mm…" Ino murmured, cheeks heating up again.
She wasn't in a hurry. They were still young.
Tōma fell silent, simply walking, aware of her warmth against him. Ino really had grown beautifully. Balanced, graceful, radiant.
Soon, they reached the Yamanaka residence.
Ino tugged at his sleeve, reluctant to let go.
"There's plenty of time ahead," Tōma said, smiling as he lightly pinched her cheek. "Go tell your parents. Let them rest easy."
She nodded, then stepped forward and pressed herself against him, looking up.
Her face flushed as she closed her eyes.
Some moments didn't allow hesitation.
Tōma wrapped an arm around her and leaned down.
...
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