Bang!
As the bedroom door shut with a dull thud, Aoshi lifted Tsunade into his arms and gently laid her down on the bed.
Even though she had mentally prepared herself for this moment, Tsunade still felt a faint tremble rising in her chest. Anticipation and nervousness intertwined, making her heartbeat quicken.
"A-Aoshi, wait a moment…"
But before she could finish speaking, Aoshi leaned down, pinning her softly yet firmly, and pressed his lips against hers.
Her words were swallowed by the sudden kiss—bold, heated, and overflowing with emotion.
Aoshi's excitement was palpable. Tsunade, who had drunk a bit earlier, felt her senses blur as warmth rushed through her, making resistance impossible.
"Aoshi… I… want to—"
She managed to escape his kiss for a brief moment, panting lightly, her cheeks flushed. Yet before she could finish her sentence, he drew her back in again, overwhelming her with intensity and affection.
And then…
The world seemed to melt away.
Time blurred into warmth, breath, heartbeat, and closeness.
The lantern light flickered, casting dancing shadows across the room as the night deepened around them.
Eventually—after who knew how long—Tsunade lay sprawled on the bed, completely drained, her golden hair spread messily across the pillow.
As trained ninjas, their stamina and recovery far surpassed that of ordinary people. Even so, the exhaustion still lingered in her muscles.
Her breathing finally eased, and after a short rest, she rolled over, lying atop Aoshi's chest with a half-hearted glare.
"You little rascal… can't you tone it down? My back feels like it's about to break."
Aoshi, who had one hand around her slender waist and the other absentmindedly playing with her long, silky hair, immediately sat up with a worried expression.
"Then I'd better treat you properly. I can't let you suffer any aftereffects." Before Tsunade could even retort, Aoshi had already gently turned her over.
---
The night grew deep before the two finally drifted into sleep.
By the time the sun was already high in the sky, they woke up—both driven by hunger.
It was the first morning Aoshi hadn't gotten up early to train. For a brief moment, he felt guilty… but that guilt vanished instantly the moment his eyes landed on Tsunade nestled in his arms.
"I'm starving," Tsunade mumbled lazily. "What are we eating later?"
Aoshi leaned down and kissed her forehead before thinking for a moment.
"Let's go to Ichiraku Ramen. I'm too lazy to cook anything today."
Tsunade didn't object—but another problem immediately surfaced.
"By the way, do you even have any clothes I can wear? I can't go out dressed like… this."
She glanced at the outfit she had worn last night and grimaced. No matter how bold Tsunade normally was, she would absolutely not step outside wearing something meant for behind closed doors.
Aoshi, of course, wouldn't let her. Seeing Tsunade's helpless expression, he burst out laughing.
"What are you laughing at!? I'm asking what we're supposed to do!"
Annoyed, Tsunade grabbed a pillow and began whacking him with it—only for him to snatch it away and pull her back into his arms in one smooth motion.
He lowered his head and planted a deep kiss on her lips before murmuring:
"Don't worry. I prepared other clothes." Aoshi got up, rummaged briefly, and produced a neatly folded outfit suitable for going out.
Tsunade examined it—there was nothing wrong with it. In fact, it looked better than her usual casual wear.
While changing, Tsunade gave him a suspicious look.
"You little rascal… when did you prepare so many clothes for me? Were you planning this from the start?"
Aoshi only smiled. Opportunities were for those who prepared in advance.
After washing up, the two headed to Ichiraku Ramen.
It was peak season, and the small shop was packed, with a line already forming outside. Thankfully, the queue moved quickly, and before long, it was their turn.
"Welcome! What would you like—oh!" The young worker froze the moment he recognized the pair.
"Tsunade-sama! Aoshi-sama! What an honor!" He bowed excitedly.
"In that case, today's meal will be on the house! Please try our signature dish—the Deluxe Supreme Ramen!"
Aoshi and Tsunade exchanged an amused look and didn't refuse.
Soon, two steaming bowls of deluxe ramen were served.
"By the way… Tsunade-sama, Aoshi-sama—you're a couple, right? I wish you both lifelong happiness! Would it be alright if I took a photo as a keepsake?"
It was clearly for advertisement purposes, but both of them were well-known throughout Konoha. A free meal in exchange for publicity—Ichiraku was definitely getting the better deal.
"Sure!" Tsunade answered immediately, happier than expected.
Seeing her enthusiasm, Aoshi wrapped an arm around her waist and leaned close as the photo was taken.
"Thank you both! If you need refills, just ask! We hope you enjoy your meal!"
The worker quickly printed the photo and placed it in the most noticeable spot in the shop.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
With their relationship reaching a new height, Tsunade and Aoshi were practically inseparable. Tsunade even stayed at Aoshi's house every night, not returning once to the Senju compound.
They only slowed down when Kushina finally came knocking.
…Perhaps they really had been overindulging a bit.
---
Konoha Gate.
Mikoto and her three teammates arrived, dusty from their completed mission.
"Ahh! We're finally back! I want Ichiraku Ramen! Mikoto-sensei, Minato, Ayame—want to join?" Yukimura Tomoki.
After days of eating only soldier pills, Ichiraku Ramen was practically salvation. Everyone felt the same, so they agreed.
After handing in their mission report, the four headed to the shop. And there—Mikoto's eyes landed on a newly posted photo of Aoshi and Tsunade.
"Welcome! What would you like?" the worker said cheerfully. "Our Deluxe Supreme Ramen is so delicious, even Lady Tsunade and Aoshi-sama praised it!"
Business had been booming thanks to the photo.
"Uh…" Minato and the others exchanged glances and immediately side-eyed Mikoto.
They all knew about Mikoto and Aoshi's relationship.
Now seeing a bright, affectionate photo of Aoshi and Tsunade displayed so proudly… They were terrified Mikoto might tear the store apart.
But to their shock, Mikoto remained calm—so calm that it was unsettling.
She even helped order. "Four Deluxe Supreme Ramen. It's my treat today."
"O-Of course! Please wait just a moment!"
The four took their seats, with Minato, Tomoki, and Ayame all staring at Mikoto in utter confusion.
Mikoto let out a small laugh. "Actually… I've known about Aoshi and Lady Tsunade for a long time."
"HUH?!?!" All three of them nearly jumped out of their seats.