Tsunade recalled the day she met Aomi, how she emerged from a life of self-degradation, indulgence, and emptiness, rediscovering the feeling of love and fulfillment.
A bowl of chicken soup, taking on Kakuzu, establishing the medical department in Root for her...
Unknowingly, Aomi had done so much for her, more than she could ever repay.
So, when their relationship reached its final steps...
Tsunade felt she ought to be more proactive, rather than letting Aomi do everything.
Being hesitant is not Tsunade's style!
Thus, Tsunade quickly rushed to Aomi's house, planning to wait with everyone for the hero of Konoha, her hero, to return home...
For a grand birthday celebration for Aomi, finding the right moment to express her feelings.
No matter the final outcome, Tsunade felt this was something she had to do.
Otherwise, even if she didn't confess to Aomi, with everyone waiting for him to return, her absence would be too conspicuous.
Uchiha Clan Land.
Aomi's home.
As Tsunade knocked on the door and stepped inside, the Princess of Konoha was warmly welcomed by everyone.
Hatake Sakumo and Kakuzu exchanged glances, these two lively fellows whistled humorously, stirring the atmosphere into more excitement.
A shy woman and her beloved boy...
How interesting it is?
"Perhaps, this is youth, Kakuzu?"
Hatake Sakumo patted his partner's shoulder, feeling nostalgic, "I remember the day I fell in love with her..."
Beside them, Kakashi looked a bit disgruntled at his father.
Fell in love with her?
Was it with Kakashi's mother, Hatake Sakumo's wife, or some unknown first love?
That's rather inappropriate!
But behind Kakashi's mask, he couldn't help but crack a smile, looking very happy.
Everyone was pleased to see Tsunade and Aomi together; from Konoha's politics to their personal sentiments, they were truly a match made in heaven.
Beautiful things always resonate with people...
Shisui, seeing Tsunade arrive, laughed heartily and shouted, "Sister Tsunade, you're finally here..."
"I've said many times, that welcoming brother's birthday wouldn't be complete without you!"
Asuma, off to the side, winked and sighed, "Sister Tsunade used to stay at Aomi's home every day, but how come these past couple of days she hasn't shown up, even after inviting her so many times..."
"Tsk, she used to take pride in being Aomi's mentor. Looks like she plans to change her role! Maybe it's due to a lack of confidence that she's hesitating?"
Everyone laughed kindly.
Shisui glared fiercely at Asuma, "You're such a chatterbox!"
"I'll say this; as brother's brother, I only recognize Sister Tsunade!"
While Aomi was absent, Shisui took the liberty of declaring her as the mistress of the house.
And as Hiruko and Aburame Torune drank their tea, though not eloquent, their eyes were filled with smiles.
Root is a great organization...
But greatness needs to be inherited, and should the sole leader Aomi have a family and subsequently offspring...
Then, the significance of this would be tremendous for Root Ninja!
Under the warm gaze of everyone, with Asuma and Hatake Sakumo's teasing and Shisui's encouragement, Tsunade's face gradually turned crimson...
Oh dear, really!
Tsunade thought her feelings for Aomi were well concealed, thinking no one had noticed them.
But now it seems like everyone knew, while she believed she was well hidden...
Feeling shy, Tsunade considered another angle.
Even Shisui acknowledged her as the only mistress of Aomi's household, so Aomi likely thought the same!
After all, Shisui was Aomi's cherished younger brother, surely he'd discuss heartfelt matters with Shisui...
Thinking this way, Tsunade, who initially lacked confidence, suddenly felt bolstered, striding over to Asuma, towering over the Son of the Hokage, saying:
"Brat, who do you think you're talking to?"
"I'm Tsunade, Hokage Assistant of Konoha, my grandfather was the First Hokage, my granduncle was the Second Hokage, my... will be the Fourth Hokage; even if your old man is the Third Hokage, I'll straightforwardly tell you—"
"Because of what you just said, you can forget about becoming Hokage Assistant; I find future Shisui more suitable!"
Shisui burst into laughter.
Asuma's face fell, muttering as if struck by lightning, "Unfair, unfair! This is the power conspiracy!"
After a round of jokes.
The atmosphere grew more lively, and Tsunade, long staying at Aomi's house, swiftly regained her "mistress" composure after shedding unfamiliarity, directing these rough men to make more delicate preparations for Aomi's surprise.
And just after these arrangements were completed...
Shisui, tasked with sensing Aomi's Chakra, suddenly brightened up and shouted loudly, "Brother is back!"
Everyone felt delighted, hurriedly turning off the lights, holding colorful confetti cannons in their hands.
Tsunade picked up the big cake, waiting with joy for Aomi to come home, to feed him the first bite of cake, put on the birthday hat...
Afterwards, perhaps there would be a chance to express her feelings...
In the darkness, under everyone's hopeful gaze, the door gently knocked.