Jiraiya had a "you gotta be kidding me" expression on his face. "Tōshirō, there's bragging, and then there's that."
Tōshirō blinked. "Think carefully about the past. Wasn't there a time Tsunade acted a bit strangely?"
Strange behavior?
With that reminder, Jiraiya suddenly recalled how Tsunade once used a terrible excuse about a 'friend' as a cover-up. Then he thought about that moment when Tōshirō joined him in the whole 'thief crying thief' routine.
He instantly felt like a complete idiot back then.
Damn.
Who would've thought that Tōshirō, with his upright and honest appearance, had already betrayed the singlehood squad.
Looking bitter, Jiraiya squeezed out a line through gritted teeth: "You two really deserve Oscars for that performance. What a waste not doing theater."
Tōshirō just shrugged.
Tsunade gently bit Tōshirō's arm, pouting with her soft pink lips. "Hmph, you're all smug now just because I like you, aren't you?"
Tōshirō wrapped his arm around Tsunade's shoulder and gave a light tug, pulling her into his embrace, warm and soft. Openly and confidently, he admitted, "With a girlfriend like you, of course I'm proud."
Tsunade's cheeks flushed red. She pushed against Tōshirō's chest in playful resistance, her tone bashful and coquettish. "Orochimaru and Jiraiya are right here watching."
Thanks to the earlier comfort, Tōshirō was in a much better mood now, his usual cheerful smile returning. "It's fine. They're not outsiders. Besides, weren't you being pretty bold just a moment ago?"
Off to the side, the not-an-outsider Jiraiya's face fell like a brick, dark as a lump of coal. "Gee, thanks for that—really makes me feel like I belong."
Tōshirō waved his hand. "No problem."
Jiraiya ranted wildly, "No, no, please, I'm begging you—just treat me like an outsider!"
Tōshirō: …
At that moment, Jiraiya suddenly wished he could go back to the days when everyone was single. Thinking of that, he turned to Orochimaru. "From now on, the only one who'll stay by my side is you."
Orochimaru looked at him with sheer disgust. He wasn't into women, but he definitely wasn't into men either.
Tōshirō let go of Tsunade and looked at Jiraiya, pressing his palms together. "Enough chit-chat. There's something I need to ask of you."
Jiraiya saw the serious expression reflected in Tōshirō's eyes and gradually revealed a puzzled look as if asking, "What is it?"
Tōshirō glanced around, then lowered his voice. "About me and Tsunade—I hope you two won't spread the word."
Before Jiraiya could reply, Tsunade was already getting a bit antsy. She pouted. "Even now, is this still about our two clans?"
Tōshirō shook his head. "Not entirely. More than that, I'm afraid of dragging you down."
Tsunade tilted her head, not understanding. "Dragging me down?"
Tōshirō let out a deep sigh. "I can already imagine the looks people will give me the moment I step out of this room. Probably like I got hit with rotten eggs or tomatoes—that'd be the nice reactions."
"But you're a victim too."
Tōshirō shook his head again. "To those who lost their loved ones, they need a scapegoat more than they need understanding."
In the original story, even if the ignorant villagers knew deep down that Naruto wasn't to blame for the Nine-Tails, they still cursed him. At first, maybe they just needed an emotional outlet, but over time, it became a habit—a self-deceiving way of life.
Now, Tōshirō was walking the same path Naruto once did.
Tsunade understood what he meant. She cupped Tōshirō's pale face in her hands, her eyes filled with deep affection. "I don't care what others think of me. I just want to be with you."
Drawn in by those warm brown eyes, Tōshirō couldn't look away. His lips curved into a faint, bitter smile. "That's exactly why… I can't say anything."
"You're the First Hokage's granddaughter. Everyone has high hopes for you. I don't want you to be isolated by others because of me."
Tsunade's lips moved, slightly parting—but were quickly sealed by something warm, leaving her speechless.
It wasn't until their lips separated that Tsunade finally snapped out of it. A soft, lingering warmth remained at the edge of her lips, and their eyes met unintentionally.
Please… just treat this as my request, okay?
Those eyes, dark as the night, now quietly conveyed his thoughts. Tsunade read the message in his gaze clearly, lowered her eyes, and softly murmured, "Alright…"
Tōshirō gave a small smile. "You know… to avoid dragging you down, I even considered breaking up with you."
The moment Tsunade heard the word "break up," her tone turned adorably fierce: "You dare!?"
"Knew it… that'd never work," Tōshirō sighed, already expecting this reaction.
"You're not getting rid of me. I'm clinging to you for life…"
Tsunade hugged Tōshirō tightly around the waist, as if afraid he'd really leave her.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru stood off to the side, silently watching the two of them.
Then Jiraiya coughed twice. "I hate to interrupt, but could you two maybe consider how us lonely singles feel?"
Tsunade turned to look at him, frowning, clear irritation in her gaze.
No one thought you were mute—why'd you have to talk?
Jiraiya got the message loud and clear, pulled his neck back, and shut up.
Tōshirō gently patted Tsunade's back. "You can let go of me now."
"No," Tsunade refused.
"I'm really happy you care this much… but if you keep hugging me that tight, I think you might break my ribs."
Whether intentional or not, Tsunade might've used her monster strength—Tōshirō's expression was starting to look a little strained.
Hearing that, Tsunade reluctantly let go.
As his chest finally loosened up, Tōshirō let out a long breath. Much better—any longer and he might've passed out.
Orochimaru chuckled. "You two really are a loving couple."
Jiraiya muttered with jealousy, "Hmph. They're just in the honeymoon phase. Once that wears off, they'll get tired of each other."
"Can you shut that foul mouth of yours?" Tsunade shot back without mercy. "Our relationship is none of your business."
"Hmph, maybe not," Jiraiya said with dissatisfaction. "But someone can keep you in line."
"Who?"
Jiraiya tattled: "Tōshirō, can you control your Tsunade a bit?"
Tōshirō smiled bitterly. "I can't control her."
"Tch, didn't expect that—you're one of those scared-of-your-wife types," Jiraiya teased.
But—
It didn't work.
Tōshirō smiled. "There's no such thing as being scared of your wife in this world. Only respecting her."
Tsunade smiled sweetly, nodding in satisfaction.
Jiraiya looked miserable. He really didn't want to keep witnessing this public display of affection.
"All right, stop teasing us already," Tōshirō said with a wry smile and a shake of his head. "Just treat us the same as before. Keep talking like this and someone might overhear—then it becomes trouble."
Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
After that, the group chatted for a while longer.
With a soft creak, the door was pushed open. A middle-aged man in a white robe stepped in, his face full of worry.
Seeing him arrive, Tōshirō respectfully greeted, "Lord Hokage."
(End of Chapter)
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