After parting ways with Sakumo Hatake, Jiraiya headed straight for the Senju Clan's compound.
"Jiraiya-sama, please, come right in!"
The moment Jiraiya stepped through the gates, one of the clan servants greeted him warmly, bowing deeply in respect. Their attitude was far more reverent than before, thanks to Tsunade's instructions the previous day. She had made it clear to the staff that Jiraiya was to be treated with the utmost courtesy.
Jiraiya nodded lightly and entered, a servant promptly following to guide him.
He was led to one of the most prominent pavilions in the courtyard, where Tsunade was already waiting for him.
"Jiraiya!" Tsunade waved at him with a smile that lit up her face.
These days, just the sight of Jiraiya made Tsunade's mood inexplicably brighter.
Is this what they call the magic of love? she thought to herself, a sweet warmth blooming in her chest.
"Breakfast is ready for you. Once you've eaten, I'll take you to see Isamu," she said, naturally taking Jiraiya's hand and leading him to the dining room.
The table was laden with an impressive spread of food.
"I made all of this myself. You're the first person to enjoy such a privilege," Tsunade said, a hint of pride in her voice.
She had woken up extra early that morning to prepare this meal for him, and it showed in the abundance and care she had put into it.
Jiraiya blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected Tsunade to be good at cooking, but judging by the aroma, the food looked—and smelled—delicious.
Marrying Tsunade someday might not be such a bad idea, Jiraiya mused to himself. Not only would I have... certain perks, but I'd also get to enjoy meals like this.
"This is amazing," he said after taking a bite. "I could get used to eating like this every day."
"If you want to, you definitely can," Tsunade replied without hesitation, her tone light but carrying a deeper meaning. Seeing Jiraiya enjoy her cooking made her genuinely happy, making her morning effort feel entirely worth it.
"So, what's your brother like?" Jiraiya asked after finishing his meal.
"He's easygoing, so you don't need to worry too much," Tsunade reassured him.
"Easygoing? I don't get nervous meeting my brother-in-law," Jiraiya replied, shaking his head.
Tsunade flushed, her face tinged red, but she didn't deny it. Instead, a small, joyful smile crept onto her lips.
"Just try to stay composed and leave a good impression, okay? In the Senju Clan, my brother has the final say when it comes to marriage matters."
Truthfully, Tsunade was feeling a bit anxious herself. She worried that Jiraiya and Isamu might not get along.
"Relax. I came prepared. I brought a gift for your brother—I'm sure it'll help me win him over," Jiraiya said confidently.
"You thought to bring something for my brother but not for me?" Tsunade teased, a faint pout forming on her lips.
Women really do get jealous so easily, Jiraiya thought, scratching the back of his head.
Realizing his mistake, he quickly came up with a solution. With a serious expression, he said,
"Actually, I did bring you a gift. The question is—are you brave enough to accept it?"
"What gift? If it's from you, I'll definitely accept it," Tsunade answered without hesitation.
"My kiss," Jiraiya declared, leaning closer.
Tsunade's face turned scarlet, her breathing quickened, and she instinctively lowered her head.
When she didn't respond, Jiraiya took it as her silent agreement. Even someone as bold as Tsunade couldn't act overly forward in a moment like this.
Gently tilting her chin up, Jiraiya pressed his lips to hers.
"Mmm..."
Tsunade shut her eyes tightly, her body stiffening as a jolt of electricity seemed to run through her.
"How's that for a gift?" Jiraiya asked as he pulled back, a teasing grin on his face.
Tsunade, utterly flustered, could only nod shyly. Overwhelmed with happiness, she leaned into his chest, savoring the moment.
"Alright, it's time to meet your brother," Jiraiya said after a while.
If they stayed alone together any longer, Jiraiya wasn't sure he'd be able to resist taking things further. He wanted to approach their relationship the right way—after earning the approval of the Senju Clan. He didn't want Tsunade caught in a difficult position, torn between him and her family.
He was confident he could gain their recognition and support.
Tsunade, glowing with happiness, nodded and led him out of the room.
"Why's your face so red?"
They ran into Tsunade's younger brother, Senju Nawaki, who had just stepped out of another room. At only eight years old, Nawaki was still small, but his curiosity was boundless.
"Mind your own business," Tsunade said hurriedly, releasing Jiraiya's hand as if she'd been caught doing something naughty.
"You're not that much older than me!" Nawaki retorted indignantly. "Whatever, I don't care. I'm going to train. Pretty soon, I'll be the strongest man in the Senju Clan!"
With that, Nawaki stormed off toward the training grounds.
Tsunade took Jiraiya to meet Isamu.
Isamu bore a striking resemblance to the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju. With snow-white hair, sharp features, and clad in blue armor, his demeanor was just as stern and unapproachable. To Jiraiya, Isamu looked like he was deliberately mimicking Tobirama—an image of elegance and authority.
'Showoff,' Jiraiya muttered to himself.
Isamu had always aspired to be a ninja as great as Tobirama. His every movement and mannerism seemed calculated to reflect that ambition.
"Tsunade, I'd like to speak with Jiraiya alone. Wait outside," Isamu said, glancing briefly at Jiraiya before addressing his sister.
Tsunade hesitated but eventually complied. She trusted that Isamu wouldn't harm Jiraiya, and if he did, he'd have to answer to her.
Once they were alone, Isamu spoke, his tone icy and calm.
"Jiraiya, I heard you managed to kill a jonin during your last mission. Alone."
"That's correct," Jiraiya replied curtly.
"But what if I don't believe you?" Isamu's eyebrow twitched slightly, his gaze sharpening.
"Then I guess there's only one way to prove it," Jiraiya said with a confident grin. "Nothing demonstrates truth better than strength."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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