Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

Chapter 25: Chapter 25: What Is Your Dream?



Kawakaze and his group—four people and one dog—remained concealed in the trees, observing the construction site until the team completed their work for the day. Despite their vigilance, they didn't spot a single suspicious figure.

"It seems they're not going to make a move today," Kawakaze remarked, standing gracefully on a slender branch, his balance flawless. "Let's come back tomorrow."

"What if they never make a move?" Tsunade asked, her sharp, beautiful eyes fixed on Kawakaze's upright figure.

Sakumo and Nayuki stayed silent, quietly awaiting Kawakaze's response. Only Onimaru, the dog, seemed restless, glancing around with evident boredom.

From his elevated perch, Kawakaze surveyed the group. His gaze lingered on a certain someone, his thoughts wandering until Tsunade's question snapped him back to reality.

"It's just a test for now," he said, his tone nonchalant. "Three days is the limit. If there's no movement by then..."

He trailed off deliberately, enjoying the suspense.

"That's enough!" Sakumo interrupted, visibly irritated by his brother's theatrics. His White Fang persona was barely contained, his temper nearing its edge. "If you don't finish your sentence, I'll kick you."

"Cough, cough," Tsunade pretended to clear her throat, masking a small smile at Sakumo's outburst.

"Alright, alright," Kawakaze relented. "On the fourth day, we'll have the construction team proceed with their work in a big way. But... doing so will likely lead to civilian casualties. These three days are our best chance to lure out the old fox."

He sighed as he spoke, the weight of his words sinking into the group. In the ninja world, civilians were always the most vulnerable, a fact that never grew easier to accept.

"We'll do what we can when the time comes," Tsunade said quietly. Though she was no saint, she resolved to do her best to minimize harm, understanding the harsh reality of their world.

Sakumo, apparently satisfied with the plan, leaped from the tree in a single, graceful motion. Nayuki and Onimaru followed closely behind.

As Kawakaze and Tsunade began their descent, he called out casually, "Tsunade, let's head back for dinner."

"Okay," she agreed, falling into step beside him as they made their way toward the Hatake Clan's compound.

After a moment of silence, Kawakaze, his tone light with curiosity, asked, "Tsunade, what's your dream?"

"Huh?" Tsunade blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. A dream? Did she even have one? After a brief pause, her mind wandered to a vision of twins: a boy with Kawakaze's charm and a girl just like herself.

As the image formed in her mind, her cheeks began to flush red.

"Is there someone else besides you?" Kawakaze asked teasingly, spreading his hands and glancing around as if searching for an invisible presence.

Tsunade hesitated for a moment before replying bashfully, "I don't really have any dreams. Life's fine as it is."

Her unexpected modesty caught Kawakaze off guard. He scratched his head, feeling momentarily awkward before countering, "I think you should have a noble dream."

His mind briefly entertained the image of Tsunade in her Hokage robes, and he found the thought strangely appealing.

"What kind of dream?" Tsunade prompted, tilting her head slightly.

"You're destined to become Hokage," Kawakaze declared, his tone sincere. "You carry the legacy of the First and Second Hokage. Only you can protect the hard work they left behind. I'm sure Lady Mito would want to see that as well."

The mention of such weighty figures left Tsunade momentarily stunned. She stared at Kawakaze, struggling to process his words. "Me? Hokage?" she repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. Does Konoha really have enough left for me to gamble away???

"That's right—it's you," Kawakaze replied firmly. "It's you, Tsunade. One day, your husband and children will be proud of you. What do you think about that?"

Kawakaze used some intense persuasion techniques on Tsunade, nearly overloading her mental CPU.

Kawakaze's words struck a chord. Tsunade's expression softened, and a flicker of determination appeared in her eyes. "I think... I can do it. I'll work hard," she said with newfound conviction. Her mind wandered back to her earlier vision of her future children—proud of their mother, the Hokage—and even her husband standing beside her with admiration.

With her spirits bolstered, Tsunade turned the tables. "So, Kawakaze, what's your dream?"

Kawakaze met her gaze, his tone gentle as he replied, "My dream is to make you proud."

The intensity in his eyes made Tsunade's cheeks flush. Embarrassed, she quickly looked away. "We're here," she announced, landing lightly on the ground near the Hatake Clan compound.

Kawakaze wisely refrained from pushing further, deciding to savor the moment. He followed Tsunade leisurely, his gaze lingering on her figure, a satisfied smile on his face.

Inside the Hatake residence, they headed straight to the dining room. Sakumo and Nayuki were already seated, while Onimaru chomped happily on a large piece of beef. Upon seeing Kawakaze enter, the dog picked up its dinner tray and trotted out of the room, as if to say, I know when to give you humans your space.

Tsunade sat down beside Kawakaze, and the dinner began. The initial mood was calm, but after three cups of Baijiu (a potent Chinese liquor), everyone's inhibitions began to melt away.

"Big Brother Sakumo, do you think I can become the Hokage?" Tsunade asked, her voice tinged with enthusiasm, clearly fueled by the sake she had consumed. Her ambition to become Hokage had grown stronger, and she was eager to hear others' opinions.

Sakumo coughed lightly, unsure of how to respond to such an unexpected question.

Why would she suddenly want to become the Hokage? Is she really qualified? Isn't Orochimaru more skilled than her? These thoughts raced through his mind, but he chose his words carefully.

"I think I've had too much to drink," he said, stalling. After a moment, he added, "You're a direct descendant of the Senju Clan, so your qualifications are unquestionable." He sidestepped the question of whether she truly had what it took to lead Konoha.

"I think it's a great idea," someone interjected.

"Tsunade, you can be Konoha's first female Hokage. Set an example for all the kunoichi out there!" Nayuki raised her glass in agreement, a warm smile on her face.

"I'll toast to that! Don't worry—we're your strongest backing. You just charge ahead, and I'll cover your back." Kawakaze joined in, employing his usual mix of tough-love and tender encouragement.

If Tsunade had been sober, she might have chalked up the whole scene to the sake. But at that moment, she was moved. Without thinking, she reached for Kawakaze's hand, resting it lightly on her lap.

Sakumo's jaw nearly hit the floor. Are you serious, little brother? You're pulling out all the stops to win her over? Compared to this, his own efforts to woo Nayuki seemed downright modest.

"I'll make you proud of me too." Tsunade's voice was firm as she poured a full glass for Kawakaze and downed her own in one go.

Caught in the mood she had set, Kawakaze had no choice but to follow suit. He drained his glass in a single gulp, then turned his hand to clasp hers, the gesture creating an undeniable sense of closeness between them.

"Do you have any plans?" Sakumo finally asked, his tone tinged with concern. He couldn't stand to see his younger brother leading Tsunade on, especially when the situation mirrored his own past mistakes so closely. After all, as the older brother, he had been the first victim of Kawakaze's "motivational" tactics.

Sakumo thought grimly, If Kawakaze dares to rile me up, I'll hit him with everything I've got.

"I…" Tsunade hesitated. The bold ambitions she'd just declared suddenly felt like empty bravado. Her mind was now a chaotic mix of lofty ideals and no clear steps forward.

Kawakaze noticed the shift in her expression and sent a quick glance toward Sakumo. His look said, Do you want me to get wiped out here? Help me out!

Then, with a steady tone, he said, "I've already planned everything for you."

Tsunade's confused gaze sharpened, and a newfound clarity lit up her eyes. Kawakaze continued, laying out his vision with confidence:

"First, you've saved countless ninja over the years. You already have a strong foundation of support.

Second, once the hospital is built, you can dedicate yourself to helping civilians, which will greatly enhance your reputation.

Third, with a major war looming, you'll have the perfect opportunity to prove yourself on the battlefield and make a name for yourself."

Of course, Kawakaze held back his final, unspoken thought: And fourth, eliminate Sarutobi and claim the position for yourself. He wasn't reckless enough to voice such a bold idea aloud. Still, he was sure that once the first three steps were complete, the position of Hokage would practically fall into her lap.

"Kawakaze, I'll listen to you," Tsunade said with a resolute nod. His plan was organized and practical, and she fully embraced his guidance, trusting him wholeheartedly.

Sakumo, watching from the side, couldn't help but grow suspicious. His sharp intuition told him that Kawakaze's true goal might not be as selfless as it appeared. Was his brother aiming for Tsunade to become Hokage just to win her over?

That suspicion only deepened as he noticed the way Kawakaze's eyes lingered on her with such affection.

Ah, so that's how it is, Sakumo thought, unable to stop himself from smirking. He poured himself another drink, clearly amused by how transparent his younger brother had become. Sipping his wine, he looked thoroughly pleased with himself, his smugness barely hidden behind the glass.


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