Boom!
The bedroom door slammed shut, echoing softly through the quiet house, as Tsunade was carried inside in Aomizu's arms. The familiar scent of wood and incense filled her senses, grounding her slightly—yet her heartbeat refused to slow.
She had prepared herself for this moment.
At least, she thought she had.
But when it truly arrived, when the warmth of his arms and the intensity in his gaze became impossible to ignore, a trace of nervousness still crept into her chest.
"Aomizu, wait—just a second…"
Before she could finish, he leaned down and captured her lips.
Her unfinished words dissolved into a muffled breath, swallowed by the kiss. The world narrowed to the warmth between them, the closeness that left no room for hesitation.
This time, it was Aomizu who lost control first.
Perhaps it was the lingering warmth of sake, or perhaps it was the way Tsunade's usually confident eyes betrayed a flicker of vulnerability—but once he started, he couldn't bring himself to stop.
Tsunade had faced countless battles and stood unshaken before life and death, yet under his relentless affection, her composure crumbled far faster than she expected.
"Aomizu… I want—"
She barely managed to catch her breath before he kissed her again, leaving the sentence unfinished.
Time lost meaning.
When it finally returned, Tsunade lay sprawled across the bed, utterly drained. The sheets were in disarray, and her limbs felt heavier than after a full day of combat.
Thankfully, as a seasoned shinobi, her stamina far exceeded that of ordinary people. Slowly, her breathing evened out, and warmth returned to her limbs.
With a soft huff, she rolled over and draped herself lazily across Aomizu's chest.
"You little devil," she muttered, her voice hoarse but amused. "Couldn't you hold back even a little? My waist feels like it's about to break."
Aomizu froze.
Concern immediately replaced satisfaction on his face. He sat up, one hand instinctively supporting her slender waist, the other gently combing through her golden hair.
"Are you hurt?" he asked seriously. "If something's wrong, I should treat it right away. We can't let any hidden injuries develop."
Before she could respond, he shifted again, clearly preparing to act on his words.
"Hey—wait!"
But the protest was half-hearted at best.
By the time the night fully deepened, the two of them finally drifted off together, exhaustion claiming them both.
Sunlight filtered through the window when they woke.
The sun was already high.
It was the first time Aomizu had ever missed his usual dawn training. A faint sense of guilt surfaced—only to vanish the instant he looked down and saw Tsunade curled comfortably against him, her breathing slow and peaceful.
Some things were worth breaking habits for.
"I'm hungry…"
Tsunade shifted slightly, her voice lazy and warm. "What should we eat later?"
Aomizu brushed a light kiss against her forehead, thinking for a moment.
"Let's go to Ichiraku," he said. "I don't feel like cooking today."
She hummed in agreement.
Then another issue surfaced.
"Wait," Tsunade added, glancing at herself. "You don't happen to have other clothes here, do you? I can't go out dressed like this."
She picked up the outfit Aomizu had prepared the night before, her expression turning complicated.
It was… clearly not meant for public use.
Even with her bold personality, Tsunade knew better than to step into the village wearing something like that.
And Aomizu definitely wouldn't allow it.
Seeing her rare moment of flustered hesitation, Aomizu burst out laughing.
"Hey!" Tsunade snapped. "What's so funny? Say something useful!"
She grabbed a pillow and swatted him with it.
He caught it effortlessly and, in the same motion, pulled her back into his arms. After a lingering kiss, he spoke softly.
"No rush. I've got proper clothes here."
He stood, rummaged through a nearby chest, and soon returned with a clean set of everyday clothing.
Tsunade examined them carefully.
They were practical, comfortable—and surprisingly tasteful.
Much better than she expected.
As she changed, she cast him a suspicious glance.
"When did you start keeping so many clothes here?" she asked. "You planning something all along?"
Aomizu only smiled.
Opportunity favored the prepared.
After washing up, the two headed out together.
Ichiraku was bustling as usual. The lunchtime crowd was already gathered, and a short line stretched outside the shop.
Fortunately, service was quick.
"Welcome!" Teuchi greeted automatically—then froze. "L-Lady Tsunade? Lord Aomizu?!"
His eyes lit up instantly.
"Honored guests! Today's meal is on the house! You must try our supreme deluxe ramen—the pride of Ichiraku!"
The two exchanged amused looks and accepted.
Soon, two steaming bowls were placed before them.
"By the way," Teuchi added cheerfully, "you two are a couple, right? May you share a hundred years of happiness!"
He hesitated, then asked eagerly, "Would you mind if I took a photo of you together? As a keepsake!"
A keepsake—for free advertising, of course.
With two of Konoha's most famous shinobi endorsing his shop, even one photo was worth far more than a free meal.
"Sure!"
Before Aomizu could answer, Tsunade agreed happily. She liked the blessing.
Smiling, Aomizu wrapped an arm around her waist. They leaned together naturally as Teuchi snapped the picture.
"Thank you! Seconds are on the house if you want!" Teuchi beamed.
He hurried off to print the photo and placed it in the most prominent spot in the shop.
The following days passed quickly.
With their relationship officially advanced, Aomizu and Tsunade were rarely seen apart. Tsunade practically moved into his place, not once returning to the Senju compound.
Only when Kushina showed up unannounced did they realize they might be overdoing it.
Konoha's main gate.
Mikoto's team returned from their mission.
"We're finally back!" Mukai Yuki stretched. "Ichiraku ramen—anyone coming?"
Minato, Ayami, and Mikoto all agreed instantly.
After submitting their report, the four headed straight for Ichiraku.
That was when Mikoto noticed the photo.
Her steps paused.
"Welcome!" Teuchi called out enthusiastically. "Our supreme deluxe ramen—personally endorsed by Lady Tsunade and Lord Aomizu!"
Minato and the others stiffened.
They glanced nervously at Mikoto.
Aomizu… with Tsunade?
They braced themselves for an explosion.
But Mikoto simply smiled.
"Four supreme deluxe ramens," she said calmly. "My treat today."
The others froze.
"H-Huh?"
As they sat down, the three exchanged helpless looks, clearly wanting to say something but unsure how.
Mikoto broke the silence gently.
"Actually," she said with a soft smile, "I've known about Aomizu and Lady Tsunade for a long time."
"Huh?!"
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)