Years later, Tsunade's recollections of that day had become hazy—what she did, where she went, what she ate, and whom she met. The passage of time had blurred those details, overshadowed by the myriad events that followed.
Yet amidst the fog of forgetfulness, certain images persisted. The small courtyard, the wooden-panelled corridor—they remained etched in her memory, resurfacing from time to time in the years that followed.
On that particular day, cherry blossoms had fluttered down upon her and the boy's heads, their fragrance lingering in her mind. Tsunade could still vividly recall the moment, the aroma, and the presence of the boy.
One thing remained crystal clear in Tsunade's mind—the boy's bright, expectant eyes. Their radiance seemed to penetrate the depths of her soul, a memory forever etched in her consciousness.
In the countless years that followed, Tsunade encountered a multitude of individuals—ordinary and extraordinary, brave and despicable. From legendary prodigies to those wielding formidable ocular abilities, from the Ōtsutsuki clan blessed by nature to enigmatic beings traversing the cosmos.
Yet amidst this diverse tapestry, she never encountered eyes as bright as his again.
As she gazed into those luminous eyes, a flicker of light seemed to dim within her own silent gaze. Without uttering a word, she sensed his pain, a pang of empathy coursing through her heart.
Before she could contemplate further, her lips moved instinctively, a familiar voice echoing in her ear.
"Kazuhiko-kun, I would like to…"
Her words hung in the air, met by the dimmed light in his eyes. But in an instant, that light reignited, shining even brighter than before.
It dawned upon her then, "Ah, that familiar voice is mine…"
That day, those eyes—a silent understanding blossomed within her, revealing the depth of communication possible through mere gaze.
Returning to Tsunade's modest courtyard, Kazuhiko summoned every ounce of courage to face the radiant sunshine and two worlds as he made his confession.
His eyes remained fixed on Tsunade, his anticipation palpable. Yet with each passing moment of her silence, his confidence waned.
Despite countless rehearsals in his heart, he found himself consumed by worry and fear—"Tsunade must like me…"
With the confession hanging in the air, Tsunade's prolonged silence felt like an unequivocal rejection, leaving Kazuhiko disheartened.
Yet in the next moment, her response shattered his despair.
In that instant, it felt as though the world itself had illuminated before him, flooding his heart with boundless joy.
"Yeah, that's great!!
"Agreed!! Agreed!!!"
With Kazuhiko's exuberant declaration, Tsunade found herself swept up in his excitement.
Kazuhiko helped Tsunade to her feet, their hands clasping together, unable to contain a joyful turn.
"Hahaha, we make quite the pair!"
Tsunade, now recovered, looked at the jubilant Kazuhiko and returned a sweet smile.
"I've never experienced celebration quite like this before, but with him, it's truly enjoyable."
Eventually, they paused, finding themselves seated quietly in the hut's corridor, hands intertwined.
No words passed between them as they observed the small courtyard, the sun, the sakura blossoms, and each other.
Though silence prevailed, occasional glances and shared smiles conveyed understanding. Kazuhiko would occasionally steal glances at Tsunade, then at the scenery, the sweetness lingering.
Time seemed to fly, a sensation unfamiliar to Kazuhiko. It rushed quicker than his previous life's college entrance exams or a fleeting five-day vacation.
As dusk approached, Tsunade turned to him, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.
"Kazuhiko, I'm much older than you... Do you think I'm suitable to be your wife? Will people talk behind my back?"
Kazuhiko smiled reassuringly at Tsunade. "Don't worry, Tsunade. Before coming here, I formally asked for your father's approval, Uncle Isamu."
"In the future, you'll be my partner and the esteemed wife of the Land of Whirlpools. Trust me, in the Land of Whirlpools, no one would dare speak ill of you behind your back."
Hearing this, joy sparkled in Tsunade's eyes. "Really? My father agreed?"
Kazuhiko nodded affirmatively, hiding his involvement with the Revolutionary Party from Tsunade for now.
"Yes, Uncle Isamu agreed. He said as long as you didn't object, he would support my proposal."
With a tinge of regret, Kazuhiko added, "Tsunade, you know I've been away for a few days now. I'm about to leave Konoha and return to the Land of Whirlpools."
Though their relationship had just blossomed, Tsunade couldn't bear the thought of parting. Yet, she understood Kazuhiko's obligations.
"Don't worry, Kazuhiko. I understand, but remember, Senju Tsunade will be waiting for you in Konoha!"
Kazuhiko's spirit surged at her words. He grasped Tsunade's hands firmly, gazing into her eyes.
"Tsunade, when I return to Konoha next time, I'll make you mine. It's a promise from the Land of Whirlpools!"
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