Chapter 288: Teasing

At the Senju residence, the dinner was a great success. From the moment the meal was served, the conversation never stopped.

Mito, who hadn't drunk sake in many years, made an exception and shared a few cups with Kawakaze. It was clear how happy she was! Drinking sake loosened her tongue, and she began recounting amusing stories about Tsunade's childhood. Tsunade could only pout and occasionally call out, "Grandma!" in protest.

Nawaki joined in, adding fuel to the fire by teasing that Tsunade was useless. It wasn't until Misaki gave him a pointed look that he finally settled down.

Kawakaze, thoroughly entertained, couldn't stop smiling and listening intently, oblivious to the murderous glare Tsunade directed at him. It was clear he wouldn't escape punishment once they got home.

Meanwhile, Kushina, honest as always, suddenly found Minato's image flashing through her mind. She couldn't help but wonder when they'd have children of their own. She was certain Minato would make an excellent father, her thoughts drifting far into the future.

In the end, everyone enjoyed the cake, chatting for over an hour before the gathering finally came to a close. Nawaki, Misaki, and Mito saw Tsunade and Kawakaze off at the door, waiting until they were out of sight before closing it.

Walking under the moonlit sky, Kawakaze found himself savoring these quiet moments more and more. Even his use of the Flying Thunder God Technique within the village had begun to decrease.

"Why did you kick me!?" Kawakaze's face turned red as he stumbled forward, startled by the sudden attack.

"At dinner, you were smiling happily, weren't you?" Tsunade stood behind him with her arms crossed, looking menacing.

"I was just being nice to Grandma," Kawakaze protested, realizing this was payback for earlier. With no Mito around to back him up, he quickly came up with an excuse and begged for mercy.

"Being nice to Grandma means laughing until you can't even stand up straight? Am I really that funny?" Tsunade asked, her tone sharp as she glared at him.

"How could it be? It's not funny at all," Kawakaze hurriedly denied, knowing he was at her mercy.

The laughter from the dinner table had been so cheerful, but now Kawakaze's situation had turned miserable.

"If it's not funny, then why did you laugh?" Tsunade demanded. She was so irritated that she lunged at Kawakaze with her teeth bared and hands poised to strike.

"Don't come any closer, or I'll scream!" Kawakaze shouted as he turned and bolted.

"Don't you dare run!" Tsunade yelled, chasing after him.

Their two shadows stretched long under the moonlight as they dashed through the quiet streets. In the end, Tsunade caught Kawakaze and only stopped after giving him a few solid kicks.

Back at the Hatake Clan residence, their antics seemed almost ordinary. After washing up, the two retired to their rooms.

"Why aren't you hugging me?" Tsunade asked, lying on the bed and waiting for Kawakaze to hold her. She pouted, her tone laced with dissatisfaction.

Even Lady Hokage had a softer, more vulnerable side.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to control myself," Kawakaze admitted with a smirk, turning to face Tsunade head-on.

"It's just a hug; it won't affect anything," Tsunade said, covering her mouth as she laughed softly. She hadn't expected Kawakaze to have this side to him. Normally, she hated going to sleep without being held in his arms.

"Forget it. Just leave it like that," Kawakaze replied, rejecting the idea. He'd never been a father before, but he'd heard that certain things should be avoided during pregnancy. He was determined to restrain himself.

"Oh, I can't sleep without being held," Tsunade whined, acting like a spoiled child as she squirmed around.

"Okay, okay, I'll hold you," Kawakaze relented, unable to refuse her any longer.

Satisfied, Tsunade stopped fidgeting and slightly raised her neck. Kawakaze reached an arm around her neck with one hand and placed the other on her waist. The two pressed close together, feeling each other's warmth.

"This is comfortable," Tsunade murmured, closing her eyes as she adjusted to a cozy position.

Before long, she felt something pressing against her back. Kawakaze quickly shifted away, creating a small gap between them.

"What is this?" Tsunade asked with suppressed laughter, mischievously moving closer to him again.

"Would you mind moving away a little?" Kawakaze retreated further, visibly uncomfortable.

"No, I don't want to," Tsunade said decisively, closing the gap once more. Her playful mood only grew with the familiar touch.

"Woman, you're playing with fire," Kawakaze muttered through gritted teeth, leaning in closer to her ear.

Enough is enough—how could someone be so mean?

"I'm playing with fire; what are you going to do about it?" Tsunade teased, quietly reaching her hand behind her back.

"What are you doing? Are you going to sleep or not?" Kawakaze asked, struggling to hold himself back. If it weren't for his concern for the baby, he would have already given in to his desires.

"None of your business," Tsunade replied arrogantly, her hand continuing its subtle movements behind her. She had never seen Kawakaze look so restrained before.

"Sleep well. You're pregnant," Kawakaze sighed, already debating if they should start sleeping in separate beds. This was pure torture for him.

"Silly," Tsunade said with a chuckle. "It's only been a few days. I'll be fine. Don't worry."

She couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, enjoying the situation too much.

"Are you sure?" Kawakaze asked seriously, his body responding instinctively despite his hesitation.

"Believe it or not, if you don't seize the opportunity, you'll really end up as a bachelor after a while," Tsunade said, finally removing her hand and proving she was a master at teasing.

"You should have said so earlier. You made me worry for nothing," Kawakaze said, relief and excitement flashing in his eyes. He reached out, touching her familiar curves, and leaned in closer.

"You didn't ask," Tsunade shot back, her tone righteous and indignant. She couldn't believe how clueless he could be sometimes.

"Come on, my dear wife," Kawakaze grinned, his earlier torment replaced by unrestrained enthusiasm.

In just a few moves, he had stripped Tsunade down like a little lamb.

"Take it easy! Are you part dog or something?" Tsunade hissed, sharply inhaling as she patted Kawakaze on the back.

"Mm."

The only response she got was a hum—Kawakaze was clearly too busy to answer. He thought to himself that he'd better enjoy this while he could, because once the baby was born, it wouldn't just be him who had her attention anymore.

"Enough already!"

"Or do you want me to buy a dog leash and hang it around your neck?" Tsunade finally snapped, unable to take it any longer. Who even acted like this? Kawakaze seemed unusually intense today. Normally, he liked to nibble here and there, but never for this long.

"That's not necessary," Kawakaze replied, finally looking up. Reluctantly, he stopped teasing and began to move things along.

With a low groan from Tsunade, their game officially began. Time passed, and the pleasure on their faces grew evident.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Kawakaze asked casually, lying back as they rested.

"I don't know yet," Tsunade replied. "But I want a son, so that when he grows up, he'll be as handsome and awesome as his father." Her eyes shone with a hint of longing as she spoke.

"I'd prefer a daughter," Kawakaze said with a smile. "As beautiful and generous as her mother."

"Who's this sweet-talking husband here?" Tsunade teased, giving Kawakaze a kiss on the cheek, clearly delighted.

"Come on, I really mean it." Kawakaze said earnestly. To him, Tsunade was the best gift life had ever given him.

"Hey~" Tsunade laughed softly, wrapping her arms around his back as they embraced tightly.

"How about another round?" Kawakaze asked, his energy seemingly returning as he whispered into her ear.

"Who's afraid of who?" Tsunade shot back confidently. Tomorrow, they'd see who couldn't get out of bed.

"Let's go," Kawakaze said as he mounted her once again.

By the time their intense battle finally ended, it was impossible to tell how far into the early morning it was.

The two tired bodies clung to each other, drifting into sleep as soft snores soon filled the room.