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The marriage of Ishigami Hara and Tsunade is very special, primarily due to their identities. Tsunade, as the princess of the Senju clan, carries the most orthodox bloodline in Konoha, and her status is extremely unique. Naturally, her marriage attracts considerable attention.
As for Ishigami Hara, being the Hokage of Konoha, there is no need to elaborate further.
In the past, such personal matters could remain private, but now, with the Land of Fire having lost its daimyō, he is effectively its ruler.
His words and actions are always under scrutiny.
While not all matters must be public, a marriage clearly transcends being a mere private affair.
Additionally, Ishigami Hara had already informed Tsunade that the wedding would follow the resolution of the current crisis, so avoiding further delays was essential.
Thus, the wedding was naturally placed on the agenda.
On the other hand, Ishigami Hara reasoned that after the war and the attack on the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, it would be beneficial to provide the villagers with an occasion to relax. Holding a wedding was the perfect opportunity.
Though he could easily arrange things himself, there were still matters to discuss with Tsunade.
The relationship between the two was rather unique at this point; it didn't quite resemble a traditional romance.
After all, there was a significant age difference between them. Even though Tsunade was beautiful and captivating, she was considerably older than Ishigami Hara. Her naturally reserved demeanor left her feeling somewhat self-conscious about certain things.
So, whenever she faced Ishigami Hara, she felt slightly uncomfortable, as if her actions were somewhat excessive. Although Ishigami Hara had initiated the relationship, some topics could not be approached lightly.
What Ishigami Hara needed to do was to comfort her and help her release this knot in her heart.
As for him, he didn't have particularly complex ideas.
Tsunade was a mature woman.
In terms of appearance, temperament, and family background, she met his criteria.
Ishigami Hara had no intention of living alone for the rest of his life.
It didn't matter who he chose, but if he was to choose someone, he would naturally pick the best.
In Ishigami Hara's view, among the women in the ninja world with enough allure, Tsunade was the ideal choice.
As for Uzumaki Kushina, Terumi Mei, Yūhi Kurenai, Konan, Haruno Sakura, and Yamanaka Ino, each one was significantly younger—and some had yet to be born. Ishigami Hara was not interested in those much younger than him.
Thus, choosing Tsunade as a partner was quite reasonable. He was an adult, and he could enjoy things adults appreciated.
In Ishigami Hara's home, he took the initiative to invite Tsunade, but she arrived more than ten minutes late to the agreed time.
"You know?"
Seeing Tsunade's current expression, Ishigami Hara initiated the conversation.
"What?"
At that moment, Tsunade's expression was somewhat unclear, and she averted her gaze, avoiding eye contact with Ishigami Hara.
Seeing this, Ishigami Hara smiled and pulled her directly into his arms.
"So, did you hear the news? Was Nara Shikaku so easily bribed by you? It seems we'll have to avoid sharing any critical information with him in the future."
Tsunade's face turned red instantly. She twisted her body, but finding herself unable to break free, she avoided Ishigami Hara's gaze and replied stubbornly, "I don't understand what you're talking about."
"And don't blame everything on others."
"That's a bad habit."
"You are the Hokage; you should think more about others."
"Yes, yes, you're already trying to control me before we're married? Practicing the role ahead of time?" Ishigami Hara smiled wider.
"Damned b*****d, don't tell me that!"
Tsunade's face flushed redder, and she raised her fist to hit him.
"Don't! This house can't withstand your punch. Unless you want us homeless after the wedding..."
Ishigami Hara quickly held up his hands to stop her.
"Hmph!"
Tsunade snorted and turned away.
"Then tell me, what day is best?" Ishigami Hara asked again.
Tsunade remained silent.
"Don't you have any thoughts on this? You're usually so outgoing, but now you're quiet?"
Ishigami Hara continued to tease her. Tsunade's blush deepened, and she suppressed her emotions without responding, making her look particularly endearing.
To be honest, they weren't in a conventional relationship, but they shared a unique kind of understanding, built when Ishigami Hara had taken the first step to bridge their distance.
They weren't often together, but each time they were, they felt something special.
What special feeling?
Tsunade felt it now.
"Stop saying things like that, you jerk!"
"Hehe."
Ishigami Hara chuckled, saying nothing further. He simply hugged Tsunade and stood up.
"If you're not going to choose, then I won't hold back. Thanks for the meal. I'll begin enjoying it."
No matter how strong Tsunade was, she was still a woman. Even though she'd been through it several times, she still found it a bit intimidating each time.
Ishigami Hara was unpredictable, and it was always a bit embarrassing.
There was little need for words between them; their emotions were clear, and many things happened naturally. Ishigami Hara's actions also proved his care for Tsunade, who finally whispered the wedding date shyly.
"So soon?"
When everything was said and done, Ishigami Hara chuckled.
Wham!
He was met with a punch.
"Fine, fine. I'll leave in three days."
"And you'll have to quit drinking in the meantime."
Tsunade's eyebrows raised, and she replied indignantly, "Why? You won't let me gamble, and now you're stopping me from drinking? What's the point of getting married?"
It was clear she was genuinely upset.
Ishigami Hara lit a cigarette and took a slow puff.
After exhaling, he replied calmly, "Because I want to prepare for pregnancy."
"You... you..."
Tsunade's face turned beet red, and she quickly hid under the blanket.
Then Ishigami Hara added, "I'll quit smoking for a while too, so giving up drinking isn't that hard."
"You wouldn't want our child to be born unhealthy, right?"
Tsunade didn't respond.
"Also, I'll give you a full check-up tomorrow to evaluate your condition."
"I want to get you back to peak health."
"Don't be late."
Her voice came muffled from under the blanket. "What time tomorrow?"
"Maybe in the afternoon. I'll come by to check on you myself."
"Don't think you're getting away with anything, you b*****d."
"You misunderstood, your skin is just so..."