Dinner was particularly lively that evening.
Kawakaze retold his exploits in Kirigakure, crafting a story far more thrilling than Nagato's brief, two-sentence summary. Even Kakashi was captivated, listening intently and clapping his hands with excitement during the most exhilarating parts.
Naturally, with such a cheerful atmosphere, sake was a must at the table. Now that Kakashi had been weaned, Nayuki was free to drink with everyone again. Drinking milk constantly didn't suit her character at all.
Despite the lively atmosphere, none of the four adults got drunk; they kept themselves quite restrained. Sakumo and Nayuki were the first to leave, followed by Kawakaze and Tsunade, who retired to their room.
Meanwhile, Minato, Yahiko, and the others saw off Nawaki and his group at the door, promising to meet again the next day. Yahiko had started learning Water Release techniques from Nawaki, and their discussions reflected his enthusiasm.
As Nawaki and the others departed, Minato and his group returned to their room, talking, laughing, and joking the whole way. Their good mood was unmistakable.
"Join us!" Kawakaze called out to Tsunade enthusiastically, holding a change of clothes in his hand.
"No." Tsunade shot him a cold stare, refusing without hesitation. She knew his hidden agenda all too well. Every time they bathed together, it took far too long.
"If you don't show me some respect, you're going to regret it," Kawakaze said, his expression fierce and his tone unmistakably threatening.
"Heh~ are you sure?" Tsunade tilted her head slightly, looking at him with a provocative smile. This guy hasn't had enough of getting beaten up, daring to threaten me, she thought.
"I was just joking. It's more water-saving if the two of us wash together," Kawakaze said, nodding confidently as though he had come up with the perfect excuse. He was determined to share the bath with her today.
"If you put it that way, I think there's some truth in that. I'll reluctantly accompany you," Tsunade replied, a small smile forming at the corner of her mouth. It was a blessing to have someone who understood his quirks.
Tsunade picked up the clothes she had already prepared and stood.
"Lady Hokage, this way, please," Kawakaze said with an exaggeratedly gentlemanly gesture, letting her go first.
"Nice attitude," Tsunade remarked as she passed him, playfully reaching out to tweak his chin.
The two entered the bathroom.
Bang! The door slammed shut.
"Can't you be more careful?" Tsunade glared at Kawakaze, beginning to undress. In no time, her flawless figure was revealed before his eyes.
"My wife is still as beautiful as ever," Kawakaze said, complimenting her even as he removed his own clothes. It had been far too long since they'd had time together. The addition to the Hatake Clan had been delayed long enough—this needed to be remedied.
"Smooth talker," Tsunade said with a charming smile as she walked over to turn on the shower.
Water cascaded from the overhead shower, soaking Tsunade's long, light-yellow hair. Droplets slid down her face and over her body.
"Let me help you," Kawakaze offered, stepping closer and thoughtfully beginning to wash her hair. His actions were gentle, and his gaze was filled with tenderness.
With skilled movements, Kawakaze worked the shampoo into a rich lather, covering Tsunade's hair in bubbles as he massaged her head gently.
"It feels good," Tsunade said, suddenly turning her head to give Kawakaze a light kiss on the lips. Her long hair brushed against his chest, leaving a soft trail behind.
"Shameless—you actually kissed me," Kawakaze teased, resting his chin on her shoulder and acting coy.
"If you don't like it, that's fine," Tsunade replied, clearly unimpressed by his antics.
"Of course not—I like it very much," Kawakaze quickly changed his tone and kissed her cheek in return.
"Wash properly. Don't mess around," Tsunade said firmly, slapping away Kawakaze's wandering hand, which had started causing trouble.
"Okay." Kawakaze complied, speeding up his movements and quickly rinsing off the shampoo.
"My dear wife, it's time to wash your body," he said, embracing Tsunade from behind with his arms around her waist.
His entire body pressed against her, and Tsunade immediately noticed something against her back. She shifted slightly, sending a shiver through Kawakaze.
"Wash me well," Tsunade said, her tone carrying a double meaning.
"No problem," Kawakaze replied, letting go of her. He squeezed some shower gel onto his hands and began washing Tsunade's body. His movements were deliberate, and soon her entire figure was covered in suds.
By the time he rinsed her off, Tsunade's face was flushed.
"I'll wash you too," she offered, her eyes glazed as she knelt down to help Kawakaze.
"Shhhh..." Kawakaze exhaled softly, closing his eyes as he enjoyed her touch.
It was a long moment before Tsunade spoke again. "Almost... almost done," she said, wiping the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand as she looked up at him.
Kawakaze said nothing, his breathing heavy. In one swift motion, he picked Tsunade up.
"Ugh..." Tsunade gasped, wrapping her arms around his neck. She tilted her head back, closing her eyes.
"Give me a little princess," Kawakaze murmured before leaning in to kiss her passionately.
"Umm..."
...
They didn't know how long it had been.
The bathroom door finally opened, and Kawakaze and Tsunade stepped out one after the other.
"I'm exhausted," Kawakaze said, supporting his back with one hand.
"Weren't you feeling cocky just now?" Tsunade shot back without an ounce of sympathy. Her flushed face hadn't completely faded, giving her an even more radiant appearance.
"Don't worry, there's a long night ahead of us," Kawakaze retorted, immediately letting go of any pretense of weakness.
"Okay, I'll wait," Tsunade replied with a light laugh before quickening her pace back to the room.
That night, the battle continued without pause. In the end, Kawakaze found himself slightly outmatched, and the skirmish ended in his defeat. The two eventually snuggled up together and drifted off to sleep.
The next day, Tsunade didn't wake up on time. Luckily, Shōta was handling things that morning, so she didn't need to rush.
Kawakaze and Tsunade woke up leisurely, the bright daylight streaming into their room.
"Good morning," they greeted each other in unison.
"I'm hungry. Let's get up and have breakfast," Tsunade said, sitting up and stretching her upper body.
"The baby will never go hungry," Kawakaze teased, his gaze falling on the belly in front of him.
"You're not serious," Tsunade huffed, throwing his clothes directly at his face.
"Wait for me," Kawakaze said, pulling the clothes off his face only to see that Tsunade was already dressed and heading out the door.
"Hurry up yourself," Tsunade said, leaving without looking back.
The two met again in the dining room, where everyone else had already finished eating.
"Eat more." Tsunade pushed two leek buns into Kawakaze's bowl with a slightly mocking expression. Though the food wasn't an aphrodisiac, it served as a small jab at him.
"I don't need it, thank you," Kawakaze replied, oblivious to her intent. Without a second thought, he took a big bite.
"You're up," Nayuki greeted them casually as she entered the dining room, retrieving something from a nearby counter.
"Sister-in-law," Kawakaze and Tsunade responded in unison, quickly putting down their chopsticks. Both of them blushed slightly, catching the knowing look in Nayuki's eyes. Last night had been a bit too much.
"You guys eat; I'll just grab this and go," Nayuki said with a smile before heading out, leaving the two alone.
The atmosphere in the dining room immediately turned awkward.
"I'm going to the office," Tsunade said abruptly, finishing her food in a hurry before standing up and leaving Kawakaze behind.
As she walked away, she resolved firmly in her mind to be more restrained next time. I can't keep giving in to whatever Kawakaze says. That bastard!