However—
Unlike Kurenai, who had already grown accustomed to the title of "Clan Head's wife"…
Terumi Mei, walking on Yusuke's other side, was gradually losing herself in the repeated greetings.
"Clan Head's wife…"
"They're calling me Clan Head's wife… Doesn't that mean I'm already Yusuke-kun's wife?!"
With her hopelessly romantic mind running wild, the exhaustion from last night's near sleeplessness vanished from her beautiful face.
She was flushed with excitement.
Her thoughts spiraled uncontrollably into the fantasy of officially becoming Uchiha Yusuke's wife.
So immersed was she in the echo of "Clan Head's wife" that she nearly forgot how to walk.
"Sister Mizukage, what's wrong?" Kurenai asked gently when she noticed Mei slowing down.
Mei didn't respond.
She simply stood there with a silly smile, completely lost in her imagination.
Yusuke sighed inwardly.
There she goes again.
In the end, it was kind-hearted Kurenai who tugged Mei along.
On the way—
Mei gradually snapped out of her lovestruck trance.
She glanced at Yusuke's sharp, handsome profile, recalling the scene of Uchiha clan members greeting him with genuine warmth and respect.
She couldn't help but think:
No wonder I chose him.
He's truly remarkable.
She had never seen a clan leader in the shinobi world so genuinely loved by his people.
Along the way, she observed the Uchiha.
Their faces carried smiles.
Their eyes shone.
They looked fulfilled.
Hopeful.
Happy.
Such an atmosphere was rare in the shinobi world.
It seems I still don't understand you fully…
Please take care of me during this time, Yusuke-kun…
Sensing her gaze, Yusuke raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you staring at me?"
Mei smiled softly.
"I just suddenly realized how charming you truly are."
Yusuke: "?"
"That kind of flattery won't work on me," he replied calmly. "I don't fall for sweet talk."
Today was the Hokage inauguration ceremony.
Konoha was far livelier than usual.
The streets were packed with villagers heading toward the Hokage Tower to witness the new Hokage.
To Konoha's people, the Hokage was their highest authority—
Their symbol.
And expectations for the Fifth Hokage were especially high.
After all, the new Hokage was one of the legendary Sannin—
Senju Tsunade.
Not to mention—
She was the granddaughter of the First Hokage.
Naturally, the villagers hoped she would lead Konoha to prosperity, just as her grandfather once had.
As Yusuke and the two women entered the Hokage building—
They ran into Tsunade.
She stood in formal attire, wearing the Hokage hat.
Yusuke found himself looking twice.
Beneath the white-and-red Hokage hat marked with the character "Fire," her long blonde hair was tied into a thick ponytail.
The violet diamond seal on her forehead stood out vividly.
Her brown eyes were bright and alive.
Her brows neat.
Her lips tinted.
Her nails polished red.
Clearly—
She had put effort into her appearance.
Her skin was flawless.
Her figure as imposing as ever.
She wore her usual green haori with black trim, a sleeveless kimono-style top underneath, and dark cropped pants.
But with just a touch of careful makeup—
She looked strikingly different.
Radiant.
Refreshed.
Yusuke could only attribute this transformation to Shizune's dedicated efforts.
Left to Tsunade alone, such careful preparation would have been unlikely.
Tsunade noticed them as well.
The moment her gaze landed on Mei beside Yusuke—
Her brows tightened.
They're walking together.
The one sight she least wanted to see.
All her precautions—
For nothing.
And what was worse—
Kurenai and Mei appeared to be chatting happily, like close sisters.
What was happening?
For a moment, Tsunade was genuinely stunned.
How had things spiraled out of control in just one night?
Then—
She recalled the ANBU's morning report.
Mei hadn't left her assigned lodging all night.
No movement.
And yet—
Here she was.
With Yusuke.
With Kurenai.
And seemingly on good terms.
A dreadful realization surfaced.
Did she sneak out last night?
Did she go straight to Yusuke's house?
Did she stay the night?!
The more Tsunade thought about it—
The more certain she became.
Her fists clenched.
"Damn it…"
That woman had actually launched a night raid and gone straight for the heart.
At the same time, Tsunade couldn't suppress a trace of regret.
I should have gone back last night.
If she had—
Would Mei have succeeded?
But regret was meaningless now.
The four of them faced each other.
"Tsunade," Yusuke said calmly, "are you ready?"
As for Tsunade's shameless retreat from the "battlefield" these past few days—
Yusuke wasn't in a hurry to address it.
That conversation—
Could wait until after the inauguration.
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