-So, have you tried to find a way to get back?
Ashborn asked slowly.
-Yes. Tsunade sama had me learn computer networking, hacking and cracking so that I can find something in the hidden network fast.
-Yet, you guys haven't found anything about you guys for 2 years?
Ashborn asked in disbelief.
-Well, I mainly searched research centre databases and military databases of different countries. Can you blame me, who would have expected to find something like this... in surface web.
-I guess you have a point. Have you found anything?
-I did find some magic related things. But most of them are either hoax or just theory with no concrete proof to back them up.
-So, no headway?
-No.
-I see...
An awkward silence filled the room.
-So when are you going back to work?
-We had our flight at 9 am. But looks like we are late by 3 hours.
- I see... I won't be a doofus by saying I totally understand what you are going through. But just remember in this world if there is one person you can rely on, that would be me. I consider you my friend from the bottom of my heart and I hope you can do the same. And please be careful while using... chakra. You might attract some unfriendly attention.
-Thank you, Ash. That really helped.
Tsunade said with a downcast gaze.
-So, do you plan to extend your vacation?
Releasing a sigh Tsunade said,
-Well, I need to clear my head a little more. I think I am gonna stay a week or two more.
-Ow ow ow, so that you can drink yourself to death? Not happening, Tsunade. Not on my watch.
-Please Ash, don't bother trying to stop me... It won't...
But before she could finish her sentence, Ashborn took out his Samsung and called his boss.
-Hello, Boss? Can I get a vacation leave of two weeks? Ya No... Yes yes... No no, I promise I would be back before 16... Thank you. You are the best Boss.
Saying that he hung up. Tsunade arched up her brows...
-Okay, this two weeks, I am going to be your host and tour guide. Knowing you, you probably never went anywhere except for Casinos and Bars. Well, this city has a lot more to offer than just drinking and gambling and I am gonna show it to you. Come on... freshen up and get ready. We are leaving in 30 minutes.
-Ash, really... you don't have to skip your job...
-Nonsense... Did I say you have an option?
-Okay, I shall get ready, give me half an hour.
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So, 1 hour later, she and Shizune came out. Though one can really see, they weren't particularly enthusiastic about it. They just want to take their mind off from the storm that is going on in their hearts. Ashborn clearly felt it but he didn't let anything transpire on his face.
They had lunch in a casual restaurant. Went sightseeing while Ashborn gave a detailed introduction of the sights. So, like that, the first day passed.
At the time of departure,
-So, what do you think?
-Yes, you were right. This city has more to offer than just gambling and drinking.
-And...
-And what?
-What about you?
Tsunade said pushing up her brows.
-How did this esteemed one do as a companion?
Giving a small laugh, she said,
-Well, I would be lying if I say I didn't enjoy it. I am looking forward to the days ahead. Good Night Ash, see you tomorrow.
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So for the next two weeks, they had a lot of fun, eating at different places, touring various resorts, they went to an amusement park. But above all, Ashborn realized one thing. The best way to mend a maiden's heart is to take her shopping and let her shop without looking at the bill. In the end, quite the hefty portion of the money his father left for him vanished, but hey it was all worth it.
So, by the end of the first week. Tsunade became almost 60% better. And at the end of the second, she was 90% ok.
At last, it was time for her to go back to work. It has been over a month now. At the airport, Ashborn came to see them off.
-So... do you plan to take a vacation anytime soon again?
-Not really... Even though it is hopeless, we cannot give up to find a way home.
Ashborn was glad to hear that. Looks like he did manage to clear the darkness of her heart quite a bit. Though he was a little disappointed too knowing that they won't be meeting anytime soon. May be his eyes betrayed that disappointment a little, but seeing that Tsunade chuckled a little. Suddenly she pulled Ashborn in a hug a gave a small peck on his chicks.
After that, she didn't dally around and went to board the plane without saying anything more. Ashborn was yet foolishly rubbing his chick.
When the plane took off, he left the airport, just as he was about to pull out his phone, he felt a folded paper in his pocket. Confused as he took it out and opened it,
"Even if I cannot get a vacation soon, that doesn't mean you can't meet me too. You know where I live. I shall be waiting for you, kiddo."
A radiant smile filled his face.
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6 months later.
Tsunade was just freshening up in the morning as Shizune made breakfast. At that time, suddenly doorbell rung.
-Shizune, are you getting it?
-I have my hands full, Tsunade sama.
-Urgh...
Letting out a groan, Tsunade went ahead to accept the guest. She opened while saying,
-No need to bother, we have everything we need. Try the neighbours.
She thought maybe a door to door salesman came, but just as she saw the face her face beamed with joy,
-Are you sure mam, I got pretty good deals.
Said the Asian young man with a radiant smile.
Tsunade just went ahead and took him a bear hug. But due to her superstrength, instead of enjoying it, he felt like his bones are cracking.
-Okay, Tsunade. I think my bones are breaking.
She hastily released him. Then put his head in a hand lock while ruffling his hair with the other.
-You deserve it kiddo. At last, you get time for me! So much for a best friend.
-Ahaha, boss doesn't want to let me go. I just got 2 weeks vacation 6 months ago.
It is not like they didn't have any communication in these 6 months. On the contrary, they regularly talked over the phone or video calls. And their friendship progress further. It won't be an exaggeration to say that now they are more than friends but less than a couple.
-So, am I just going to stand here or you are going to let me in.
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So, that week, the trio went sightseeing and shopping in nearby cities as Tsunade and Shizune lived in a countryside small town, away from too much attention.
Time flew by fast as they enjoyed the week very much around jolly Ashborn who seem to spread joy to those around him with light jokes and enthusiasm. Suddenly, there seem to only 1 day left before Ashborn return to Vegas.
Inside the dressing room, Shizune asked as she helped Tsunade prepare,
-Tsunade sama, are you sure he is going to say it? Are you sure you are not just overthinking things?
-So what if I am? I am just going to give him a chance to say it. Nobody loses even if he doesn't think of me that way.
-That beside isn't it a man's duty to... you know... create the atmosphere to clear things up.
-Urgh... If I don't, then it would be again a few more months before he can make his move. My age is not sitting still even if I look like this. And being the extrovert he is, he won't miss the hint.
-haaaaaa, Good luck Tsunade sama. I hope you can find some happiness at last in your life.
-Thank you, Shizune... for understanding...
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So, that evening only Tsunade and Ashborn went out together. Ashborn was a little surprised as he asked about Shizune. "She has some things to manage at the clinic" is the answer he got.
So, they went to a romantic movie of the evening show, then they went to a high-class restaurant. As Tsunade as acting a little different today, Ashborn just couldn't put his hand on it. As if she wants him to say something to her. He had his hunches but he simply dare not believe them. At least not so soon. Moreover, for the first time he saw her dress up in a gorgeous western dress, that woman would only wear with their boyfriends or husbands on occasions. Which increased his doubts further. When they came out of the restaurant, when they got in the car, she said,
-So, you are leaving tomorrow, right?
-Yes, can't stay anymore, I am already a day late.
-Then for the last event, why don't I take you somewhere special?
Tsunade said that with a smile.
-I would love to.
Ashborn said without hesitation. After 20 minutes of driving, they reached a secluded place with high elevation. They got off the Porche and Ashborn followed Tsunade's lead. When she stopped, Ashborn came standing beside her. What he saw was beautiful. The whole nightlife of the city can be seen from that cliff. But it made one thing very clear to him. Tsunade indeed wants him to say those words officially wants to be in a relationship. But that would be too dull now, isn't it? A word escaped his mouth involuntarily.
-Beautiful.
-I know, right? But for some reason, this place reminds me of the Hokage mountain. Standing top of it, one could see the entirety of Hidden leaf. I never thought of myself as a nostalgic person. But hey, it is refreshing to find a new side of myself.
As Tsunade said that Ashborn held her right hand with his left and said,
-Don't worry Tsunade, you will find a way back. I shall help you with my best capabilities possible.
A drop of tears leaked out of her eyes. She didn't have any ties left to that place, yet it is her home in her heart, which she longed for now that she can no longer return.
-Okay, it's already past 12. Let's return.
As she she said that she tried to free her hand and go towards the car but Ashborn didn't let her hand go.
-Is something wrong Ash?
She asked. Looking into her eyes, Ashborn answered,
-I know what you want me to say.
Tsunade's heart skipped a beat as she said,
-Do you?
But Ashborn's next answer dropped her heart.
-Yes, but I am not going to say it as I don't want to be your boyfriend.
As he said that, Tsunade's heart cracked. Then she thought what did she even expect, an old hag like her with a young man. Life is not a rom-com fantasy. But at least, he could have just avoided the topic as he didn't see her that. Why is there a need for harsh slap? As such thought stormed her heart in seconds then his next word stumped her.
-Yes, you heard me right. I don't want to be your boyfriend and neither do I want you to be my girlfriend. As your place in my heart cannot be described with such fragile words.
Saying that he took out a small red box out of his pocket. Opening it he took out a blue diamond ring. As he he held it in front of her. He continued,
-I know this is a lot sudden. But I am sure of my feelings and I am not ashamed of admitting them. Well, this is the part where I suppose to kneel but as my mother used to say, "A man or woman should never kneel in front of his or her beloved as the position of each other should be at their heart, not at their feet." So, ya. I am not gonna kneel. But, Tsunade Senju... would you like to be love of my life, make me the happiest man on earth and walk the rest of our life beside each other so that we help each other find peace and happiness.
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To be continued