"I disagree! That little bitch isn't showing any respect to her teacher, let alone my place as Tatsuya's wife!" Tsunade's voice echoed through the council chamber, her fist striking the table with enough power to make the assembled clan leaders flinch. Nara Shikaku, Hyuga Hiashi, and the other clan representatives exchanged tense looks, all too aware of the Hokage's famous temper when it came to personal matters.
This meeting had been called to discuss the shocking proposal from the Fifth Mizukage, Terumi Mei, to marry Tsunade's husband, Hatake Tatsuya. While Mei had once been Tsunade's student, years of growth and responsibility had transformed her into an independent leader, and that, apparently, now included bold political—and personal—ambitions.
With a calm, measured voice, Shikaku ventured, "Lady Tsunade, I understand why you're upset. But Mizukage Terumi Mei's intentions could secure a significant alliance between Konoha and Kirigakure. This kind of bond would benefit both villages."
Tsunade shot him an unimpressed glare. "An alliance? I've known Terumi Mei since she practically set foot in konoha, Shikaku. She doesn't just want political ties; she's after what's mine. I don't appreciate her using her title to justify it."
Shikaku hesitated, carefully choosing his next words. "Lady Tsunade, if I may… Terumi Mei spent ten years under your guidance. She's an orphan, and she may view you as more than a teacher. Perhaps she looks up to you as a mother figure. In seeking Tatsuya, maybe she's trying to emulate you, even if it comes across as bold."
Tsunade's eyes narrowed, and a flicker of emotion softened her expression. A mother figure? The thought had never fully occurred to her. Yes, she'd trained Terumi Mei, watching her grow from a fiery young girl into a capable and determined leader. But still—pursuing her husband felt like crossing a line.
Hyuga Hiashi joined cautiously, "Shikaku may be onto something. Terumi Mei has always held a fierce loyalty to you, Lady Tsunade, despite her ambition. And, being an orphan, she may seek your approval by any means she thinks would mirror your own life, even if it oversteps."
Tsunade's resolve flickered, a memory surfacing of the young Terumi Mei who had once trained tirelessly under her guidance. "I can see what you're both getting at. I may have been something of a mother figure to her, but that doesn't mean I'll allow her to think she can just step into my life—or my marriage. She should understand those boundaries by now."
But Shikaku persisted, sensing the shift in her tone. "Hokage-sama, her request may not come from a place of disrespect. She may simply be clumsy with her admiration. She wouldn't even consider proposing this alliance without your influence in her life. She's looking for both strength and support, both of which you taught her."
Tsunade's face softened slightly, the tension in her shoulders easing. "Alright," she said at last, exhaling. "I see where she might be coming from. But she's still testing my patience—and my limits."
Seeing this as progress, Shikaku nodded, and the council room seemed to relax, relieved that Tsunade's anger had, for now, cooled. "Then perhaps we approach this with an understanding of her background," Shikaku suggested. "We should give her a chance to clarify her intentions without jumping to conclusions."
Tsunade sighed, looking toward the window. "Fine," she conceded, though her tone remained guarded. "I'll give her a chance to explain herself. But if she oversteps again, student or not, she'll know what it's like to cross me."
"Um… Hokage-sama…" Nara Shikaku ventured, glancing around to see others wearing equally conflicted expressions. They knew this marriage could be a valuable opportunity for the village. Moreover, everyone in the room understood that Terumi Mei and Tatsuya shared an affair, even if it remained unspoken. In truth, Tatsuya had kidnapped Mei even Tsunade herself had been overlooking the matter, if only barely.
Now in a bind, Shikaku and the other clan leaders turned their hopeful gazes to Nawaki, who stood quietly behind Tsunade. As he felt the pressure of their collective stares, his resolve faltered, and finally, with a reluctant sigh, he spoke up:
"Uh… Sister, please calm down… The clan heads have a point."
"Oh? So now you're taking their side?" Tsunade's gaze whipped around, her eyes flashing a dangerous glint at Nawaki. He gulped, visibly unnerved by her steely glare.
"No, no, I have another idea…"
Nawaki scratched his head, leaning in to murmur something in Tsunade's ear. After a few seconds, her expression shifted noticeably. She hesitated, considering his words, before abruptly announcing:
"This meeting is adjourned for today! I need to go back and think this over."
...
...
At Tatsuya's home, Kurenai sat with her cheeks puffed up, glaring at Terumi Mei, who lounged gracefully across from her. If it hadn't been for Rin stepping in to keep the peace, Kurenai might have lunged across the room by now. This vixen! She fumed internally. She becomes Mizukage and immediately starts throwing her weight around!
Kurenai's frustration with Terumi Mei's proposal to marry Tatsuya was second only to Tsunade's. Neither woman took kindly to the situation.
"Hatake Tatsuya!"
A fierce voice echoed from the doorway as the formidable Tsunade entered.
"Master Hokage, is there finally a decision from your village?" Terumi Mei, now Mizukage, responded with a dignified smile, her elegant posture unruffled. She seemed unafraid of Tsunade's temper, confident that any misstep could be smoothed over diplomatically.
Tatsuya scratched his head, visibly distressed. They're all like family; can't they keep this friendly? he thought. Wouldn't it be better if we could all just get along peacefully?
Nawaki, sensing the tension, finally spoke up, albeit reluctantly.
"Alright, I think I might have a solution." He took a breath, his gaze flicking from Tsunade to Tatsuya. "You'll marry my sister first."
"Excuse me?" The trio's expressions shifted instantly.
Nawaki quickly clarified, "Yes, marry my sister first, and then… wait about six months or so, and then you can marry Mizukage-sama after that."
The suggestion was direct, if unconventional.
The idea was clear: Tsunade would be the main wife, and Terumi Mei the second. Put another way, Tsunade would hold the official position, while Terumi Mei would be akin to a concubine.
With a hint of curiosity, Tatsuya glanced at Tsunade, knowing she had never been one to chase marriage. Tsunade hated the idea of being tied down, preferring her freewheeling life—betting on money, enjoying drinks, and sparring with him on late nights. Marriage, to her, seemed stifling.
Tatsuya wasn't one to mind either, so their relationship simply drifted along comfortably, even as they both neared their forties.
Noticing his glance, Tsunade gave him a hard look, as if daring him to say something.
People, Tsunade knew, often respond well to compromise, a fact she'd used often. If you say a room is too dark and request a skylight, the idea might get shut down instantly. But if you insist on tearing down the whole roof, suddenly a skylight doesn't sound so bad—it's called the "door-in-the-face" effect.
And that's exactly what Tsunade was doing now.
Tsunade never wanted marriage, but the moment Terumi Mei proposed, she felt a pang of rivalry. Maybe I don't care, she thought, but there's no way I'm letting anyone take what's mine!
With a hand propped under her chin, Terumi Mei pondered for a moment, then smiled slyly. "The strongest 'secondary wife' in the ninja world? Fine by me. I've already decided to stick by this man for life." She leaned against Tatsuya's arm, letting her elbow rest firmly on his side.
For Terumi Mei, this was all about having a place beside him, and she wasn't about to look for another partner.
"Perfect! Lady Mizukage's on board, big sis—what do you say?" Nawaki pressed, eager to seal the arrangement before Tsunade had second thoughts.
"Hmph!" Tsunade turned away sharply, huffing in defiance. But anyone who knew her could tell—this response meant she was accepted, albeit begrudgingly.
Meanwhile, Rin and Kurenai exchanged knowing glances as they watched the scene unfold. The gears were already turning in their minds. Could this arrangement work out for me, too…?
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