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------------------- Konoha Village---------------
*** Mission Lobby
Uzumaki Kushina and Minato Namikaze submitted their mission reports and successfully received their mission honorarium.
"This mission was really tough," Minato said, shaking the reward he had just received in his hand, his sunny and warm smile lighting up his face. "I'll treat you to a barbecue tonight."
"Not today," Kushina replied, a bit weary. "I'm so tired, I want to take a break."
"Alright then, take a rest. But remember, I owe you a meal," Minato said, not too disappointed by the refusal. Since saving Kushina from the Hidden Cloud ninjas, her attitude towards him had warmed considerably. Winning her heart was a slow but rewarding process.
Without further entanglement, Minato performed the Body Flicker Technique and disappeared in front of Uzumaki Kushina. As he left, Kushina started walking towards the Senju compound, where she had been living with Uzumaki Mito since her arrival in Konoha.
"Kushina!" a familiar voice called from behind.
"Tsunade-sama?" Kushina turned around to see Tsunade walking towards her with a smile, holding two wine jugs filled with sake.
"You're drinking again," Kushina said with a frown.
"Join us for dinner tonight," Tsunade invited, ignoring the comment.
"Oh… I'm really tired today," Kushina said apologetically. She had just finished a high-intensity mission and only wanted to rest.
"Takuya will be there too. And there's something very important to announce," Tsunade said with a smile.
"Oh, in that case, I guess I should come," Kushina changed her mind, feeling a bit more intrigued.
Seeing Kushina agree, Tsunade's smile grew even wider. With the promise of ten million ryō hanging in the air, she was confident her luck was about to change.
"What's the important announcement?" Kushina asked curiously as they walked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Tsunade replied mysteriously.
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### Evening
#### Senju Compound
Uzumaki Mito looked at the carefully dressed Uzumaki Kushina, a satisfied smile on her face. Kushina had grown more beautiful over the years, and Mito was pleased with the idea of Takuya wanting to marry her.
"Grandma Mito, why are you staring at me?" Kushina asked, feeling a bit self-conscious under Mito's gaze.
"Kushina, you're becoming more beautiful each day," Mito praised.
"It's because she spent hours dressing up," Tsunade quipped, taking a sip of her sake.
"Tsunade-sama!" Kushina said with some dissatisfaction.
"Alright, alright," Tsunade relented, deciding to keep quiet.
As they chatted, Kushina's eyes began to dart around the room.
"What are you looking for, Kushina?" Mito asked with a smile.
"I heard Takuya will be joining us for dinner," Kushina said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Of course, he should be here any moment now," Mito said, glancing at the time.
"What's wrong? Can't wait to see him?" Tsunade teased.
"Who can't wait? It's just that he's late," Kushina retorted, feigning annoyance.
"Who's talking about me behind my back?" a cheerful voice called out. Takuya entered the room, his presence lighting up Kushina's face.
"Takuya!" Kushina's eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Long time no see, Kushina," Takuya said, sitting down beside her naturally.
"Why are you so late?" Kushina asked, trying to sound annoyed but failing to hide her smile.
"I had some preparations to make," Takuya replied with a smile. "You're looking beautiful, Kushina."
"Hmph! If you hadn't given up becoming a ninja, you could have been on missions with me," Kushina said, her tone a mix of teasing and regret.
"Takuya, if you had chosen to become a ninja, you might not have had the chance to be here with us tonight," Mito said softly, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and pride.
At her words, Tsunade sighed. She understood the true weight behind them. The Senju had suffered greatly during the wars, and many, including Nawaki, had perished. If Takuya had pursued the life of a ninja, he might have met the same fate.
"What's wrong, Grandma Mito, Tsunade-sama?" Kushina asked, sensing the shift in atmosphere.
"Kushina, there's something important we need to tell you," Mito said slowly. "It's time you learned the truth."
"The truth? About what?" Kushina asked, her curiosity piqued. "Didn't you say there was a big announcement?"
"Kushina, what is your dream?" Mito asked gently.
"To become a Hokage that everyone admires, just like the Third Hokage!" Kushina replied confidently. Being acknowledged and becoming Hokage had always been her dream.
"Kushina, I don't want you to live in a lie woven by others for the rest of your life," Mito said, her voice filled with resolve. "So, tonight, I'll tell you the truth, starting with how Hiruzen Sarutobi became the Hokage…"
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