"What exactly are you?" Tsunemi glared at the approaching Naruto.
Previously, Naruto had barged into her home without a word or reason and had taken her and her family captive. They had been separated, and she still had no idea what had happened to Dazuna and Inari.
Although Naruto had worn a mask before, he had since removed it. His outfit hadn't changed, making it easy for her to recognize him.
Tsunemi was inwardly astonished; he looked far too young!
Still, that did nothing to quell her anger.
"I will replace Kado and take control of the Land of Waves," Naruto said, a faint smile playing on his lips as he assessed Tsunemi from head to toe.
She wasn't breathtaking, merely average in appearance in this two-dimensional world. However, she possessed a certain quality of being a devoted wife and mother, reminiscent of Uchiha Mikoto. Having her around as a maid wouldn't be a bad idea.
Unfortunately, she was a bit short, standing at less than 1.6 meters, just a few centimeters taller than Naruto at present.
Of course, for Naruto, that was just perfect.
Under Naruto's unabashed gaze, Tsunemi felt a mix of humiliation and anger, but what concerned her more was the implication behind his words.
"What do you mean by that?" Tsunemi asked, alarmed.
"I mean it literally; Kado is dead."
Naruto grasped Tsunemi's hand tightly, his eyes shimmering with profound pain. "I know our situation is dire, but I will do everything in my power to protect you, no matter the cost."
Feeling his sincerity, Tsunemi managed a small smile, gently releasing his grip. "Naruto, I don't want to see you get hurt for my sake."
Naruto stared deeply into her eyes, resolutely saying, "I'm willing to endure anything for you, as long as you can find happiness."
A warm feeling surged within Tsunemi; she knew Naruto truly loved her. She decided to become stronger and not remain a weak victim.
"No matter what happens, we'll face it together," Tsunemi said, summoning her courage and clasping Naruto's hand tightly.
Naruto smiled and nodded. "Yes, we will overcome every obstacle and create our future together."
Determination sparkled in Tsunemi's eyes; she resolved to walk alongside Naruto, through every hardship, refusing to be a pawn of fate.
As time passed, Naruto and Tsunemi grew stronger, confronting various difficulties and challenges together. Naruto proved his sincerity and determination through action, while Tsunemi displayed her inner courage and wisdom.
Eventually, they created a happy family, no longer at the mercy of fate. Watching Tsunemi smile with joy, Naruto felt a profound sense of satisfaction.
Tsunemi became his most important support, and together they forged a warm and blissful ending. In this story, they lifted each other up, creating a beautiful future, showcasing the power of love and courage.
"From now on, you'll manage everything at home. Feel free to hire more servants, but they must be female and not too ugly," Naruto stated, granting her the privilege to care for the people of the Land of Waves.
After settling into Kado's manor, Naruto had sent away all unnecessary personnel.
The guards had gone off to the company.
Kado's women were given severance pay and sent away.
He dismissed the male servants, as well as the older, less attractive female servants.
Now, fewer than ten people remained in the sprawling manor.
"What about my father and Inari…?" Tsunemi was more concerned about her family.
"Your sacrifice saved Inari's life," Naruto said casually.
"That's wonderful, thank you!" Tsunemi sighed with relief.
At least Naruto wasn't the kind of person who would take advantage and then disappear, making her sacrifice worthwhile.
Then, she looked up with hope. "But what about my father?"
"Don't get your hopes up for Dazuna," Naruto replied, casting her a glance and dousing her hopes with cold water. "He's crossed the interests of the entire Kado Group; everyone in the company wants him dead, so he won't survive."
That old man was the last pillar of hope for the Land of Waves. Only with his death would the people fully despair.
Naruto wouldn't easily change a decision he had already made just because Tsunemi had become his woman.
It would be simple to let Dazuna go, but the consequences would be troublesome.
At least Tsunemi hadn't yet reached a point where Naruto would see value in preserving Dazuna's life for her sake.
"Why is it like this…"
Tsunemi's tears flowed freely as she wanted to plead, unsure if Naruto had the authority to make such decisions, covering her face as she cried.
After a moment of silence, Naruto said, "Dazuna's fate is unchangeable, but if you can wholeheartedly follow me from now on, I can consider helping Inari become an independent young man."
Helping his woman train her son, who wasn't even his own, felt somewhat embarrassing for Naruto as a time traveler, but it was the greatest concession he could offer.
Of course, if he were to train Inari, he would shape him into what he desired.
Since Kai Sha's death, Inari's outlook on life had collapsed; he had been in a downward spiral.
At just eight years old, he was already in such a state; if things continued like this, he had no future.
Thus, Naruto's promise represented a glimmer of hope for Tsunemi; it now depended on whether she would choose Dazuna or Inari.
But as mentioned before, she was a woman who easily accepted her fate.
Naruto had already told her that Dazuna couldn't be saved, so she had no choice.
"I… I can do that." Tsunemi hesitated only slightly before eagerly agreeing.
She was afraid that if she took too long to respond, Naruto might suddenly change his mind.
"Then we shall see!"
Naruto said, pressing her head down again.
Tsunemi resisted slightly but ultimately surrendered.
"By the way, I still don't know your name," she lifted her head.
Naruto pressed her back down, a look of enjoyment on his face as he said, "My name is… Naruto; call me Menma in front of others!"
Without further explanation, Naruto felt no need to let Tsunemi, an ordinary woman without any power, know too much. He wouldn't involve her in many matters.
Thanks to his Uzumaki lineage and the Nine-Tails' chakra, Naruto ultimately felt unsatisfied.
However, to let Tsunemi prove her feelings, he had already unlocked three of her places.
For now, he felt quite satisfied.