Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 389: Kushina’s Coming of Age Ceremony

Since the last meeting, all of Konohagakure had been operating under the will of the higher-ups. The Intelligence Division had ramped up its infiltration of Kumogakure, accepting that casualties were inevitable. Fortunately, many operatives had been successfully inserted, and intelligence from the Kumogakure had begun to flow in.

The Konoha shinobi, having grown complacent in peacetime, were undergoing rigorous practical exercises under the supervision of Duy, Nawaki, and Minato. Though no one spoke openly about it, sharp minds quickly recognized the unusual nature of the situation. Over time, an invisible pressure began to settle over Konohagakure, accompanied by a faint but unmistakable air of killing intent.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Rain, Yahiko and his group continued negotiating with others villages under Kawakaze's instructions. Both sides harbored ulterior motives, subtly testing and pulling against one another. It was clear their wartime alliance would not be finalized anytime soon.

Six months passed quietly, and on this day, Kushina reached a significant milestone in her life—she had become an adult! Minato, who had worked tirelessly even on his own eighteenth birthday, took special leave to spend the entire day with her. From sunrise to sunset, the two strolled from the eastern edge of Konohagakure to the western end, laughing together. As the setting sun painted the sky, a young man with yellow hair and a young woman with red hair returned to the Senju mansion.

"Hey, you two didn't get lost, did you?" Tsunade's teasing voice greeted them a few steps inside the door.

"Hey, hey, Sensei's wife," Minato replied, scratching his head apologetically.

"Sister Tsunade, we're not late," Kushina said boldly, standing her ground. Today was her birthday, and she wouldn't be brushed aside.

"It's not late; the moon hasn't come out yet," Tsunade quipped, deliberately glancing at the sky.

"I..." Kushina was about to fire back when a guest arrived.

"Kushina, we're not late, are we?" Mikoto called out as she entered, her slightly distended stomach supported by Fugaku. She had no intention of missing her best friend's coming-of-age ceremony.

"You take it easy," Kushina said, immediately stepping forward to relieve Fugaku of his role.

"I'm fine. It's only been a few months," Mikoto replied with a smile, gently patting her stomach. Her face was radiant with happiness—this was their first child.

"Better be careful; there are steps~" Kushina said, holding Mikoto's hand with care.

"I've never seen you this attentive before," Nawaki remarked, stepping out with Misaki a few steps behind him.

"Hmph~ If Sister Misaki gets pregnant, I'll be just as attentive," Kushina shot back, recognizing the teasing in Nawaki's tone. Though she couldn't quite refute his implication that she was usually careless, she refused to back down.

"Don't mind him, I'll check on Mikoto," Misaki said as she gently pushed Nawaki aside and moved to help Kushina support Mikoto. As a skilled Medical-nin, a quick physical examination was second nature to her.

"Thank you," Mikoto said, trusting Misaki's abilities. Though she had already undergone all the necessary tests at the hospital, she felt more comfortable relying on Misaki. After all, her training under both Tsunade and Orochimaru spoke volumes about her expertise. Besides, there was no harm in being thorough.

"You're welcome," Misaki replied as the three disappeared into the front yard, leaving the others behind to continue chatting.

"Why isn't Misaki's stomach showing yet?" Tsunade's sharp tone cut through the silence. "Is there something you're not telling us? Want me to take a look and see if something's wrong with you?" Her teasing smirk only made her words hit harder.

Minato froze, clearly torn between laughing and staying quiet. The last thing he wanted was to risk provoking Sensei's wife and her razor-sharp tongue.

"Just hope your brother will be okay, alright?" Nawaki muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. "I'm honestly speechless," he added, exasperated by how bold Tsunade's words had become.

"Hahaha~" Tsunade laughed, shifting her gaze to Fugaku. "Take a cue from Fugaku. Just looking at him makes you feel better," she teased again.

"Then I won't take the credit. Here comes the one with the best body," Fugaku quipped with a sly grin, effortlessly keeping up with her banter.

"What's so funny? The cake's here," Kawakaze announced as he strolled in, carrying a large cake. Compared to Fugaku's lean frame, Kawakaze's imposing physique undeniably stole the spotlight.

"We were just praising you for having such a great body," Minato finally chimed in, unable to hold back any longer before his restraint completely betrayed him.

"If you've got anything else to say, I'm not buying it," Kawakaze said with a smug grin as he handed the cake to Minato. "But this physique? Absolute perfection! In all of Konoha, if I, Kawakaze Hatake, claim to be number two, who's bold enough to say they're number one?" He crossed his arms and let out an overly dramatic, booming laugh.

The dramatic flair and obvious second-year syndrome energy radiating from Kawakaze were impossible to ignore as he basked in the attention.

"You are an idiot."

Tsunade couldn't bear to look; she turned her head and walked away. If she hadn't been a little far, she might have kicked Kawakaze over.

"How have you been?"

Seeing Tsunade leave, Kawakaze became serious and began chatting with Fugaku. Over the past six months, everyone had been busy with their own affairs, leaving few opportunities to meet. The two men started talking, moving seamlessly from business to personal matters.

By the time dinner was ready, the courtyard was already filled with men. Without exception, they were all familiar faces Kushina knew.

"Everyone, dinner's ready," Misaki called out, and the guests gathered in the dining hall. It was obvious this wasn't their first time here; everyone knew exactly what to do. They took their seats, and at Mito's direction, various dishes were brought to the table. As long as she was present, the Senju residence remained firmly under her control.

"Kushina, today is your day," Mito said warmly. "I won't say too much." Once the dishes were served, Mito stepped back, letting Kushina take center stage.

"My dear, from today onward, you're an adult," she said, her kind, gentle eyes fixed on Kushina.

"I love you, Grandma," Kushina said, her voice thick with emotion as she threw herself into Mito's arms, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"There, now, be a little adult," Mito said softly, brushing Kushina's face with her thumb and gently running her fingers through her crimson hair.

"Mm," Kushina murmured, nodding through her tears.

"Heh, we've made quite a scene," she said with a small laugh, quickly putting on a bright smile as she turned to face the gathered guests. "Thank you all for coming to my coming-of-age ceremony. Words can't express how grateful I am, so let me offer a toast to you all."

Kushina lifted the sake cup, drained it in one go, and let the strong burn of the drink ground her, pushing back the rush of emotions threatening to surface.

"Judging by the way you're holding that cup, I doubt you'll last much longer," Nawaki teased, leaning casually against the doorframe with his own cup already emptied.

"Come on, have a little confidence and drop the fear," Minato said with a wry smile, though he knew full well his own tolerance couldn't compete with Kushina's.

"Haha, you're just like my sister," Nawaki chuckled. "You should take a page from my brother-in-law's book," he added with a smirk, raising an eyebrow at Minato, clearly entertained.

Outsiders might have called Kawakaze a henpecked husband, but Nawaki knew better. His sister was just as wrapped around her husband's finger as he was around hers. Some things, after all, were only visible to those close enough to see.

"Naturally, I'll learn," Minato said with an eager nod, though it was anyone's guess how much his love-struck heart was actually absorbing.

As the sake flowed, the mood around the table grew warmer. Glasses clinked, laughter filled the air, and conversation turned lively and familiar.

Mito, who typically preferred peace and quiet, wasn't the least bit bothered by the commotion. A gentle smile graced her face as her softened gaze swept over the room.

She looked at her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, then at her grandson and daughter-in-law. Finally, her eyes rested on little Ginji, who was as cheerful and adorable as ever.