Time flew by, and half a month passed in the blink of an eye.
During this period, the hottest topic was none other than Shinho's upcoming wedding.
Everyone was guessing who the bride would be.
From Hinata, Ino, to Samui and even Konan, everyone had their theories.
No one ever thought it would be Tsunade.
Apart from that, the only other matter of slight importance was Black Zetsu.
Admittedly, this time Sasuke really did something smart.
Shinho didn't need to rack his brain on how to trick Black Zetsu.
Once Sasuke masters the use of Rinnegan, his plan can officially begin.
…
"Lord Hokage."
Mabui heard the door open, turned around, and bowed.
"Mhm."
Shinho nodded, approached her, then pulled out a stack of wedding invitations. "I want you all to deliver these in person."
Because the guest list was large, neither he nor Tsunade could hand them out one by one.
But sending the Anbu would seem insincere, so having the Hokage's secretaries do it was a better choice.
"Understood."
Mabui accepted the invitations, curiosity flashing in her eyes.
She wanted to know who Shinho's bride was.
She suspected it might be Hinata, but until it was confirmed, anyone was possible.
"Where's your tail?"
Shinho glanced at her, asking suddenly.
Mabui's body stiffened. She immediately revealed her tail and ears, lowering her head uneasily to avoid looking at him.
"Looks like I need to give you a little punishment."
Shinho leaned in close and whispered into her ear.
Mabui's eyes went wide on the spot. She froze, not knowing how to respond.
"You were the one who broke the rules first."
Shinho smiled. "And I'm running low on patience these days."
"…"
Mabui bit her lip.
She put away the invitations. In the end, she complied.
Her black-stockinged legs bent, and she knelt on one knee.
She looked up at Shinho with a flushed face, then said, in a voice full of embarrassment, "Woof… woof… woof…"
At the same time, her tail, under her own control, kept wagging back and forth.
"Good girl."
Shinho squatted down. He lightly ran his thumb across her mouth, prompting her to open up.
Lowering his head, he kissed her.
Mabui trembled slightly but responded to him.
Her smooth skin soon glistened.
"Off you go."
Shinho patted her head.
"Yes…"
Mabui stood up, her cheeks burning.
She left the Hokage's office, putting away her tail and ears, but her heart still pounded rapidly.
Any time she thought about that scene from moments ago, her emotions felt complicated: humiliation, excitement, and shyness, all these emotions swirled together in her mind.
She never imagined she would one day do something like that and actually be someone's dog….girl.
Taking a deep breath, Mabui needed a long moment to calm down.
Finally, she opened one of the wedding invitations, and her pupils shrank as her body quivered.
Tsunade?!
Could the Hokage have made a mistake?
She checked a few more invitations and saw the same result.
It really was Tsunade.
Her mind buzzed.
Aren't they teacher and student?
By the time Mabui returned to the Hokage's secretaries' office, she still hadn't recovered from the shock.
"What's going on?"
Samui noticed how distracted she looked.
Could Shinho have taken advantage of her again?
Mabui didn't respond. Instead, she handed Samui an invitation.
Samui opened it, took a glance, and her mouth fell open.
Tsunade?
What on earth is this?
Sure, Tsunade was indeed beautiful, but her age and status were so different from Shinho's.
What could one say?
Maybe this is just how the Hokage is.
Samui closed the invitation and asked, "Did the Hokage give us any instructions?"
"He wants us to deliver these invitations," Mabui said, finally regaining her composure.
"Let's go then."
Samui's voice returned to its usual cool tone.
Nowadays, the shinobi world's transportation network was quite advanced
Airships and trains had greatly increased travel speed.
However, as Hokage's secretaries, they had a special privilege: they could use Hole Earth Gu and Moving Perspective Cup Gu.
"Let's split up the invitations."
Samui thought for a moment. "I'll take Konan, and we'll handle the guests outside City of Fire."
"Alright."
Mabui immediately divided the invitations and handed half to her.
Samui turned and left the Hokage Secretaries' Office.
She found Konan over at the newly established Food Department.
The Food Department had just been formed during the previous court meeting.
Since Yamato wasn't well versed in setting up a department, Konan had come to help.
"This is the Hokage's wedding invitation," Samui said straight to the point. "He wants us to deliver them."
Konan nodded.
She opened an invitation and froze for a moment.
It's actually Tsunade?
That Hokage really is…fearsome.
"I'll handle the ones for Jiraiya and Nagato," Konan said after picking out a portion of the invitations.
"Alright."
Samui put away the rest of the invitations.
Then the two set off in different directions.
Although Jiraiya had left City of Fire, he hadn't concealed his whereabouts.
Plus, with the shinobi world now united, Anbu easily kept track of his location.
Konan found him in a tavern in the Land of Hot Water.
"Konan?"
Jiraiya shook his head instinctively. "Am I drunk? Why am I seeing you here?"
"Teacher Jiraiya," Konan said, sitting down opposite him.
"Is there something Shinho needs?"
Jiraiya put down his cup, looking curious.
Konan was one of the Hokage's secretaries, so normally only very important matters would warrant her coming all the way out here.
But what could be so pressing now that the shinobi world was at peace?
"Is this about Shinho's wedding?"
Jiraiya suddenly let out a small "huh" and asked.
Word of Shinho's wedding had spread through the shinobi world over the past two weeks. He had heard about it too.
"Yes," Konan said with a nod. "Here's the Hokage's invitation for you."
"That was fast."
Jiraiya accepted the invitation with a smile. "So who's the bride? He's been so secretive these last two weeks."
"You'll see once you read it."
Konan's reply was simple.
"Even you won't spill the beans now?"
Jiraiya opened the invitation casually, but his smile went rigid in an instant.
Instinctively, he rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things, indeed, the name written there was Tsunade.
"Is there some mistake?"
Jiraiya turned to Konan, his chest tightening.
"Nope," Konan replied after a moment. "I already checked. All the invitations are exactly the same."
"But that's impossible!"
Jiraiya couldn't help exclaiming. "That's Tsunade, Shinho's teacher. How can they get married?"
"He's the Emperor now," Konan said calmly.
Compared to Jiraiya, she'd already taken it in stride. Being the Hokage's secretary gave her a deep understanding of Shinho's personality.
Tsunade was a bit special, sure, but in the end, she's just another woman.
Facing Shinho, it's entirely possible she just couldn't help herself.
"No way!"
Jiraiya stood up abruptly. "I'm going back to ask Tsunade myself!"
Without another word, he rushed out, not even bothering to say goodbye to Konan.
"… …"
Konan watched him go, sensing something in his reaction. But she simply shook her head.
Marriage is a matter of mutual consent.
Especially with a headstrong women like Tsunade.
Given her strength and status, there's no way anyone could have forced her.
So the conclusion was obvious.
After Konan paid for Jiraiya's drinks, she headed off to her next stop.
As expected, everyone was stunned to learn that Shinho's bride was Tsunade.
But aside from their shock, no one dared object.
After all, Shinho was at the height of his power.
And besides, it didn't really affect anyone else. Why look for unnecessary trouble?
…
Back in City of Fire;
A sudden bang rang out, and Jiraiya appeared in a cloud of smoke.
With the Reverse Summoning Jutsu from Mount Myoboku, he didn't need to rely on regular transport methods.
"Where's Tsunade?"
He grabbed a random Anbu by the shoulder, demanding answers.
"Ji—Jiraiya, sir?"
Recognizing him, the Anbu breathed a sigh of relief. "Lady Tsunade's been in Konoha, filming a movie."
Jiraiya let go of the Anbu and left without another word.
Moments later, using the Reverse Summoning Jutsu again, he arrived in Konoha.
After finding out Tsunade's exact whereabouts, he went straight to the Hokage's old office.
"Tsunade!"
He threw open the door and shouted.
"What're you yelling for?"
Tsunade was caught off guard and almost jumped in surprise. She gave him a displeased look.
"Is this true?"
Jiraiya pulled out the wedding invitation, unable to wait another second.
"It's true," Tsunade answered after a glance, already guessing why he'd look so shocked.
"…"
Jiraiya stood there like he'd been struck by lightning.
Tsunade sighed softly.
Feelings like things were all about timing.
She knew Jiraiya had been fond of her ever since they were kids.
But she had never felt the same.
Besides, Jiraiya himself wasn't blameless; because of that prophecy, he had been away from Konoha for so long, refusing to settle down.
To him, the prophecy was everything.
"Shinho, he…"
Jiraiya tried to speak, but Tsunade cut him off.
"Jiraiya, as my teammate, the least you can do is give me your blessing."
Tsunade's face glowed with happiness as she said openly, "I'm marrying Shinho because I truly love him."
"Con…congratulations, Tsunade," Jiraiya finally managed to say, forcing a bitter smile.
"Thank you," Tsunade replied with a smile of her own.
"I'll be there for your wedding."
Jiraiya turned away. "Sorry for my unseemly appearance today."
He closed the door behind him.
Tsunade looked up, gazing out the window.
She couldn't help wondering how people outside would react.
…
At the Hyuga Clan's residenc;
Mabui stepped into the courtyard.
Immediately, she sensed an unusual chill in the air.
Following the source of the cold, she saw Hinata and Hanabi, both transformed using some strange jutsu.
What kind of jutsu is this?
Mabui suppressed her curiosity and walked forward. "I'm here to deliver the Hokage's wedding invitation."
"What?"
Hanabi rushed right up to her. "It's my sister, right?"
"Hanabi."
Hinata, who already knew about the outcome beforehand, stayed relatively calm.
"Give it here."
At that moment, Hiashi emerged.
Mabui handed over the wedding invitation.
Hiashi couldn't wait to open it.
But he didn't see Hinata's name. Instead, it was the unexpected Tsunade.
"This…what's going on?"
Hiashi wore an expression of utter astonishment.
"What is it?"
Hanabi leaned over to take a look, then let out a loud gasp.
"Who is it? Ino?"
Hinata asked curiously.
"It's Lady Tsunade," Hiashi replied, hesitant.
He felt like there was just too much to unpack here.
"Huh?"
Hinata froze for a moment.
Shinho had only told her she wouldn't be the first.
But who would've thought it would be Tsunade?
No wonder…
Hinata looked like she'd suddenly come to a realization.
If she lost out to Tsunade, maybe she really didn't have a reason to feel wronged.
"How could this be?"
Hiashi seldom showed his frustration on his face, but now he clearly did.
Hinata wouldn't be the Empress now.
Mabui gave a quick farewell and turned to leave.
Whatever their reactions was, it had nothing to do with her; she was just the messenger.
Before long, she arrived at the Yamanaka Clan's residence.
Passing by the Yamanaka Flower Shop, she came to a halt.
Technically, she should deliver the wedding invitation to Inoichi. However, she suddenly thought about how close Ino was to Shinho.
After a moment's hesitation, she walked into the flower shop.
"Welcome… Oh, it's you."
Ino blinked in surprise.
"This is the Hokage's wedding invitation."
Mabui briefly met her gaze, then handed over the invitation.
Ino froze.
So this day has finally come, huh…
She bit her lip and snatched the invitation from Mabui.
Even if she lost out to Hinata, she wanted to know exactly how.
"What?"
When Ino saw that the bride was Tsunade, her face went rigid.
Tsunade was one of the legendary Sannin, famously revered, a role model for so many kunoichi.
Ino herself was no exception.
But now, finding out that they'd both fallen for the same man, and that Tsunade was actually marrying him, felt absurd.
If Shinho were standing right in front of her, she might have kicked him a few times for good measure.
That jerk!
Just how many women has he entangled himself with?
Ino gritted her teeth, clutching the invitation tightly.
And yet she couldn't hide the fact that she liked him.
After their last big talk, she had tried to think of leaving him and finding someone else, but that was easier said than done.
Shinho was simply too outstanding.
There was no such thing as a substitute for him in this world.
"Um…"
Seeing Ino's reaction, Mabui inwardly sighed, as if confirming her suspicions.
"Th-thanks," Ino managed after a deep breath.
"No problem."
With that, Mabui turned and left.
Ino opened the invitation again.
The wedding date was August 2nd. It was the day of Tsunade's birthday, if she remembered correctly.
She felt a pang of sourness.
From the looks of it, in Shinho's heart, Tsunade definitely ranked higher than she did.
The same went for Hinata.
Ino suddenly felt a strange sense of solidarity with her.
…
In the Hokage's Office:
Shinho let out a long breath.
Thanks to the Territory Immortal Gu, he could sit in his office and sense what the people in City of Fire were thinking.
Overall, things were going smoothly.
After all, the shinobi world respected strength above all else.
He glanced at a wedding invitation on his desk, touching his chin thoughtfully.
There was still over a month left before August 2nd.
Though he was the groom, in practice he didn't need to worry much, his assistants and secretaries were already busy planning everything.
What occupied his mind was a different issue:
He wanted to settle things with the Sage of Six Paths and Kaguya before the wedding.
Only then would the shinobi world be truly unified.
Shinho turned his gaze to the computer in front of him.
After the last meeting, Honoka had followed his orders and equipped each office with a unit.
Because the internet speed was so slow, though, Shinho rarely used it.
But now that his three secretaries were out, he paused to type a few lines, then emailed Shikaku, his Hokage assistant.
In short, he asked Shikaku to inform Sasuke to come to City of Fire.
The reason he didn't email Sasuke directly was that the distance was too great.
Currently, the internet only worked within City of Fire's limits, so there was no way to reach Sasuke, who was all the way in City of Lightning.
Within seconds, he got a reply from Shikaku: a concise message saying he would make the arrangements immediately.
Shinho closed his email and looked out the window, where Matatabi, the Two-Tailed Beast, was resting.
Once Sasuke arrived, he'd gather all nine Tailed Beasts.
Shinho had promised them before, but he'd have to explain again to keep them from thinking he was going back on his word.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Shinho said, already knowing who it was.
"Shinho!"
Karin peeked her head in.
"Get over here," Shinho beckoned her forward.
Karin hurried in front of him, putting her hands on her hips with a little huff. "When are you going to marry me?"
"Next year."
Seeing her attitude, Shinho reached out and lifted her into his arms.
"Really?"
Karin's eyes lit up excitedly.
When she heard Shinho was getting married, she'd felt dejected. But she knew her own position, there was no way she could have him to herself.
"Why would I lie?"
Shinho's hand went to her thigh, giving it a little squeeze.
Compared to Tsunade's plush curves, Karin's legs were more elastic and slender.
"That's good, then."
Karin wrapped her arms around his neck. "Hey, do you remember my birthday?"
"Next week," Shinho replied after a slight pause. "June 20th."
"Heh-heh."
A silly grin spread across Karin's face, and she swung her soft little feet back and forth. "When that day comes, you have to grant me whatever I ask."
Taking one look at her, Shinho had a pretty good idea what that request might be.
His right hand glided upward, clasping her chin. Looking into her surprised eyes, he leaned in and kissed her rosy lips.
Karin's body immediately went limp.
Her breathing turned quick, eyes slightly hazy, her long legs pressing together.
Shinho raised an eyebrow.
Truly a little minx…
But he liked that.
He let go of her chin, his hand sliding down her neck to rest at her chest.
How should he describe it?
It was Pretty flat.
But her figure was wonderfully soft.
Karin's eyes flew open, body going tense.
She pushed Shinho away and dashed out in a panic.
She's just like Ichikishima-hime.
Shinho couldn't help laughing.
He'd noticed Karin's black thigh-highs had gotten quite damp.
For some reason, he was now really looking forward to June 20th.
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