The moonlight spilled into the cozy chamber of the Hokage, casting a gentle glow around the room.
Tsunade stood gazing adoringly at the sleeping form of Gojo nestled on her proud peaks.
His peaceful face brought a smile to her lips, but it was accompanied by a pang of distress.
"I need to protect him…," she murmured, her brow furrowed as her mind raced back to the remnants of the root organization that posed a threat to him.
Sighing heavily, she resolved right then and there that this time she would not go easy on her sensei, Danzo.
With a firm grip, she leaned down and effortlessly lifted Gojo into her arms, drawing on her strength and maternal instincts.
For a child of his age, he was surprisingly light as she cradled him.
As she carried him, Gojo mumbled softly in his slumber. "So soft… so fragrant…"
Tsunade's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink, a warmth spreading through her as she felt a mixture of affection and embarrassment.
Moments later, Shizune walked through the door, barely stifling her laughter at the scene.
"Oh my, Tsunade! Looks like you've found a new pillow!" Shizune teased, her tone light and playful.
Tsunade shot Shizune a fierce glare, her cheeks still slightly tinted.
"Behave yourself, Shizune," she snapped, attempting to maintain a serious façade despite the affectionate scene playing out in her arms.
Just then, she noticed a figure approaching—Uchiha Shizuka. Tsunade ruffled her hair affectionately as she stepped forward, her expression softening.
"Thank you for informing me, Shizuka. Your quick thinking saved him," she said appreciatively.
Shizuka's heart fluttered at the acknowledgment. "I just—uh, did what the system prompted," she mumbled, feeling her cheeks heat up.
"I didn't realize that he was facing such a high-level threat."
Her mind raced back to the moment she received the urgent task from her system.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Urgent Task Assigned! ]
Objective: Inform Tsunade about Gojo's current high-level threat and assist in his protection.
Reward: Two Tomoe Awakening
As an involuntary blush crept across Shizuka's face at the mention of Gojo being her "future husband," she steeled her resolve.
Without even reading the reward details, she bolted towards the Hokage Tower, where she encountered Tsunade to relay the important message.
"Been handling things all on your own?" Tsunade teased with a smirk. "What a little hero we've got here."
Shizuka felt a fluster of delight mixed with shyness.
"It's nothing special, really! I just did what I had to do."
Yet, her ears glowed a light pink, betraying her embarrassment as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
Tsunade, seeing her reaction, feigned dramatic flair.
"I have nothing to thank you with, except for my gratitude," she said, eyes sparkling with mock seriousness,
"But since you saved my precious Gojo, how about an engagement to him?"
In the blink of an eye, Shizuka's face turned beet red, eyes wide in shock.
"W-What?!" she stammered before promptly passing out, collapsing into a heap.
Tsunade chuckled softly, watching her friend's reaction.
"Well, she certainly took that well," she said with a smirk, shaking her head as Shizune suppressed laughter behind her.
"Should we help her?" Shizune asked, trying to hold back her amusement.
"Let her take a moment. It'll be good fodder for her to think about," Tsunade replied, still chuckling, then turned and carefully resumed carrying Gojo toward the Uchiha compound.
---
Meanwhile, at the Uchiha compound…
Fugaku Uchiha, the clan leader, was deep in thought when he spotted Tsunade approaching.
To his surprise, she was carrying Gojo. Letting out a mix of awe and curiosity, he quickly stepped forward.
Mikoto emerged from the house, eyes wide in concern as she noticed her son cradled in Tsunade's arms.
"Is he hurt?" she asked, her heart pounding with concern.
"He's alright, just chakra consumption," Tsunade reassured her, handing Shizuka over to Mikoto, who quickly wrapped her arms around the still-unconscious girl.
"But perhaps he's been pushed too hard recently. I'll need to keep a closer eye on him."
As Mikoto placed Shizuka gently on the couch, she couldn't help but feel relieved that both of them were safe.
Nonetheless, an odd feeling of gratitude surged within her.
"Thank you, Tsunade. I can't express how grateful I am."
Tsunade nodded, but as she prepared to leave, Fugaku's mind was racing with ideas.
A marriage alliance between Gojo and Shizuka could solidify their families' strengths, ensuring that both families would have more significant political power as well as a sense of unity.
"Perhaps we could arrange a marriage alliance between Gojo and Shizuka," Fugaku thought out loud, breaking the momentary silence.
"This would benefit our clan significantly and ensure support for the village."
Mikoto considered the proposition, a smile lighting her face.
"That sounds fantastic! It would help strengthen our clan's relationship with Gojo.
Plus, isn't this just what I had promised my sister?"
Fugaku nodded, thinking intensely about the potential advantages.
"In terms of background, lineage, ancestry, wealth, power, and talent, Gojo is extraordinary.
This could be a wise proposal for a marriage alliance."
"Plus," Mikoto added, her voice softening, "It would be nice to see Shizuka growing closer to Gojo.
Their bond could truly blossom into something special."
Fugaku's eyes glimmered with understanding.
"If we could enhance the Uchiha name through association with the Senju, it would benefit both families.
And with Tsunade's support, we could strengthen our standing in Konoha considerably."
Mikoto clasped her hands thoughtfully, "Besides, it's sweet to see the children grow up together.
They would make an adorable couple!"
Subconsciously, they both turned to look at Gojo, who remained peacefully asleep, the innocence radiating from him.
"Just you wait, Gojo," Fugaku chuckled softly. "One day, you'll be the center of more than just attention."
Meanwhile, nestled in the safe confines of their home, Shizuka stirred awake to find herself surrounded by familiar faces.
Rubbing her eyes, she glanced around in slight confusion. "What happened?"
Mikoto smiled down at her. "You passed out after Tsunade mentioned an engagement between you and Gojo. My, you really turned bright red!"
Shizuka's cheeks flushed again at the memory, and she felt overwhelmed yet again. "I—uh, didn't know that would happen. It was just a—"
"A lovely surprise!" Mikoto teased, chuckling. "I don't think you need to worry; I can see it in your eyes.
You care for Gojo very much."
"Ugh, I can't believe I just fainted," Shizuka groaned, hiding her face in her hands. "What would he think of me?"
"Oh, he'll probably think it's cute," Mikoto assured her. "Boys love it when girls are bashful. It makes them feel all heroic."
"Yeah, just like how Tsunade carries him around," Shizuka mumbled, sulking slightly.
Fugaku then piped in, "You'll have many opportunities as you grow.
Just remember to be true to yourself; if you like Gojo, don't be afraid to let him know."
Shizuka nodded, feeling the weight of possibility just beyond her reach.
---
Meanwhile, back at the Hokage's office…
Tsunade sat back in her chair, reflecting on the day's unexpected events.
The thought of Gojo's growing connection with Shizuka brought a smile to her face.
"As long as they keep each other safe, maybe this alliance will provide not just security, but happiness," she mused quietly.
Just then, Shizune entered, bearing a clipboard with urgent updates.
"Tsunade, we have reports of some of the remaining Root members attempting to stir trouble in our territory.
What should we do?"
Pausing to think, Tsunade's expression turned serious. "Gather the ANBU Black Ops and set up patrols along the edges of our borders.
I want to ensure that nothing gets close to either Gojo or the Uchiha family."
Shizune nodded, quickly writing down the orders. "And what about the Hokage Summit later this week?"
"They'll just have to wait. Right now, our priority is protecting the future of this village," Tsunade replied with an air of authority.
"We can't afford to let them sprout back to life."
---
Back at Uchiha Compound…
Shizuka had finally composed herself, feeling a wave of resolve surging through her. "Okay, I can do this," she whispered to herself, "I'll talk to Gojo when the time is right!"
Later, she overheard Fugaku discussing plans with Mikoto about the marriage alliance proposal, and her heart soared but also twisted with nerves.
"Oh boy, this is getting serious," she thought, feeling the weight of expectations looming over her.
Fugaku caught her eye and smiled. "You're welcome to join us for dinner, Shizuka! We should have a celebration; after all, you saved Gojo today."
Shizuka nodded, a nervous smile forming on her lips. "I'd love that!"
That evening, as they sat around the table, laughter and lighthearted conversation filled the room, weaving a warmth that enveloped everyone present.
The thought of alliances and futures danced in Shizuka's mind, blending thoughts of camaraderie and budding romance—both exciting and daunting at the same time.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. "Hey... what if we had a party? To introduce Gojo to everyone, maybe for his birthday?"
"That's a brilliant idea!" Mikoto exclaimed, eyes glittering with approval. "I'll start planning right away."
As the excitement brewed, Shizuka felt a vision of a blossoming relationship manifest before her eyes.
Fugaku leaned back, observing the growing joy within the Uchiha household.
"I must admit, this alliance could not only fortify our ranks but perhaps also foster a deeper connection amongst our clan and the Senju."
As they brainstormed ideas and laughed together, the future intertwined with history, strong vines of fate twining around their lives in the most unexpected yet delightful ways.
The evening faded into a warm embrace of possibility, bright laughter illuminating the gentle darkness as the Uchiha household thrived, settling into a new chapter rippling with alliances, friendship, and dreams yet to bloom.
---
Chapter 33 Ends