At the dinner table, Naruto raised his cup repeatedly, toasting side to side, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to everyone present for their help and support over the years.
After three drinks and five exquisite dishes, the gathering began to disperse. Kakashi Hatake took responsibility for escorting the other Kage back to their respective residences. Gaara exchanged a few words with Naruto and then accompanied Kakashi.
Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki also offered their farewells before heading home. Naruto, ever considerate, made sure Hinata Hyuga was safely escorted back to her residence. Despite consuming several cups of sake, Naruto's use of Nine-Tails chakra effortlessly neutralized the alcohol, leaving him perfectly lucid.
Hashirama Senju and the other legendary figures didn't partake in the feast themselves, but they observed the joyful atmosphere with satisfaction, their eyes reflecting pride and happiness.
At that moment, Jiraiya approached Hashirama, moving with a mixture of hesitation and determination.
Hashirama glanced at him, a faint smile on his face, then asked cautiously, "You are… Jiraiya, right? Is something the matter?"
Jiraiya scratched the back of his head, a little nervous. "Y-Yes… Lord Hashirama, I… I have something I need to tell you!"
Hashirama's expression shifted from mild amusement to curiosity. "Speak, then. What is it?"
Standing next to Jiraiya, Tsunade couldn't help but feel a subtle blush rise to her cheeks. Even someone as accomplished and confident as Hashirama could make a young woman like her feel slightly shy in his presence.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, observed Jiraiya closely, as did Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, and Madara Uchiha, who stood beside Hashirama. All waited silently, keen to hear what Jiraiya had to say.
Jiraiya took a deep breath, forcing a smile to steady his nerves. "I… I'm going to marry Tsunade soon. And… she's expecting a child."
A collective gasp arose from those nearby.
"What?!" Hiruzen's eyes widened, confirming a long-held suspicion. His disciples, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, had always been close—but he hadn't anticipated this development so soon.
Hashirama, initially stunned, erupted into laughter. "Ah, so Tsunade is finally getting married… and expecting a child! Excellent, excellent! Hahaha, I'll make sure to personally welcome the wedding toast in the village!"
Tobirama, equally surprised, placed a hand on Hashirama's shoulder. "She's still so young… and already a mother-to-be? Incredible. Well, as her elder, I'm happy for her."
Hashirama's expression softened, eyes reflecting deep emotion. "Indeed… the Senju clan has survived countless hardships, and now, at last, there is hope for our legacy."
He recalled the clan's tragic history. Wars had decimated the Senju family over generations. During Tobirama's tenure as Hokage, Senju clan members were often at the forefront of battle, leading troops into danger and rarely returning. Only Tsunade remained, the last true member of the lineage.
The gravity of this realization caused a brief moment of somber reflection between Hashirama and Tobirama, tempered by the joy of new life entering the clan.
Madara, witnessing the interaction, felt a quiet stir of respect for Hashirama. He knew the man's sincerity and unwavering ideals had been instrumental in establishing Konoha and forging peace between warring clans. He couldn't deny Hashirama's ability to inspire loyalty and admiration, even across generations.
Madara's voice broke the momentary silence. "Jiraiya, don't be too nervous about this happy event. Show your resolve."
Jiraiya straightened his back, drawing on the confidence instilled in him by Hashirama's encouragement. The pressure of the legendary figures present was immense, yet Jiraiya stood tall.
The Third Hokage, observing from nearby, offered a gentle nod of support. "Jiraiya, you have trained under me, under the guidance of Hashirama and Tobirama. This boy has admired Tsunade for years, and now, his devotion will bear fruit."
Tsunade's face flushed crimson at the open acknowledgment of her relationship, but she said nothing, allowing Jiraiya to speak for himself.
Jiraiya gave a determined nod. "Yes… I've cared for Tsunade for a long time. Now, I will devote myself entirely to her, for the rest of my life."
Hashirama's eyes shone with approval as he stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Jiraiya's shoulder. "Jiraiya, I entrust Tsunade to you. She is strong-willed and determined. In the years ahead, you must respect her, guide her, and, if necessary, indulge her… because she will always assert herself."
Jiraiya smiled earnestly. "I can do it, Shodai. And if she ever tries to take control, I won't resist. She'll always have the upper hand."
Hashirama chuckled knowingly. "Indeed… I can see you've already endured a lifetime of her strength. Very well. You're prepared for this challenge."
Tobirama, observing the scene, nodded with satisfaction. "For someone who was once my student, Jiraiya seems truly capable of handling this responsibility. He is devoted and loyal, qualities essential in a partner for Tsunade."
After the formalities concluded, Hashirama and the other elders departed, leaving Jiraiya and Tsunade alone.
Jiraiya exhaled deeply, feeling the tension release from his shoulders. The sense of pressure from standing before legendary Kage and Hokage had been overwhelming.
Tsunade approached him with a gentle smile. "It seems… you did well."
Jiraiya puffed out his chest with pride. "Of course. A man must stand upright, no matter the audience!"
Tsunade's lips curved into a soft smile. As she began walking home, Jiraiya quickly followed, matching her pace step by step.
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