"Which yukata should I wear tonight?"
Tsunade opened her wardrobe, carefully sizing up the row of yukatas inside.
Yukata originally referred to lightweight indoor garments worn after bathing. Over time, they evolved into a simpler version of the kimono, most commonly worn at summer festivals and fireworks shows.
"Anything will look good on you."
Shinho gave them a quick glance, then spoke.
"Tch, You're not even trying," Tsunade said, pouting a little.
"How about this tea-green one?"
Shinho reached out and took a tea-green yukata from the closet.
"Alright," Tsunade replied with a satisfied nod. "I do like tea-green."
Her usual jacket was also tea-green. Other than Shinho, practically no one could persuade her to change her clothes.
"Need me to help you get changed?"
Shinho blinked expectantly.
"You just stand there and don't move," Tsunade warned, rolling her eyes at him. "Tonight is your big fireworks event. You can't be late."
"Lady Tsunade, what are you imagining?"
Shinho cleared his throat and tried to look serious.
"You think I don't know you?" Tsunade shot back. "Take even one step closer, and you're sleeping in your own room tonight."
"Then I'll be sure to behave," Shinho said solemnly.
Tsunade couldn't help but laugh. Her delicate features brightened, eyes curving in genuine delight. She turned around to face Shinho, slowly raising her arms as his gaze followed.
Her black sash fell loose, and her sleeveless top slipped off her shoulders. Her fair skin came into view. Shinho's eyelid twitched slightly, such an impressive sight always hit him hard.
Tsunade licked her lips and chuckled softly as she took off the rest of her clothing, the light falling on her bare figure.
Her smooth skin and perfect proportions drew the eye, her slender waist supporting her full curves in a delicate balance.
Shinho swallowed hard.
Even though he saw her like this every day, it never failed to take his breath away. Tsunade's smile deepened, pleased by the rapt look on his face, proof her allure hadn't faded in the slightest.
Taking a step closer, she reached for the yukata in Shinho's hands. In just a few moments, the alluring sight was hidden away beneath the tea-green fabric, not a hint left visible.
"Which one will you wear?" she asked, giving his cheek a playful pinch.
"I'll take the white one," Shinho replied.
"I'll dress you," Tsunade offered, lifting the white yukata.
Shinho hesitated for a second but didn't refuse. He removed his formal outfit, leaving only what he needed under the yukata, it was, after all, just a simpler kind of kimono.
"Arms up," Tsunade directed as she spread it out.
"All right." Shinho followed her instructions. In no time, he was wrapped in white.
"How do I look?" he asked, spinning around once in front of her.
"How do you look?" Tsunade repeated with a playful smile, clearly knowing what he meant but refusing to just say it.
"Sensei…" Shinho raised an eyebrow and pulled her into his arms, feigning a stern expression. "Deceiving the Hokage is a serious crime, you know!"
"I'll repent right now," Tsunade said with a smile, lifting herself on tiptoe to plant a quick kiss on him.
"I'll let you off this time," Shinho said, ruffling her hair.
"It's already this late, and Shizune still isn't back," Tsunade pressed her cheek against his chest. "Did you send her off on an errand?"
The thought crossed Shinho's mind, and he glimpsed Shizune handing over some duties to Karin, a vision granted by the power of the Territory Immortal Gu. He focused for a moment before replying, "She'll be back any minute."
"Any minute?" Tsunade asked, curious. "How do you know?"
"It's one of my Gu's abilities," Shinho answered casually.
"I see." Tsunade didn't pry further, simply resting in his arms.
Sure enough, two minutes later, the door opened.
Shizune stepped inside and caught sight of the pair embracing. A hint of jealousy flickered across her features, quickly turning into a flushed embarrassment.
"Shizune, let me help you change," Shinho offered, holding out a blue-and-white yukata.
"I'll help, too," Tsunade said, smiling as she let go of Shinho.
"I…I can do it myself," Shizune mumbled, instinctively stepping back.
"Nope, that's not happening," Shinho said, trading a look with Tsunade.
"Shizune," Tsunade said sternly, "come here."
"…Alright," Shizune murmured, biting her lip as she moved closer, her cheeks tinted pink.
Shinho handed the yukata to Tsunade, then reached out and helped remove Shizune's blazer and pencil skirt. With both of them assisting, Shizune slipped into the yukata, her entire face steaming red from embarrassment.
"What a harmonious family we have here," Shinho muttered with a sigh of satisfaction.
"It would sound more convincing if you hadn't taken advantage of Shizune just now," Tsunade retorted, giving him a sharp pinch at his waist.
"I'm the one who's suffering here," Shinho protested with an aggrieved look.
"Yeah right," Tsunade muttered, eyeing him sideways.
"Sensei…" Shinho took her hand gently. "We still have a whole hour before the Fireworks Festival."
Since they planned to set off fireworks, they had to wait until nightfall. It was only six o'clock; there was still plenty of light in the sky.
"No," Tsunade said, well aware of his intentions. "I'm not changing clothes again."
"Then maybe we could just—"
Shinho's gaze fell on her soft lips.
"You pervert!" Tsunade realized what he was implying, and a faint blush colored her cheeks.
"Sensei…" Shinho looked at her pleadingly.
Tsunade's resolve wavered under his gaze. "…Fine. But this is the last time."
"Thank you!" Shinho said, happily dropping onto the sofa like a well-behaved student.
"You too." Tsunade glanced at Shizune. "Since this is partly your fault."
"Yes," Shizune murmured, her face burning. She crouched down next to Tsunade.
Shinho exhaled slowly.
Though he'd had his fun with the 'Snake Princesses' before, they couldn't compare to these two.
Tsunade and Shizune, were different, both of them made him feel a rush of excitement just from simple gestures.
"You two really do cooperate perfectly for a Sensei and her student," Shinho said, clearly enjoying the moment.
Tsunade shot him a glare, cheeks puffed in annoyance, though her expression looked more adorable than threatening.
Shizune ignored their bickering and continued her part quietly.
The only downside for her was that Tsunade took center stage, leaving Shizune to assist on the sidelines.
"Sensei, maybe next time you could wear some lipstick," Shinho suggested, his gaze drifting to her lips.
"Do you have a death wish?" Tsunade rolled her eyes, coughing.
While Tsunade was distracted, Shizune happily took over her spot.
"Sorry, Sensei." Shinho reached out to dab at Tsunade's lips with his thumb, wiping away any stray moisture.
Caught off guard by his sudden show of sincerity, Tsunade found herself unable to stay angry. She grabbed a glass of water from the nearby table, taking a couple of gulps to soothe her throat.
"Sensei," Shinho said in a low voice, reminding her of something.
"Don't you dare say another word!" Tsunade sighed, clearly exasperated.
"Got it!" Shinho replied with seriousness. He leaned back against the sofa, his body both relaxed and tensed at once.
Even verbal sparring here felt dangerous.
Time passed. The remnants of daylight faded, and true night fell at last.
Boom!
Suddenly, a massive firework burst over the palace, scattering sparks in every direction like bullets streaking across the sky.
"Damn it!" Tsunade choked and coughed; she'd nearly spat out her water at the sudden noise. Shizune, startled as well, stared wide-eyed at the white brilliance reflecting in her gaze.
"It's already seven," Shinho noted, glancing out the window. "You two should freshen up, then we'll head out."
Getting to her feet, Tsunade kicked him in the leg out of annoyance before stalking off to the bathroom. Shizune shot Shinho one last glare, wiped her face, and followed Tsunade inside.
"What a beautiful display," Shinho murmured, standing up and feeling quite refreshed.
A few minutes later, Tsunade and Shizune reemerged. The three stepped outside into the palace courtyard. Fireworks lit up the sky in a dazzling cascade.
They walked into the streets, greeted by waves of enticing aromas. Tsunade's eyes lit up as she glanced around. None of them had eaten, saving their appetites for this celebration.
"Lady Hokage!"
"Your Majesty!"
Before Shinho could say a word, a group of passersby surrounded him. Their faces were filled with reverence, their voices brimming with excitement.
"That kid sure is popular," Tsunade muttered to herself, taking a few steps back to give him space.
Back in the day, as one of Konoha's Legendary Three Sannin, Tsunade would have garnered the same sort of crowd. But now, standing next to Shinho, she felt like a bystander.
"Let's just leave him be," Tsunade said to Shizune. "Let's go grab something to eat."
Shizune nodded. She was hungry, and Tsunade had already stole her snacks earlier, leaving nothing for her.
They quickly found a takoyaki stand and hurried over to place an order.
Meanwhile, Shinho got his taste of celebrity troubles.
After several minutes of persuading the onlookers to disperse, he was finally free. But Tsunade and Shizune were nowhere in sight.
"Brother-in-law!"
Just as Shinho was about to use the Territory Immortal Gu, he heard a voice call out to him.
It was Hanabi, dressed in a light-yellow yukata and holding a skewer of dango. A faint sheen of oil glistened on her lips.
Shinho followed her line of approach and spotted Hinata a little farther away.
She wore a white yukata that perfectly complemented her gentle demeanor, giving her an air of a devoted, caring wife.
Besides Hinata, there was Hiashi, Amaru, and Fuu.
"I'll let you young people talk," Hiashi said, nodding once at Shinho before discreetly slipping away.
"Brother-in-law, want one?" Hanabi offered the skewer of tri-colored dango.
"Thank you." Shinho took one piece and popped it into his mouth. Hanabi watched him chew, feeling a tiny pang of shyness as she herself had already eaten one piece from the skewer earlier.
"There's only one left," Shinho said after swallowing. He licked his lips and turned to Hinata. "Do you want it?"
Without hesitating, Hinata placed the last piece into her mouth. Hanabi paused awkwardly. Each of them had eaten one piece of the dango. An odd feeling washed over her, making her blush.
They really did look like one happy family. \
Still, Hanabi was just the little sister, so… She cleared her throat, driving away the strange thoughts. Yet her cheeks remained as red as apples.
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