Chapter 113: The Maiden's First Awakening Portrait

The next morning in Konoha Village, setting aside Kato Gufu’s idle doppelgänger at his own home, the real Kato Gufu’s morning began with a beautiful scene of gentle awakening.

By the time Tsunade stirred from her drowsy sleep, Kato Gufu had already completed his daily morning training and prepared breakfast for the two of them. Besides their staple dishes, he had specially made a grapefruit walnut smoothie—Tsunade’s favorite.

“Mm! …Ah!”

Lying in bed, fully rested, Tsunade hadn’t even opened her eyes before stretching her graceful figure and letting out a long, satisfied yawn.

Then, her delicate nostrils twitched slightly as she caught the scent of her favorite food. She reached up to smooth the disheveled strands of hair on her head, sniffed again, and finally opened her bright, beautiful eyes.

Though her eyes were open, Tsunade was still somewhat groggy, caught between sleep and wakefulness.

Unconsciously turning her head to glance at the sunlight pouring through the window, she also listened attentively to the sounds coming from the kitchen. Only then did she truly come to her senses and recall the events of the previous night.

The moon, the countless stars, grapes, herbal tea, Wood Release, Kato Gufu, first kiss—a series of memories flashed swiftly through Tsunade’s mind.

The last image that settled in her memory was of herself lying in Kato Gufu’s embrace, listening to his gentle words as they spoke of a beautiful future together.

Then, lying in bed, Tsunade twisted her waist and sat up with a sudden movement.

Last night was probably her initiative… most likely, yes… she thought, she had fallen asleep in Gufu’s arms.

Her very first thought upon waking was to confirm whether she had truly taken the lead—officially certified by Kato Gufu.

After all, the regal Tsunade, the Slug Princess of Konoha, could not lose her queenly composure over something as small as a first kiss.

She smelled the scent of her favorite food once more, then looked down at the unmistakable signs on the bed that two people had slept there, remembering that Kato Gufu must have spent the night at her place.

Though it wasn’t the first time he had stayed over, last night was special: she had given him her first kiss—or rather, Tsunade had claimed Kato Gufu’s first kiss.

In her mind, that kiss marked the official beginning of their romantic relationship—a qualitative change, something different.

Looking down at the clothes she wore, still in the same undershirt as the night before, she noticed it was somewhat revealing around the chest but otherwise unremarkable. This was when she remembered she should be feeling shy.

The Slug Princess of Konoha, Tsunade, was not only queenly but now officially in love, and she mustn’t lose her lady-like grace.

“That idiot, you do have a bit of conscience…”

Tsunade reached out to adjust her two ample bosoms, tidied her clothes, then flopped back onto the wide bed, still too lazy to get up.

Curling up tightly under the blanket and tossing around twice, she recalled last night’s first kiss on the rooftop.

“Hmm, the Milky Way above, the crescent moon like a boat… only the beautiful me and the handsome him… pretty perfect… heh heh…”

“…and the blood kiss… heh heh…”

Hugging the blanket as if holding someone close, she gently licked the small wound on her lip that had already healed.

Her bright eyes sparkled, her cheeks flushed with a smile, her golden hair slightly tousled but shining in the warm sunlight—a perfect picture of a girl awakening at dawn.

Yes, a dawn scene of a full-bosomed young lady just waking.

Leaning against the doorframe of the bedroom, Kato Gufu had been watching for quite some time—not secretly, but openly admiring the beautiful sight before him.

He silently gave this morning’s awakening scene a lovely name in his heart.

He felt this image of her waking up was just as breathtaking as the Milky Way and moonlit boat scene he had witnessed on the rooftop last night—perhaps even more so.

If not for the thought that Tsunade might be late for work if he kept staring, Kato Gufu wouldn’t mind lingering a little longer.

“What are you giggling about all alone under the covers, you silly fool?”

Noticing the morning was getting late, he couldn’t let the silly girl just waste time smiling to herself in bed. It was time to do something more meaningful, like—

Just as Tsunade looked confused, startled awake by his words, Kato Gufu instantly moved before her, using his chakra to teleport right in front of her.

Years of daily physical training paid off in moments like this. He skillfully plucked the delicious cherries he had tasted just last night and grabbed one of her flustered large white rabbits.

—-

In Tsunade’s dining room, the warm yellow sunlight of the rising sun streamed through the window, crossing over the Hokage Rock, casting a golden glow upon the dining table that made the food appear all the more tempting.

Having just finished their second morning training, Kato Gufu and the now fresh and tidy Tsunade were happily chatting over breakfast.

“Tsunade, I just used the bathroom in your bedroom after my first morning workout. Overall, it’s pretty good, but there’s one thing I have to point out.”

Kato Gufu took a hurried sip of milk before speaking.

“Hm? What’s the issue?”

“The bathtub is too small. If we ever take a bath together, it might get a bit cramped.”

“Though small has its benefits—being a little squished is healthier—but still, it’s not very convenient.”

Tsunade, cheeks faintly flushed, didn’t respond to his shameless comment, unsure how to reply to this brazen fellow.

“Then it’s settled. When I have the chance, I’ll get you a bigger bathtub.”

Without hesitation, Kato Gufu made the decision for her and immediately moved on to another topic, assuming she had agreed.

“What about my little brother-in-law, Shinobu? His brother-in-law has been back in the village for days, but I haven’t seen him yet.”

As he spoke, Kato Gufu attentively poured the grapefruit walnut smoothie he had prepared for Tsunade.

“Pfft, which little brother-in-law are you talking about?”

Tsunade took the drink from him, rolling her eyes at his words.

“Shinobu has been out on a mission with his squad leader. He won’t be back for a while.”

“That one? Of course, he’s my little brother-in-law now. Shinobu is officially Kato Gufu’s little brother-in-law.”

“Just last night, a certain princess personally certified it, and again this morning. How can he so quickly take advantage of me, the pure bachelor, and then deny it?”

“Sounds like you two are so close, but Shinobu hasn’t acknowledged you yet! If he doesn’t, we’ll have to reconsider our situation.”

“Heh, women!”

“Don’t get cocky just because you’re winning me over. You can’t even keep your mouth shut during meals!”

Tsunade was rolling a lotus root, chive, and egg pancake when she heard Kato Gufu bragging shamelessly. She was thoroughly annoyed, especially recalling what had just happened in her bedroom.

“Open up! Eating chive, egg, and lotus root pancake this early? Humph!”

Though scolding him, she still handed the rolled pancake to Kato Gufu.

“Heh heh, I even brought a gift for my little brother-in-law. I was hoping to curry his favor so he’d speak well of me to his sister.”

Kato Gufu paid no mind to her scolding, swallowing half of the lovingly rolled pancake in one bite as he continued talking about Shinobu.

“Who knew there was no need to bribe him. Last night, a certain domineering Konoha princess took advantage of the dark, windy night on a secluded rooftop, where no one else was around, and forcibly—violently—coerced this weak, handsome man of hers. There was even blood!”

“Oh, that scene sounds fierce and brutal…”

Kato Gufu quickly swallowed the remaining pancake, his face wearing a smug, teasing grin as he continued shamelessly boasting.

Unaware that Tsunade had stopped rolling the lotus root, chive, and egg pancake and was now gently wiping her green onion-scented fingers with a napkin.

She rubbed her fingers softly as she flexed them, occasionally clenching her fists.

*Clatter!*

“Breakfast is served!”

“Oh!”

Harmony and quiet returned to the dining room, the warm yellow sunlight continued to gently bathe the small room, marking the beginning of a sweet and beautiful day for Kato Gufu and Tsunade.

—

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