Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 375: A Candle in the Wind

"Grandma, I didn't say I wouldn't get married," Nawaki said carefully, gauging her expression. "I just want to wait a few more years, until I'm more mature."

His tone carried a hint of timidity.

Kushina, already flushed, remained silent, while Misaki watched quietly, not daring to interrupt.

"You make it sound so easy," Mito said with a sharp edge to her voice. "A few years is a few years."

She noticed Nawaki open his mouth to respond but left him without a chance to speak further.

"Forget it. I don't care about you—do whatever you want."

"You've all had a lot to drink. Go wash up and go to bed early," she added before standing up and leaving the room on her own.

The three of them sat there in silence, confused by the sudden shift in the conversation.

"What's wrong with Grandma?" Nawaki scratched his head, his face full of confusion. He couldn't remember what Tsunade had asked him to tell Mito.

"Maybe she's worried about us because she saw someone get married," Misaki guessed after thinking for a moment.

"Grandma probably just said that on a whim. You guys keep chatting—I'm going to freshen up. I reek of alcohol."

Kushina, more carefree, didn't dwell on it. She got up and left directly. Since Grandma wasn't targeting her, she figured she'd let the other two deal with it.

"I think Grandma is a little angry. Should we apologize to her? If she really wants us to get married early, then let's get married. What do you think?"

Nawaki, ever the filial child, sat down next to Misaki to discuss the matter.

"I'm fine with it. Let's do what Grandma says," Misaki agreed immediately but then realized it might seem presumptuous. She quickly added, using Mito as a shield, "It's what Grandma wants, after all."

"Good. Tomorrow we'll go find Grandma and have a proper chat. I don't think we need to get married anytime soon, though."

Nawaki still believed Mito's reaction was due to seeing others getting married. He ignored the reality that, despite her youthful appearance, Mito was in her twilight years.

After everyone had gone to bed, the lights in Mito's room remained on. She sat in front of the dressing table, gazing at her still-beautiful face in the mirror, though her eyes lacked focus.

After a long time, she ran a hand across her cheek and muttered to herself, "Hashirama, just wait a little longer for me..."

At some point, the lights in her room went out, and not a single ray of light could be seen in the Senju mansion.

No words were exchanged that night.

The next day, Misaki woke early to prepare breakfast. Although she didn't cook often, she felt an apology needed to be made with sincerity. Letting Nawaki cook was unrealistic, so she took it upon herself.

Mito arrived only after Nawaki and Kushina were already seated at the table. Sitting down at the head, her face betrayed no sign of fatigue, despite the short night's sleep.

"What, trying to please your grandmother?"

Mito took a single bite and immediately knew who had prepared the breakfast.

"Not at all. It's only right that I cook for you," Misaki replied with a bright smile as she served Mito some congee.

"I'm so happy that you're so filial," Mito said, accepting the congee from Misaki.

Meanwhile, Kushina silently buried her head in her rice, still feeling the effects of her hangover. Nawaki also refrained from bringing up yesterday's topic—at least for now.

"As long as Grandma enjoys it, I can cook every day if you'd like," Misaki said sweetly, making Mito light up with joy.

Seeing that everyone was nearly done eating and that Mito seemed to be in a good mood, Nawaki set down his bowl, wiped his mouth, and spoke up.

"Grandma, I was in the wrong yesterday. The wedding date for Misaki and me is entirely up to you. You're an adult, so please don't take it personally."

He shuffled a little closer to Mito and offered her a smile.

"Now you know you have to listen to Grandma, right?" Mito said with a teasing smile. "If you want to wait a few years, then wait a few years. I was just saying that on impulse yesterday."

Mito didn't want to hold onto anger. Seeing Tsunade married with children was already more than enough. She had reflected on it last night and realized she shouldn't be too greedy.

After all, she was better off than Hashirama. That short-lived man never even had the chance to meet his grandchildren. As for Nawaki and Misaki, they could take things at their own pace.

"Grandma, you're the best," Nawaki said with relief. "See? I told you that Grandma was just being a little jealous."

Hearing this, a weight lifted from Nawaki's heart. First, Mito wasn't angry, and second, he didn't have to rush into marriage.

"You child, is it not okay for Grandma to be a little jealous?" Mito feigned irritation and gave Nawaki a gentle slap on the head.

"Okay, Grandma can do whatever she wants," Nawaki replied, shrinking his neck and laughing heartily.

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As they continued chatting, a familiar voice rang out.

"Grandma, Ginji came to see you!"

The sound of hurried footsteps followed, and soon Ginji appeared in front of everyone. He threw himself into Mito's arms as Kawakaze and Tsunade entered behind him.

"My dear boy, I've missed you so much," Mito said, planting several kisses on Ginji's cheeks, completely ignoring Kawakaze and Tsunade.

"Uncle, Aunt, and Sister Kushina," Ginji greeted Nawaki and the others after finishing his affectionate reunion with Mito.

The family hierarchy was already a mess, so no one objected to the titles, even if they were technically incorrect. Misaki easily accepted being called "Aunt" without any protest.

"So, you miss your great-grandma but not your uncle, huh?" Nawaki teased, giving Ginji a hug. He had a soft spot for his little nephew.

"I miss him too, just... not as much," Ginji replied slyly, glancing at Mito. Nawaki, as expected, couldn't do anything about him.

"Haha, serves you right!" Kushina burst out laughing, doubling over as she pointed at Nawaki.

Some people just didn't know their own limitations!