Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!-Chapter 382: The Heirloom

There, he found two small graves side by side. One of the tombstones bore the name Kyōko Dōmura. Shishi knelt before the graves, placing an offering in front of them.

"Konohagakure's Shishi, on behalf of Lord Nawaki and Lady Misaki, I thank you for your hospitality."

He bowed several times earnestly before standing and leaving. Returning to the village, he slipped silently into Kyoko's old shop. After carefully selecting a few decent-looking relics, he departed for Konoha.

The night before the wedding, Shishi handed the items to Nawaki.

"You've worked hard," Nawaki said, patting Shishi on the shoulder. Their bond was strong enough that no further thanks were needed.

"Haha, it's nothing, just a quick trip," Shishi replied with a bright grin. "Just make sure to join us for a drink when the time comes."

"Just don't get me so drunk I miss the wedding night," Nawaki joked. "Or I'll make sure you pay for it later."

Shishi raised an eyebrow, grinning playfully. "Don't worry, we'll leave you with plenty of energy for the important part."

"Haha, screw you." Nawaki gave Shishi a light kick, smirking. Fortunately, Misaki wasn't around to hear their exchange.

"I wish you a happy marriage in advance. I might not get the chance to say anything tomorrow." Shishi rubbed the spot where Nawaki had kicked him, pretending to be offended, before turning to leave.

As Shishi disappeared from sight, Nawaki stood still, staring at the relics in his hands. His expression softened, and he fell into deep thought.

"Forget it, I'm sure Misaki will understand," Nawaki muttered to himself as he folded his arms and slowly made his way to Misaki's room.

Knock, knock, knock.

"You're not asleep, are you?" he asked after knocking a few times, his hands lowering as he waited for a response.

"No, the door was unlocked," came Misaki's gentle voice from inside. Nawaki quickly hid the belongings he carried in his arms before pushing the door open.

"Why didn't you go to bed earlier? You'll be tired tomorrow," Nawaki said, sitting down by the bed. Misaki, who was half-reclining, shifted inward to make space for him.

"I can't sleep. I kind of miss Grandma Kyoko." Misaki's eyes were distant as she spoke, her thoughts turning to the kind old woman who had taken her in. Though she couldn't protect her, Grandma Kyoko had given her a safe place to stay, along with three meals a day.

"That..." Nawaki hesitated, unsure how to approach the subject.

"Just say what's on your mind. Is there anything we can't talk about?" Misaki's steady gaze fixed on Nawaki, the man who would officially become her husband tomorrow.

"Well," he began, "I asked Shishi to bring Granny Kyoko here for the wedding." He paused before continuing, his voice softer. "But he only brought back this."

Nawaki took out the belongings Shishi had retrieved. Misaki's eyes turned a deep crimson the moment she saw them. Among the items was a familiar comb—one Granny Kyoko had often used to comb her hair.

"Has Granny Kyoko passed away?" Misaki's hands trembled as she took the few items from Nawaki, her voice quivering.

"Yes," Nawaki confirmed gently. "She died of illness, peacefully." He didn't know the full truth of her passing but chose his words carefully to comfort Misaki.

"That's good... that's good," Misaki murmured, but her composure cracked. Tears rolled down her face as she clutched the items close to her chest.

"Grandma Kyoko will also bless us in the Pure Land," Nawaki said softly, reaching out to wrap his arms around Misaki's shoulders, letting her lean on him.

"Yes, she will," Misaki whispered, before breaking down completely and letting out a loud, grief-stricken cry.

Nawaki held her tightly, his steady presence grounding her as she released her sorrow.

"Thank you, Nawaki," Misaki said after a long while, drying her tears. She noticed his shoulders, damp from her crying, and brushed them off with care.

"There's no need to say thank you between us," Nawaki said softly, extending a finger to gently wipe the tear track from Misaki's cheek.

"Mm," Misaki nodded, their gazes locking as a light blush colored both their faces.

Her beauty, so close to him, made Nawaki pause. His eyes drifted to her soft, inviting lips, and slowly, he leaned in. Misaki, shy but receptive, closed her eyes. Her long eyelashes quivered, betraying her nervousness and anticipation.

Though they had been in love for a long time, they rarely had moments of intimacy. Both were naturally reserved, and the novelty of the moment heightened its tenderness.

Their lips touched gently, fleeting like a dragonfly skimming the water's surface. The kiss lingered, meeting again and deepening. Nawaki's hand rose to cup Misaki's chin, holding her delicately as the kiss became more intense.

Misaki responded by tightening her grip around Nawaki's body, holding him as though she never wanted to let go.

After a long while, their lips finally parted.

"You should go back now," Misaki murmured, her cheeks flushed a deep red. She lowered her head slightly, using the back of her hand to wipe the corner of her mouth.

"Um... okay," Nawaki said, restraining himself with effort. His reasoning reminded him that tomorrow night, Misaki would be his completely.

"Get some sleep. Goodnight," Misaki said softly, leaving a quick, gentle kiss on his cheek before stepping back. She watched Nawaki leave her room, her heart full of anticipation and a touch of nervousness.

Back in his room, Nawaki lay in bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. His mind replayed the kiss over and over, and the emotions it stirred refused to let him rest. Finally, he gave in, took a cold shower to calm down, and eventually drifted to sleep.

Before dawn, Nawaki was startled awake by a loud knock on his door.

"Still sleeping? Aren't you getting married today?" Mito's commanding voice rang out like a death knell, jolting Nawaki out of bed.

He rubbed his eyes, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was only three o'clock.

"My dear grandmother, it's only three..." he muttered to himself, slumping back onto the bed in a heap. "Grandma, isn't it too early? I want to sleep a little longer."

"Sleep? Hurry up," Mito snapped. "Misaki is going to Orochimaru's house later."

Since Misaki had no family to host the wedding, Mito had arranged for her to marry from Orochimaru's house, with his and his wife's approval. As Misaki's direct mentor, it was a fitting arrangement.

"Okay, I'm up," Nawaki grumbled, finally dragging himself out of bed after Mito's persistent urging.

He rubbed his face roughly, trying to clear his head. Regret flitted across his mind. I shouldn't have kissed her last night. Now I feel restless, not knowing what's going on.

He dressed in his usual clothes and opened the door, but Mito was already gone.

After washing up, he stepped into the courtyard to stretch. There, he saw Misaki, surrounded by several women who were helping her prepare.

"I'm going to Orochimaru Sensei's house. Wait for me there," Misaki said, tilting her head slightly to glance past the group bustling around her. She didn't say much, but Nawaki understood her completely.

He nodded and gave her a reassuring "no problem" sign with his hand. Misaki smiled brightly at his response, her happiness clear despite the busy preparations.

Surrounded by her entourage, she walked out of the courtyard.