The world around Gojo was dim and muffled, consciousness drifting in and out like the gentle waves of an ocean tide.
Although he had fought valiantly, defending Tsunade with every fiber of his being, the aftermath left him gravely weakened.
Yet, amidst his exhaustion, faint wisps of chakra began to weave through him, his Sage Body working tirelessly to mend the fractures in his reserves.
He rested against Tsunade's back as she carried him through the forest, a silent guardian.
Each careful step she took sent jolts of guilt deep into her heart, knowing he had endured suffering to save her.
Their bond was deeper than she had ever anticipated—one that not only merged their fates but intertwined their souls on an unbreakable level.
As they trekked forward, the rustling of leaves accompanied the quiet thoughts in Tsunade's mind.
She couldn't shake the feeling of heartache that radiated through her.
How could just one boy take on such a burden?
He shouldn't have to risk everything for her.
From time to time, a curious gaze flickered from Karin, the little girl's wide eyes drawn to Gojo's unconscious form.
Her heart thumped rhythmically against her ribcage.
What if he doesn't wake up? she worried, intertwining hope and fear as they continued their journey home.
After a full day of traveling, they finally arrived at the gates of Konoha.
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting the village in a gentle twilight glow.
Tsunade could feel the familiar sensation of home wrapping around her, but it was tinged with trepidation about Gojo's condition.
She laid him gently on his bed, brushing strands of silver hair away from his face.
"You'll be alright, Gojo," she murmured, planting a tender kiss on his forehead.
"Just rest… I'll take care of everything."
With that, she turned to Uzumaki Kioko and Karin, who both watched her with shared softness.
"Stay close to him while I handle things," Tsunade instructed, trying to keep her own fears at bay.
Once the two women nodded, Tsunade took a deep breath and left Gojo to recuperate, heading toward the Hokage's office with purpose.
She knew that the future of the Uzumaki clan rested in her hands, and with renewed determination, she pressed forward.
As she entered the Hokage tower, the usually bustling atmosphere of duty and diligence was replaced by chaos.
Tsunade burst into the room, and her eyes widened as she spotted Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, frantically trying to hide his telescope glass ball, blood trailing from his nose.
"Sensei!" Tsunade exclaimed, raising an eyebrow as she crossed her arms over her chest, trying to contain her mixture of annoyance and amusement.
"What are you doing?"
With a sheepish grin, Hiruzen dabbed at his nose, escaping embarrassment for the moment.
"I was just—um, conducting surveillance!" he proclaimed, trying valiantly to reclaim his dignity.
"Right…" Tsunade muttered, deciding it was best not to press further.
After a moment of silence, she shifted the conversation to more pressing matters.
"I'm here to discuss creating identities for Uzumaki Kioko and her daughter, Karin."
As soon as the words left her lips, Hiruzen immediately perked up.
"Absolutely! If they're Uzumaki, they'll be treated as family. Their clan has contributed much to the village," he said, flipping through some papers to get the documentation ready.
"Thank you," Tsunade replied, her gaze stern.
She noted the way he immediately moved to help, ingrained politeness shining through.
"I'll want to arrange housing as well."
"Oh, his house is spacious," Tsunade added, her expression softening for a moment.
"Gojo's house is large, and I want them to stay there."
Hiruzen blinked in surprise.
"You're sure? That might raise some questions in the village… and there could be rumors—"
"I'm planning for Karin to marry Gojo," Tsunade interrupted bluntly, a smirk playing on her lips.
Karin, who had inadvertently accompanied Tsunade, nearly exploded.
"W-W-WHAT?!" Her face turned crimson as she remained still, eyes wide with disbelief.
Kioko smiled knowingly, her heart swelling at the thought.
"That's an interesting idea," she observed, gazing at her daughter.
"Gojo seems to embody qualities that could make a young girl happy. He's brave and kind."
"Mom!" Karin gasped, her embarrassment mounting.
Hiruzen coughed, trying to stifle laughter as he interjected,
"I approve! If Gojo is truly exceptional, then he is certainly worthy of that honor."
Tsunade rolled her eyes but held back a smile, enjoying the banter.
With the matters settled, Tsunade began to walk out but paused.
"Karin, I'll be arranging for you to join Gojo's class starting next week. You'll be training alongside him and the others."
Karin's heart raced in her chest, imagining herself sitting next to Gojo in class, learning and growing together.
"Really?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in excitement.
"Really," Tsunade affirmed, her tone softening.
"And I'll also begin teaching you chakra control and medical techniques, so be prepared."
Karin gulped, wiping her sweat.
Although Tsunade's training was renowned for being rigorous, all she could think of was being close to Gojo.
After the serious discussions concluded, Tsunade returned to the Senju estate, and as she approached the entrance, relief washed over her like a flowing river; she was home.
She pushed open the door and stepped inside, the familiarity enveloping her.
In the quiet evening, she spotted Gojo soundly sleeping in his bed, the peaceful rise and fall of his chest offering solace in the stillness.
Tsunade felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
The tension of the day melted away as she looked at him; he was safe, at least for now.
Karin and Kioko joined her inside, their footsteps light as they cautiously approached the sleeping boy.
"Will he be alright?" Karin asked hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tsunade nodded, her heart softening.
"His Sage Body is already working to heal him. He just needs some time."
As if sensing their attention, Gojo shifted in his sleep, a slight smile forming on his lips.
Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"Even sleeping, he looks like a handsome devil."
With a playful punch to his forehead, she felt warmth bloom in her chest.
"You fool, always putting yourself in danger."
Kioko, hearing the playful banter, smiled softly.
"He seems like someone who cares deeply for those around him."
Silence wrapped around them like a warm blanket, and Tsunade reminisced about the bonds they had formed.
Life had made her wary of deep connections—sorrow had twisted her trust—but with Gojo, the walls around her heart appeared to be crumbling.
As the three resumed their quiet conversation, Kioko surprised them by suggesting she could cook.
"I know how to make a few things," she said shyly.
"It might help us bond."
"I'd love to try!" Karin exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
"I bet you're a great cook."
With that, they ventured into the kitchen, and Tsunade approved, relishing the thought of sharing meals together again as a family.
As the aroma of broth filled the air, Tsunade realized how long it had been since she had actually shared a meal with anyone she cared about.
After dinner, they settled down for the evening, and Tsunade glanced at Gojo's room.
The moonlight filtered through the high windows, casting a silver glow around his sleeping form.
She felt an urge to be near him, an instinctive pull that guided her steps.
With a deep breath, she entered his room, heart racing, and quietly lay down beside him, careful not to disturb his rest.
Gojo felt warm against her body, and she slipped an arm around him, relishing the proximity.
In the soft glow of moonlight, she admired his features: the gentleness of his expression, the way his silver hair caught the light.
"What a handsome devil you are…" she murmured, her cheeks warming.
Unable to hold back, she lightly punched his cheek, grinning as he stirred.
"Even when you're unconscious, you're insufferable."
A wave of emotion swept over her.
The fear of loss was palpable, lingering in her heart like a heavy fog.
Silent tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered,
"Don't leave me… not you too."
Tsunade held him tightly, wrapping her arms around him like a lifeline.
The warmth radiating from his body reassured her, and she gradually fell into a peaceful slumber, dreams unfurling in hues of hope rather than despair.
Time slipped through the night, and with each passing moment, Gojo's presence soothed her.
Tsunade awoke later, startled by the sunlight spilling through the windows.
Stretching slightly, she glanced down to see Gojo still asleep, lying peacefully in her embrace.
Her heart swelled with warmth as she remembered the bond they shared—she would do everything to protect him, just as he had for her.
In the quiet of the morning, she placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, whispering,
"Today is the start of a new chapter."
With renewed determination, she threw back the covers and freshened up, ready to face whatever came next.
Before leaving, she looked back at Gojo.
"I'll be here when you wake up," she promised softly.
---
Chapter 43 Ends.