Because it was the Hokage herself paying a visit, there was no way Kiyosuke and the others would let Obito tag along to help.
According to protocol, one should first send a letter to notify Kirigakure in advance about visiting the village. However, Tsunade didn't clearly state her purpose for the trip — only that she was coming.
Soon after, she departed with Jiraiya and Kiyosuke, without bringing any guards. With Jiraiya and Kiyosuke present, who would dare say they needed protection?
If even those two couldn't protect her, then there was no one left in the shinobi world who could.
After some time, they arrived at the gates of Kirigakure.
Mei Terumī personally came to welcome them.
"Hokage-sama, Kirigakure welcomes your arrival."
Although she didn't know the purpose of the visit, the moment her eyes landed on Kiyosuke, she began to guess. When she saw him wink at her from behind Tsunade, she immediately understood. Her cheeks turned slightly red.
Tsunade caught that and smiled.
"Mizukage-sama, I think you already know why I'm here. Shall we?"
"Of course."
Mei coughed lightly and led the way, guiding the three of them straight to her own home.
Her father had already been informed and hurried out to greet them. After all, this was the Hokage of Konohagakure — it would be disrespectful to treat her casually.
He was in high spirits… until he saw Kiyosuke.
The cheerful look on his face collapsed instantly.
Hey hey, father-in-law, what's with that 'I wish you were dead' expression?!
Kiyosuke grumbled inwardly, but outwardly, he kept a bright smile and acted as if he didn't notice anything. Calling out "Father," he joined Mei's father with a polite bow — though the man's face made it clear he wasn't happy — and followed him into the Terumī household.
...
In the sitting room, Mei — now head of the Terumī family — didn't take the main seat. That spot was occupied by her father.
"Mr. Terumī," Tsunade said directly, "we've come to Kirigakure today for one reason — to arrange a marriage proposal for this brat, Kiyosuke."
"Hmph!"
Mei's father shot Kiyosuke a sharp glare.
"Asakawa Kiyosuke, you ungrateful brat! Don't even think about marrying my daughter!"
Kiyosuke and Mei both stiffened.
"Father!"
"Ah… Father-in-law…"
"Enough!" Mei's father stood up abruptly. "You bastard! How long did you make my daughter wait?! And only now you suddenly remember to marry her? You're too late! There are plenty of men who'd love to marry my daughter — I could send a messenger from Kirigakure to Konoha and have suitors lined up!"
He was furious.
Simply put — extremely displeased.
He wasn't about to let this brat just waltz in and take his precious daughter away so easily.
Kiyosuke understood clearly. His father-in-law just wanted to vent. Fair enough — his own behavior had been pretty rotten. The man had every right to be upset.
He straightened up, bowed respectfully, and said,
"You're right, I am a bastard. But, Father, I love Mei deeply. If I were ever separated from her, I'd rather die. Please entrust your daughter's future to me!"
"Kiyosuke…" Mei blushed furiously. Ugh, why say something so sappy in front of everyone? How cheesy!
"Now, now, Terumī-san, don't be so angry!" Jiraiya jumped in to ease the tension, smiling. "Children should make their own choices in love. These days, we all believe in freedom of romance — best not to meddle too much in the younger generation's business."
He actually knew Mei's father. In his younger days, the man had been one of Kirigakure's top fighters — a powerful shinobi who fought alongside the Third Mizukage during the height of Kirigakure's power and achieved great military merit.
"Freedom of romance? I gave Mei that freedom! And look what she brought me — this idiot!" He jabbed a finger at Kiyosuke, fuming.
Kiyosuke could only laugh awkwardly. Tsunade smiled and said,
"That's not fair. Kiyosuke is a man with great responsibility. The Fourth Hokage entrusted his child to him, and he went through countless hardships to raise that boy. Now that the child's grown up, he's come right away to propose."
"Then why didn't he come sooner? Do you think my daughter's the kind of woman who bullies children?" Mei's father's temper flared again. Wait — he has a son already? And my daughter hasn't married yet because she's been busy taking care of his kid?!
"…" Kiyosuke.
"…" Tsunade.
"…" Jiraiya.
At this point, the three of them finally realized — Mei's father wasn't refusing the marriage; he just wanted to make them squirm a bit longer.
...
"Ugh—" Suddenly, Mei clutched her stomach and gagged lightly.
Tsunade's eyes narrowed. In a flash, she appeared at Mei's side, pressing her hand against the Mizukage's abdomen to examine her. Her expression shifted — and when Mei quickly winked at her, Tsunade immediately caught on. Clearing her throat, she smiled.
"Mizukage-sama, how have things been between you and Kiyosuke lately?"
"W-We only started seeing each other recently…" Mei replied shyly, lowering her head.
"Congratulations," Tsunade said warmly. "You're going to have a baby!"
That one sentence turned both Mei's father and Kiyosuke pale.
"I—I'm going to be a father?!" Kiyosuke was overjoyed, though he found it strange — wasn't it too soon? But when he saw Mei wink again, he understood. Jiraiya laughed, slapping him on the shoulder.
"You move fast, kid!"
The rice had already been cooked — a done deal! A perfect checkmate.
Mei's father was stunned speechless, then asked, "Hokage-sama… is that true?"
"Of course," Tsunade huffed. "Are you doubting my medical ninjutsu? I can tell whether someone's pregnant or not."
Mei's father drew in a deep breath, turned to Kiyosuke, and punched him square in the chest.
"You bastard! What are you standing around for? Go prepare the wedding!"
His daughter couldn't possibly walk down the aisle with a belly showing. The wedding needed to happen — immediately!
Kiyosuke flew back from the punch, clutching his stomach but grinning from ear to ear.
"Y-Yes! Right away! Thank you, Father-in-law!"
Mei's trick was pure genius. But if her father ever found out she wasn't really pregnant… would he kill him?
Mei's father had already resigned himself to it. There was no turning back now.
The household was soon bustling with preparations. Mei's mother gently took her daughter's hand and whispered,
"You little rascal, have you no shame? How could you say something like that?"
A mother always knows — her daughter wasn't pregnant. But since she approved of Kiyosuke, she decided to stay quiet. Strength, looks, character — he had it all. Even if his family background wasn't much, his abilities made up for it.
And more importantly, he was the one her daughter loved.
As long as Mei truly loved him, even if he were a mere commoner ninja, as long as he was worthy of her trust, the family would accept him.
It was just that her husband was still stewing in frustration. Without warning, their daughter had been swept away — how could he not be angry?
He was practically fuming to death!
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