Tsunade felt somewhat helpless regarding the fact that Ryōsuke was still threatening the Daimyō's messenger right before leaving. This wasn't one of those enemies who deserved no mercy; he was, after all, a subordinate of the Leaf Village's partner.
She could only say, "Go on out, Ryōsuke."
Hearing this, Ryōsuke left immediately. In his eyes, Tsunade was still too kind. If one didn't display enough strength to people like this, how could they ever be expected to obey? However, it looked like the man wouldn't dare cause any more trouble now.
Once Sasaki saw Ryōsuke leave, his heart finally began to relax. 'Why on earth did I get curious about that man?' he wondered. Ryōsuke was indeed exceptionally powerful. Although he hadn't truly made a move, just the presence of those Mangekyō Sharingan eyes had made Sasaki's entire body feel uncomfortable. He was certainly not someone to be trifled with.
However, Lady Tsunade truly lived up to her reputation as the successor of the Senju Clan. She actually had the boldness to suppress the most powerful member of the arrogant Uchiha Clan. He couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. Otherwise, some very unpleasant things might have happened within the Land of Fire. Who knew if this clan would become dissatisfied with other aspects of the Daimyō's rule and seek further changes? It seemed that Tsunade becoming the Fifth Hokage was indeed a very wise choice.
Shikaku, watching this scene unfold, noticed something quite extraordinary. His eyes narrowed slightly. Logically, Uchiha Ryōsuke should have been very angry at being treated that way by Lady Tsunade, yet he wasn't. This was completely inconsistent with the man's usual style of behavior. His previous impression was of someone who feared nothing—the man had kicked the Third Hokage and punched Shimura Danzō. Those two were the highest-ranking figures in the Leaf Village at the time.
So why was there such a massive change? 'Does he have a very good relationship with Lady Tsunade?' Shikaku pondered. With Ryōsuke's personality, it would be impossible for him to endure such treatment unless they were close. Shikaku also recalled how Tsunade's complexion had become much more radiant since her return to the village. Previously, he hadn't believed Tsunade had another man because he felt no one could conquer her.
But now, he couldn't help but think, 'Wait, did these two actually get together?' The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Aside from someone as powerful as Uchiha Ryōsuke, who else in the village could conquer a woman like Tsunade? 'Could it actually be true?' The more he considered it, the more likely it seemed. If there was no relationship, Ryōsuke would never be so gentle toward Tsunade.
Shikaku was suddenly struck by a sense of awe. 'What a terrifying man... he even conquered Tsunade, the most beautiful and ferocious flower in the Leaf Village.' He felt a mix of admiration and envy.
In contrast to Shikaku, Fugaku's expression remained calm. In his eyes, Ryōsuke had done well. Without a bit of a threat, the Daimyō might never realize how foolish his opinion was. After a great war, money was naturally needed to rebuild the village. If the Daimyō wanted to tighten the belts of the Leaf ninjas, why shouldn't the Daimyō's own officials suffer instead?
After Ryōsuke was gone, Tsunade spoke with a pleasant expression. "Since the messenger has decided to relay the message so the Daimyō can reconsider the funding for the Leaf Village, the village won't keep you here any longer. Official business is more important, after all."
The suggestion Shikaku had made earlier about the messenger staying in the Leaf Village for a few days of sightseeing was naturally scrapped. The messenger, Sasaki, felt a bit bitter. He really had to go back and report this to the Daimyō. He had traveled all the way to the Leaf Village, exhausted, and now he had to rush back immediately. It was a tiring trip where he gained nothing. Once the Daimyō reconsidered, he would probably be forced to come back again. It was a real loss.
He could only say helplessly, "Very well, I shall take my leave then." He took his subordinates and left, frustrated.
Seeing the Daimyō's messenger and his entourage depart, Tsunade smiled and said, "The problem is solved. Meeting adjourned."
The difficult issue for today was settled. If the Daimyō still insisted on having his way, then she might choose to be a bit more forceful herself. Fortunately, the village was united now. They could put immense pressure on the Daimyō, and he should know what to do.
Of course, there was also Uchiha Ryōsuke; he needed to be disciplined properly. Being assertive was fine, but he shouldn't be so crude. She felt that Ryōsuke was far too quick to flip the table, which was a very dangerous habit.
The next day.
After finishing her day's work, Tsunade returned to the Senju Clan compound. She had also invited Ryōsuke over for dinner. She had Shizune finish her work early to prepare a feast: chicken, duck, and beef soup. Her and Shizune's appetites were decent, but not to this extent. This was all prepared for Ryōsuke. The guy had a massive appetite; otherwise, his body wouldn't be so strong. She had witnessed his eating capacity before.
Once the dishes were on the table, Shizune prepared three bowls of rice for the three of them. Looking at the delicious food, Ryōsuke immediately picked up his chopsticks and began eating. It was delicious.
He praised, "Shizune, the food you made is truly too delicious."
Shizune had a smile on her face. "Ryōsuke, it's good as long as you like it." Cooking for her man felt quite nice.
Tsunade also started eating, but she kept a stern face as she spoke. "Ryōsuke, you were far too rude when facing the Daimyō's messenger yesterday. It's fine to be assertive, but don't be so crude."
While eating, Ryōsuke responded, "Wife Tsunade is right."
Tsunade's face instantly flushed red. How did this guy dare to call her that? She retorted, "Who is your wife?"
Ryōsuke stopped his movements and looked at Tsunade in disbelief. "No way, Lady Tsunade. After everything that's happened between us, are you planning to just eat your fill and run away without taking responsibility?"
Shizune had a bit of a smile on her face. 'If happening "like that" makes one his wife, then aren't I also his wife?' She felt a sense of happiness. Things were just moving a bit fast—now she had already become Ryōsuke's wife.
Tsunade was a bit angry. What kind of nonsense was this guy spouting? He was the one who had been forceful, yet he made it sound like she was the one being irresponsible. 'You hateful guy!' She realized she couldn't keep bickering with him; she knew she wasn't as good at twisting words as he was.
"The Daimyō's manor and the Leaf Village have always maintained a cooperative relationship. This is meaningful for both sides," she said. "Do you understand?"
Actually, Ryōsuke didn't quite understand. If they just killed the Daimyō and had the Leaf Village take control of the entire Land of Fire, the benefits would surely be higher. In such a large country, the taxes collected would definitely be substantial. They wouldn't have to wait around like beggars for others to give them money. Furthermore, protecting the Land of Fire would be equivalent to defending their own territory. It wouldn't feel like they were guarding someone else's empire as it did now.
Although he had such thoughts, he knew Tsunade probably wouldn't want to hear them right now.