Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

"That's about enough," Kawakaze teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Gululu~" Kushina's stomach growled loudly.

"Haha, you're starving," Kawakaze laughed.

"Let's eat," Tsunade said, giving Nawaki a wink. He obediently led Misaki to the dining room. At that point, he didn't care about barbecue or anything specific—after the tension subsided, he realized he was hungry too.

"Orochimaru, you're finally back," Kawakaze said, stepping up to Orochimaru and pulling him into a big hug, patting him firmly on the back.

Orochimaru was momentarily taken aback, not used to being hugged. This was the second time someone had hugged him today. After a brief pause, he returned the gesture, patting Kawakaze's back without a word.

"You two big men are being mushy," Tsunade teased, a smile glinting in her eyes.

"Haha, aren't we happy?" Kawakaze said, letting go of Orochimaru. He was genuinely joyful.

It had been a long time since they'd last seen each other. He rarely saw Jiraiya these days. Kawakaze guessed that once Jiraiya finished his training, he would head off again in search of the Chosen One.

It was a worrisome lifestyle, though it was destined to be a fruitless journey for many years. Naruto had yet to be born, and neither of his parents were even adults. For now, Jiraiya could only kill time like this.

"Have you perfected your Senjutsu?" Kawakaze asked casually, glancing at Orochimaru.