Chapter 219: Maki Nadeshiko
Three days later, Kawakaze and Tsunade's wedding was held as scheduled, and the entire village of Konoha buzzed with excitement. The wedding of Lady Hokage was a celebration shared by everyone.
"I've finally made it back," a man with long white hair said, standing outside the gates of Konohagakure. He looked at the gates with a mixture of emotion and nostalgia.
Jiraiya had been away for over a year, and during his absence, Tsunade had officially solidified her relationship with Kawakaze. Though he had yet to encounter the child of destiny the Toad Sage had foretold, he had found his own love during his travels.
"Is this the village you grew up in?" asked the woman beside him. She had short brown hair, carried a long sword on her back, and held his arm affectionately as her gaze shifted to his face.
"Yes," Jiraiya replied. "I told you—she's getting married."
He spoke openly. The love he once held for Tsunade had faded over time, especially after Kawakaze's arrival in her life. Now that she had found happiness, Jiraiya had also moved forward, finding someone to share his life with.
"Is that man stronger than you?"
Maki Nadeshiko, the woman beside him, asked without hesitation. She didn't mind Jiraiya's past feelings for Tsunade. In her village, it was a tradition to challenge and defeat a strong man before marrying him. She had lost to Jiraiya in combat and, as per their wager, left her village to follow him. Over time, her admiration for his strength turned into deep affection.
"He's very strong," Jiraiya admitted, his mind briefly flashing to the scene of Kawakaze beheading Hanzō. The memory left him momentarily lost in thought.
"Let's go. I want to see this for myself," Maki said, tugging Jiraiya forward. They approached the gate, and Maki knocked.
After a moment, the gate opened.