After Tsunade finished speaking, everyone in the meeting room turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The question of Root's future was now unavoidable.
Although Danzo Shimura had defected and become a rogue ninja, the organization he built still existed. Its hidden bases, networks, and loyal operatives remained scattered throughout the village. With a new leader, Root could quickly be restored.
That possibility made many uneasy.
Hiruzen slowly looked around the room and asked, "What are everyone's thoughts?"
Aomizu was the first to answer.
"There is no need for Root to continue existing," he said calmly. "It should be dissolved completely."
The others quickly voiced their agreement.
"That's right."
"Root has caused enough trouble."
"It should be ended here."
For a moment, the room was filled with unanimous support.
Hiruzen closed his eyes briefly, then sighed.
"Very well," he said at last. "From this day onward, Root is officially dissolved."
The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere in the room lightened immediately.
Many of those present had suffered because of Root's actions over the years. Hearing its official end felt like a burden finally being lifted.
Tsunade was especially pleased.
She laughed loudly, raised her chin, and said without restraint, "Old man, after all these years, you've finally done one thing right."
The room fell silent for a second.
Only then did Tsunade realize she had called the Hokage "old man" during an official council meeting.
Normally, such disrespect would draw sharp looks and criticism.
But today, no one cared.
Even Hiruzen simply smiled faintly and said nothing.
The meeting soon came to an end. One by one, the others departed, leaving only Aomizu behind.
Hiruzen remained seated for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Aomizu… I am old now."
His voice carried a weariness rarely heard before.
"I can perhaps hold this position for only a few more years."
The meaning behind his words was clear.
He was already considering the future Hokage.
If not for Aomizu's youth and the fact that he still needed greater accomplishments to solidify public support, Hiruzen might have stepped down that very day.
Danzo's betrayal, combined with the deaths of his two longtime comrades, had clearly shaken him deeply.
Looking at the Third Hokage's aged face, Aomizu nodded seriously.
"I understand," he said. "I will work hard."
Relief appeared in Hiruzen's eyes.
He stood, patted Aomizu on the shoulder, and quietly left the chamber.
Night at the Senju Compound
That evening, the Senju Clan compound was more lively than it had been in years.
Lanterns glowed warmly across the courtyards. Laughter echoed through the halls. Food and drinks covered long tables, and music drifted through the night air.
A celebration banquet had been arranged for Aomizu and the others after their recent promotions and victories.
Because Kushina's movements were still restricted for safety reasons, the gathering had been held here rather than in the village.
Yet she did not mind at all.
In fact, Kushina was happier than anyone.
Standing in the middle of the cheerful crowd, she looked around with bright eyes.
"It's been such a long time since this place felt this lively," Tsunade said with emotion, a wine cup already in hand.
She had clearly been drinking enthusiastically.
Before she could say more, Aomizu pulled her gently into his arms.
"From now on," he said with a smile, "as long as we're here with you, it can be this lively every day."
Tsunade froze for a second.
Then, moved by his words, she leaned forward and kissed him openly in front of everyone.
Though brief, it caused an immediate uproar.
Cheers, whistles, and laughter erupted around them.
Fortunately, everyone present was close to Aomizu.
Minato and Yumiko were there.
Mikoto and Yakushi Nono were there.
Mukai Yuki and Sasaki Ayami had also come.
Over the past few years, the two younger ninja had grown up and officially become a couple.
Watching Aomizu and Tsunade together, Mukai Yuki unconsciously squeezed Ayami's hand tighter.
Meanwhile, Kushina puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction.
"You can't play favorites!"
Honoka quickly joined her.
"That's right! I want one too!"
The two girls rushed forward at once, each clinging to one of Aomizu's arms.
Aomizu laughed helplessly.
Looking at their jealous but adorable expressions, he gave each of them a gentle kiss on the forehead.
Mikoto and Nono merely smiled at the scene.
Unlike the others, they already shared a deeper understanding with Aomizu and did not feel jealous over such things.
Nearby, Minato watched everything with admiration.
"Big Brother Aomizu is incredible," he muttered unconsciously.
The next second—
"Ow!"
Yumiko twisted the flesh at his waist with terrifying precision.
Her smile remained gentle as she leaned close.
"What was that?" she asked sweetly. "Do you also want a harem?"
Minato's face turned pale.
"No! Absolutely not! I only love you!"
Only then did Yumiko release him.
Minato rubbed his waist miserably.
He would rather fight enemy ninja on the battlefield than suffer that pain again.
Some burdens, he thought, were simply too heavy for a man.
Everyone present noticed the exchange.
Mukai Yuki looked at Minato sympathetically.
Certain thoughts were best kept private.
Aomizu only chuckled.
Not everyone had the ability to manage such complicated blessings.
Celebration
The banquet continued late into the night.
Cups were raised repeatedly.
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Stories were told, old memories shared, and laughter filled every room.
Eventually, the gathering ended.
Because it was already so late, everyone decided to stay inside the spacious Senju compound. There were more than enough rooms for all the guests.
One by one, the lights went out.
Silence slowly settled over the estate.
Kushina's Restless Night
Sometime after midnight, Kushina woke up.
Perhaps she had drunk too much.
Perhaps she was simply too excited to sleep deeply after such a joyful night.
She quietly got out of bed, visited the washroom, and walked back through the dim hallway.
That was when she noticed it.
A faint light still shone beneath Aomizu's door.
Kushina blinked.
"It's this late… and he's still awake?"
Curious, she approached quietly.
Just as she raised her hand to knock, she heard voices from inside.
Her face instantly flushed red.
She knew what was happening.
For a moment, she considered turning around and running away.
But her feet refused to move.
Instead, after hesitating for several seconds, she carefully pushed the door open a tiny crack.
Then she peeked inside.
Her eyes widened.
Inside the room, Aomizu was with Tsunade, Mikoto, and Yakushi Nono.
The atmosphere was intimate, playful, and full of warmth.
Kushina's heartbeat quickened immediately.
She had always known Aomizu was beloved by many women, but seeing it with her own eyes stirred emotions she had not expected.
She should have left.
Instead, she remained frozen at the doorway.
Her breathing became shallow.
Her thoughts grew chaotic.
And beneath all her embarrassment was another feeling she could no longer ignore.
Jealousy.
Desire.
Longing.
She bit her lip.
"I'm also his girlfriend," she whispered softly to herself.
"Why am I standing outside like this?"
The answer came suddenly.
She straightened her back, gathered her courage, and pushed the door open.
Entering the Room
By then, Tsunade had already exhausted herself and collapsed onto the bed, half asleep.
Aomizu looked toward the doorway without surprise.
He had noticed Kushina's presence long ago.
Kushina stepped inside, face red but eyes determined.
"Aomizu," she said, trying to sound bold despite trembling slightly. "I want to stay too."
He smiled warmly.
Without a word, he walked to her and gently lifted her into his arms.
Then he kissed her.
The suddenness of it made Kushina gasp, but only for a moment before she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back fiercely.
All her pent-up emotions poured into that kiss.
When they finally separated, she was already breathless.
Aomizu brushed a strand of red hair from her cheek.
"You should have come in sooner," he said softly.
Kushina's heart nearly melted.
He helped her settle onto the bed beside Tsunade, then pulled the blanket over both of them.
Mikoto and Nono smiled knowingly before making room.
The room soon grew quiet.
A Promise
Resting against his chest, Kushina looked up at him.
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"Aomizu… I'm really glad I met you after coming to Konoha."
She hesitated, then continued.
"We'll always stay together, right?"
He looked down at her and answered without hesitation.
"Forever."
Satisfied, Kushina closed her eyes.
Held in his arms, beside the people she cherished, she drifted into the deepest sleep she had enjoyed in years.
Outside, winter winds moved through the trees of the Senju compound.
Inside, warmth remained.
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