Commendation and Taoyuan's New Life

"Get well soon..." She leaned down and placed a gentle, precious kiss on Duanmu Ci's forehead, as if making the most sacred vow. "Our Taoyuan Village has only just begun... we have a long way to go... I want you... to always be by my side. To watch it get better together, to... grow old together."

Just then, Duanmu Ci's eyelashes fluttered slightly. Tsunade was startled and quickly looked up, only to see that Duanmu Ci had opened his eyes at some point. His eyes were still a little dazed, with the weakness that followed a high fever, but his gaze was exceptionally gentle, clearly reflecting Tsunade's tear-streaked face and those golden eyes full of deep affection.

"Tsunade..." His voice was hoarse, but filled with laughter, and he gently grasped her hand in return. "I think... I heard someone calling me an idiot? And saying they wanted to grow old with me?"

Tsunade's face instantly turned red, like a ripe apple, and the previous affectionate confession was instantly replaced by shyness. She tried to pull her hand away, but Duanmu Ci held it even tighter.

"When... when did you wake up?!" she asked, embarrassed and annoyed.

"Just when someone said they 'cared about me'..." Duanmu Ci's lips curved into a mischievous arc.

"Don't say it!" Tsunade was both ashamed and anxious, and reached out to cover his mouth.

Duanmu Ci took the opportunity to pull her into his arms, holding her tightly. Feeling the warm body in his arms and that unreserved love, his heart was filled with unprecedented satisfaction and peace.

"I heard everything," he whispered in her ear, his voice gentle and solemn. "I care about you too, Tsunade. More than I care about my own life. Taoyuan Village is our home, the future I promised you. I'll get better soon, and then... marry you. I'll let the entire Ninja World know that you, Princess Tsunade, are my wife, Duanmu Ci's wife, the mistress of Taoyuan Village. We'll protect it together, and grow old together."

The straightforward and solemn marriage proposal made Tsunade tremble all over, and all her shyness turned into scalding sweetness. She buried her face deeply in Duanmu Ci's neck, nodding vigorously, her voice thick with emotion: "Yes! I'll wait for you... to marry me."

The moonlight was quiet, and warmth flowed in the ward. The shadow of war was dispelled, and the painting of the future slowly unfolded in love.

Duanmu Ci's recovery speed far exceeded Tsunade's expectations. With the Sage Body and Tsunade's top-notch Medical Ninjutsu, the high fever completely subsided in just two days, and most of the consumed vitality was restored. When he reappeared in front of the people of Taoyuan Village, although his face was still a little pale, he was energetic and his eyes were even more deep and restrained.

Almost at the same time as he stepped out of the ward, Konoha's official commendation mission arrived at Taoyuan Village. The scale was unprecedented.

The leader was actually the Fourth Naruto candidate, Minato Namikaze! He personally served as the commendation messenger, which showed Konoha's importance to this matter. Accompanying him were Konoha Elder Mitokado Homura (representing the advisory group), and a team of well-equipped, solemn-looking Anbu guards.

The commendation ceremony was held in the central square of Taoyuan Village. Almost all the residents gathered here, their faces filled with pride and joy.

Minato stood on the temporary high platform, wearing the Divine Robe (although he had not officially succeeded, he had been allowed to wear it), his golden hair shining in the sun. He looked around at the vibrant Taoyuan Village and the excited residents below, and announced the official decision of the Konoha high-level:

Officially award Duanmu Ci the title of "Konoha Azure Dragon", and bestow the Azure Dragon crest scroll and exclusive clothing symbolizing this title (a dark green Divine Robe-style coat embroidered with a coiled Azure Dragon pattern).

Promote Duanmu Ci to Konoha "Special Advisor", grant the advisor token, and enjoy all corresponding permissions.

Officially recognize "Taoyuan Village" as a special administrative region under Konoha's rule with a high degree of autonomy, with Duanmu Ci as the leader and Tsunade as the deputy leader. Bestow the "Taoyuan Seal" symbolizing autonomy and a detailed scroll of autonomous regulations.

The original Taoyuan Medical Station will be upgraded to "Konoha Second Medical Center" and "Konoha Medical Ninja Academy Taoyuan Branch", with Tsunade as the general person in charge, and grant an appointment letter and academy construction fund.

In addition, there were massive material rewards: including precious medicinal materials, rare metal ores, a large amount of grain and cloth, advanced medical equipment, and huge funds for infrastructure construction!

Each time an item was announced, deafening cheers erupted below! Especially when "high degree of autonomy" and "Taoyuan Village Special Administrative Region" were officially announced, the cheers reached their peak! This meant that the existence of Taoyuan Village had been officially endorsed, and their home was truly stable!

After Minato finished reading, he personally awarded Duanmu Ci the crest scroll representing the "Konoha Azure Dragon" and the dark green Azure Dragon Divine Robe. He patted Duanmu Ci's shoulder hard, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation and congratulations: "Duanmu-kun, you deserve it! Konoha is fortunate to have you!"

Duanmu Ci accepted the scroll and robe, and bowed calmly in thanks: "Thank you, Lord Naruto, thank you for Konoha's kindness. Duanmu Ci will do his best to protect Konoha and build Taoyuan."

Mitokado Homura also stepped forward, representing the advisory group, and handed the token symbolizing "Special Advisor" and the "Taoyuan Seal" to Duanmu Ci. His attitude was much more polite than before: "Advisor Duanmu, congratulations. I hope that Taoyuan Village will flourish under your rule and add glory to Konoha."

After the ceremony, Minato and Mitokado Homura did not leave immediately, but visited the rebuilding and expanding Taoyuan Village accompanied by Duanmu Ci and Tsunade.

They saw the wounded land quickly repaired by Wood Release, lush with greenery and tidy new homes.

They saw the orderly training of the guard team, full of energy and high morale.

They saw the prototype of the "Konoha Second Medical Center", with advanced equipment and busy doctors.

They saw the thriving rare herbs in the medicinal garden, the crops growing vigorously in the fields, the clanging sounds of forging in the workshop, and the children's loud reading in the school...

The scrutiny in Mitokado Homura's eyes was gradually replaced by amazement. This was no longer a simple refuge, but a vibrant, self-sufficient, and infinitely potential "special zone"! Its prosperity and order even surpassed many places in Konoha. He had to admit that Duanmu Ci and Tsunade did indeed possess extraordinary governance abilities.

Minato sincerely praised: "Duanmu-kun, Lord Tsunade, you have created a miracle! This... really looks like a 'Taoyuan'."

Duanmu Ci smiled slightly and pointed to the large area of land being planned in the distance: "Here, a more complete living area will be built. There, will be the future workshops and trade areas... and there, there will be a school for the children, not only teaching Ninjutsu basics, but also teaching them knowledge, etiquette, and the concept of protection."

His words were full of planning and confidence for the future. Minato and Mitokado Homura looked in the direction of Duanmu Ci's finger, as if they saw a more prosperous, peaceful, and hopeful future slowly unfolding on this land.

After seeing off the Konoha messengers, Duanmu Ci and Tsunade stood on Taoyuan Village's newly built "Guanlan Pavilion", which had the best view, overlooking everything below that was busy and full of life.

"We got the autonomy, and we have the resources." Tsunade leaned on Duanmu Ci's shoulder, her golden eyes flashing with excitement. "Next, we can do a big job! I've already drawn up the blueprints for the medical school, and I'll gather people to start work tomorrow! And drug research..."

Duanmu Ci put his arm around her shoulders, his gaze distant: "Yes. Infrastructure construction needs to be accelerated. The guard team needs to be expanded and trained more systematically. The intelligence network needs to be further strengthened, especially the monitoring of Danzo and external forces." He paused, looked down at Tsunade, his eyes filled with a gentle smile: "And... our wedding. It should also be put on the agenda. I want the entire Ninja World to know that you are my wife, Duanmu Ci's wife, married with proper ceremony." Tsunade's cheeks flushed slightly, but her eyes were full of happiness and expectation: "Who said I was going to marry you? Have you prepared the betrothal gifts?"

"Is the entire Taoyuan Village enough?" Duanmu Ci asked with a smile.

"Hmph, barely enough!" Tsunade raised her chin proudly, but couldn't help but smile.

The afterglow of the setting sun stretched the shadows of the two people very long, and also sprinkled over this land that was reborn from the ashes and full of infinite possibilities. The story of Taoyuan Village has turned a new page. And the legend of Duanmu Ci and Tsunade will also usher in the grandest chapter in everyone's blessings.