"Get well soon..." She bent down and pressed a gentle, precious kiss to Duanmu Ci's forehead, as though making the most sacred vow. "Our Taoyuan Village has only just begun... We still have a long road ahead... I want you... to stay by my side forever. We'll watch it become better together, and grow old together..."
At that moment, Duanmu Ci's eyelashes trembled slightly. Startled, Tsunade hurriedly raised her head, only to see that Duanmu Ci had opened his eyes at some point. His gaze was still somewhat unfocused, carrying the weakness of a high fever, yet it was unusually gentle as it clearly reflected Tsunade's tear-streaked face and those golden eyes brimming with deep affection.
"Tsunade..." His voice was hoarse but amused as he lightly clasped her hand in return. "I think... I heard someone calling me an idiot? And saying she wanted to grow old with me?"
Tsunade's face instantly flushed scarlet, like a ripe apple. Her heartfelt confession from moments ago was immediately replaced by embarrassment. She tried to pull her hand away, but Duanmu Ci held it even tighter.
"You... When did you wake up?!" she demanded, flustered and angry.
"Right when someone said she 'cared about me'..." Duanmu Ci's lips curved into a teasing smile.
"Don't say it!" Tsunade cried in embarrassment and panic, reaching out to cover his mouth.
But Duanmu Ci took the chance to pull her into his arms and hold her tightly. Feeling her soft, warm body and her utterly unreserved love, he was filled with an unprecedented sense of contentment and peace.
"I heard everything," he whispered in her ear, his voice gentle yet 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... I'll marry you. I'll let the entire Shinobi World know that you, Princess Tsunade, are the wife of Duanmu Ci and the mistress of Taoyuan Village. We'll protect it together and grow old together."
That direct and solemn proposal made Tsunade tremble all over, and all her embarrassment melted into scorching sweetness. She buried her face deeply against Duanmu Ci's neck and nodded hard, her voice thick with emotion. "Mm! I'll wait... for you to marry me."
The moonlight was tranquil, and warmth flowed through the hospital room. The shadows of war had been dispelled, while a portrait of the future slowly unfolded amid their love.
Duanmu Ci recovered far faster than Tsunade had expected. With his Sage Body and Tsunade's top-tier Medical Ninjutsu, his fever had completely subsided in only two days, and more than half of his depleted vitality had returned. When he appeared before the people of Taoyuan Village again, his complexion was still somewhat pale, but he was full of spirit, and his gaze had become even deeper and more restrained.
Almost the moment he stepped out of the hospital room, Konoha's official commendation delegation arrived at Taoyuan Village. Its stature was unprecedented.
Leading it was none other than Fourth Hokage candidate Minato Namikaze! His personal role as the commendation envoy showed just how seriously Konoha regarded the matter. He was accompanied by Konoha elder Mitokado Homura, representing the council of advisors, as well as a squad of well-equipped, solemn-faced ANBU guards.
The commendation ceremony was held in Taoyuan Village's central square. Nearly every resident had gathered there, their faces filled with pride and joy.
Minato stood atop a temporary platform, dressed in a Divine Robe. Though he had not officially succeeded to the position, he had already been authorized to wear it. His golden hair gleamed brilliantly beneath the sun. He looked over the vibrant Taoyuan Village below and its excited residents before loudly reading Konoha's official resolution:
Duanmu Ci was formally bestowed the title of "Konoha Azure Dragon," along with the Azure Dragon Emblem Scroll symbolizing that title and exclusive attire: a dark green Divine Robe-style outer garment embroidered with a coiling Azure Dragon.
Duanmu Ci was promoted to Konoha's "Special Advisor," granted an advisor's token and all corresponding authority.
"Taoyuan Village" was formally recognized as a special administrative district under Konoha with extensive autonomy, with Duanmu Ci as its leader and Tsunade as deputy leader. They were granted the Taoyuan Seal symbolizing that autonomy, as well as a scroll containing detailed autonomy regulations.
The former Taoyuan Medical Station was elevated into the "Konoha Second Medical Center" and the "Taoyuan Branch of the Konoha Medical Ninja Academy." Tsunade was appointed chief director and granted an official letter of appointment along with funding for the academy's construction.
In addition, there were enormous material rewards: precious medicinal herbs, rare metal ores, vast quantities of grain and cloth, advanced medical equipment, and a massive sum for infrastructure construction!
With every item read aloud, deafening cheers erupted from below! Especially when "extensive autonomy" and "Taoyuan Village Special Administrative District" were officially announced, the cheers reached their peak! It meant that Taoyuan Village's existence now had official endorsement, and their homeland was truly secure!
After finishing the proclamation, Minato personally presented Duanmu Ci with the emblem scroll representing the "Konoha Azure Dragon" and the dark green Azure Dragon Divine Robe. He gave Duanmu Ci's shoulder a firm pat, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and congratulations. "Duanmu, you have truly earned it! Konoha is fortunate to have you!"
Duanmu Ci accepted the scroll and robe, then bowed calmly in thanks. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. Thank you for Konoha's generosity. I, Duanmu Ci, will do everything in my power to protect Konoha and build Taoyuan."
Mitokado Homura also stepped forward and, on behalf of the council of advisors, handed Duanmu Ci the token signifying his role as "Special Advisor" and the Taoyuan Seal. His attitude was far more courteous than before. "Advisor Duanmu, congratulations. May Taoyuan Village flourish under your leadership and bring honor to Konoha."
After the ceremony, Minato and Mitokado Homura did not leave immediately. Instead, accompanied by Duanmu Ci and Tsunade, they toured the Taoyuan Village that was being rebuilt and expanded.
They saw the war-scarred areas rapidly restored by Wood Release, now lush with greenery and lined with neat new homes.
They saw the orderly training of the guard force, its members spirited and brimming with fighting resolve.
They saw the beginnings of the Konoha Second Medical Center, with advanced equipment and busy physicians.
They saw rare herbs flourishing in the medicinal gardens, crops growing vigorously in the fields, the clang of forging ringing from the workshops, and children's clear voices reading aloud in the schoolhouse...
The scrutiny in Mitokado Homura's eyes was gradually replaced by astonishment. This was no longer a mere refuge, but a vibrant, self-sufficient special district with limitless potential! Its prosperity and order even surpassed many places in Konoha. He had no choice but to admit that Duanmu Ci and Tsunade truly possessed extraordinary skill in governance.
Minato sighed in heartfelt admiration. "Duanmu, Lord Tsunade, you have created a miracle! This place... truly is like a paradise."
Duanmu Ci smiled faintly and pointed toward a vast stretch of land being planned in the distance. "A more complete residential area will be built here. Over there will be the future workshops and trade district... And there, we'll build an academy for the children. It will not only teach them the fundamentals of ninjutsu, but also knowledge, etiquette, and the ideals of protection."
His words were filled with plans and confidence for the future. As Minato and Mitokado Homura looked in the direction Duanmu Ci indicated, they seemed to see an even more prosperous, peaceful, and hopeful future slowly unfolding across this land.
After seeing off Konoha's envoys, Duanmu Ci and Tsunade stood atop the newly constructed Guanlan Pavilion, which offered the best view in Taoyuan Village, overlooking the bustling and vibrant scene below.
"We've secured autonomy, and we have resources too." Tsunade leaned against Duanmu Ci's shoulder, excitement gleaming in her golden eyes. "Next, we can really get to work! I've already finished the blueprints for the medical academy. Tomorrow, I'll gather people and start construction! And there's medicine development too..."
Duanmu Ci wrapped an arm around her shoulders, his gaze distant. "Mm. Infrastructure construction needs to speed up. The guard force needs to expand and receive more systematic training. The intelligence network must be strengthened further, especially our surveillance of Danzo and outside forces." He paused, lowered his gaze to Tsunade, and smiled gently. "And... our wedding should be put on the agenda too. I want the entire Shinobi World to know that you are the wife I, Duanmu Ci, married openly and properly." Tsunade's cheeks reddened slightly, but her eyes were full of happiness and anticipation. "Who said I was going to marry you? Have you prepared the bride price?"
"Is all of Taoyuan Village enough?" Duanmu Ci asked with a smile.
"Hmph, I suppose it'll barely do!" Tsunade raised her chin proudly, though the corners of her lips could not help curling upward.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long and bathed this land, reborn from flames and filled with endless possibilities, in its afterglow. Taoyuan Village's story had turned to a brand-new page. And the legend of Duanmu Ci and Tsunade would soon enter its grandest chapter amid everyone's blessings.
Before you continue