342. Persuading Terumi Mei

Morning.

Sunlight streamed through the window into the room.

Hanekawa opened his eyes and let out a yawn.

But when he instinctively tried to lift his arms, he felt them pinned down by something soft and heavy.

Hanekawa glanced to either side.

Tsunade and Yuuhi Kurenai were each sleeping soundly, using his arms as pillows.

Kurenai’s sleeping posture was adorable—curled up like a cat.

Tsunade, on the other hand, was far more unrestrained.

She clung to him like an octopus, hugging his arm while her legs wrapped around his body.

Pressed tightly against her, Hanekawa could clearly feel the smoothness of her fair skin.

Given how energetic mornings naturally were, he found himself growing restless.

But seeing her peaceful sleeping face, he decided to hold back.

She had already worked hard last night—it was best not to disturb her now.

With a thought, Hanekawa released chakra, silently replacing his arms with a substitute.

After getting up, he dispelled the chakra, leaving Tsunade and Kurenai resting comfortably on the pillows.

The entire process didn’t wake them at all.

Hanekawa changed clothes and headed to the Raikage Secretary’s office.

Samui was eating breakfast.

When she saw him, she paused, slightly puzzled.

After all, he rarely came to see her this early.

"Stay seated, no need for formalities."

Hanekawa walked over and picked up the glass of milk on the table.

"That’s my—"

Samui started to say but stopped.

Hanekawa had already finished the milk.

"What? Can’t even spare a glass of milk?"

Hanekawa teased.

"No," Samui explained calmly, "that was the one I drank from. I meant to get you a fresh glass."

"It’s fine. I’ll return the favor later."

Hanekawa winked.

"No need."

Samui, missing his implication, replied as usual, "I’m already full. I don’t need more milk."

"I’m the Hokage. What I say goes."

Hanekawa paused, then added, "I haven’t eaten breakfast yet."

"What would you like? I’ll get it for you."

Samui responded dutifully.

"Whatever you’re having."

Hanekawa glanced at the desk, identifying the remnants of her breakfast—bread and milk.

"Just a moment."

Samui stood and left the office.

Hanekawa took her seat in the chair to wait.

Within minutes, Samui returned.

"Now, I’ll return that glass to you."

Hanekawa patted his lap, giving her a meaningful look.

Samui froze for a second before understanding.

Her long, black-stockinged legs bent as she knelt before him.

Hanekawa picked up the bread on the table and took a bite.

Inside, he found not just bread but also bacon.

"Tastes good."

He nodded in satisfaction. "Did you make this?"

"Mhm."

Samui’s muffled reply came.

"Such a perfect wife."

Hanekawa stroked her smooth golden hair. "How about we get married someday?"

"…?"

Samui’s eyes widened instantly.

"You don’t want to?"

Hanekawa grinned playfully.

His biggest obstacle was Tsunade.

But Tsunade had already accepted Kurenai.

Where there was one, there could be two. If he persisted, he might just convince her.

"I do!"

Samui gasped for breath, seizing the moment to answer without hesitation.

The news shocked her but also thrilled her.

She had never imagined she could marry Hanekawa.

Not that she didn’t want to—but she knew her place.

She was a kunoichi from Kumogakure, only joining Konoha after defeat.

Though the shinobi world was now unified, erasing the lines between villages, in her heart, she still felt inferior to Tsunade and Kurenai.

She had resigned herself to simply hoping Hanekawa wouldn’t grow tired of her, wishing only to stay by his side forever.

And now, he was telling her they could marry someday.

Of course, she was overjoyed.

Hanekawa didn’t need to look to sense her emotions.

He exhaled slowly, then continued eating the bacon bread.

"There’s something I need you to handle later."

Hanekawa suddenly remembered his wedding plans.

He had told Tsunade yesterday that the ANBU would handle the preparations, since Kurenai—his Hokage secretary—was the bride.

But on second thought, the ANBU weren’t the right choice. It had to be the Hokage’s secretaries.

Fortunately, if Kurenai was too busy, he could delegate to Samui and the others.

"On August 2nd, I’m getting married."

Hanekawa stated plainly. "You and Mabui will handle the preparations. The ANBU can be mobilized if needed."

Samui’s movements halted, her face flashing with shock.

Hanekawa was getting married?

To whom?

Though he had just mentioned marrying her, he said it would be in the future—not now.

Besides, as emperor and Hokage, his first marriage wouldn’t be to her.

"As for who I’m marrying, you’ll find out when the invitations go out."

Hanekawa easily guessed Samui’s thoughts—his mind was working at full speed.

"I don’t have many requirements for the wedding, just one."

Finishing the bread, Hanekawa leaned back in the chair. "It has to be grand."

Samui nodded.

The emperor’s wedding naturally had to be the largest.

In fact, it should be the greatest wedding the shinobi world had ever seen.

Hanekawa closed his eyes, deep in thought.

One question lingered in his mind.

How should he break the news to Terumi Mei, Nohara Rin, and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki?

Kaguya wasn’t an issue.

She had been with Hanekawa all along and was well aware of his relationships.

Her personality meant she wouldn’t care.

At most, Hanekawa would just have to… compensate her for a few extra days.

Nohara Rin was gentle-natured. With some persuasion, she’d likely agree.

The real problem was Terumi Mei—the Mizukage.

She was the trickiest.

But no matter what, he had to try.

With that thought, Hanekawa abruptly opened his eyes.

"Wh-what’s wrong?"

Samui asked cautiously.

"Nothing."

Hanekawa stood. "The wedding preparations are in your hands, Samui."

"Mhm."

Samui nodded.

"If you run into any problems, come find me in the Hokage’s office."

Hanekawa gave her backside a light pat before leaving.

The door closed.

Samui watched it for a moment before turning away.

She opened the window, drank the remaining milk in one go, and began clearing the desk.

Instead of using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Hanekawa walked through the halls.

Thanks to Samui, it was already 10 a.m.

The Hokage Building—or rather, half of the imperial palace—was bustling, leaving the corridors quiet and empty.

As he walked, he arrived at the Mizukage Secretary’s office.

He raised a hand and knocked.

"Come in."

Terumi Mei’s voice called out.

"Good morning, little maid."

Hanekawa pushed the door open and entered.

Like Samui, Terumi Mei wore a women’s suit and a pencil skirt.

This wasn’t Hanekawa’s doing.

The trend had started with Samui.

As the deputy head of the Hokage’s secretaries under Kurenai, her influence had led both Pakura and Terumi Mei to adopt the secretary uniform.

Hanekawa could only say: Well done.

Terumi Mei’s strapless dresses were nice, but variety was the spice of life.

Switching to a secretary outfit now and then was a welcome change.

"Lord Hokage."

Mei Terumi stood up to greet him.

"No need to be so formal. Just call me master," Hanekawa said with a smile as he approached her.

"It's work hours right now!"

Mei glared at him with a frown.

"You never seemed to care about work hours before," Hanekawa said, sitting in her chair and casually placing a hand on her leg.

Mei instinctively tried to step back, but he gently held her in place. The black stockings stretched slightly as she froze.

"What do you want?" Mei asked coldly, keeping a straight face.

To outsiders, their interaction might have seemed tense, but she didn’t push him away.

"Ever thought about getting married?" Hanekawa asked thoughtfully.

"You mean... you and me?" Mei's face froze as she looked at him.

"Who else would I be talking about?" Hanekawa narrowed his eyes slightly.

"That's not what I meant," Mei said quickly, shaking her head. "I'm just surprised."

"Surprised about what?" Hanekawa chuckled. "You don’t think I can marry you?"

"You already have other women in Konoha," Mei replied after a pause.

She had suspected as much for a while—he was too smooth. And given his status, it wouldn't be surprising.

"Why do you think that?" Hanekawa asked with a slight cough.

"Come on, do you think I'm blind?" Mei crossed her arms and gave a small huff.

"Then why—"

"I don't know." She interrupted him softly, sensing his next question.

"You really are something else," Mei muttered, tapping his foot with her heel.

"Hey, now why the sudden attack?" Hanekawa pulled her closer playfully.

Mei turned away, refusing to look at him.

Hanekawa wrapped an arm around her waist, slipping it under her blazer.

"What are you doing?" Mei grabbed his wrist. "I'm working. Don’t mess around."

"If we got married, would our kid look more like you or me?" Hanekawa asked with a grin, tapping her abdomen lightly.

"Obviously me!" Mei blushed and snapped, "Who said I’m marrying you?"

"Oh?" Hanekawa smirked, placing a hand over her chest. "Your heart’s beating fast."

"I..." Before she could respond, her knees gave out and she leaned against him.

"You really are a contradictory little assistant," Hanekawa said, holding her gently.

"You're such a weirdo," Mei muttered, embarrassed.

Why couldn’t they just have a normal conversation?

"Would you marry a weirdo like me?"

"…Depends on how you behave," she finally said, turning away.

"Behavior, huh?" Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. "I got it."

Before she could react, he picked her up suddenly.

"W-What are you doing?!" she cried, blushing furiously.

She kicked her legs lightly in protest.

Hanekawa just smiled, catching her ankle midair.


Mei Terumi suddenly found herself unable to resist.

She bit her lip, and her earlier frustration quickly dissipated.

An hour later, the quiet office was filled with an angry shout.

“You bastard!” Mei Terumi, face flushed red, glared at Hanekawa in both anger and embarrassment.

The reason? Hanekawa had just told her he would be getting married on August 2nd—but not to her. She would have to wait until next time.

“Still got energy?” Hanekawa raised an eyebrow, his tone amused.

“W-Wait a second!” Mei’s expression changed instantly as she backed up and braced herself against the office chair.

Hanekawa chuckled softly.

Mei looked at his smug face, wanting to yell at him—but she feared provoking him further. She was already exhausted, completely out of energy to continue any kind of confrontation.

She finally understood what Hanekawa had come to her for today.

She pouted and cursed silently: “Scumbag!” And yet… she couldn’t help liking this scumbag.

Even when she heard he was marrying another woman, she couldn’t truly stay mad.

Given her personality, if she had been truly angry, she would’ve left and never spoken to him again.

“Let me take you home to rest.” Hanekawa leaned down and gently kissed her.

Mei’s resistance softened. She reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Hanekawa picked her up, grabbing her blazer and skirt from the floor as well.

After carrying her back to her room, he returned to the Hokage’s office.

He still had something important to do—prepare the wedding invitations.

Of course, with his current status, he didn’t need to write the invitations himself. What he needed to do was compile the guest list.

As for writing the actual invites, that would be handled by the Hokage's secretaries.

Hanekawa picked up a pen, thought for a moment, then began writing. Given his current position, the guest list was simple.

Basically, anyone with a name had to attend.

“Kaguya.”

After finishing the list, Hanekawa put down his pen.

Otsutsuki Kaguya immediately appeared before him.

“I’m getting married on August 2nd,” he said. “Any thoughts?”

“Will anything change about you after the wedding?” Kaguya tilted her head slightly.

“No change,” Hanekawa replied with a smile.

“Then I have no opinion.” Kaguya said expressionlessly.

To her, life as it was now was already satisfactory. If nothing would change, then there was no need to worry.

“Good girl.” Hanekawa stood and kissed her on the cheek.

Kaguya stared at him, puzzled.

“I’m heading to the secretaries' office. Wait here.”

And with that, Hanekawa vanished.

After handing the guest list to Samui, he returned to the Hokage office.

“Now that work is done,” Hanekawa took Kaguya’s hand and led her into the lounge behind the office, “it’s time to give you your reward.”