Fated to meet(Fixed)

[The Morning After Gaara's Capture]

[3rd Person POV]

Konoha had experienced a whirlwind of unbelievable events over the past few weeks. The tension, hatred, and fear directed at the Uchiha clan—and their subsequent rise to power—had shaken the village to its core. The crimes committed by the council, Danzo, and even the Third Hokage were revelations no one could have ever believed. If someone had claimed such atrocities without evidence, they would have been dismissed as mad.

But the truth came to light: Danzo confessed to his crimes and those of the council, and the Fire Daimyō issued an irrevocable decree. How could the people and shinobi of Konoha deny it? For many, guilt weighed heavily on their hearts for the way they treated the Uchiha, culminating in years of hatred, civil war, and mistrust.

To make amends, many chose to support the Uchiha's independence and the newly appointed Hokage, Gaku. They hoped that under Uchiha leadership, the village would thrive. While some embraced this change wholeheartedly, others remained bitter, refusing to accept responsibility for their past actions or acknowledge the Uchiha's innocence regarding Kurama's attack. But with widespread support from both the populace and the Daimyō, there was little these dissenters could do—they lacked the power to oppose the new order.

Under Gaku's rule, stability returned to Konoha. Criminals and gangs that once operated freely through bribes paid to corrupt council members were hunted down and brought to justice. Some resisted and perished; others surrendered. Corruption was rooted out, market prices stabilized, and safety became a tangible reality. People felt secure and content under the new administration.

Now, standing outside the gates of this transformed village were two women. One was a fair-skinned woman with brown eyes and straight blonde hair that parted above her forehead. Her shoulder-length bangs framed her face, while the rest of her hair cascaded down to her lower back. In her younger years, she often wore her hair in a high ponytail. The second woman was fair-skinned, of average height, and slender, with piercing onyx eyes and jet-black hair. Her straight, shoulder-length locks featured bangs that covered her ears and framed her delicate features. She wore a long bluish-black kimono trimmed with white, secured by a pristine obi, and open-toed sandals with low heels. Neither woman bore a forehead protector.

[Tsunade's POV]

I'm finally here. It took me longer than expected because I couldn't abandon my patients—several pregnant mothers were due last week, and leaving them wasn't an option. Still, I knew Ajamu wouldn't leave so soon. With his wanderlust, he'd stay until he explored every corner of this land.

Even before reaching the gates, I noticed a marked difference in the village. Ninja patrolled with discipline, supervised closely by Uchiha overseers. The guards stationed at the gates stood tall and vigilant, their posture impeccable.

'It seems Gaku, the new Hokage, is keeping everyone on a tight leash,' I thought. Rumors had reached me about reforms within the academy system. Books suppressed by the old council—texts that exposed weaknesses and misinformation leading some ninja astray—were now freely available and taught in schools.

Unconsciously, I muttered aloud: "My love, I hope I can win your heart and help you remember me."

Realizing what I'd said, I glanced around nervously. Shizune gave me a questioning look, silently demanding an explanation. Who would believe my story of reincarnation and lost love? Hoping to avoid answering, I turned my attention back to the approaching gates.

Shizune clearly wasn't ready to let it go and opened her mouth to press the issue when an ANBU operative appeared suddenly. Bowing respectfully, the masked figure announced: "Tsunade-sama, the Hokage wishes to see you. Please follow me."

We nodded and followed the ANBU into the village. Along the way, I observed the changes. It had been years since I last visited, and while the landscape had evolved, the atmosphere was undeniably positive. Children played in the streets, laughter filling the air, and the villagers seemed genuinely happy. Gaku was doing a commendable job.

It didn't take long to reach the Hokage Tower. Inside, I found Gaku seated at the Hokage desk, flanked by three shadow clones diligently handling paperwork. His Sharingan glowed softly, but there was no hostility in his gaze—only warmth, almost as if he welcomed us knowingly.

Gaku's thoughts echoed silently: 'According to His Majesty's orders, I must treat her with respect. Not only for her medical achievements but also because she is the last descendant of Asura, who serves our king. Our king values loyalty and insists we care for our people—including their families.'

Aloud, Gaku greeted us warmly: "Welcome, Tsunade Senju. I'm glad to see you return to the village. However, as Hokage, I must ask you a few questions."

I understood his caution—he needed to ensure I wasn't harboring doubts about the legitimacy of the current regime. But honestly, I didn't care about politics. My sole purpose was finding Ajamu.

With a calm smile, I replied: "Of course, Hokage-sama. Ask whatever you wish, and I'll answer to the best of my ability."

He gestured for me to sit, and I complied. Once the ANBU left, he began his inquiry: "What brings you back to the village, and why now?"

I paused briefly, deciding honesty was the best approach. "I've come back to settle down and find my love."

His eyebrow quirked at my response, but sensing the sincerity in my words, he moved on. "Do you plan to work at the village hospital, or will you resume your career as a ninja?"

This question required no deliberation. "The hospital. I've given up the life of a shinobi. Though I'll still fight if necessary, I no longer wish to earn my living that way."

He nodded approvingly, respecting my decision. Then, to my surprise, he smiled—a rare sight from the stoic man I remembered. "That's all, then, Tsunade-san. I hope you find your love and settle down happily. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me."

Seizing the opportunity, I responded earnestly: "Thank you, Hokage-sama. Actually, I'd like to take you up on your offer right now."

He tilted his head curiously. "Oh? What do you need?"

My expression grew serious. "I'd like to meet Ajamu-sama. Could you arrange a meeting between us?"

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then, unexpectedly, a voice spoke from behind me: "You don't have to wait long. Why do you want to meet me?"

'This voice…' My heart raced. I recognized it instantly—it was him. Turning around, I froze. There he stood, older than I remembered, his eyes changed, yet unmistakably Ajamu.

Emotions overwhelmed me. My heart pounded so fiercely I could barely breathe. Losing control of myself, I dashed toward him, throwing my arms around him and crying uncontrollably. "Ajamu! I missed you so much!"

Shock rippled across everyone's faces in the room, unspoken questions hanging thick in the air.