Love and Pain of the past(Fixed)

[Flashback]

In a grand wedding hall, a man and a woman stood at the center of attention—the bride and groom of the day. Their names were Ajamu Algar and Maria Lionson. The atmosphere was filled with joy, their smiles radiant as they exchanged vows, surrounded by flowers, music, and well-wishers.

Their love story began years earlier when Ajamu, then just 13, traveled to another kingdom as part of his father's royal escort. Maria, the third daughter of the king, caught his eye during the welcome party. Sparks flew between them instantly, and they spent much of the evening engrossed in conversation. Both their fathers noticed this budding connection and arranged opportunities for the two to meet throughout the visit. By the end of the second week, Ajamu confessed his feelings, expressing his desire to court her. With the blessing of Maria's father—who regarded Ajamu's father as a brother—a betrothal was agreed upon.

Over the years, their relationship deepened through visits back and forth. Sometimes Ajamu would travel to her kingdom, and other times she visited his estate, learning about the life she would lead as its future duchess. By the time they turned 15, their bond had grown so strong that they decided to marry early, despite the traditional age for marriage being 16. During her visits, they cherished every moment together, often staying up all night simply to make the most of their limited time.

Today marked their wedding day—a celebration attended by the king, the royal family, and countless guests. It was a grand event, brimming with love and hope for the future.

Fast forward four years, however, and the once-happy couple became known as one of the saddest pairs in the kingdom. Everyone around them pitied their plight.

During those four years, Maria suffered unimaginable heartbreak: two stillborn children and two miscarriages. Each loss shattered both their hearts—Ajamu for being unable to help, and Maria because the doctors revealed that her body could not sustain pregnancy. Despite this devastating news, they continued trying, driven by love and determination.

Ajamu, ever supportive, never blamed Maria for their misfortune. Whenever tragedy struck, he devoted himself to comforting her, doing everything in his power to ease her pain. After the fourth failed attempt, the doctors warned Maria that another pregnancy could cost her life. Her body, weakened by previous pregnancies, couldn't endure another. Ajamu accepted this reality, assuring her that their happiness mattered more than having heirs. He refused to risk losing her.

But Maria couldn't ignore the societal pressures surrounding them. As his wife, she felt the weight of expectation—he was a nobleman, and everyone they knew who had married around the same time or later already had children. Friends and acquaintances whispered suggestions, some even advising Ajamu to take a second wife. These rumors infuriated him; he dismissed such ideas outright, cutting ties with anyone who dared propose them.

Determined to defy fate, Maria resorted to drastic measures. When Ajamu refused to try again, she stopped eating and drinking, declaring, "If you won't let me die giving birth, I'll die of hunger." After three days of starvation, her frail body collapsed, and she was rushed to the doctor. Even then, she refused medicine and food until Ajamu reluctantly agreed.

With her fifth pregnancy confirmed, Ajamu spared no expense. He sought out the finest doctors, medicines, and treatments from across the seas, desperate to ensure her survival. But despite his efforts, her health deteriorated rapidly. From the first day of the fifth month to the 20th of the sixth, her condition worsened daily. On the 25th, she passed away alongside their unborn child.

The news devastated Ajamu. Overcome with grief, he fell into a coma that lasted 30 days. When he finally woke, something shocking occurred: when his family tried to console him about Maria, he responded blankly, "Maria who?" In an effort to protect him from unbearable pain, his mind had locked away all memories of her. Doctors advised against forcing him to remember, fearing it might kill him. Instead, his father took him away from the city and immersed him in military campaigns, hoping time would heal his wounds.

Ajamu threw himself into his duties, earning accolades and achievements for his family. Yet, no matter how hard his father tried—directly or indirectly—to jog his memory, nothing worked. Days turned into months, and months into years. Even after three years, when his family suggested finding new love, Ajamu showed no interest in any woman.

This pattern continued until the war broke out—and ultimately, until his death.

[After She Died]

Maria found herself standing before a veil of light so bright it could blind her. But her thoughts weren't on the brilliance before her. Instead, tears streamed down her face as she sank to the ground, hugging her knees tightly. "Ajamu… I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I only made you suffer because of me…"

A gentle voice interrupted her despair.

Lusis: "Hello, child. Take your time—but the moment has come for a choice that may offer you a chance."

She wept for a while longer before lifting her head, her voice trembling. "Help me? How?"

Lusis: "I am not bound by time, so I've seen futures where your Ajamu takes my eyes and becomes a Guardian for the worlds under my care. I've also witnessed his enduring pain—a sorrow that not even death could erase. Even without remembering you, he remained loyal to your memory in ways he couldn't understand."

Maria's eyes widened. "What do you mean by 'pain' and 'without knowing it'? What happened to Ajamu?"

Lusis waved his hand, showing her glimpses of Ajamu's life after her death—the coma, his struggles, and his eventual passing. Seeing the toll her absence took on him reignited her anguish, her cries growing louder. It took some time before Lusis intervened.

Lusis: "It's alright, child. Even in the darkest times, there is always light. As someone who watches over my people, I consider Ajamu part of my future. Therefore, I will give you a chance. I will reincarnate you in the first world he enters in most timelines. However, you will not be born with your memories."

Maria stared at the veil, her eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope.

Lusis: "You will reincarnate repeatedly until the moment he arrives in that world. How many lifetimes you live and how long it takes are uncertain. This process will be painful for your soul to endure. Are you willing to try?"

Without hesitation, she replied, "Yes! I'll do anything. Please let me be with him again!"

Lusis: "Very well. But know this: he won't remember you, and your memories of your past life will only return once he enters the world. Whether he loves you again—or even accepts the role of Guardian—is entirely up to you. There are futures where you fail, and he refuses the job, leaving you apart forever."

Maria's expression hardened with resolve. **"I won't fail. I know my man, and I know how to win his heart. But if I may ask one favor… please reincarnate me with a strong, healthy body. Even if I age, my physical condition should remain at its peak."

Lusis smiled warmly, though she couldn't see it. "As you wish. I wish you luck, young woman. May fate be kinder to you this time."

With a wave of his hand, she vanished from the scene.

[The Day Ajamu Came to the Naruto World]

Shizune shook Tsunade awake, panic evident in her voice.

Shizune: "Tsunade-sama! TSUNADE-SAMA, WAKE UP! What happened? You just fainted…" She paused, noticing tears streaming down Tsunade's face. "Eh? Why are you crying? Did you dream about the war again?"

At that moment, Tsunade was lost in her own mind, overwhelmed by the flood of memories returning to her. Pain and happiness intertwined within her, creating a whirlwind of emotions.

Ignoring Shizune, Tsunade gazed out the window at the night sky. Her voice carried a mix of joy, longing, and sorrow as she whispered:

"Ajamu… You've finally come. Wait for me—I'm coming, my love."

//Author Notes://

Yes, I remembered this! For readers wondering if Lusis always knew Ajamu would join, remember that Lusis sees multiple versions of the future. In some timelines, Ajamu refused the job entirely. His knowledge isn't set in stone—it depends on choices yet to be made.

Regarding Dan: In this version of events, Maria (reincarnated as Tsunade) didn't experience her original love story with Dan. Instead, he was like a brother to her, and his death held no romantic significance. As for the age difference concern—are you serious right now? Given the abilities MCs can possess (de-aging, immortality, etc.), is this really far-fetched? Reincarnation inherently involves changes, and since she wasn't the same person without her memories, small alterations to her life trajectory were inevitable.

To clarify: Maria didn't hijack Tsunade's body. She was reincarnated as Tsunade without her past-life memories. This wasn't her first reincarnation either. Lusis sent her to repeatedly reincarnate in the Naruto world until Ajamu arrived. Each death brought the realization that she hadn't met him yet, prompting her to try again. That's why Lusis warned her it would be painful. By the time Ajamu entered the world, she had lived countless lives waiting for him.