Capítulo 20: Chapter 19-life of the Senju Family
Hashirama lay peacefully in bed, his breathing soft, and with Mito nestled against him, her warm naked body pressed close. The room was quiet, only the gentle sounds of their breathing filling the air as the morning sunlight began to spill through the window. Slowly, Hashirama opened his eyes, his eyes softening as he looked down at Mito, whose face was peaceful as she stirred awake. She lifted her head, meeting his eyes, and offered him a sleepy smile.
Without a word, she reached up and brushed a few strands of hair from his face, leaning in to place a loving kiss on his lips. Hashirama returned it, his hand gently brushing against her cheek, savoring the warmth and familiarity of her lips.
"Good morning love," she whispered, her voice filled with affection.
Hashirama chuckled softly. "Good morning, Mito." He closed his eyes for a moment, basking in the peace, feeling a sense of calm that was all too rare in his life. He knew that with her, he could set aside the battles, the village, and the expectations—even if just for a few fleeting moments.
Mito's gaze softened as she looked at him. "How are you feeling?" she asked gently, her fingers tracing gentle circles against his chest.
He sighed, his expression clouded for a moment. "I've been better, to be honest," he admitted, though he tried to keep his voice light. "I can feel it… everything catching up with me. My body isn't what it once was."
Mito's face fell, her brows knitting with worry as she took his hand in hers. "You've given so much, Hashirama. Too much, maybe."
Hashirama smiled, squeezing her hand gently. "I did what needed to be done. For the village… for our family. You know I would do it all again."
She nodded, though a sadness lingered in her eyes. "I know. I just… sometimes I wish you didn't have to carry it all." Her voice broke a little, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. "I already lost Hanaku. I don't think I could bear losing you too."
The mention of their son, Hanaku, made his heart ache, a pain that had never quite gone away. Hashirama wrapped his arm around Mito, pulling her closer. "He was taken from us too soon," he said, his voice filled with sorrow. "But he lives on through Tsunade. She has his fire, his spirit. And she's strong—stronger than I ever was."
Mito gave a bittersweet smile. "And that fiery temper of yours, not to mention that god-awful gambling habit." She shook her head with a soft laugh. "She's so much like you."
Hashirama laughed, his eyes brightening at the thought of their granddaughter. "You're right. I suppose that's on me." He sighed, looking out the window with a thoughtful expression. "But she's also got your strength, your resilience. She'll go far, Mito. I can feel it."
Mito smiled, her fingers gently tracing along his hand. "She already has. She's made us so proud." Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked up at him, her voice barely a whisper. "Just like you have, Hashirama. You've done so much for all of us. I'm so proud of you… more than you'll ever know."
Hashirama looked down at her, his gaze filled with an overwhelming depth of love. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you, Mito. You've always been my anchor… my strength."
Mito's eyes softened, and she reached up to touch his face, her voice thick with emotion. "And you've always been mine."
They held each other in a quiet embrace, the room filled with an unspoken understanding and love that had carried them through so much. Finally, Hashirama leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers, his voice barely a whisper. "I love you, Mito."
"And I love you, Hashirama," she replied, her voice choked with feeling.
After a few moments, they slowly got dressed, exchanging soft words and gentle touches. Just as Mito was tying her hair back, they heard a loud, familiar voice outside the door, followed by hurried footsteps. The door swung open, and Tsunade burst in, her face beaming with excitement.
"Grandpa! Grandma!" she called, rushing toward them with energy. She leaped onto the bed, landing between them with a laugh that filled the room.
Hashirama laughed, grabbing her and lifting her into a big hug. "Princess! What are you doing up so early?"
Tsunade grinned, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I wanted to see you! Besides, Grandma promised we'd go out to the market today, right?"
Mito chuckled, reaching over to brush a few stray hairs from Tsunade's face. "That's right, Tsunade. But first, let's all get dressed first".
Hashirama pulled Tsunade close, his grin as wide as hers. "Alright, market day with my favorite girls. What's on the list, Tsunade? Sweets?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "Sweets! And a new dice. I lost my last ones at the academy—"
Mito gave her a raised eyebrow. "Lost them, huh?"
"Fine… I gambled them away," Tsunade pouted, scrunching her nose. "But I was close to winning!"
Hashirama chuckled, ruffling her hair. "You're already better at gambling than I was at your age. But remember, it's about the fun, not always winning."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "You're one to talk. Grandma says you used to lose whole paychecks!"
Mito couldn't hold back a laugh. "He certainly did. And it took a lot of ramen dinners to make up for it."
"Hey, hey, let's not go down memory lane just to pick on me," Hashirama protested, chuckling. "I'll have you know I won big once. Just… maybe not the other times."
Tsunade grinned. "Then I'll win for both of us!" She jumped down from the bed, hands on her hips. "Come on! We've got a whole day of winning ahead!"
Hashirama shook his head, smiling as he got up, glancing at Mito as they shared a look of quiet pride. But as he swung his feet over the edge of the bed and stood up, he suddenly felt a wave of dizziness hit him.
He gripped the bedpost, laughing it off. "Must be getting up too fast. Alright, let's go before I miss out on all the sweets."
As they walked out of the room and down the hallway, Tsunade skipped ahead, babbling excitedly about all the things she planned to buy. Mito reached for his hand, giving it a light squeeze.
Hashirama smiled at her, but just as he opened his mouth to speak, he felt a hot, metallic taste in the back of his throat. He coughed, trying to clear it, but it came out harsher, and a red stain appeared on his palm.
Mito's smile faded. "Hashirama…" she said quietly, her hand tightening around his.
Hashirama closed his hand around the blood quickly, his other hand giving Mito's a reassuring squeeze. "It's nothing, really," he whispered, trying to brush it off with a small, strained smile.
But Mito's eyes were sharp, her worry visible. "You don't have to pretend with me, Hashirama. How long has this been happening?"
"Just… a little more than usual lately," he admitted, keeping his voice low so Tsunade wouldn't hear. "But it's fine, I'm fine. Just need to take it easy that's all hehe."
Mito's expression softened, though her concern didn't waver. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. You've already given so much, Hashirama."
He looked into her eyes, his usual light-heartedness fading. "I've given because it's what I know how to do. This village, all of it, I built it for you, for us. I just want it to keep standing… long after I'm gone."
Mito's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she held them back, keeping her gaze steady. "And it will. We've built this life together, you and I. That strength, that hope, it's already alive in every person here… and in Tsunade. But I don't want to lose you to this fight, Hashirama. Not yet."
Hashirama reached up, brushing his thumb gently over her cheek. "I know, Mito. But I can't just sit by while there's still work to be done." He tried to laugh, though it came out weaker than he'd intended. "Besides, who else would make sure Tsunade doesn't end up gamble the house away?"
Mito managed a soft laugh through the worry, but her hand rested over his, holding him steady. "Then promise me… you'll start letting the village stand on its own a little more. They need you, but not at the cost of you."
He gave her hand a light squeeze. "I'll try. For you, and for her."
Just then, Tsunade turned back, oblivious to the situation of the moment as she called out, "Come on, Grandpa, hurry up! We're going to miss all the good stuff!"
Hashirama and Mito exchanged one last look, a silent understanding passing between them. He brushed off his hands, swallowing back the metallic taste lingering in his throat, and straightened up with a smile for Tsunade.
"Alright, alright, let's go. Lead the way, future gambler extraordinaire," he called, letting his voice fall back into the warmth and ease.
The trio walked through the market, laughter and vibrant colors filling the air. Hashirama pointed out different stands to Tsunade, showing her the local sweets, toys, and even a small stand filled with goldfish in glass bowls. Her eyes lit up, darting from one thing to the next, clearly excited by everything around her.
"Hey, Grandpa!" Tsunade called, dragging him over to a stand with small wooden carvings. "Can I get one of these?"
Hashirama grinned, already pulling out a coin. "Pick whichever one you like, Princess."
She beamed and chose a small carving of a dragon, clutching it proudly. Hashirama and Mito exchanged a warm glance, watching as Tsunade immediately started showing her new prize to nearby kids. Before long, she was off running with them, her laughter blending with the chatter of the market.
"Remember when she could barely walk?" Hashirama said, his voice soft with nostalgia.
"She's growing up fast," Mito agreed, her voice filled with the same warmth.
They wandered further, exploring the market stalls and sampling treats—rice cakes, candied apples, and sweet dumplings, enjoying each other's company as though the worries of the world had faded away.
As the sun began to set, the distant beat of drums echoed through the village. Lanterns were being lit all around, casting a warm glow on the streets as the fire festival began in earnest. Tsunade was still playing nearby, joining a game of tag with the other kids, her laughter ringing out as the music filled the air.
Hashirama and Mito found a spot by the beach, watching the sun sink below the horizon, the sky awash with hues of orange and pink. Hashirama took a deep breath, letting the scent of saltwater mix with the spices from the nearby food stands. He glanced over at Mito, who was watching the scene with a soft smile.
He reached out his hand. "Mito, dance with me?"
She looked at him, surprised, but her eyes softened, and she took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet.
"You're hopeless," she teased, but her smile gave her away.
"Only for you," he murmured, pulling her close.
They swayed together to the distant music, their steps slow and in sync, as if they'd been dancing this way all their lives. Hashirama spun her gently, catching her as she came back to him, and Mito laughed—a soft, genuine sound that made his stomach have butterflies.
The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them. The weight of wars, the duties, the pain of loss—they all faded as they moved together, wrapped up in this quiet, perfect moment.
When the music slowed, they stopped, still holding each other as they looked out over the water. The reflection of the festival lights shimmered on the waves, creating a dance of colors on the water's surface.
"I'd dance with you every night if I could," he said softly.
Mito looked up at him, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "And I would always say yes."
They stood there for a long time, simply holding each other, as the festival carried on around them, and Tsunade's laughter echoed into their ears. For now, they were at peace, and that was all that mattered.
AN: more power stone = more chapters
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