Sending Off

Senju Tobirama and the elders left in grief. For a time, only Hashirama, Uzumaki Suiling, and Senju Hushen remained in the room.

"Hashirama." Uzumaki Suiling held his hand. She had a thousand words she wanted to say, yet not a single one would leave her lips. Choking back sobs, tears streamed endlessly down her face.

Hashirama gently wiped away her tears and said softly, "Having lived this long, I have no regrets in this life. If there is anyone I have wronged most, perhaps it is you." "Ours was a political marriage. We both knew that well. We had never even met before the wedding, much less gotten to know each other. But I had to marry you, and you had to marry me, because it was the shared wish of the Senju and Uzumaki Clans. These past years, you have suffered."

Senju Hashirama spoke gently, and Uzumaki Suiling felt that he had never been this tender before.

"No. I do not regret marrying you, nor do I feel wronged. Not at all." Uzumaki Suiling shook her head. The tears in her eyes had been wiped away as she tightly clasped her husband's hand.

Senju Hashirama smiled, smiling openly. "Thank you." "Suiling, I will not make it through tonight. But do not grieve for me. No one can escape death; the only difference is sooner or later. I am at peace now, and this feeling is wonderful. But from now on, I will have to trouble you. Konoha needs peace. You wield the power of the Nine-Tails, so you must be

extremely cautious."

Uzumaki Suiling bit her lower lip lightly, her expression resolute. "Hashirama, rest assured. I will protect the village for you, and I will raise Hushen well. He will definitely become a hero like you."

Hashirama chuckled and