I Miss You

The two walked slowly into the Hokage Building. Senju Genma was still a squad leader in the Anbu, so he knew exactly how tight the security was here, with Anbu guards stationed both inside and out.

Tsunade kicked the door to the Hokage Office wide open and strode in with a carefree air.

This was a bad habit she had picked up all the way back during the era of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.

As the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, she had been the little tyrant of the village since she was a child.

"Teacher, we're back."

As the two entered the office, they found that Orochimaru had already arrived.

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't be bothered to lecture Tsunade, so he simply waved his hand and said, "I know, go sit down and behave yourself!"

"Oh!" Tsunade replied, taking a seat to the side.

Hiruzen then turned his gaze toward Senju Genma, a kind and gentle smile on his face: "Genma, you did very well this time. You go sit down as well!"

"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Senju Genma nodded slightly and sat down nearby.

Watching Senju Genma's well-behaved demeanor, Hiruzen's mouth stretched into a grin that reached his ears.

What a sensible child. He had performed a great service yet remained humble; both his character and his talent were far superior to those three good-for-nothing disciples of his!

Especially Jiraiya—he couldn't even be found after the war ended, and he didn't even bother to come back and check on his own teacher!

"For this war, you are all heroes of the village, and the village will not forget your contributions."

"I will convene a meeting with the high-ranking officials as soon as possible to determine your rewards."

"It just so happens that you can take a temporary rest during this time."

"Temporary?" Tsunade was stunned at these words. She had been planning to spend a few years living a carefree, intimate life with Genma! How did it turn into just a temporary rest?

Hiruzen sighed: "According to the latest intelligence, the Land of Rain has surrendered to the Land of Wind, and the Land of Wind has accepted."

"Not only that, but according to information gathered by the Anbu, the Land of Wind is currently massing troops at the border of the Land of River. Perhaps before long, there will be a new war."

War—he didn't want to fight either.

He did not fear war, but that did not mean he enjoyed it.

He had always been a supporter of the philosophies held by the First and Second Hokage, dedicated to developing the village. His governing principle was to maintain the peace and stability of the village.

But war was not something he could decide on his own.

Hiruzen pursed his lips, pondered for a moment, and said: "Tsunade, Genma, spend more time with Lady Mito when you have the chance. I will go visit her in a while as well."

As soon as these words were spoken, both Tsunade and Senju Genma felt their hearts sink.

They knew that Uzumaki Mito was about to leave them.

The two exchanged a glance and nodded.

Senju Genma stood up and said: "Lord Hokage, Tsunade and I would like to take a temporary leave. We won't be participating in village affairs for the time being."

Orochimaru was confused, his face full of bewilderment.

It was just spending time with family, why were their reactions so intense?

Could it be that Lady Mito was too old and couldn't hold on much longer, which was why Genma and Tsunade were so heartbroken?

Why was life so fragile?!!

Thinking of this, Orochimaru clenched his fists and sighed.

However, at this moment, Hiruzen also said with a desolate expression: "I understand you both. Go and spend time with Lady Mito with peace of mind!"

After saying this, Hiruzen's eyes grew slightly red.

Uzumaki Mito was his elder, and the two had known each other for at least thirty years.

She had been kind to everyone, and her benevolence was etched in everyone's hearts. Yet, in the blink of an eye, she was about to pass away; it would be a lie to say he wasn't saddened!

Orochimaru's mood grew even heavier; his teacher's display was like a critical blow to him.

That night, within the Senju Clan Grounds.

Senju Genma lay on his bed, his mind racing. Tsunade had cried herself to sleep.

Even though they had returned to the village, were far from the chaos of war, and had become heroes, they couldn't feel happy at all.

Because the suspicions they had during the day had been confirmed by Uzumaki Mito herself; she felt that her destiny was approaching, and her body was deteriorating day by day.

Thinking of this, Senju Genma sighed softly: "Is there really no perfect technique for immortality?"

"Orochimaru's Living Corpse Reincarnation can achieve immortality, but after using it, the body is no longer your own."

"The Reanimation is the same."

"As for the others..."

"How long did Kaguya Otsutsuki live? It took a thousand years from planting the God Tree on Earth to consuming the God Tree Fruit, and she reappeared a thousand years after being sealed."

"In other words, without consuming the God Tree Fruit, the Otsutsuki Clan has a lifespan of at least a thousand years or more."

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Senju Genma froze, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he lightly touched the corner of his eye.

"Sage's Eye, Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique."

"Although the Rinnegan can grant immunity to illusions, it cannot withstand illusions cast using Sage Chakra."

"I just don't know how much Sage Chakra is required for it to take effect."

"What would happen if I used Sage Art: Illusion to manipulate a Rinnegan wielder into casting the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique?"

"Would it be possible to use another's life to resurrect the lives of those I cherish?"

"And what state would their bodies be in after resurrection? Young? Or old?"

"Forget it, I'll only know what it's like once I've done it!"

Senju Genma suddenly leapt from his bed, spread his arms toward the window, and declared, "Nagato, offer your life to me!"

"Ahem!"

Just then, Uzumaki Kushina, who had appeared in the room at some unknown moment, let out a cough.

Senju Genma immediately used the Body Flicker Technique to carry Uzumaki Kushina out of the room.

Although the two were the same age, Senju Genma's physique had already surpassed Uzumaki Kushina's; he was a full head taller than her.

"Little cutie, why aren't you sleeping?"

Uzumaki Kushina rubbed her eyes and yawned, saying, "I was thirsty and came out for some water, then I heard movement in your room, so I went in to check."

Senju Genma swallowed hard, his expression awkward as he asked, "Then what did you hear just now?"

Uzumaki Kushina nuzzled against his chest and shook her head. "Nothing much, just heard you asking someone to offer their life. Were you talking to Sister Tsunade?"

"No, I was just talking in my sleep." Senju Genma let out a sigh of relief.

This child wandering around in the middle of the night instead of sleeping really scared him.

"Brother Genma, if you asked me to offer my life, I would do it, you know!"

After saying this, Uzumaki Kushina felt a bit ashamed and began to blush.

"Why would you suddenly say something like that? I couldn't bear to let you offer your life for me." Senju Genma held Kushina even tighter.

Uzumaki Kushina blinked. "Brother Genma, I missed you. Can we sleep together tonight?"

Looking into Uzumaki Kushina's eyes, Senju Genma finally understood that this was her true purpose for tonight.

He glanced toward Tsunade's room.

"This..."

What a dilemma!

On one side is the mature woman, on the other is the little girl; how am I supposed to choose?

Suddenly, Kushina pressed her lips close to Genma's ear and whispered, "Mikoto and Konan are thinking about you too, Brother!"

No need to be conflicted anymore!