Bewildered by Love or a Man's Responsibility (Only Women May Defend the Homeland)... Mito Uzumaki!

On a day of gentle sunshine, a faint blush spread across young Tsunade's fair cheeks, as delicate and lovely as peach blossoms opening in spring.

With a mixture of shyness and annoyance, she pouted, "Idiot, boohoohoo, my first kiss is gone just like that. You have to make it up to me."

Uchiha Ying, standing nearby, was equally flustered and at a loss, yet a different kind of light flickered in his deep eyes.

Helplessly, he said, "It was my first time too. I really didn't expect this to happen. But don't worry, I'll take responsibility for you."

Hearing that, Tsunade became even more embarrassed and indignant. She stomped her foot and huffed, "Idiot, who wants you to take responsibility? Hmph!" With that, she hurried away in small steps. Her petite figure swayed gracefully beneath the sunlight like a lively little flower.

Watching Tsunade's retreating back, Uchiha Ying felt an inexplicable surge of anxiety.

He hurried after her and shouted, "Be careful! Don't fall!"

His voice echoed through the air, filled with concern and worry.

His urgent footsteps seemed to speak of the unease in his heart. He feared Tsunade might come to harm in her frantic run.

After returning home, seven-year-old Tsunade skipped through the doorway like a cheerful little deer.

Her bright golden ponytail swung happily with her movements, brimming with childish innocence and energy.

Filled with confusion, Tsunade went to her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki. Looking at her with clear, springlike eyes, she asked, "Grandma, what does it feel like to have your heart flutter?"

Thirty-nine-year-old Mito Uzumaki froze slightly, a gentle look of reminiscence appearing in her eyes.

She slowly said, "That? It's first love. It's a strange emotion that makes your heart complicated, difficult to put into words yet truly felt. It is like a spring breeze lightly brushing across your heart, stirring ripples upon ripples. It is when your heartbeat uncontrollably quickens. That is having your heart flutter."

After hearing this, Tsunade unconsciously placed a small hand over her chest, feeling her rapidly beating heart.

"But my heart is beating so fast," Tsunade said inwardly, her little face full of confusion and bewilderment.

She did not understand why her heart was racing so wildly. This unfamiliar feeling left her both curious and uneasy.

She stood there quietly, sinking into deep thought as she tried to understand what the feeling of having one's heart flutter, as her grandmother described it, truly was.

As the eldest princess of the Uzumaki Clan, she had been married to Senju Hashirama, the young clan leader of the Senju Clan, since childhood. She knew that back then, she could only marry first and fall in love afterward.

In those early days, she looked at the tall, resolute man before her with nothing but unfamiliarity and unease in her heart.

She did not understand why fate had arranged things this way, binding her so tightly to someone she barely knew.

Yet, as time slowly passed, she gradually discovered the unique qualities that made Senju Hashirama shine.

He possessed incomparably steadfast convictions and would spare no effort to protect his clan and peace.

On the battlefield, he was brave and fearless, like an unshakable mountain that gave those around him endless reassurance.

Yet in daily life, he also had a gentle and thoughtful side. He cared for her in every way, and even the smallest gesture could make her feel his love.

She began trying to understand him and enter his world.

They walked together through mountain forests, sharing their dreams and aspirations. They faced hardships and challenges together, supporting one another as they moved forward.

Throughout that process, her heart was gradually melted by him, and the love that had come after their marriage deepened without her realizing it.

As the years changed, they endured countless storms together and witnessed the rise and fall of their clan, as well as the changing of the times.

The love between them, too, was like fine wine, growing richer with age.

She knew that she had deeply fallen in love with the man who had once been a stranger, and he had spent his entire life fulfilling his love and promise to her.

Mito Uzumaki said, "Little Tsunade, I'm tired. Rest for now. I'm going outside for some air."

"Okay, Grandma," Tsunade said.

Mito slowly rose to her feet and walked toward the door, her steps somewhat heavy.

The evening breeze gently brushed past her, carrying a trace of chill. Mito took a deep breath and savored this brief moment of peace.

She raised her head toward the sky, where the scattered stars seemed to tell the stories of passing years.

Memories surged into her heart like a tide. She remembered her youth, those days filled with challenges and hope.

She had once been as lively as Tsunade, full of expectations for the future.

Now, time had flown by. Watching Tsunade grow up day by day filled her heart with emotion.

Mito Uzumaki looked up at the night sky and said, "Hashirama, I miss you."

Her voice seemed especially ethereal in the silent night, as though it crossed time and space to convey boundless longing to her distant beloved.

When I can no longer protect Konoha, I'll come down and join you.

Mito's eyes revealed both resolve and tenderness. She knew she bore a grave responsibility, yet her longing for Hashirama had never paused for even a moment.

Under the moonlight, Mito Uzumaki began to sing softly. Her voice was melodious and plaintive, every note filled with her yearning for her husband.

Her song drifted through the night sky, as if it wished to carry that deep affection to another world.

Moonlight fell over her, draping her in a silvery-white glow.

Her figure appeared especially lonely in the tranquil night, yet it was also full of strength.

She knew that she had to remain strong—for Konoha, and for Hashirama's final wish.

The song gradually came to an end. Mito stood quietly there, gazing at the brightest star in the night sky.

She seemed to see Hashirama's smiling face and hear his call.

At that moment, warmth filled her heart, as if Hashirama were right beside her.

Inside the house, Tsunade lay in bed, yet sleep would not come.

Her mind kept replaying her conversation with her grandmother, along with that mysterious "feeling of having one's heart flutter."

She thought about her grandmother's experiences and imagined her own future life.

Perhaps one day, she too would be like her grandmother, going through many stories and finding the true love that belonged to her.

After an unknown amount of time, Mito slowly returned indoors.

She looked at the already sleeping Tsunade, a gentle smile appearing on her face.

She carefully tucked in Tsunade's blanket, then sat beside the bed and quietly watched over her adorable granddaughter.

In that peaceful night, grandmother and granddaughter were both immersed in their own thoughts, waiting for the arrival of a new day.

After Uchiha Ying returned home, his heart was deeply conflicted. Too many things had happened today.

He slowly walked to the window and looked at the bright moon outside, his thoughts surging like a tide.

He remembered that accidental kiss with Tsunade. The soft sensation seemed to still linger on his lips, making his heart race uncontrollably.

He had never imagined that he would have such intimate contact with Tsunade in this way, and his words, "I'll take responsibility for you," kept echoing in his mind.

He did not know what his promise truly meant, nor where the future would lead.

Everything that had happened today had caught him off guard. He had always been calm and composed, yet this sudden emotion had left his heart in turmoil.

He began to consider what exactly he felt for Tsunade. Was it a momentary impulse, or was it truly having his heart flutter?

He was not sure, but he knew that from that moment onward, Tsunade held a different place in his heart.

He let out a soft sigh. Moonlight fell over his face, reflecting in his deep yet confused eyes.

He did not know what awaited them in the future, but he decided to face it all bravely, no matter how many hardships and challenges lay ahead.

Because he knew that once some things happened, they could not be avoided. He could only face them bravely.