Confused by Love or a Man's Responsibility (Only Women Can Guard the Homeland)... Mito Uzumaki!

On a day bathed in gentle sunlight, a faint blush spread across young Tsunade's fair cheeks, as lovely and vivid as peach blossoms blooming in spring.

With a hint of shyness and annoyance, she protested sweetly, "Idiot, waaah, my first kiss is gone just like that. You have to make it up to me."

Beside her, Uchiha Ying was equally flustered and at a loss, though a different sort 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 angry. She stamped her foot and snorted, "Idiot, who wants you to take responsibility? Hmph!" With that, she hurried away in little steps. Her petite figure swayed beneath the sunlight like a lively flower.

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

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

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

His hurried footsteps seemed to speak of his unease. He was afraid Tsunade might come to harm in her panicked run.

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

Her bright golden ponytail swished merrily with every movement, brimming with childish innocence and energy.

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

Thirty-nine-year-old Mito Uzumaki was slightly taken aback, and a gentle look of reminiscence appeared in her eyes.

She slowly said, "That? It's first love. It's a wonderful feeling that makes your heart complicated, hard to describe, yet unmistakably real. It's like a spring breeze gently brushing over your heart and stirring ripples within it. It's when your heartbeat quickens uncontrollably. That is what it means for your heart to 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 thought complicatedly, her little face full of confusion and bewilderment.

She did not understand why her heart was beating so quickly. This unfamiliar sensation made her both curious and uneasy.

She stood there quietly, lost in deep thought as she tried to understand what the fluttering feeling her grandmother had described truly was.

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

In those early days, as she looked at the tall and resolute man before her, her heart was filled with unfamiliarity and unease.

She did not understand why fate had arranged things this way, binding her so tightly to someone who was almost entirely a stranger.

However, as time slowly passed, she gradually discovered the unique virtues that shone within Senju Hashirama.

He possessed incomparably firm convictions and was willing to 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 security.

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

She began trying to understand him and enter his world.

They walked together through the mountains and forests, sharing their dreams and hopes; they faced difficulties and challenges together, supporting each other as they moved forward.

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

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

Their feelings for each other, like aged wine, grew richer with time.

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

Mito Uzumaki said, "Little Tsunade, I'm tired. Rest for now. I'm going out 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 brushed gently past, bringing a trace of chill. Mito took a deep breath and savored this brief moment of peace.

She looked up at the sky, where the scattered stars seemed to be telling stories of the passing years.

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

She too had once been as energetic as Tsunade, full of hopes for the future.

Now, as time flew by, she watched Tsunade grow up day by day, and her heart was filled with emotion.

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

Her voice sounded especially ethereal in the silent night, as though it had crossed time and space to carry her endless longing to her distant lover.

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

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

Under the moonlight, Mito Uzumaki softly began to sing. Her song was melodious and mournful, every note filled with longing for her husband.

Her singing drifted through the night sky, as if it wished to carry her deep feelings into another world.

Moonlight fell upon her, draping her in a silvery radiance.

Her figure appeared especially lonely in the quiet night, yet it was also filled with strength.

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

The song gradually faded. Mito stood quietly there, gazing at the brightest star in the night sky.

She seemed to see Hashirama's smiling face and hear him calling to her.

At that moment, her heart was filled with warmth, as though Hashirama were right by her side.

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 "fluttering feeling."

She thought of her grandmother's experiences and imagined what her own future life might be like.

Perhaps one day, she too would be like her grandmother, experiencing 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, and a gentle smile appeared on her face.

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

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

After returning home, Uchiha Ying felt deeply conflicted. Too many things had happened today.

He slowly walked to the window and looked at the bright moon outside, his thoughts churning like tides.

He recalled 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 them.

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

He began to wonder what exactly he felt for Tsunade. Was it merely a momentary impulse, or was it genuine love?

He was not sure, but he knew that from that moment onward, Tsunade's place in his heart had become different.

He let out a soft sigh. Moonlight fell across 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 difficulties and challenges lay ahead.

Because he knew that once some things happened, they could no longer be avoided. All he could do was face them bravely.