His wife's words were neither reassurance nor reproach. Clear and penetrating as dawn breaking through the mist, they flowed like warmth through Hashirama's heart, washing away the conflict and self-doubt that had weighed on him for days.
Yes, different eras meant different powers-and different choices.
He did not need to regret the possibilities of the past, nor fear the certainties of the future.
All he needed to do was face the present and make his own judgment, guided by his heart and his responsibilities.
Once he understood that, the great stone that had long weighed on his heart seemed to dissolve in an instant.
Openness and clarity returned to his eyes.
His lips curved into an involuntary smile, no longer shadowed by uncertainty.
He reached up with his broad hands and gently clasped his wife's soft yet strong hands, which rested around his neck.
Then he turned his head slightly, pressing his cheek against Mito's equally warm cheek, with its faint, sweet fragrance.
The warmth of their skin touching dispelled the last trace of hesitation in his heart.
At the same time, however, a thought utterly unbecoming of the God of Shinobi popped up from deep within him like a mischievous bubble:
You thickheaded idiot!
Think, quick!
After coming back, hadn't I secretly gone to that kid Naruto for advice at Tobirama's urging, hoping to make Mito happy?
And hadn't Naruto used multiple Shadow Clones to compile a handwritten book of Three Thousand Questions About Romance for me?
Was there a classic scene about a husband inviting his wife to begin a new chapter of their lives together?
Were the lines right? Was the mood right? Would Mito think I was being too sappy or too abrupt?!
Hmm!
I remembered-no, that one didn't quite fit.
Oh, who cared!
*I could