On the day Princess Mito returned to the Land of Whirlpools, many people came to see her off.
Besides the Uchiha and Senju clansmen, members of Konoha's other shinobi clans and ordinary villagers came in droves. The Ninja Academy students she had taught gathered too, forming a bustling crowd at the village entrance, all reluctant to say goodbye.
Everyone hated to see Princess Mito leave after all she had done for Konoha. They especially hated losing the exquisite Sealing Scrolls she made by hand. Many eagerly hoped she would visit Konoha again after returning home-or better yet, marry into Konoha. This time, however, Mito truly would not be coming back.
After all, the Land of Whirlpools was where she had been born and raised, her homeland steeped in countless memories.
Hashirama stood cheerfully at the village entrance, grinning and waving both arms vigorously to bid the departing Princess Mito farewell. He showed no sadness at their parting, but Tobirama, standing beside him, was filled with wistfulness.
Watching Princess Mito's figure recede into the distance, Tobirama felt deeply regretful. If she had truly become Hashirama's wife back then, they would have been a wonderfully matched couple.
Still, his thinking had changed considerably over the past few years. Matters of the heart were best left unforced. Since Hashirama and Mito had no such feelings, who could make them?
Shingetsu and Madara also stood quietly at the village entrance, watching Princess Mito leave along with everyone else.
Madara's expression was as indifferent as ever. He waved casually, as though brushing away a breeze, and that was his farewell to Mito. Shingetsu, however, hated to see her go. As she watched Princess Mito leave, glistening tears welled in her eyes.
Mito looked back at those familiar faces from Konoha, and a sudden surge of