As Shingetsu lunged ferociously at him, Tobirama reacted swiftly, reaching out to pinch the back of her neck and scoop her into his arms.
Tobirama was actually very good at looking after children, and small animals too. He owed all these caring qualities to his unreliable older brother.
After tucking Shingetsu into his arms, he stroked her with practiced ease, as though soothing a restless kitten. Before long, she unconsciously relaxed.
Tobirama's embrace was cool, and being held by him in the summer heat was quite comfortable. Shingetsu instinctively yawned, nestled her head against his chest, and slowly narrowed her eyes, nearly falling asleep.
This girl really didn't have the slightest wariness!
Watching Shingetsu doze off in his arms, Tobirama heaved a sigh. He was filled with exasperation, yet his hands remained exceptionally gentle.
The little girl curled up peacefully in his embrace like a butterfly resting in its chrysalis, her soft body carrying a pleasant scent. Holding her like this really was soothing. No wonder those two unreliable fools, Madara and Hashirama, liked carrying her around all the time.
But Tobirama, who believed in strict discipline, would not keep indulging Shingetsu the way Madara and Hashirama did. Seeing that it was almost time for the speech, he ruthlessly hauled the girl pretending to sleep out of his arms and pushed her toward the raised platform without mercy.
"It's time. Go up onstage."
"You really want me to give a speech? Tobirama Senju, are you out of your mind?!"
Shingetsu grabbed Tobirama's arm and clung to it. No matter how he pushed or pulled, she refused to let go. She truly had not expected him to make her give a speech. One glance at the dense crowd below made her legs go weak and her mind go blank.
How could