Time flowed swiftly by like water.
In the blink of an eye, the spring of Konoha Year 64 quietly arrived.
Xuandou stood beneath the veranda, watching several children chase each other and play in the courtyard.
Mikazuki held a little white kitten, giving it a name in her babyish voice.
Sōsuke crouched in a corner, seemingly thinking about something.
Hiiragi sat quietly to one side, watching her older brothers and sisters with wide eyes and a faint smile on her lips.
As for that boy Mirai, who knew where he had run off to this time?
Xuandou withdrew his gaze, went inside, and took two-year-old Shiwa from the wet nurse.
The little fellow was chubby, having inherited Tsunade's hair color and Uchiha features. His eyes were big and bright, and he smiled at everyone he saw, making him very endearing.
"Come on, Shiwa. Daddy's taking you to see Mommy."
He formed hand seals with one hand, locking onto the Flying Thunder God Mark in Tsunade's office.
Flying Thunder God activated, and father and son vanished from the Imperial Palace.
Konoha, the Hokage's Office.
Tsunade was reviewing documents. Sensing the chakra fluctuation, she spoke without even raising her head:
"You're here? Where's Shiwa?"
Xuandou set Shiwa down, and the little fellow ran toward Tsunade, calling out:
"Mommy!"
Tsunade immediately put down her pen, crouched, and picked Shiwa up, kissing him on the cheek:
"Did you miss Mommy?"
"Of course I did!"
Shiwa giggled, his little hands clutching Tsunade's hair without letting go.
Tsunade wasn't annoyed. She let him tug at it, her eyes full of tenderness.
Xuandou stood to one side, watching them with a smile on his lips.
A moment later, he gave Shizune a meaningful look.
Shizune understood and stepped forward, clapping softly:
"Shiwa, come here. How about Auntie