Present day...

Kawakana was lying on her bed reading when she received a message from her cousin Miyuki informing her of Nanase's engagement to Madara. Kawakana was taken aback by this news, especially since she knew that Madara had met with Tōka on multiple occasions over the years. Furthermore, according to their clan tradition, Madara was required to marry in a certain way.

Kawakana tried to recall a moment when she had seen Nanase and Madara together, and she remembered two particular instances. The first was during spring when the two were walking and reminiscing about their childhood. Kawakana assumed they were simply having an ordinary conversation, but then Nanase's voice stuttered, and Kawakana looked back at the duo. She noticed that her cousin's usually cheerful expression had turned suddenly sad.

The second time Kawakana saw them together was near the end of the summer, after sunset, when the stars were beginning to twinkle. When they arrived at the main house, Nanase and Madara were walking together, and Kawakana sensed that Nanase's expression was full of yearning.

Finally, Kawakana realized that Nanase was the perfect wife for her brother. Although her cousin had always concealed her true emotions behind a cold façade, Kawakana knew that she was considerate and prone to worry. She was a fantastic host, but often forgetful. Nanase, on the other hand, was even more uptight than Hoshimi and could make her sister look laid back. Although she could be obstinate and sharp when necessary, she was incredibly supportive and caring.

She made a note in her mind to write to Nanase congratulating her. In the meantime she thought of what she could say to Tōka. She expected that the brunette woman to become angry or very sad when confronted by this news.

Abruptly Tobirama returned from his studies and took his place beside Kawakana. He tempted to look on her reading material but she placed it down.

She said, "My elder brother is getting married."

He said before giving her a kiss, "It was only a matter of time. This marriage gives your brothers something more productive to do instead of thinking of problems to cause."

Kawakana thought for a moment, she nodded, "Crude, But you are right."

"I always am."

She let out a strained laugh, "That remains to be seen." He caressed her stomach, it was flat and smooth. He gave her an gentle smile, "Indeed."

She sat up, "I will have to send them a wedding gift,"

"Then I will come with you to the capital."

He said and gave her a kiss on the lips, which set off a chain reaction between them. Her cheeks flushed red as their lips met again.

There was a knock on the door and it swung open to reveal his brother Hashirama. He seemed to take a moment to comprehend what he was seeing and then forced a wary smile onto his face.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything... It was rather quiet so I thought you both were resting."

Tobirama gave Hashirama an irritated scowl, "You think we're in each others arms every day, all day?"

A bird like giggle came from Kawakana's sweet lips, "We almost are."

Hashirama tempted to ease Tobirama, "I'm happy you both are having a for filling love life, I was beginning to worry."

Tobirama glared at him and returned to his reading material. Hashirama understood.

Tobirama said, "Well, you won't have to worry anymore, I promised to look after her as long as I live and nothing will change that."

Hashirama nodded as if satisfied with the answer, "You make an excellent husband as I said you would."

Kawakana made a shy face and her cheeks turned red as well. Tobirama did not respond to Hashirama and kept his eyes glued to his reading. Hashirama was left unsure of the look on Tobirama, he moved back standing by the door.

Hashirama announced, "Have you heard of Madara's marriage?"

Tobirama dropped his reading material and looked at Kawakana with a nonchalant glance.

Kawakana said, "Ah, yes, it's happened. He married a beloved distant cousin."

Hashirama was at a loss for words, he said, "I didn't think he would get married."

Kawakana looked at Tobirama enthusiastically, who looked back at her.

Hashirama said, "Well it happened. He married, as in... Been married. The extraordinary lady is called Nanase. She is very beautiful... I wonder what my bride will look like?"

"You are going to be marrying an Uzumaki? Are you not?" Kawakana inquired kindly.

"Yes."

"All Uzumakis have crimson long hair and are very attractive. Use your imagination Hashirama." Kawakana suggestion made Hashirama light up.

"Ah, I see what you are saying, Thank you Kawakana."

Hashirama said, "Thanks, Thou, I am rather lost at the moment... Madara has another woman in his heart."

Tobirama got a uncertain feeling in his stomach. He said, "That's ridiculous."

Hashirama said, "He is in love with another."

"Who?"

He revealed awaiting Tobirama's reaction, "Lady Tōka..."

Tobirama was flabbergasted, "Why on earth would he be in love with her?"

Hashirama just took a drink from his flask. He said, "He claims that she is beautifully fearsome, Madara likes dangerous women."

Tobirama inquired more, "How long has Madara known lady Tōka?"

"He has known Tōka as long as you've known Kana." Hashirama confirmed, "Tōka rejected you because she chose Madara."

Tobirama turned to address Kana, "That no longer my concern, I have Kana now."

Thankful Kana leaned over the futon to kiss his face. "Thank you, I'm very glad to have a husband like you."

Tobirama smiled at Kawakana, feeling a surge of affection for her. "And I am grateful to have a wife like you, who continues to bring me so much happiness."

Hashirama watched the tender exchange, a hint of wistfulness in his eyes. "I'm glad both of you have found love. It's a beautiful thing."

Tobirama nodded, a somber expression crossing his features. "Yes, it is. Love has the power to change people, to bring out the best in them. It seems Madara has found that with Lady Tōka."

Kawakana interjected, a touch of curiosity in her voice. "But what about your own feelings, Tobirama? Did Tōka's rejection of you not affect you at all?"

Tobirama took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "At the time, it was a blow to my pride. But now, with you by my side, I realize that it was for the best. I have found someone who truly loves and understands me. That is worth more than any unrequited affection."

Kawakana's eyes sparkled with admiration as she squeezed his hand. "You always know the right words to say, Tobirama. I'm lucky to have you."

Hashirama smiled, his gaze shifting between the couple. "I have no doubt that the two of you will have a wonderful future together. And as for Madara, well, love is a complex thing. Maybe someday he will find his own happiness."

Tobirama nodded, a sense of peace settling over him. "Perhaps. But for now, Kana and I are venturing to the capital for a day to find her brother a wedding gift then the day after we will venture to the Yamashin Ōnsen."

Know his brother would be gone for three days Hashirama smiled quickly making up his own plans, "Good luck, Brother."

Tobirama chuckled, knowing that Hashirama always found a way to keep himself occupied. "Thank you, brother. I'm sure we'll have a memorable time. And who knows, maybe we'll bring something for back for you."

Hashirama raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, really? Well, I eagerly await your return then."

As Tobirama and Kawakana prepared for their journey, Hashirama couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and longing. While he was happy for his brother and Kawakana, a part of him couldn't help but wonder of his own future bride. Who exactly was Mito Uzumaki?

But he pushed those thoughts aside, reminding himself that love had a way of appearing when least expected. He knew he had much to focus on as the leader of their clan, and he trusted that destiny would bring him the right person at the right time.

With a nod of determination, Hashirama bid farewell to his brother and Kawakana, wishing them a safe and enjoyable trip. As they left, he turned his attention to the responsibilities that awaited him, ready to face them with renewed vigor.

Little did he know that fate was already at work, weaving the threads of love and destiny in the background. And as he set out on his own path, he couldn't help but feel a sense of hope, knowing that his own happiness was just around the corner.

The journey ahead would be filled with challenges and surprises, but Hashirama was no stranger to adversity. With his indomitable spirit and unwavering determination, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead, confident that love would find its way to him when the time was right.

For love, like the blossoming of a beautiful tree, takes time to grow and flourish. And when it finally blooms, it is a sight to behold, bringing joy and fulfillment beyond measure.

As they walk through the grove sunlight filters through the canopy above, it bathes the cherry trees in a luminous glow, transforming the surroundings into a living canvas.

Kawakana lead him here on their way to Ōujisama city. She stopped short pulling on his arm. She said, "Originally when we both were younger I wanted this place to be where we would get married."

He accepted her opinion, "This place holds both good and bad memories."

"The good ones out way the bad though."

"True, I have to ask a question though, If you don't mind me..."

She excitedly allowed, "Ask me anything, Everything is on the table."

"Through out these ten years Madara could've requested for you to marry, Why did he not?"

Kawakana's energetic smile subverted into shock. She said, "Madara is the person in this world who understands me the best. He and Hashirama knew about our past. Even if Madara's opinions detest our relationship he still respects my choices and tries his best to make me happy, even if he himself is not."

Tobirama thought of Hashirama and his similarities to Madara in that one aspect, He said, "Hashirama is the same way... Though these years, You too could've tried to moved on with your life."

"I tried abide and improve myself and life with travel but in the end it all lead me home then back here to you. My love for you is deep and unbreakable, there's no one else who has the same heart as you do."

Tobirama felt like he was on a rolling ship at sea but from her perspective of pure love. He replied, "The days after your confrontation with Tōka, I was contemplating over you, I wasn't sure if you'd even want to see me back."

Kawakana continued, "So I thought, The past matters little now, Now that you are with me."

He said, "Tōka's still on my mind but as the days passed and our reunion, I'm sure the right choices have been made."

Kawakana wrapped her arms around Tobirama's shoulders and passionately pulled him close in a tight embrace. She whispered in his ear, "I love you. I always have."

She laid her head on his chest looking up to the clear sky. The sun brightened all their surroundings, casting down their shadows over the grass and petals. She said, "It's like nothing can harm us here, I'm just so happy. No one can separate us from the one we love."

He leaned in to her, with the closeness of her body he could feel her soft, delicate skin on his chest. He caressed her soft hair, he said, "I love you too."

His lips kiss her tenderly. He then smiled into her face as he slipped his hand to her cheek. The cherry blossoms rustled softly under their kiss. He gently lifted her face and gazed at her again. She blushed when he put a finger to her lips, she asked, "You really love me? Or just like the demonstrations of love?"

"I love you more than anything."

She nodded with a smile, and drew closer to him, speaking softly, "Thank you."

Tobirama's mind was in utter bliss, a dreamlike state, but still his body felt the tension inside. He felt like they could've stayed like that forever but there was something she was was reluctant to say. She bit her lip as if trying to hold back something, so Tobirama said, "Hey, can I talk to you about something?"

Kawakana smiled back into his eyes and said, "Anything."

"Well I... Had a dream about our first child." He shifted awkwardly as he spoke.

"There is something you are not telling me..." She thought what he had one a few days before, "Especially after you used your senses..."

"Kawakana, You are having a baby..."

She got up from him and backed away from him, flustered. "I... Really?" After thinking for a second she bubbled up and lunged at him, smothering him with her arms, "This is great! We are going to be parents!"

Tobirama felt a strange feeling in his belly, for some reason, "Why do I have such a strange feeling about this?"

Kawakana laughed, "Because you already feel pregnant."

"You're joking..."

She was looking into his eyes with that intent look on her face, the same one she always gave him when she was thinking of something.

Tobirama sighed and closed his eyes, preparing his thoughts, He gave her a serious look, "Kawakana."

She took his hand, "Tobirama, I'm the happiest woman in the world right now. You were the first of us to wish to become a parent. Don't get depressed on me now, You know how I acted that time I saw you depressed."

He thought back to the time he got reasonably depressed over the deaths of his brothers. Kawakana cried and comforted him with her hugs. He said, "You told me you wanted to have a family all those years ago."

"A few years back I..." She stuttered, "Well that doesn't matter anymore."

"Never give up on your dreams, My love. Come let's finish our journey to Ōujisama." Tobirama tugged on her hand leading them to the south west.