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.

"Why are you depressed? Tobirama?" Kana asked her hand clutching to his forearm.

"I'm not depressed but I fear for the safety of our unborn child." He said looking at her a serious concern in his crimson eyes.

She clunched his arm. "I feel the same way."

"I will do my best to protect you, I promise. Then after this, I will be content." He said kissing her forehead.

"And we have each other now. We can't lose that, can we?" She said taking his hand, placing his palm on the lower half of her abdomen. "What do you feel?"

Tobirama closed his eyes and focused his senses on two similar chakra sources within her body. He informed her, "The strong chakra I felt a day ago separated into two identical..."

He felt her chakra increase with her emotions as Kawakana claimed, "By the good graces of Suijin! I'm having identical twins!"

Overwhelmed by her emotions she fell forward enough for him to catch her. He raised her into his arms to hold her up. Holding her bridal style he said "Now twice the chaos."

Kana felt elated at his words and tears streamed down her face as she caressed the side of his head and kissed the tip of his nose. She muttered, "My mother had twins... I miss those clowns so much."

It was in this moment Tobirama rediscovered what he then realized about Kawakana long ago. Kawakana's pain which she had covered up soo well throughout her life. Not just by hiding it from Tobirama but by hiding it from herself. She had hidden the pain of her past away to be able to focus on the now. To lead the life she had created for herself after a majority of her family had passed away. Tobirama knew then that her pain had prevented building the life she deserved and why she'd continuously denied it.

He reminded her, "Do you remember what you told me about keeping the memories of my dead family close to my heart?"

Her tears stopped and her eyes went wide. "Of course. How silly of me!"

"You never realized just how true those words were." He said as he lowered her down.

Kana looked away from him and her eyes fell to the floor.

"Don't look away from me." He said making her look at him. "I want you to tell me your feelings."

"I can't." She said wiping her tears with the sleeve of her kimono.

"Why not? I want to know what you are feeling right now." He said as he ran his hand through her hair making it lie softly against the side of her neck.

Kana cried harder at the sheer joy in Tobirama's eyes as the love in her heart knew it had found a forever. She didn't want to lose that moment. She didn't want to lose her family.

"I... I'm scared."

"Of what?" He asked after a moment. "I will protect you. I promise you that."

"My brothers..." She cried harder, "I don't want them to know. I don't want them to..." She sobbed, "Especially Izuna... He will."

"Why do you feel that way?" Tobirama asked.

She remained silent but tears continued to stream down her face. She finally looked at him and Tobirama could see she was tortured by what she was about to say. "I'm afraid that Izuna will try to kill me."

Tobirama kissed the top of her head. "Kana, there's no way he will hurt you like that."

Kana didn't feel so sure. "I'm afraid that he will."

Tobirama gently pulled her back into his arms and said "Kana, look at me."

Kana looked up at him and thought about what she was about to say. "I know how Izuna is and I know how he thinks. He will try to kill me because I'm pregnant with your progeny." She said.

Tobirama felt a chill run down his back. She had been so strong for so long and now she was being crushed under the weight of her worries. He immediately took hold of her shoulders and looked her in the eyes. "Don't worry. I would never let anyone, anything hurt you." He said to her softly.

Kana smiled at him and brought her hand up to his face, her finger gently touching his lips.

"I will die no matter what you say." She said, her eyes starting to well up with tears.

Tobirama's eyes widened and he moved forward to hold her in his arms. "I will always protect you with my life." He said, pulling her close to him and cuddling her.

Her tears instantly stopped and she smiled at him. Reaching a crossroads both stopped their pace and faced each other.

"Thank you. You mean everything to me." She said, bringing her lips close to his.

He tilted his head to the side and began to kiss her once again, this time however more passionately than before. Kana returned the kiss in kind, and the two enveloped in each other's arms.

Kana could feel Tobirama's hands begin to creep up her back and around to her shoulders, his fingers gently massaging her very sore shoulders. She felt him shift slightly as if he were trying to get closer to her, and so she turned her face towards his. Their lips met and once again they began to kiss each other deeply. She pressed her body against him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You are so wonderful." She whispered to him as he kissed her.

He leaned forward slightly, kissing her cheek and running his hands through her hair. He then stopped everything at once, taking her hand, "Come, We are close to the capital."

Kana looked up at him and nodded her head in agreement.

Tobirama sensed her unease and held her close, taking her hands in his. "I understand your worries, Kana. We will protect our children, They will not come to harm, I promise you that," he assured her, his voice filled with determination.

Kana looked into his eyes, finding solace in his unwavering support. She knew that she couldn't let fear consume her, for the sake of their child and the love they shared. She took a deep breath, releasing the tension that had built up within her.

"You're right, Tobirama. We will find a way. Together," she said, offering him a reassuring smile.

They gathered themselves and quickly made their way towards the bustling capital. As they walked hand in hand, Kana couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension for what awaits them there.

As they entered the city, It was as Kawakana remembered it being like the last time she visited this place on a spying mission. The market itself was a vibrant and dynamic space, filled with a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and savory smells that enchanted all who visited. Busy stalls and shops lined narrow lanes and alleyways, each specializing in different goods and crafts. The market was divided into sections, with particular areas dedicated to vegetables, fish, textiles, household goods, and various other commodities.

Vendors proudly displayed their wares, creating a colorful and visually stimulating atmosphere. The air was thick with the aroma of freshly cooked street food and traditional snacks, making it impossible to resist indulging in delicious treats like grilled fish skewers, steamed dumplings, dango or sticky rice cakes.

The delicious food tempted Kawakana. Who almost gave into her addiction to savory treats. She held still and refused.

"Here, Kawakana." Tobirama offered her favorite sweet. "I know you will love it."

Kawakana tasted the savory treat. She savored the taste of the food, an all too familiar sweet and savory dango that tasted familiar yet felt new at the same moment. This is what food was meant to taste like.

He intently watched her eat, Kawakana stared at him back. After finishing she cracked a joke, "You like watching me eat don't you?"

He sighed then smiled, "I want to observe everything about you, Your habits, demeanor, body language and your thoughts."

"Why though?"

"I want to know everything about you, my dear." Tobirama replied.

Kawakana shook her head, "It's too late for that Tobirama." She took a bite of her food and smiled. "Plus, it's a bit creepy."

Tobirama pouted but he remained silent and let her speak.

Kawakana smiled, her big eyes twinkled. She giggled,"I'm your wife not some wild creature to be analyzed."

Tobirama smiled back and whispered in her ear a flirty reply, "In the bedroom I can make you a wild beast. I'll make you so wild you won't be able to be put back in your cage, but outside the bedroom you can still be my sweet, obedient wife."

Kawakana's face scrunched up in a dangerous grin, She said, "Let's face reality, The last time you were the one who became a wild man." She whispered back, "There is one thing I enjoy doing with you..."

"What may that be?"

"Making you crazy with passion ." She replied and stared deep into Tobirama's eyes.

"That is true." Tobirama said as he grinned. He could see his wife wanted to cause him trouble, it made him grin wider.

Kawakana laughed, "No, it's true. You have been giving me all this passion that comes from somewhere. There's so much I want to show you, so many things I want to do with you. I think you will like it."

"That is true," he smiled, "But we'll save all of that for later."

There Kana disappeared into the busy crowds of civilians. Tobirama closed his eyes and contained himself. He allowed her to go her own way, he'd easily find her later anyways. In the meantime he occupied himself in procuring necessities for their furthered journey.

Once he reached the edge of the market a voice called out addressing him. "Lord Senju, Would you like some company? Tonight?"

He turned to see a voluptuous crimson haired woman leaning against a wall before an alley way. She stood there soo unassuming no one who passed by her would notice her existence. Even if she wore the most loud and elaborate fashion even noble women would find ghastly. Most people would think she was just a courtesan looking for the next client however all his senses told him otherwise.

He allowed her to play her rouse so he could understand her intentions better, "You seem like a man who..."

"I have no need for your services."

"Certainly she can't satisfy a man's need for a connection."

He crossed his arms, "She is the light within the darkness, You are the itch a desperate man feels the day after."

She chuckled covering her mouth with her fan, "You have a sense of humor, How adorable."

He said approaching her closely using all his senses to inspect her, "You do not possess the stench of the other courtesans, You are not a courtesan at all... What is an Uzumaki doing in fire's capital?"

She closed her fan, saying, "You are exactly the kind of people I was looking for."

"Why did you come to the land of fire?"

"My name is Mai Uzumaki, My cousin Mitō asked me to come here to investigate her future husband. She wants to know his character... This Hashirama Senju." She explained trying to remember his name.

"Hashirama is my elder brother."

She requested honestly, "I came to the capital to find out where the Senju occupy but I came up fruitless. Where does your clan live?"

There he gave her the coordinates for their place of occupancy. He advised, "When you arrive please state your intentions, I'd rather not have a misunderstanding that could cause needless problems."

"I come with the utmost intention to carry out Mitō's task."

He nodded, "Yes of course. If my brother is concerned about family relations then he'll be ecstatic at your arrival."

With a saucy wink Mai chuckled, her fan covering her mouth again, "Well, Thank you, Tobirama Senju."

"You know my name?"

"The deeds of the Senju are known though out the lands." She turned to his left, "Thank you soo much for this information, We shall meet again soon enough."

Suddenly he felt her hand slide across his backside in a quick motion before she left in the crowded street. Her cold hand caused him to tense up in the place he stood. Tobirama restrained himself from expressing his annoyance. This strange woman could not be trusted but as she was here in the employ of Mitō Uzumaki he had no choice but to at least be courteous.

Staying downwind so as to avoid more contact, he moved off in the opposite direction of Mai and down the street to a goods shop. Before entertaining the shop two young twin boys popped out of the front entrance holding folded silk cloth and a box of goods in their arms. Both stopped looking up into Tobirama's cold features.

"What do we have here?" Tobirama kneeled directly in front of the boys, His cold expression turning into a smile.

The boys stopped and said, "Senju sensei, Our grandmother asked us to pick up her shipment... A kind friend of hers came by today."

"A friend?"

"Yes, She wore a sky blue kimono with your clan crest." The first boy pointed to the crest on his haori.

"Kawakana..."

"Yes, That's her name." Noted the younger.

"Kawakana is my wife, Who's your grandmother?"

"Wife of the fire daimyō: Lady Hachikohime."

Tobirama offered his assistance, "Do you boys need a helping hand?"

Both boys bowed respectfully.

"Do you know where she is?" Tobirama inquired, his inquisitive eyes piercing into the boy's.

"Yes..."

"Show me the way."

Tobirama lead the boys to the main street, which was less crowded than usual. As he approached the crosswalk, Tobirama nodded to the crossing guard, who motioned Tobirama and the boys forward. They followed the crowd through the crosswalk and into the street.

A few minutes later, the boys came to a large gate. The left door of the gate was opened wide, with its steel door frame nearly white in the late sunlight.

Tobirama thanked the crossing guard and led the boys through the gate, down a well decorated courtyard.

The courtyard opened up to a structure. Tobirama looked back at the boys and beckoned, "Let's go."

The boys nodded their head and followed Tobirama to the tall building, which was a sumptuous five story slope roofed structure built of sturdy thick pine wood. The building had a golden fire symbol insignia inscribed above the tall central roof on its top story.

He followed Kawakana's chakra signature to a room where she sat with two women. An elderly woman dressed in a beautiful kamishimo robe and a younger black haired woman, her simple attire with the yin and yang crest. The elder was Hachikohime and the other a Hyūga woman. Kawakana spoke to the two as if they were friends. Tobirama bowed respectfully to lady Hachiko. His entrance Kawakana dropped everything to introduce him.

Kawakana spoke to Hachiko's bodyguard, "Hanasei, I told you soo."

"It's quite amazing that Senju and Uchiha have finally stopped trying to kill each other." The Hyūga woman teased pointing fun at the rival clans, "And are finally making babies together."

While her grandsons handed over the shipment over to their grandmother the women continued to speak. Hachikohime said, "It's a blessing you both have found each other again. There must be a divinity looking out for you both."

Kawakana hugged Tobirama around the waist, "The gods are very sneaky and beyond our scope of sight and understanding, I think you are right though Lady Hachiko."

He kissed Kawakana's hair, saying to Hachiko, "Your grace is like none other, My lady."

Hachiko's demeanor changed as she drank her hot green tea, She insighted, "You must understand not many regional lords favor that your clans are attempting a truce, Men like my husband will find a way of reinstating their will over the clans. The fire lords might be divided in their thirst for power, but they're not without man power. I will be watching the amazing advancement of the shinobi clans and what you all are capable of achieving."

Tobirama understood what Hachiko meant to say. He nodded. "Yes, Hachiko. It is why we must continue to progress."

Hachiko smiled at this, still completely relaxed and relieved by the respite in the tension from her home. "Then it seems we have a common goal in mind."

Tobirama smiled as well, nodded to her, and then spoke again. "Thank you, Hachiko. However, The rift between our clans is not easily overcome."

She stopped before finishing, "There is but one thing that will save the world..."

"What may that be?" He simply asked.

The old woman finished smiling wholeheartedly , "Something that should be familiar to you... Love."