Hashirama had called Izuna into his office to address the meetings with his elder brother.

He had actually sent Ayumi to go and escort him back to the Hokage office. He decided to ask Ayumi to escort Izuna instead of Tobirama. He just knows that would not in any way, shape, or form end well.

Hashirama had noticed the tension between Tobirama and Izuna during previous meetings, which made him hesitant to involve his younger brother in this particular task. He believed that Ayumi's calm and diplomatic nature would make him better suited to handle the situation delicately and prevent any potential conflicts from arising.

There was a knock at the door, and Hashirama looked up from his desk. "Come in," he said.

The door opened, and Ayumi and Izuna entered the office. Ayumi stood up straight and announced, "We have arrived as you requested, sir." Izuna stood beside her, his arms crossed.

Hashirama smiled. "Glad to see you finally found him. I hope Izuna didn't put up too much of a fuss coming here." he teased

Before Ayumi could respond, Izuna spoke. "Actually, I came here because I wanted to, not because I was ordered," he said. His voice was sharp, and his eyes were narrowed. Ayumi exchanged a quick glance with him, noticing the determination in his expression.

"Izuna has been eager to meet you, Hokage-sama," she added, her voice filled with respect.

Hashirama's smile faded slightly. He could sense the tension between the two of them. "Well, I'm glad you're both here," he said. "Please, take a seat."

Ayumi and Izuna sat down in the chairs across from Hashirama's desk. Ayumi kept her back straight and her hands folded in her lap. Izuna leaned back in his chair, his arms still crossed.

"Izuna, you may be wondering why I asked you to be here urgently," Hashirama spoke in a serious tone, his eyes meeting Izuna's directly. Izuna could tell that Hashirama was nervous, but he tried to hide it by crossing his arms and maintaining a stern expression.

"I already know. You had me come here because I found out about your meetings with my elder brother Madara."

Izuna's voice was cold and accusatory. He glared at Hashirama, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"That's correct. I wanted to put out any misunderstandings or rumors before they became like wildfire."

Hashirama's tone softened slightly. He leaned forward at his desk and held out his hand in a gesture of peace

" Alright then. Start talking."

Izuna hesitated for a moment, but then he took Hashirama's hand. He could feel the warmth of Hashirama's skin and the sincerity in his grip. Izuna knew that Hashirama was telling the truth.

Before he began, Hashirama looked over at Ayumi, who sat patiently and quietly. Her eyes were downcast, and her hands were folded in her lap.

"Ayumi," he said, his voice gentle. "You can go. I would like to speak with Izuna in private."

Ayumi's eyes widened slightly, and she looked up at him. "Yes, sir," she said and stood up from her seat. She bowed slightly to Hashirama and Izuna, then turned and left the Hokage's office.

Hashirama waited until the door had closed behind her before turning back to Izuna. "Now then," he said, his tone becoming more serious. "Let's talk."

...

Yuno's eyes snapped open as she heard her name being called. She turned her head to the left, her eyes bleary from sleep. Masako was standing in front of her, blocking the sun from her skin.

"Masako?" Yuno said, her voice groggy. "What are you doing here?"

"I just finished a mission and I saw you and the kids on my way home, so I thought I'd come to say hi," Masako replied with a smile. "Do you mind if I sit down?"

Yuno shook her head and moved over on the grass, making room for Masako. Masako sat down next to her and leaned against the tree.

"So, how are you?" Masako asked. "How are the kids?"

"We're all good," Yuno said. "The kids are just training right now they are practicing how to use their chakra to walk on the water"

Masako nodded. "I saw that." She looked at Yuno thoughtfully. "You know, you look tired."

Yuno shrugged. "I am a little. The kids have been keeping me busy."

Masako smiled. "I know how that is." She reached over and put a hand on Yuno's shoulder. "But don't forget to take care of yourself too."

Yuno looked at Masako and smiled back. "Thanks," she said. "I'll try.

Masako watched Yuno's three students working hard, or at least that's what she assumed until she saw Ichiro fall into the water with a splash. Haru stopped practicing and turned to laugh at him, his eyes crinkling at the corners and his shoulders shaking with mirth. Ichiro, his face twisted into a mischievous grin, reached out and grabbed Haru by the leg, pulling him under the water. Yuki, who had been practicing nearby, ran over and reached out her hand to help Haru up. But before she could reach him, Ichiro grabbed her hand and splashed them both with water.

"Oh boy," Yuno sighed. She then stood up from the grass, stretching her arms above her head. "I think it's time to give them a break," she said.

Masako held up a hand to stop her. "No, let them be for just a little bit more," she said. "They should savor moments like this."

Yuno settled back down, her expression softening. "Have they started going on missions yet?" Masako asked.

"Not yet," Yuno said. "They should be starting next week, actually. Or at least that's the plan."

Masako sighed. "Yeah, let them have their fun," she said. "Because when they start going on missions, moments like this aren't going to come so easily."

Yeah, you're right. Yuno responded, her tone warm and reassuring. She smiled slightly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "But it's also exciting to see them grow and become more independent," she added, her voice filled with anticipation. "I'm looking forward to seeing how they handle themselves on their first missions."

Speaking on a lighter note, Masako's voice took on a playful tone. "Both Yuki and Haru seem to get along really well," she said, her brow raised suggestively.

"Well, I hope they are a team, after all," Yuno replied, her lips twitching in amusement.

"Yeah, but I think those two look cute together. What do you think would make a cute couple?" Masako said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Cute?" Yuno echoed, her brow furrowing slightly. "Why do you say that?"

Masako shrugged. "I don't know. They just seem to have good chemistry. They're both intelligent and talented, and of course both our kids are good-looking. And they seem to have a lot of fun together."

Yuno nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose you're right. They do make a good pair."

"So, what do you think?" Masako pressed. "Do you think they would make a cute couple?"

Yuno hesitated. "I don't know," she said finally. "I think they're both too young to be thinking about romance right now. They should focus on their training and their careers."

Masako pouted. "But it's so much fun to speculate!"

Yuno chuckled. "True. But I think it's best to leave them to their own devices." And besides, I think someone else already has eyes for Yuki, she said, her head tilting slightly to the side. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she motioned back to the Genin training in the water.

Masako followed Yuno's gaze and saw Ichiro watching Yuki with a frown on his face. He had been hovering nearby the entire time, and when Yuki offered to help Haru out of the water, his expression had darkened even further. Yuno and Masako couldn't hear what Yuki and Haru were saying, but they could tell by Ichiro's body language that he was not pleased. He stood rigidly, his fists clenched at his sides. His jaw was clenched so tightly that it looked like it might pop out of his face.

"Oh, this is going to be interesting," Masako murmured, her tone gleeful.

...

I understand what you're saying, but if that's the case, then my elder brother should be coming back either today or tomorrow, Izuna said, his voice tinged with anxiety. He glanced at Hashirama, his eyes searching for confirmation.

Hashirama nodded solemnly. "Yes, that is correct." Izuna's expression hardened. "Then we must at least let Yuno know in advance before he arrives."

"If only there was enough time to do what Hashirama said,"

Izuna sighed, shaking his head. Izuna paused, his mind racing. Suddenly, his eyes widened in realization. "You mean he's already returned to the village?" He slammed his hands down on Hokage's desk, his knuckles turning white. He had been sitting, but the realization caused him to stand abruptly.

"How could I not say anything in advance?" Izuna's voice was laced with panic. "If Yuno sees him suddenly, who knows how she'll react?" His eyes darted around the room, searching for a way out. "Izuna,"

Hashirama said calmly, rising from his chair. "Wait." But Izuna ignored him. He had to find Yuno. He had to warn her. Izuna's body spun on its heel, and he hurried out of the office, his footsteps echoing off the wooded walls. His heart felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. He had to let Yuno know of Madara's return.