Mito waved her hand. "She might arrive tomorrow, but there's no need to pick her up. It's just internal squabbling with petty schemes; they won't escalate to a full-blown conflict."
"Besides, no one will care about Kushina, as she's just a girl, except for my brother."
Hashirama became a little quiet. Mito's words were not only about Kushina but also about herself. Back then, the Uzumaki clan had their alliance with the Senju clan in mind when they married Mito to Hashirama. Mito was nothing more than a tool for her family, but there was no helping it; it wasn't just the Uzumaki clan that was like this. All the major clans were the same. Back then, to get on the good side of the powerful Senju, Uchiha, and Hyūga clans, every clan would send their most beautiful girls to the clan leaders for them to choose from. For a small clan to survive in a time of war, this was the only way.
Mito had also initially believed that marrying a man of Hashirama's absolute strength would be the beginning of her suffering. This was because powerful individuals with absolute strength were usually domineering and arrogant, like Uchiha Madara. But who knew that Hashirama was the exception? He was like a silly boy; at home, whatever Mito said, he would agree. He never got angry with Mito and always respected her opinions. The two, who had never even met before, gradually developed feelings for each other, and their relationship remained wonderful to this day. This was because even though Hashirama was a formidable force in the shinobi world, he never showed his temper to Mito and was always tolerant of her moods. In turn, Mito handled all the affairs of the family and the clan perfectly, saving Hashirama a lot of trouble. Now, even when Mito returned to her family's home for a visit, the Uzumaki shinobi would treat her with utmost respect. No one dared to look down on her anymore.
Hashirama wrapped his arm around Mito, pulling her head onto his shoulder. "Don't worry. When Kushina arrives in the Hidden Leaf, she will be our little princess. Everyone will like her, and no one will dare to bully her."
With Hashirama's words, Mito felt much more at ease.
Tobirama, seeing this scene, felt as if he had no presence, yet he was suddenly a lot more standing out. Why was this? It was because he wasn't needed here anymore. He was growing more and more annoyed with his older brother and sister-in-law. Perhaps they were too shy when they were young, but now that they were old, they were always being intimate. Every day was either hugging and cuddling or lifting each other up.
He had thought that once they died, he wouldn't have to see this anymore, but the three fruits Torifu gave them had made them young again. Now, they were starting all over again, and if they continued to be like this for another forty or fifty years, it would drive Tobirama crazy. Out of sight, out of mind. Tobirama bid them farewell and went back to his room. He had never married in his life, and the thing he detested most was an old married couple acting all lovey-dovey.
Seeing Tobirama leave, Mito also felt a little embarrassed. "Do you think our lovey-dovey behavior will be a blow to Tobirama?"
"Hmph, I want it to be a blow to him. Even though he's an old tree, if we give him a shock, maybe he'll bloom?"
Mito gave Hashirama a disapproving look. He was already so old, yet he was still so indecent. Tobirama had gone his entire life without getting married; it wasn't going to be that easy to get him to tie the knot.
"Alright, alright, I'm going to wash the dishes. You stay here by yourself."
As Mito walked away, Hashirama grumbled to himself, "What's wrong with wanting a niece or nephew?"
Early the next morning, Torifu awoke from his slumber. Although there was an alarm clock by his side, he had never used it. After all, nothing was better than the system's notification sound. He washed up and put on a new set of clothes. He was dressed in a white robe with gold crane embroidery, and his long white hair was tied up with an ornate jade crown. From a distance, he looked like an immortal.
He pushed open the door and saw Snowflake had woken up early as well, strolling around the courtyard. Even though it had evolved into a phoenix-like creature, some of its habits hadn't changed, such as pecking at insects to eat.
"Morning, Snowflake."
"Morning, Torifu. You and I are the only ones who can wake up this early in this house."
Torifu wiggled a finger. "Not necessarily."
Just as Torifu's words fell, Minato's door opened from the inside. Minato looked like he hadn't fully woken up yet. He had probably heard Torifu's voice and hurried out of bed.
Torifu walked over, and Minato bowed to him. "Good morning, Nii-san."
Torifu nodded, and the two walked to the pavilion and sat down.
"You're obviously still sleepy. Why did you wake up so early?"
Minato stammered a little. "I heard you getting up, Nii-san, so I quickly got up, too. I thought it wouldn't be good to keep sleeping."
Torifu tapped Minato with his finger. "You! There aren't so many rules in our family. Just sleep in as long as you want."
"Amado was just like you when he first came, but he loosened up in less than a week."
Minato nodded. "I'll try my best to adapt, Nii-san."
"Good. Don't be so formal. This is your home."
"Your clothes are too worn out. Come with me. I'll take you to get some clothes. It doesn't suit your status to be wearing rags."
Minato didn't care about such things, but since his brother had said so, he followed. Torifu led Minato to the clan's warehouse. When Amado first entered the Kumotsuru clan's territory, Torifu had brought him here. Now, he was leading another "stray child" here.
He opened the door and walked in. The interior had changed a lot over the years. Rows of cabinets were neatly filled with clothes of various styles and sizes. Torifu casually grabbed a piece and held it up to Minato to check the size.
"Hmm... the size is pretty good, but black doesn't really suit your blond hair."
He then led Minato further in and picked up a white robe, trying it on him.
"Hmm! This is much better."
Over the years, the Kumotsuru clan had commissioned Madam Beni to create many styles of clothing. The one Minato now had was somewhat similar to the Fourth Hokage's robe in the original world, but not entirely. Anyway, it had that kind of feeling, so it would do for now. He was still too young. Even if he had a Hokage robe, he wouldn't have that imposing air yet.
"How do you like it?"
Minato's eyes were already sparkling. This wasn't just 'liking' it; he loved it! In all his life, he had never worn such nice clothes! Just by touching it, he knew it was a hundred times better than the sackcloth he was wearing.
"I love it, Sensei! Is it really for me?"
Torifu laughed. "You silly boy. I brought you all the way here. If it's not for you, then who is it for? Your son?"
"Go on and try it on in the changing room over there. If it fits, I'll have Madam Beni make you some more."