Chapter 114: The Princess

Tsunade turned triumphantly to Hashirama, "Mean Grandpa, see! Torifū-nii even said I'm the cutest!"

Hashirama burst out laughing at Tsunade's adorable expression. "Hahahaha, yes, yes, yes, Tsunade is the cutest child!"

Then he looked at Torifū, who was still amusing Tsunade, and asked, "What brought you here?"

Torifū clicked his tongue. "Sensei, what are you saying? Don't I often come to your house?" He then added, "Today I had nothing else to do. Hiruzen and the others all went on missions, and there weren't any suitable missions at the assembly hall. So, I just thought I'd come visit you and mooch a meal while I'm at it."

Hashirama rubbed his forehead. "So, you only remember me, your sensei, when you've got nothing to do."

Torifū looked at his teacher's demeanor, unsure what to say. Why did he seem to have awakened a strange new trait after retiring? Did he like to put on a show now?

Just then, Mito pushed open the door and walked out of the house. When she reached Hashirama, she patted him on the back. "How can you get more muddled as you get older? When has Torifū not come to see you whenever he had a moment free? You're jealous that the young man is busy with missions? If Tsunade gets married in the future, you'll probably try to move in with them, won't you?"

Hashirama didn't react to the first part of her words, just smiling awkwardly. But when Mito mentioned Tsunade getting married, he exploded instantly! "Impossible! I don't agree! How can Tsunade get married! I'll raise her forever!" Hashirama imagined Tsunade being affectionate with another man in the future and wished he could just rush over and knock the guy out. How could his beloved granddaughter marry someone else!

Tsunade looked at her grandpa, a little bewildered. "Grandpa, what does 'get married' mean? If Grandpa doesn't like it, then Tsunade won't get married!" She put her small, plump, fair hands on her hips, an arrogant expression on her face that was utterly adorable.

When Hashirama heard Tsunade say she wouldn't get married, he immediately rushed over and picked her up. "That's right, Tsunade isn't getting married! No one can marry my little princess! No one!"

Tsunade mimicked Hashirama's tone, saying, "No one!"

Mito watched this scene unfold between the grandfather and granddaughter, feeling a headache coming on. This grandpa hadn't taught his granddaughter anything good. It was either gambling or anti-marriage; how could that be right! This tendency had to be nipped in the bud while the little one was still small!

However, telling Tsunade all this now would certainly fall on deaf ears; it had to be a gradual process. After all, Tsunade spent more time with Mito.

And it wasn't just Hashirama and a few others in the compound; other members of the Senju clan were also very surprised when they heard Hashirama say the little princess wouldn't marry. However, everyone understood that whether she married or not wasn't something the Clan Head could truly decide. The princess was still young now, so she would naturally be influenced. But when she grew up, she would understand everything and certainly wouldn't go along with the Clan Head's wishes. By then, the Clan Head would probably be old, and his way of thinking would likely have changed.

Regardless, Hashirama was truly in high spirits at this moment, letting Tsunade ride on his shoulders as he ran several laps around the compound. Tsunade was overjoyed, clapping her hands and laughing heartily.

"Alright, alright, Hashirama, let Tsunade rest for a bit," Mito said with some concern.

Torifū saw this scene, and a smile unconsciously appeared on his face. If only life could continue this peacefully and harmoniously, then such a life would be quite good. Although there were no entertainment facilities, it was fulfilling, and free time could be spent with family. Hashirama was, of course, also part of Torifū's family; a teacher for a day is a father for life. Even if Torifū had an older soul, Hashirama was more than capable of being his teacher.

"Torifū, stay for lunch. Tobirama will be back soon too, and you can chat about the inauguration," Mito said with a smile.

"Hehe, Mito-sama, I was already planning to mooch a meal."

"That's good then. After playing outside for a bit, come inside. I'll go make lunch now."

Torifū acknowledged her, and Mito returned to the house to cook. Meanwhile, Hashirama was still running around the yard with Tsunade, seemingly tireless. One ran, the other laughed, and the surrounding Senju clan members also watched with smiles. Ever since the little princess was born, the entire compound had become lively. The only question was when there would be a young master?

Hanaku didn't inherit Hashirama's ninja talent and could only be considered an average-level ninja on the ninja path. He couldn't even compare to the mid-level ninja in the village, but Hashirama didn't neglect him because of this, nor did he teach him any methods for managing the family. Hanaku knew from a very young age that he couldn't become the clan head, so he didn't put too much pressure on himself. He lived a relatively carefree and unrestrained life, and found a wife who was also similar in personality. Since Tsunade was born, the two had barely managed her, basically spending their time traveling and enjoying the scenery. It could be considered quite irresponsible, and the clan members also had some complaints about it, but since Hanaku was the clan head's son and hadn't caused any problems for the family, it was tolerated.

Currently, the clan members' greatest hope for Hanaku was that he would add another male heir to the family. If he inherited the clan head's bloodline ability, then the Senju clan would have a successor.

Hashirama, of course, wouldn't mind having too many grandchildren and was constantly egging on Mito to persuade Hanaku to have a few more children. The elderly couple had reached a consensus on having another grandson or granddaughter. When they had nothing to do, they would rehearse a grand performance to urge their son to have children, but unfortunately, Hanaku hadn't returned in a long time. The elderly couple's acting skills were wasted, leaving them feeling pent-up and uncomfortable.

Although little Tsunade rarely saw her father and mother, she had been pampered by Hashirama and Mito, and even the entire Senju clan, since childhood, so she never lacked love. In fact, the last time Hanaku returned, Tsunade barely recognized him, which made Hanaku quite sad for a while.

After running for a good while, Hashirama finally stopped, his breathing steady, not even a drop of sweat on him. Tsunade was tired from all the laughing and softly lay on Hashirama's back like a small plush toy.

"When will Second Grandpa come back? I haven't seen him much lately."

Hashirama lovingly comforted her, "He'll be back soon. Then you can let Second Grandpa give you a hug."

Tsunade smiled sweetly, "And make Second Grandpa lift me up high!"

"Yes, lift you up high."

As the grandfather and granddaughter were speaking, Tobirama returned. His face had been expressionless initially, but a smile immediately appeared when he saw Tsunade.

"Tsunade, come here, let Second Grandpa give you a hug."