Chapter 25: Thousand Hands Bloodline

The fine snowflakes, soft as willow catkins, carried the distinct chill of winter as they brushed against his cheeks, sending a fleeting sting of cold across his skin.

"Itoshiki, come in quickly, it's cold outside."

Tsunade's voice drifted back to him, full of concern, pulling Itoshiki from the whirlpool of his thoughts. His gaze lifted, and he found the Senju clan grounds' gate drawing near. The ancient wooden gate, intricately carved with delicate patterns, emanated a heavy sense of history and age, its presence almost solemn.

As he stepped closer, the warm light from the corridor ahead beckoned him, the simple lanterns casting soft glows that illuminated the bluestone-paved path beneath his feet. On either side, neatly pruned pine and cypress trees stood tall, their branches weighed down with glistening icicles, reflecting the lanterns' hues in soft rainbows.

Through the narrow passageway, the faint outline of plum blossoms in the inner courtyard caught his eye, their delicate fragrance seeping through the air. The warm yellow light spilling from the windows of the house softened the coldness, adding a cozy, inviting touch to the otherwise brisk winter scene.

Itoshiki took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves, and pushed down the unease bubbling in his chest. He stepped inside the Senju clan grounds, the quiet peace of the surroundings settling over him.

Passing through a secluded courtyard, Tsunade guided him to a spacious room. The furnishings were simple yet elegant, the walls adorned with calligraphy and paintings whose vigorous brushstrokes exuded a quiet, heroic spirit.

In the center of the room, a low table stood, and on it, a delicate brazier crackled with warmth. The soft heat radiating from the charcoal fire created a contrast to the chill that still lingered in the air.

Seated at the low table was an elderly woman with gray hair, her face lined with the marks of time. Despite the years, her eyes were strikingly bright, gleaming with a wisdom that seemed to peer directly into one's soul. She wore a deep purple kimono, and her presence exuded a dignified grace—an undeniable authority that spoke of years of leadership.

She was Mito Uzumaki, Tsunade's grandmother, the wife of Hashirama Senju, and the true matriarch of the Senju clan today.

"Grandma, I'm back." Tsunade's voice was soft, yet it carried a warmth that made the room feel even cozier. She walked up to Mito Uzumaki and affectionately took her arm, a rare hint of coquetry in her tone.

"And this is?"

Mito Uzumaki's eyes softened as she looked at Tsunade, her gaze filled with doting affection before it turned toward Itoshiki, who had entered the room with Tsunade. Her eyes sharpened slightly, a flicker of scrutiny crossing them.

Tsunade quickly introduced him, "This is Itoshiki. He's a Jonin who gained great renown on the Amegakure battlefield. He's also one of my most trusted subordinates."

She glanced at her grandmother, her eyes filled with a trace of excitement. "Grandma, do you remember the policy that Second Grandfather implemented? The one encouraging clan members to marry civilians to expand the Senju clan's influence?"

Mito Uzumaki nodded thoughtfully, though she didn't fully understand why Tsunade was bringing this up now. She motioned for Tsunade to continue.

"I have a theory," Tsunade continued, her voice carrying an almost palpable excitement. "Itoshiki might be a descendant of those Senju clan members who integrated with civilians all those years ago. Given his performance on the battlefield, I believe his Senju bloodline may have awakened."

A glimmer of surprise appeared in Mito Uzumaki's eyes, her sharp gaze returning to Itoshiki. She fell silent, her focus narrowing as she began to connect with Kurama, her trusted partner. She reached out with her senses, probing Itoshiki's essence.

Itoshiki felt a strange weight settle over him, as if an invisible force was enveloping his entire being, assessing him deeply. It was uncomfortable, as if his very heart was being laid bare, but he stood still, allowing the scrutiny without protest.

After a long pause, Mito Uzumaki slowly spoke, her voice laced with both recognition and a hint of pride.

"Tsunade, your hunch was correct. He does indeed carry Senju blood, though it's faint—it's there, nonetheless." She paused, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully as she continued, "Moreover, this child's character is commendable." Her gaze softened slightly as she continued to communicate with Kurama. "He's an upright and honest soul."

Tsunade's face lit up with excitement, her smile broadening as she jumped up from her seat. "That's fantastic!"

She turned toward Itoshiki, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Itoshiki, since you're alone now, why not return to the Senju clan? You can join the branch family and finally have a true home of your own."

Tsunade made her suggestion, hoping that Itoshiki would stay at the Senju clan grounds, a gesture of care and protection.

Itoshiki fell silent for a moment, his mind swirling with conflicting thoughts. He understood Tsunade's good intentions, but the idea of fully relying on the Senju clan didn't sit well with him. He valued his independence, his freedom to make his own choices.

"Tsunade-sama, I truly appreciate your kindness," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But I still wish to maintain my current identity."

He paused, then shifted his tone, offering a compromise that still honored his feelings.

"However..." Itoshiki continued, his words carrying genuine concern, "Since Nawaki-kun left, I imagine you must feel lonely. To ensure you're not alone, I'm willing to temporarily stay here in the Senju clan grounds, by your side."

The words were carefully chosen, a balance of politeness and genuine care. He had found a way to respectfully decline her offer while expressing his concern for her well-being.

A tender look crossed Tsunade's face as she absorbed his words. She understood what Itoshiki was offering and appreciated his willingness to stay for her sake.

"Okay, that's settled then!" Mito Uzumaki chimed in with a warm smile, clearly pleased with Itoshiki's response.

"Then let's prepare dinner together and celebrate the New Year!" Tsunade suggested, her voice brimming with excitement. She was eager to spend this special holiday with Itoshiki.

"Okay!" Itoshiki replied with a smile, the weight in his chest lifting as the tension from earlier melted away.

The three of them worked together, and in no time, a lavish dinner was prepared. The steam from the food filled the room with a tantalizing aroma, making their mouths water. Tsunade, in a cheerful mood, pulled out a bottle of her prized wine and poured glasses for both Itoshiki and Mito Uzumaki.

"Cheers!" Tsunade said with a radiant smile, lifting her glass high.

"Cheers!" Mito Uzumaki and Itoshiki echoed, raising their glasses. The sound of their glasses clinking was a brief but joyful note that resonated in the room.

As the evening wore on, the atmosphere grew more lively, and the conversation flowed easily. Tsunade reached into her robe and pulled out a small package, handing it to Itoshiki.

"Itoshiki, this is your New Year's gift," she said, her voice warm and full of affection.

Itoshiki took the package with a confused glance, unwrapping it to reveal a simple yet thoughtful gift: a set of new clothes. The bundle included an outer robe, a vest, and an inner garment. The materials felt exceptionally durable, almost indestructible to the touch, and embroidered on the back of the clothes was the unmistakable Senju clan crest.

Tsunade smiled, clearly pleased with her choice. "I prepared this for you myself. Taijutsu training can wear out clothes quickly, so a sturdy set like this should save you a lot of trouble. I hope you like it."

Along with the clothes, there was also a ninjutsu scroll tucked inside the package. Itoshiki unrolled the scroll, his brow furrowing slightly in surprise as he read its contents.

"This is the research on chakra burst, the Yang Release Chakra Mode modified from the Lightning Release Chakra Mode," Tsunade explained, her tone filled with quiet pride.

"Thank you, Tsunade-sama!" Itoshiki exclaimed, his heart swelling with gratitude. The thoughtfulness of the gifts, especially the ninjutsu scroll, deeply moved him. Her care and attention made him feel truly valued.

In that moment, the loneliness and uncertainty that had clouded his mind earlier seemed to dissipate. The warmth in the room, both literal and emotional, filled him with a sense of belonging he hadn't known he needed.

Outside the window, the snow continued to drift in the cool night air, but inside, the room was alive with laughter and warmth, a stark contrast to the winter chill. It felt as though spring itself had taken root, bringing with it a renewal of hope, companionship, and belonging.

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