The next morning, the fresh air filled the place as everyone watched Momonosuke train under Katahara's strict gaze. Momo's movements were precise, almost as if he were trying to impress his mentor.
Kuzan, leaning against a tree, crossed his arms.
—"This kid's got something special," —he murmured, a slight smile on his face.
Suddenly, both he and Dabi vanished, leaving only a gust of wind. A lone figure stood at the door. Before they could knock, the door slowly opened.
—"Hiruzen, right?" —Dabi said, his voice cold and calculating.
The newcomer nodded respectfully.
—"Yes, sir."
—"You can call me Dabi, and the one next to me is Kuzan," —Ryuma said, pointing to his companion, who was already adjusting his mask again.
Hiruzen, surprised by the odd gathering, cleared his throat.
—"I'm here because Hashirama-sama and Mito-sama invite you to their home for lunch."
Dabi slowly nodded.
—"I'll pass on your invitation. Return in an hour to escort us."
Hiruzen bowed his head.
—"I'll be here, punctual."
Kuzan sighed, visibly annoyed.
—"At least we'll get something decent to eat."
An hour later, Hiruzen returned to guide them to the Senju district. Upon arrival, they were met by several guards of the clan, all watching intently. The gates creaked open softly.
Katahara looked around, nodding in acknowledgment.
—"So this is the legendary Senju Clan…" —he whispered, impressed by the strength and tradition that filled the place.
As they crossed through the gates, three figures awaited them.
—"I suppose you're the Hokage's son," —Katahara said, addressing the man in front.
—"Indeed, Katahara-sama. My name is Ramatsu Senju, and this is my wife, Ayumi Nara," —he responded with a warm smile. Ramatsu, with jet-black hair and brown eyes full of kindness, had a calm and assured presence. He wore the typical shinobi outfit of Konoha: a black shirt beneath a dark green vest adorned with golden details.
—"A pleasure to meet you," —Katahara said with a slight nod—. "I am Katahara Ahdar."
Ayumi, offering an elegant bow, added:
—"It's an honor to welcome you to our home. This little one is our niece, Tsunade."
At that moment, a young girl shyly peeked out from behind her mother. Tsunade, with her golden hair flowing in soft waves down to her waist, looked on with bright, curious brown eyes. Though still young, her posture radiated a confidence that didn't seem to match her age.
—"My name is Tsunade Senju. It's a pleasure to meet you," —she said firmly, without hesitation.
Katahara, noticing the reaction beside him, smirked and looked at Momonosuke, who seemed petrified. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of awe and admiration, completely captivated by the sight of Tsunade. It was clear to everyone: Momonosuke was smitten.
Katahara, still amused, gave him a light nudge on the shoulder.
—"She's Tsunade, Momo. Aren't you going to introduce yourself?"
Momonosuke, frozen and unable to look away from her, swallowed hard. His face turned red, and his thoughts were in chaos, but he gathered all his strength to speak, albeit clumsily.
—"Eh… I… I'm… Momonosuke. It's… an honor… to meet you, Tsunade-sama."
Tsunade looked him up and down, and a mischievous smile formed on her lips.
—"Nice to meet you, Momo," —she replied with a playful glint in her eyes.
Momonosuke felt his heart race. Tsunade's soft voice seemed to echo inside him, and for a moment, the world around him faded. He heard nothing but her voice, and his mind kept replaying her name as if it were the sweetest melody. He had never felt anything so intense, and at that moment, he knew he was in love with her. He kept staring at her smile, thinking he had never seen anyone more beautiful in his life.
Ramatsu, noticing the situation, broke the awkward silence with a discreet cough that caught everyone's attention.
—"My father is already waiting for us along with my mother. Let's proceed," —he said as he led them toward the residence, though in Momonosuke's mind, only Tsunade existed, walking a few steps ahead.
As they moved forward, Momonosuke couldn't take his eyes off her, thinking of what he could say or do to impress her, although at that moment, simply being near her seemed more than enough.
While they walked, Tsunade approached Katahara, examining the details of his attire.
—"Why are you all wearing such strange robes?" —she asked with a hint of childlike curiosity.
Katahara smiled.
—"It's a mark of high rank. Only the strongest of my clan wear them."
Tsunade looked at Kuzan and Dabi, raising an eyebrow.
—"So, they're not as strong as you?"
Momo, hearing this, stepped forward indignantly.
—"My father is the strongest man in the world! I've never seen him lose a fight!"
Tsunade, unfazed, crossed her arms.
—"My grandfather is the strongest man in the world," —she responded proudly.
Ayumi chuckled softly.
—"It seems both of you have great role models to follow."
Finally, they reached the main house of the Senju clan, where Hashirama Senju and Mito Uzumaki awaited them.
Hashirama, with his characteristic warm smile, welcomed them with open arms.
—"Katahara, what a joy to see you again! Let me introduce you to my wife, Mito Uzumaki."
Mito, with her long red hair and calm presence, greeted them kindly.
—"It's an honor to meet you, Katahara. My husband has told me much about you and all that you've been through."
—"The pleasure is mine, Mito-sama," —Katahara said with a bow—. "I appreciate your generous hospitality."
—"Please, make yourselves at home," —Hashirama responded, guiding them inside—. "I hope the accommodation you have is to your liking."
—"It is, Hashirama-sama. It's very comfortable," —Katahara replied.
Hashirama smiled, though his tone took on a hint of seriousness.
—"I was speaking with Mito last night, and we think Konoha could be an ideal place for your clan to settle. They have great potential and would be welcomed here."
Katahara looked him in the eye, his expression solemn.
—"I appreciate your kindness, but I must decline your offer. We are a nomadic clan by tradition, and while we appreciate the offer to settle in Konoha, we value our independence."
Mito, still warm, interjected.
—"I understand you value your freedom, but think of the children. In a few days, the Ninja Academy will open. It would be perfect for little ones like Momonosuke, where they could train and learn in a safe environment."
Katahara reflected for a moment before responding.
—"I understand your concern, but as the leader of my clan, I have many responsibilities to consider. This isn't a decision to be taken lightly."
Hashirama nodded, showing understanding.
—"Every clan has its own path. If you ever change your mind or need help, the doors of Konoha will always be open to you."
—"That's comforting to hear," —Katahara said—. "I appreciate your understanding."
Mito smiled.
—"If I may ask, where is your next destination?"
—"Uzushiogakure. My people want to meet the famous Uzumaki clan," —Katahara replied.
Mito frowned slightly.
—"It would be impossible to reach there without guidance. It's protected by powerful illusions. However, I will give you the coordinates and a letter addressed to my father. That way, you can receive the hospitality you deserve."
Katahara bowed his head gratefully.
—"Thank you, Mito-sama. That will be of great help."
Mito smiled warmly.
—"You're very welcome."
5 Stones of Power: A Free Chapter"