"Hello, Big Sister Kushina," Yahiko and Konan said together.
Torifu smiled. "Hello to you too. Where is Elder Ashina? I don't see him."
Kushina spoke with a hint of helplessness. "Big Brother Torifu, you wouldn't believe it. Ever since my grandfather became young again, he's been constantly pestering my great-uncle to teach him to play games. He used to play with me sometimes, but now he's totally addicted to gaming." Kushina wore an expression of resenting her grandfather for not trying harder.
This made Torifu chuckle. Ashina was indeed like that, like an old mischievous child. Previously, he was more restrained because he was truly elderly, spending every day strolling in the courtyard and watching Kushina play. But that was only because he was old and lacked the energy for anything else. Now that he had regained his youth, he was naturally full of vitality again.
It was actually a good thing. Kushina thought so too; she was just complaining. Her grandfather suddenly becoming young had already given her quite a shock. Now, his personality was also somewhat different, and Kushina needed some time to adjust. She was grown up now, not the little girl who only cried four years ago. After starting school, she understood more, and she could completely understand her grandfather's behavior. She just needed to adapt.
"Take it slow. Suddenly returning to a youthful state, Elder Ashina must be very excited himself. That feeling will gradually fade as he adapts to his body."
Hearing Torifu's suggestion, Kushina nodded, then went off with Minato to play with Yahiko and Konan. Only the four of them here were of a similar age and considered peers. Tsunade couldn't even play with them.
Speaking of which, no sooner was Tsunade mentioned than she returned. Tsunade wore a blue short robe over white trousers. The combination looked very ordinary, completely unlike the princess of the Senju Clan.
"Oh, Big Brother Torifu, I heard you proposed to Big Sister Naori. Congratulations!"
Torifu smiled. "Hahaha, thank you. Speaking of which, how are things with you and Dan?"
Tsunade's face flushed slightly. She leaned close to Torifu's ear and whispered, "We're actually considering it too, but since you're getting married soon, we won't steal your thunder yet. Maybe next year?"
That made sense. Tsunade's age was actually just right. If she hadn't found the right person, Torifu naturally wouldn't have said anything. But now that she and Dan were deeply in love, and their relationship was very good, it was better to marry sooner. However, this was entirely their choice; Torifu was only bringing it up. In matters of marriage, what outsiders said didn't count; only their own decision mattered. Torifu's proposal to Naori also came from his heart. He genuinely wanted to marry Naori, which is why he proposed.
"You two just manage it yourselves. You can tell me what kind of wedding you want when the time comes. I can help you plan it."
Tsunade smiled. "Hehe, okay. You'll have to put in some effort then. How can you just watch your younger siblings' wedding? Right?"
"Hahaha, of course."
The two sat by the door and chatted for a while, where Torifu learned that Tsunade and Dan had already started considering marriage two months ago. However, the matter had been delayed due to the war and other things. This delay allowed Torifu to get a head start.
The princess of the Senju Clan getting married certainly needed to be a grand affair that wouldn't have its thunder stolen. Dan marrying Tsunade was considered marrying up, but the young man was now the head of Konoha's Anbu, had very good strength, and had even developed his own signature Ninjutsu. His status was actually not low. It was just still a bit below Tsunade's. After all, besides being Hashirama's granddaughter, Tsunade's own accomplishments were significant. She had founded and perfected the Medical Ninja system, which greatly reduced casualties for mission teams. Many people in Konoha regarded Tsunade as a goddess.
After about ten minutes passed, movement finally came from inside the house. Hashirama pushed the door open and found Torifu and Tsunade deep in conversation. Tsunade had been about to say something about marriage but immediately stopped when she saw her grandfather come out.
"Sensei, Elder Ashina, are you finished playing?"
Hashirama stood with his hands on his hips, looking triumphant. "Hahahaha, although Elder Ashina has learned the basic operations, it's still very hard for him to beat me."
Torifu looked exasperated. Wasn't that obvious? How many years had Hashirama been playing this game? How many years had Ashina been playing? How could he have the nerve to say that?
Ashina waved his hand, unconcerned. "Haha, Big Brother Hashirama was very enthusiastic about teaching me to play this game. It's just sometimes he says things I don't quite understand, like 'little cat'?"
"Little cat"? Torifu didn't know what that was, either. Perhaps it was just one of Sensei's catchphrases.
"Sensei, has Aunt started cooking yet? Do you need me to help?"
Hashirama shook his head. "No need. She just said to let you all play outside."
"The main thing is... where did Naori go? You didn't come without her, did you?"
Torifu waved his hand. "How could I? I was originally going to pick her up at the Uchiha Clan, but she said she had some matters to deal with and told me to come alone first."
"I was thinking of calling her in a bit to ask if she needs me to pick her up."
Hashirama nodded. "Alright, just handle those things yourself. Remember to be more considerate. Don't make the girl have to say everything herself."
Torifu didn't expect Sensei to have such unique insight on this matter. He immediately nodded. "Don't worry, Sensei. I know what I'm doing."
Hearing this, Hashirama didn't say anything more. Instead, he pulled out his phone. "Let's go, old brother. Let's go play a little more. It's still a while until lunch." Then the two went back inside.
Tsunade was somewhat speechless at this point. What was that? Did they just come out for a walk and go back in? "Grandfather is really something. He's addicted to gaming every day. I don't know if this is a good or bad thing."
Torifu felt it wasn't a problem. After protecting Konoha for a lifetime, couldn't he enjoy himself? He didn't have the means when he was young, so now that he was old and had the resources, he should certainly enjoy the experience. Moreover, Torifu believed Hashirama simply liked playing games; he wasn't addicted. It was purely a hobby.
Just as Torifu and Tsunade resumed the conversation that had been interrupted, Torifu's phone rang. He pulled it out and saw it was a call from Naori.
"Hello, Naori. What's up?"
"Have you already arrived at Sensei's house?"