2 days later…
Eventually, Katsuro calmed down, and accepted Mito's wishes, but that didn't change the fact that he still hated the fact that nothing could be done to save the old woman that he had come to love as his own grandmother - no, a second mother.
Granny Mito asked to talk with him again, this time without Kushina.
"Katsuro, I'll make you heir to the Senju clan and you will be its Patriarch after I pass."
Katsuro was stunned, he couldn't believe what Mito had just declared, "Wha- What about Tsunade, Granny?"
"Katsuro, you and I both know you are far more suited to be the clan's head. As much as you like to play around, you are a genius. You've inherited far more from my husband and brother-in-law than people will realise, and your strength speaks for itself. I'm pretty sure you would make that little monkey sweat if he realised!"
Katsuro stifled a laugh, "Granny, you can't say that about Lord Third! He's the Hokage!"
Mito rolled her eyes, "Regardless, I've seen your capabilities, beyond the physical. I've seen you calculate and analyse, discovering the hidden politics within the village which will serve you well as a clan leader. But most importantly, I can be assured you will protect the clan, not only because I'm handing you the responsibility, but also because you're loyal to your own."
Kasturo looked at Mito with a silent determination, remembering the clan that stood by him and supported him through his toughest times even as they declined. But his thoughts were interrupted by Mito, "And besides, Tsunade will probably have the Matriarch position anyway."
Katsuro paused and then blushed heavily, Mito looked amused with a glint in her eye, "You're not even denying it, are you Katsuro? Maybe I'll even see some great grandchildren before I go?"
"Granny, where is your mind going?" Katsuro said, astonished, still with a rose tint on his cheeks.
"You can pretend if you want, my child, but it is clear as day for anyone. You're already 18 now, shouldn't you get a move on? Frankly, I'm shocked - how is it that you're so determined and confident with everything else but become like a shy little girl like this with Tsunade? That girl must have inherited some of my charm, ay?"
Katsuro sighed, realising this was a battle that he wouldn't win.
Despite the news, life continued as normal. Katsuro made sure to spend more time with Kushina, imagining the guilt she must be feeling. He made sure to tell her it was inevitable, while also encouraging her to get stronger to protect the village and make Granny Mito happy.
He also broke the news of being the heir to Tsunade who brushed it off.
"Oh that… yeah Granny told me about that a bit before, I also think it's the right choice."
"I see. You're not upset or anything, are you?"
"Heh… what would I be upset about, I get to shirk these responsibilities, and gamble and drink to my heart's content."
"You know Tsunade, if I'm Patriarch, you will have to listen to me. I'm planning on cutting off your money supply, so you don't run us into the ground with your gambling debts."
"You wouldn't even dare, Suro, or I'll punch you through a wall!"
Katsuro decided he'd had enough of seeing the smug expression on Tsunade's face, and decided to pull out a trump card. "You know, Granny said you'd be my Matriarch."
Tsunade immediately paused and stammered. "I- Uh- I-"
Katsuro moved closer as Tsunade blushed, " What happened, Tsunade? Cat got your tongue? Could it be that you really want to marry me?"
But before Tsunade could reply, he quickly laughed and said, "I'm just messing with you, Princess, no need to look so shocked! Damn, I guess you must really not like me, huh?"
But to his surprise, instead of being relieved as he might have expected, Tsunade only got redder - but seeing the tick on her forehead, he gulped.
His instinct to run started going off, but before he could react, Tsunade punched him on his head, shouting, "SURO! YOU IDIOT!!"
"OWW!"
Katsuro rubbed the top of his head, watching her run off in a huff, clueless as to what he had done wrong.
But as Tsunade continued to avoid and ignore him throughout the day, he turned to the one of the other fiery and illogical girls he knew.
"Suro, you really are an idiot, aren't you?" Mito said with disappointment after hearing his recollection of events. "You like her, don't you?"
Sensing the seriousness in her tone, Katsuro, who was about to avoid the question, answered seriously. "Yes."
"Then why the hell would you make it seem like you didn't?? And more importantly why would you think she doesn't like you? Would she get that mad if she didn't, huh?"
Katsuro's mouth was agape with shock. Is this boy stupid? Seeing this, Mito continued, "So now you know what to do, right?"
Katsuro thought for a moment, before smiling and kissing Granny Mito on the cheek. "Yeah, I know now, Granny. Thanks!"
As he body-flickered and left, Mito looked up towards the moon, leaning back in her chair, smiling to herself.
"The future looks bright for the Senju clan, doesn't it, Hashi?"
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Katsuro rushed to the spot Tsunade would be, the roof. And as predicted he found her, with sake in hand slightly tipsy.
"Tch- what are you doing here spoiling my mood? Go away."
"Tsunade… I need to talk to you."
Tsunade sensed the seriousness in his voice and turned to him as he sat down, waiting for him to continue. This stupid handsome bastard looks even more handsome under the moonlight, she thought to herself.
"I-" Katsuro began but before continuing grabbed the sake bottle from Tsunade and took a large swig. There was a lot Katsuro wanted to say but it all boiled down to one sentence. "Tsunade, I love you."
Tsunade's breathing hitched as a warm feeling rose from her chest and across her body. She could faintly hear him in the background saying stuff about her eyes, her caring nature, as a smile formed on her face naturally as she gazed into his eyes with fondness. Before he could react, she reached out and grabbed his face before planting a passionate but soft kiss on his lips, trying to transmit all the love she felt. As he finally returned the kiss with equal passion and tenderness, she moved her face back and broke the kiss to say,
"I love you too, Suro, you idiot," before they leaned in again, both with gentle smiles on their faces.
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