Betrayed

Kai moved to Tsunade's chair and sat down, carefully adjusting Reina in his arms as he did so. Tsunade slid onto his lap sideways, wrapping an arm around him. The atmosphere felt tranquil, a rare moment of peace that they all understood would be fleeting.

Kai's large finger was wrapped in the tiny grip of Reina, his daughter. She giggled, her small eyes lighting up in that innocent way only children can muster. The sight momentarily shifted the atmosphere in the room from one of stress to tranquility.

Sitting on Kai's lap, Tsunade watched this interaction, a soft smile on her lips. "Seeing her with you always puts my mind at ease."

Kai glanced up, meeting Tsunade's eyes. "Children have a way of simplifying the world. It's refreshing."

The tension in the room ebbed further, replaced by a sense of domesticity that felt jarringly out of place in the Hokage's office—yet so deeply cherished for that same reason.

Tsunade sighed. "After tomorrow's summit, the burden of being Hokage will pass to Kakashi. I'll be able to focus more on our family."

Kai nodded, his eyes briefly meeting hers. "That's a good change. For both of you."

At that moment, the door to the office knocked softly before opening. Shizune peeked in, her face turning a shade of crimson when she saw the tender scene before her.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt," she stuttered, her hands fumbling with the papers she was holding.

Tsunade turned her gaze to Shizune, gesturing for her to come in. "It's fine, Shizune. What is it?"

Shizune walked over to the desk, her eyes averted, not out of discomfort but out of a deep-seated respect for the intimate moment she'd intruded upon. "I was about to leave for the day. Should I expect you to join me, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade looked at Kai for a moment before responding. "Go ahead, Shizune. I'll catch up with you later."

Shizune smiled softly before heading towards the door. She paused, glancing back at Kai and then at Tsunade. "I'm glad you found each other," she said softly, then left, closing the door behind her.

Once she was gone, Tsunade turned her focus back to Kai. "You spoke to the other Kages about the summit?"

"Yes," Kai confirmed, his voice even. "They're aware of the agenda, and they respect the need for this summit. There will be disagreements, but the foundation for an alliance is strong."

"Good." Tsunade breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes closing momentarily as if drawing strength from some internal reservoir. "The five villages need to be united, especially now."

Kai adjusted Reina in his arms, settling her comfortably as she let out a delighted giggle. The subtle lines on his face eased as he looked down at her. His gaze then lifted to meet Tsunade's, their eyes locking for a brief moment that spoke volumes about the life they had built and the world they had to protect.

"Do you ever wonder what she'll be like when she grows up?" Tsunade broke the silence, her eyes never leaving their daughter.

Kai considered her question for a moment before responding. "She'll be strong, like her mother."

Tsunade chuckled, leaning in to rest her head against Kai's. "And wise, like her father."

The simple touch of their foreheads was more meaningful than a thousand words could convey. It was a moment of peace, a sanctuary amidst the chaos they were so often embroiled in. Kai pressed his lips lightly against Tsunade's, a lingering, soft kiss that held a promise—a promise that no matter the dangers and responsibilities that lay ahead, their bond was unbreakable.

The sound of Reina's happy coo broke the quietude, but neither parent minded. Both chuckled lightly as Kai tilted his head to plant a gentle kiss atop their daughter's head.

"Shall we have dinner?" Tsunade suggested, finally lifting her head from the shared contact.

Kai nodded, still cradling Reina. "After you."

When Kai, Tsunade and Reina arrived at Kai's home, the atmosphere instantly shifted from the formality of the Hokage's office to a sense of welcoming warmth. Mikoto was outside, tending to the garden, her hands delicately guiding the foliage. Samui was seated by the window, reading a scroll, and Mito was in the living room, where she was instructing Karin on a complex jutsu formation.

Upon seeing Kai walk in, all their faces lit up. Mikoto put down her gardening tools and approached him. Samui put away her scroll and stood up, and Mito paused her instruction for a moment to greet him.

"Welcome back," Mikoto said, reaching up to share a kiss with Kai.

Samui followed suit, her eyes meeting his. "Everything went well?"

"As well as it could," Kai replied, giving her a quick but meaningful kiss.

Mito stood up and closed the distance between them, looking up at him with her young but discerning eyes. "Hey," she said softly, accepting his kiss.

Kai then turned to Reina, who was still in his arms, fussing a bit when Tsunade tried to take her. "I think she wants to stay with her dad for a bit longer," he noted.

Tsunade chuckled. "Apparently, I've been betrayed by my own daughter."

They all moved to the dining area. The table was already set, and the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the room. Kai took his seat at the head of the table, Reina still securely in his arms. Tsunade took her seat next to him, Mikoto on his other side. Samui and Mito sat across from them, while Karin found a seat next to her teacher.

"Let's eat," Tsunade suggested, smiling at everyone gathered at the table. She knew these moments were rare and cherished the warmth and connection that surrounded them.

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