Chapter 225: The Happiness of Hashirama and the Uchiha of the Will of Fire, Obito Returns to the Village

Hashirama’s face drew closer and closer to Tobirama’s.

To tell the truth…

When Hashirama first saw “Ao,” he thought he had time-traveled back to the Warring States period and was looking at an old acquaintance—Madara’s younger brother, Izuna…

However, the “botanical human” possessed a unique sense of perception.

Putting aside that face, which looked almost identical to Izuna’s, Hashirama’s eyes seemed to pierce through the skin and flesh, seeing the underlying bone structure and soul…

In reality, even his soul had been forged and altered by Tobirama.

Yet Hashirama seemed to have a built-in radar, highly attuned to the scent or a certain aura of his own younger brother.

Even with Izuna as a “skin suit,” it couldn’t fully conceal it…

Tobirama’s heart trembled.

In this moment, he and Madara truly shared a telepathic connection.

If he wasn’t stuck here, he really would have used the Flying Raijin to teleport right back to the village…

The pressure Hashirama put on him was simply too immense…

With Hashirama’s large face looming closer, Tobirama really wanted to slap a palm against it and roar, ‘Big Brother, stop being so nosy!’

But there was now a thick barrier between the current Tobirama and Hashirama.

One was the former Hokage, and the other was merely a junior from the Uchiha Clan…

He couldn’t just casually lay hands on the First Hokage anymore!

If he inherited the reputation of the identity ‘Tobirama Senju’ in the shinobi world, then his second playthrough account would basically be ruined…

Hiruzen Sarutobi watched this scene with a chuckle.

“As expected, even Teacher Tobirama feels uncomfortable when he encounters Lord Hashirama…”

“How exactly does he sense it?”

“The soul, chakra, or the bond between brothers?” Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered the underlying causes, enjoying the show from the sidelines.

The reason he called over the arm-in-arm trio of Danzo, Isshin, and Fugaku was specifically to bail Tobirama out. The three of them working together to bamboozle Hashirama…

According to Hiruzen Sarutobi’s experience, it wasn’t hard for Tobirama to deceive anyone else, but when facing Hashirama alone, it was always a struggle…

It was often relatively simple for anyone else to deceive Hashirama; he was just uniquely difficult for Tobirama to fool.

“Lord Hokage, I am Isshin!”

Just as Hashirama asked that piercing question, Isshin coughed lightly, stepped in front of Tobirama, and bowed slightly, speaking with utmost respect: “Do you still remember me? I am Setsuna Uchiha’s younger brother, currently the Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan and a Konoha Committee Member…”

Hashirama blinked.

Although he didn’t know what a Konoha Committee Member was, it sounded like someone who made contributions to the village…

After pondering for a moment, Hashirama actually managed to find a recollection of Isshin in his memories. He enthusiastically patted his shoulder and said:

“When I left, you were still just a young lad…”

“Now you’ve grown so much, you look even older than me, hahaha!”

Isshin smiled helplessly, thinking to himself: “Just as the rumors say, the First Hokage seems as candid and straightforward as a child…”

Perhaps a bit too much “childish innocence”…

“Looking at your white hair, you must have expended a lot of blood and sweat for Konoha, haven’t you? You’ve worked hard, Isshin…”

Hashirama’s expression suddenly turned serious as he spoke in a deep voice: “I always knew the Uchiha Clan were all good people, with the Will of Fire burning fiercely within their hearts…”

Isshin was startled, an indescribable warmth surging from the bottom of his heart. He said earnestly:

“For the sake of Konoha and the Will of Fire, it isn’t hard work at all, Lord First!”

Perhaps it was innate, or perhaps it was intentional…

With this minor turnaround, Hashirama instantly captured the hearts of Isshin, Fugaku, and all the other Uchiha shinobi present.

The First Hokage truly cared for them, just as the rumors said!

Hiruzen Sarutobi observed silently.

He seemed to understand why, even though Hashirama had actually hit the Uchiha much harder than Tobirama ever did…

The red-eyed folks mostly adored Hashirama…

His words were indeed beautifully spoken, and the emotion was genuine enough!

Tobirama listened to Hashirama’s words, speechless, chuckling dryly in his heart.

Using that same old routine of his again!

Wholesale distribution of the Will of Fire.

“Lord Hashirama, this is Fugaku, the future Clan Head of the Uchiha Clan, also a Konoha Committee Member, and the current Commander of the Police Force…”

Fugaku hurriedly greeted Hashirama repeatedly: “Greetings, Lord First!”

Hashirama nodded with a beaming smile.

Isshin introduced the current Uchiha of Konoha to Hashirama:

“This is Tomie, a candidate Konoha Committee Member. She has made outstanding contributions to scientific research in the village and is a shinobi who was specifically commended by Lord Third Hokage.”

“All three of us have awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan.”

In front of Hashirama, Tomie’s maniacal persona melted away like ice and snow. Acting very much the lady, she respectfully greeted Hashirama:

“Greetings, Lord First Hokage! Clan Head Isshin praises me too highly. I merely used my Mangekyo visual jutsu to do what little I could for the village…”

“The one who truly made the scientific research projects viable and brought benefits to the shinobi in the village was primarily the guidance of Lord Hokage and the collective efforts of the other shinobi in the Scientific Research Department.”

Tomie’s words left both Izuna and Tobirama dumbfounded.

Unfamiliar, far too unfamiliar!

Wait…

What happened to the Tomie who, after awakening her eyes, constantly emphasized in the Research Department that her Mangekyo visual jutsu was omnipotent?

Why are you acting so gentle, courteous, and modest?!

Why don’t you try picking a fight with the First Hokage and Hiruzen Sarutobi?!

You only know how to bully the two of us, don’t you?!

But what Tobirama and Izuna didn’t know was that Tomie was incredibly shrewd.

As early as when she saw the panel full of question marks above Hiruzen Sarutobi’s head, she knew that there is always someone better.

Bickering and arguing with mediocre talents like Orochimaru, Shio, and Ao on a daily basis was fine…

But when encountering someone truly formidable, she knew to tuck her head down!

The moment Hashirama was revived, Tomie stealthily glanced at the First Hokage’s panel, and instantly understood that another indescribable Hokage had arrived…

Hearing the word “Mangekyo,” Hashirama’s heart stirred, and he said with pleasant surprise: “Oh my, wonderful, simply wonderful…”

Hashirama turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was smiling and smoking, and shouted loudly: “Hiruzen, I knew you could do it! You’re much better than Tobirama!”

If, in Hashirama’s eyes, the Uchiha Clan were all cute cats that only occasionally hissed…

Then a Mangekyo Uchiha was an even cuter, but far more ill-tempered, heterochromatic-eyed cat.

A very rare breed!

When Mangekyo Uchiha could speak so eloquently and use their precious visual prowess and jutsu to contribute to Konoha, it meant the Uchiha fan emblem had truly integrated into Konoha…

This was a scene Hashirama had strived for years to see but never witnessed before his death.

It could be considered a lifelong regret.

With Madara’s departure and Tobirama taking over as the Second Hokage, Hashirama had actually lost hope regarding this matter.

He might have been optimistic and simple, but he wasn’t stupid…

In Hashirama’s view, Hiruzen Sarutobi had managed to “turn the tide,” improving the village’s relationship with the Uchiha Clan from freezing point to a state even better than when the village was first founded!!

“It’s all your reputation at work; everyone gathered under your will…” Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a puff of smoke and chuckled:

“I won’t take the credit, Lord Hashirama.”

“Tomie’s scientific research, Isshin’s design for village security, and Fugaku’s…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused slightly:

“Fugaku’s brave performance on the battlefield. He also possesses a profound understanding of education, selflessly popularizing Magnet Style within the village…”

“Lord Hokage, you praise me too highly!” Fugaku said, rather excitedly.

As expected, in the entire village, only Lord Hokage understood his wisdom and knew he was deeply versed in the ways of education…

“You understand education too?” Hashirama asked in surprise.

“I know a little bit, Lord First…”

Fugaku puffed out his chest, pinched his fingers together, and gestured a tiny amount:

“Once this war is completely over, I plan to publish a book to discuss my understanding of education with everyone in the village…”

“I want to learn from Lord Hokage’s disciple, Jiraiya, and become a bestselling author!”

Fugaku was originally obsessed with the Magnetic Field Martial Arts, determined to cultivate the persona of a martial artist.

But seeing Jiraiya’s status as a cultural figure made him incredibly envious, sparking a new obsession. However, this was primarily due to interference from the Sage of Six Paths.

Because Fugaku had noticed that Itachi, whom he sent to be raised by Ao and Isshin, although possessing passable talent—barely qualifying as above average…

Compared to his youngest son, Sasuke, whom he raised single-handedly, there was still a massive gap!!

As for how Fugaku educated Sasuke? He just gave the young Uchiha master plenty of money.

Normally, he let him do whatever he wanted, and Sasuke spent his days messing around at Ichiraku Ramen working as a helper…

Interestingly, Isshin had even been furious about this, accusing Fugaku of not taking responsibility for his youngest son!

But in a competition between Sasuke and Itachi, Isshin was shocked to discover that Sasuke’s talent was terrifyingly good, almost comparable to Minato’s resource-stuffed son, Naruto!

Isshin was completely baffled, while Fugaku began styling himself as a “free-range educator”…

No one… understands how to stimulate his youngest son’s talent better than he, Fugaku, does!

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t think much of it.

Because he had indeed watched Fugaku’s teaching through the crystal ball and learned the Magnet Style kekkei genkai from it.

He felt Fugaku’s explanations were actually quite good—accessible, profound, and full of substance. It’s just that he skipped a few steps sometimes, though Hiruzen could still keep up.

Beside them, Isshin secretly stepped on Fugaku’s foot and glared at him threateningly.

Keep talking and you’ll expose your ass!

If anyone could actually learn the stuff Fugaku taught, it was purely because their own talent was far too high!

As for education other than Magnet Style, like regarding Sasuke, Isshin could only say that it felt like an invisible hand was orchestrating things, leaving him feeling very exhausted…

It completely defied objective laws!

Hashirama inhaled deeply, looking intoxicated.

The Uchiha Clan producing three Mangekyo to serve the village…

And Hiruzen being such a good disciple, well-spoken and capable…

Hashirama suddenly felt that Edo Tensei wasn’t actually such an evil kinjutsu after all. Returning from the Pure Land to see this scene in the shinobi world could also be considered a blessing!

Although it was an Edo Tensei body…

But right now, Hashirama’s face was flushed red, happier than when Tsunade was born!!

Only Tobirama and Izuna remained silent.

You guys just enjoy your happiness!

Praising each other while carrying that big idiot in a sedan chair… we’ll just draw circles in the corner and curse you…

“This child’s name is Ao…”

Isshin and Fugaku surrounded Hashirama, lowering their voices: “Lord Hokage, you are truly amazing. He really is connected to Lord Second Hokage.”

“This child is the descendant of Young Clan Head Izuna and Lord Second Hokage…”

Hearing this, Hashirama was shocked: “Ah? Tobirama combined his cells with Izuna’s?”

Beside them, Tobirama, who had his ears pricked up, felt his heart skip a beat.

Wait…

He could even guess that?!

You are truly invincible, Big Brother…

“No, no…” Isshin quickly explained:

“This child’s father is Lord Tobirama’s illegitimate son, and his mother is Lord Izuna’s daughter. Due to certain policies of Lord Tobirama in the past, the two of them left the village…”

“After leaving the village, they were captured by the hyenas of Kusagakure. Later, they were rescued by Lord Hokage, who personally led the team and conveniently freed prisoners from other hidden villages as well.”

Hashirama listened, utterly bewildered.

Tobirama had an illegitimate son?

Why didn’t he believe that…

No, actually it made sense…

No wonder he always refused the blind dates Mito and he arranged for him!

As for Izuna having unknown children, Hashirama felt that was completely normal…

“This matter is indeed bizarre, and we found it outrageous too, but it has been verified by the parties involved.”

Isshin lowered his voice even further:

“My Mangekyo visual jutsu has two abilities: one is healing, and the other uses bloodline resonance to summon the blessing of ancestors. I bestowed the latter upon Ao, thereby summoning the soul of Young Clan Head Izuna…”

“Young Clan Head Izuna is likely within Ao’s body right now. He told me that everything matches up.”

“This child, Ao, inherited Lord Second’s talent for scientific research, yet like Young Clan Head Izuna, he acknowledges the Great Clan Head’s will. He is the perfect fusion of Senju and Uchiha, the substantive embodiment of the Will of Fire…”

“You must not look at him with colored glasses!”

Hiruzen Sarutobi gazed out at the sky.

Hmm…

The weather today is quite nice, a good day to end a war…

Anyway, he didn’t have a hand in these matters; it had nothing to do with the Hokage…

Let the Uchiha and Hashirama sort it out among themselves!

“Such a thing actually happened?” Hashirama’s eyes widened.

If Ao had come to him with Tobirama’s bone structure and Izuna’s skin to tell him these things, Hashirama would definitely have started doubting him from all angles…

Because his younger brother was too prone to pulling stunts!

But this was other Uchiha making contact with Hashirama and explaining it to him.

Hashirama’s Tobirama warning radar was essentially jammed by interference signals…

Especially since it involved two very important figures…

One was Madara, the other was Izuna.

Hashirama could never have imagined that Tobirama might be acting under Madara’s banner…

Nor that Izuna could fail to recognize Tobirama.

It could only be said that the Hokage’s methods were quite authoritative, having set a trap for these Warring States old-timers in this regard!

Fugaku quickly stepped forward and rapidly recounted the love story of Ao’s parents, which was currently popular not only in Konoha but throughout the Land of Fire, to Hashirama.

Hashirama listened, completely stunned, his face full of gossip-fueled conflict.

A tragic love story between an Uchiha and a Senju… it truly made one’s stomach hurt just listening to it.

Isshin added another sentence: “Lady Mito and Advisor Danzo have also verified it.”

“Regarding the Konoha Police Force incident back then, the Uchiha Clan was also at fault, so we can’t entirely blame Lord Second. But those things are in the past; they’re not important anymore!”

Now Hashirama had nothing more to say.

When it came to the Tobirama radar, Mito was actually even more authoritative than he was.

And Hashirama remembered Danzo, a kid who loved to imitate Tobirama…

“So that’s how it is…”

“What a sin!” Hashirama let out a sigh identical to Izuna’s at the time.

“That little bastard Tobirama… just wait until I find Mito to figure out a way. I will find him in the Pure Land and make him understand the authority of an older brother!”

Beside them, Tobirama chuckled coldly.

Go find me then!

Even if you dig three feet deep in the Pure Land, you won’t find the fastest man in the shinobi world…

“Don’t worry, Lord Tobirama might…” Isshin wanted to say that Tobirama was actually still alive, for instance, the guy who just put on a show using the Wooden Dragon Jutsu.

You couldn’t blame Isshin for misjudging.

It was because no one in the shinobi world could have imagined…

Madara Uchiha acting under the banner of Tobirama Senju, and Tobirama Senju becoming the young Madara…

Because those two had always been like fire and water, the type to get triggered just hearing the other’s name…

But seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi nearby, Isshin chose to remain silent.

He still had to give the Lord Hokage face…

“Regarding Lord Tobirama’s affairs, you can ask Lady Mito after returning to the village.” Isshin coughed lightly: “The matters within are a bit complicated, and can’t be explained clearly in a few words here…”

Better let Lady Mito handle it!

Isshin truly wanted to see the day Tobirama’s identity was exposed…

But what Isshin failed to realize was, if the mysterious person behind the mask turned out to be Madara and not Tobirama, how would the entire Uchiha Clan handle it…

Hiruzen Sarutobi was also pondering this matter.

However, ever since Kaguya reminded him that Madara Uchiha seemed to have also encountered a Deus ex Machina and harbored an anomalous entity within him, Hiruzen Sarutobi had formulated a general logic.

It wasn’t that Madara had a problem; it was that the anomalous entity was simply too evil!

“According to this logic, even the battle at the Valley of the End back then can be whitewashed…”

“Why did he suddenly turn against Hashirama? Because from that moment on, Madara Uchiha was actually possessed. The subsequent events were a process of both trying to seal it and being assimilated by it…”

“Fundamentally, he used his own physical body to seal an entity that threatened the shinobi world.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi rapidly ran through it in his mind and found it reasonably smooth.

It essentially gathered all the blame in the shinobi world into one place, dumping it all on the entity possessing Madara Uchiha…

As for when Madara Uchiha was possessed, whether recently or decades ago, that was no longer important.

It could be flexibly adjusted according to objective needs.

Up to this day, although Madara Uchiha’s actions toward Konoha didn’t align with the Will of Fire, he had objectively propelled the village’s immense progress, proactively setting the stage and creating many opportunities.

Take the Land of Water and Kirigakure, for example.

Ever since Gengetsu Hozuki was revived via Edo Tensei, Hiruzen Sarutobi understood why the Third Mizukage, Mizutori, had looked down on Konoha so much and chosen to launch a full-scale invasion…

It was clearly a setup by Madara; otherwise, as a Kage, he should have possessed basic judgment.

Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi was willing to lend Madara a hand.

Madara’s inherent combat power and his special status in Konoha gave him the “united front value” that made Hiruzen Sarutobi willing to do so. However, all of this was predicated on the Hokage being the ultimate victor.

Losers have no right to a share of the cake.

“First is to establish a good relationship with this mysterious woman. Don’t rush, but be swift. Extract the intelligence in her mind as much as possible, and exchange some cultivation methods…

“Second, while continuing to construct the Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration, I need to have a chat with Duy. Using the Lightning Style Nukite to vitalize the physical body as an entry point, I must master the Eight Inner Gates as soon as possible…

“After that, utilizing Hashirama’s return to Konoha, I will try to get his help in aggressively promoting Hashirama’s cells and curse marks. The goal is to achieve a qualitative leap in Natural Energy usage and overall capabilities, which will then feed back into me.

“Finally, I will use chakra aggregates like the Dragon Vein to push for informatization and stimulate the shinobi world’s creativity.”

Although the war hadn’t ended yet, Hiruzen Sarutobi reviewed the tasks he needed to accomplish and drew up a detailed list in his mind.

“You guys keep Lord Hashirama company; I’ll return to the village first to inspect the logistics.”

“Lord Hashirama, I’ll be waiting for you in Konoha…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said to Hashirama.

“Alright, alright! Go on ahead, Hiruzen. Having the Uchiha keep me company here is enough!”

Hashirama said repeatedly: “Leave it to me!”

His good disciple had important business to attend to; as a teacher, how could he cause trouble?

He had to share the burden!

And after Hiruzen Sarutobi left, Hashirama slung an arm around Tobirama’s neck and sighed with emotion: “Child, you’ve suffered! But don’t worry, even if the one who wronged you is the Second Hokage, I’ll stand up for you!”

“I am his older brother, and the First Hokage. I will beat him up in the Pure Land to vent your anger!”

“He won’t dare fight back!”

Tobirama remained silent for a long time, maintaining a straight face as he said: “Then thank you very much, Lord First…”

“No need to thank me, no need at all! It’s what I should do!”

Hashirama laughed heartily and reached out to pinch “Ao’s” cheek, looking immensely satisfied.

For some reason…

Ever since learning that Ao was a mix of Tobirama and Izuna’s bloodlines…

Hashirama felt this child looked much more pleasing to the eye.

The one-way early warning radar for Tobirama had transformed into a double dose of affection—for a brother and for an Uchiha. Coupled with the guilt brought by the child’s tragic backstory…

Tobirama had a subtle feeling that the familial affection in Hashirama’s eyes as he looked at him now was even stronger than in his past life…

Is this right?

Hashirama led the Uchiha and Danzo, the group chatting and laughing as they walked towards the military formations of the Iwa and Kumo shinobi.

The atmosphere was very harmonious; they were preparing for a pleasant negotiation.

Although they were few in number, no one worried about an enemy ambush or a sudden violent attack…

Even if the other side possessed the former Kage of every village, each harboring unique skills and immense power…

Because the Konoha side possessed the most renowned stat monster in the shinobi world.

The Furious Botanical Human wasn’t a joke; that was an existence capable of taking down even the Asura of the Shinobi World.

“Lord Hashirama, actually, I am also a Senju now.”

Isshin said with a smile, rolling up his sleeve to reveal the Hashirama cell scar on his shoulder: “Most of the Uchiha now have transplanted your cells…”

“Thanks to you, the vision in my once-blind Mangekyo is gradually recovering. The visual prowess of most Uchiha clansmen’s Sharingan has increased, and our physical constitutions are much better too.”

“Not just the Uchiha, many shinobi in the village have transplanted your cells. Everyone’s mission efficiency and quality of life have improved significantly!”

“Your blood flows within all of us!”

These words warmed Hashirama’s heart.

In the past, Hashirama repeatedly emphasized, “Konoha is a part of my body”…

But he never expected this metaphor to actually come true!

“Wait a minute…”

“Has anyone been injured? My cells are actually quite peculiar; sometimes I don’t even fully understand them myself. The vitality within them isn’t exactly docile…” Hashirama suddenly grew worried.

“In the early stages, there were indeed cases where successful transplants resulted in failure.”

“But Lord Third Hokage quickly learned from those lessons. He first properly compensated the families, and then ordered the Research Department to reduce the virulence of your cells.” Tomie spoke up:

“After rounds of testing, transplanting your cells now poses no safety risks. The appropriate intensity is chosen based on the shinobi’s own adaptability…”

“In the beginning, many people opposed doing it this way, feeling that the power of Wood Style was the key.”

“But Lord Third Hokage overruled all objections, and looking at it now, he was absolutely correct. The grades and data of the children in the Ninja Academy prove that laying a solid foundation is far more important than merely obtaining a single Wood Style jutsu…”

Having spent so much time in the Research Department, Tomie had come to understand some data analysis and basic principles, and this was an absolute necessity for developing her Mangekyo visual jutsu—her cognitive and analytical abilities could significantly elevate the power of her jutsu.

Fugaku added a universal formula:

“Doing this is also a manifestation of the Will of Fire. Lord Hokage once said that power exists to bring peace; pursuing power while destroying peace is wrong…”

Tobirama listened expressionlessly, not saying a word.

These Uchiha nowadays were truly terrifying. They spewed Will of Fire rhetoric one set after another…

They spoke it better than he did when he was Hokage!

Everyone tossing out a few Hiruzen quotes… can Hashirama handle this?

They’re practically coddling his older brother until he regresses back to a fetus…

Listening to the Uchiha talk about the Will of Fire, Hashirama took a deep breath.

It truly had to be Hiruzen!

For the Uchiha to be educated to this extent, it could only mean Hiruzen had done his job flawlessly…

He knew Tobirama was his brother.

They had fought side by side and defeated many opponents. As brothers, they had an excellent chemical reaction…

But this guy Hiruzen was simply unbelievably capable!

Hashirama decided to bring his talents to Hiruzen’s banner of the Will of Fire…

As for Tobirama…

Hashirama wished him well in the Pure Land, or wherever he was, hoping everything was fine…

However, he might not actually wish Tobirama everything well.

Because Mito stubbornly believed that Madara Uchiha was Tobirama…

Once he returned to the village and she whispered that in his ear, the soles of Hashirama’s boots might start itching fiercely!

With Hashirama at the core of the negotiations, and the combined team of Isshin, Danzo, Tobirama, Fugaku, and Tomie, the Akatsuki organization did not interfere in the reparation talks between Konoha, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure.

Through A-Huo, Madara Uchiha silently watched Hashirama and sighed.

This person always made him feel so helpless…

Even Madara himself couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.

If Hashirama hadn’t initially felt that he looked familiar, Madara might have been unhappy. But if he truly recognized him, he felt he wouldn’t be able to bear it…

It could only be described as very complicated.

“Given Hiruzen’s strength, and with Hashirama revived…”

Madara Uchiha stared at his hands, his heart stirring: “Fortunately, I’ve found a way to master the Gedo Statue. I’ll just gradually drain the vitality within it!”

“The Will of Fire acts upon people by altering the environment, manifesting in the phenomena caused by the substance of power.”

“The extension of will must ultimately resort to the clash of military might…”

Madara Uchiha mistakenly interpreted the Karma Isshiki had planted in his body as having found a way to replenish his own deficits using the Gedo Statue.

“Probably in about two to three years…”

“During this time, repairing myself is one aspect. I also need to find an opportunity to test Konoha’s younger generation…”

Madara Uchiha pondered his next steps.

And at this moment, the Isshiki within his body also sighed.

What a pity they didn’t fight…

“Kaguya’s son sure knows how to pick vessels…”

Isshiki thought from within Madara’s body: “I seemed to sense that Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a Karma on him, but when I tried to sense further, it was blocked by that constitution of his.”

While Isshiki was observing Hiruzen Sarutobi’s battle, the moment Kaguya descended, Isshiki felt the aura of a fellow Otsutsuki.

However, it wasn’t very distinct.

Because Hiruzen Sarutobi’s physical body was forged from sealing jutsu. On one hand, it prevented the leakage of aura; on the other hand, it filtered and blurred any aura that did leak out…

So much so that Isshiki mistook Kaguya for the Sage of Six Paths, or rather, the two were already very similar.

“Since Madara Uchiha intends to digest the power of the Karma, I will lend him a helping hand…” A cold glint flashed in Isshiki’s eyes, and he accelerated the transfer of his own power into Madara.

As a vessel, Madara was indeed far superior to Jigen.

Both in terms of compatibility and transmission efficiency…

But at this moment.

Far away in Konoha, the Sage of Six Paths fell into deep thought.

The situation in the shinobi world was becoming a bit unfair!

“Was that aura on Hiruzen just my imagination? I just need to observe him closely when he returns to Konoha…”

“Probably Hamura’s descendants? They’re the only ones left on the moon. My Six Paths: Chibaku Tensei is solid enough; without the Gedo Statue, it’s extremely difficult to fuse Tailed Beast chakra. It shouldn’t have much to do with Hiruzen…”

“I’ll add a few more strokes to the stone monument later, and see if Hiruzen can comprehend it.”

The Sage of Six Paths pondered.

Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn’t the reincarnate of Indra or Asura; he had no special connection with him.

Coupled with the shielding effect of the Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration…

If he wanted to clearly observe Hiruzen Sarutobi’s situation, he would have to use the power of his main body.

But that would cause a huge commotion, and it also went against the Sage of Six Paths’ consistent educational philosophy, which was similar to Fugaku’s.

A “free-range” approach to the shinobi world.

“The reincarnate of Indra, Madara…”

“He has become the vessel for Mother’s enemy. I can confirm this.”

As the Sage of Six Paths was still contemplating, he saw Sasuke puffing out his little cheeks, looking at him adorably.

“Uncle Ichiraku, we still haven’t decided the winner of our bull-fighting game!”

The Sage of Six Paths paused, then burst into hearty laughter.

The so-called “bull-fighting” was a little game where the grandfather and grandson pressed their foreheads together and playfully wrestled…

“Okay, okay! Uncle will play with you now!”

The Sage of Six Paths played with Sasuke for a while longer.

After playing, the well-behaved Sasuke even helped out with the ramen shop’s operations, acting as a little kitchen helper.

Without asking for wages…

Sasuke just felt really good being with Uncle Ichiraku.

It was always so relaxing, and he inadvertently learned little chakra tricks.

It was essentially compensating for the fatherly love missing from Fugaku, who was deeply engrossed in Magnetic Field Martial Arts, receiving it instead from the Sage of Six Paths…

“So be it…”

The Sage of Six Paths made up his mind, and his main body in the Pure Land exerted its power.

First, through a special connection, he linked to that portion of Six Paths chakra—so incredibly similar to his own—that allowed Madara Uchiha to awaken the Rinnegan, planting a hidden contingency.

Reinforcing Madara’s sense of self.

As for whether he could survive Isshiki’s corrosion with this tiny bit of help…

Even the Sage of Six Paths didn’t know.

And toward Hashirama, who was blending in seamlessly with the Uchiha, the Sage of Six Paths was even fairer.

He couldn’t play favorites!

Since he gave Madara a little help, it was only right to give Hashirama some too.

After all, the situation in the shinobi world was different from before. More and more masterminds were surfacing…

At this moment.

Hashirama, who was negotiating with Iwagakure and Kumogakure, suddenly emitted a glowing green light from his body.

This drew sidelong glances from Tobirama and the Uchiha.

The Edo Tensei Hashirama actually seemed more like a living person now!!

Onoki, who was writing down the terms of reparation, couldn’t help but feel a tightness in his chest, subconsciously increasing the amount of gold and the share of secret jutsu reparations… The Third Raikage did the same.

“What’s going on here?”

Hashirama said in shock: “Wait, don’t mind me, I don’t know what’s happening either!”

Onoki and the Third Raikage forced a smile.

Their perception as Kage was completely different from that of the subordinate shinobi…

They had long heard that the God of Shinobi appeared goofy, but in reality, his favorite tactic was to first level a mountain, and then pretend to smash his head against the table in negotiations… A masterclass in combining ‘reason’ with overwhelming force.

“Using this trick again? Truly worthy of Big Brother…” Tobirama nodded secretly.

Izuna chuckled coldly. This was exactly why he disagreed with peace talks between the Senju and Uchiha…

His older brother had been fooled like an idiot by this very trick back in the day!!

Of course, observing this trick as a teammate was quite enjoyable…

Isshin and Fugaku exchanged a glance, sighing with emotion at how effective the First Hokage’s negotiation techniques were…

Just release a bit of vitality, and the opponent immediately behaves!

Hashirama scratched his head and smiled goofily. He just felt his body getting a bit hot, but he didn’t pay it much mind.

Because he used to be like this often when he was young: wake up from a nap and his vitality would have increased massively. It had a certain aesthetic of self-cultivation…

Even the Sage of Six Paths sometimes, when observing Hashirama—this Asura reincarnate who possessed the atavism of the God Tree—couldn’t quite figure out the underlying mechanism of Hashirama’s cells…

His younger son truly wasn’t like this in the past!

After returning to Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up his smoking pipe, preparing to think about how to negotiate with Kaguya.

Suddenly, a swirling spatial turbulence appeared before him.

Obito, wearing a mask, stepped out from the Kamui dimension.

Logically speaking, Obito shouldn’t have been wearing a mask.

Because appearing suddenly in the Hokage’s office in this posture without revealing his identity would obviously be misconstrued as hostile.

But even after evolving from ‘Idiot #2’ to ‘Idiot #3 or #4,’ he still hadn’t considered this point.

Obito and A-Huo had been observing Hiruzen Sarutobi’s combat performance from the sidelines. To prevent passing shinobi from spotting them, Obito had worn the mask he usually used during outdoor training just to be safe…

It wasn’t until Hiruzen Sarutobi returned to the village that Obito frantically rushed over, forgetting to even take the mask off.

Upon entering the Hokage’s office, a sense of familiarity washed over him, and he suddenly realized his mistake.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi was staring at Obito’s Sharingan with keen interest…

A space-time Mangekyo visual jutsu?

A long time ago, in order to exchange blows with Tobirama without being suppressed by his teacher, he had specifically consulted Mito about the structure of space-time sealing jutsu…

Having cultivated the Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration to its current stage, he could officially install this module to flush and solidify his own stability within this spatial dimension.

It couldn’t be used for free movement like Kamui or the Flying Raijin.

Instead, it formed a field around Hiruzen Sarutobi, forbidding any spatial displacement via sealing…

This could prevent him from being kited by higher-tier enemies, at least giving him a fair chance at close-quarters combat.

“Lord H…”

Just as Obito was about to speak and take off his mask.

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved his hand. He stared at Obito’s Kamui Mangekyo, then looked at him again, seemingly trying to identify something, and slowly walked up to him.

He gave Obito a warm hug.

Obito’s eyes instantly widened, and he froze completely…

Wait…

Did happiness really arrive this suddenly?

“You brat, I knew you were alright!”

“Tell me, what’s the story behind these eyes of yours?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi vigorously ruffled Obito’s spiky hair, turned and returned to his seat, gesturing for Obito to sit in front of him, and poured him some hot tea.

Obito hastily sat down and took off his mask.

He didn’t realize that his face was flushed as red as a ripe tomato from excitement…

Hiruzen Sarutobi had recognized him the moment he saw his Sharingan.

If it were an ordinary Uchiha clansman, it would actually be very difficult to identify Obito merely from non-leaking visual prowess and eye contact…

But Hiruzen Sarutobi was different. The Evil Sealing Method module in his Ten Thousand Seals Body Integration was rapidly cultivated with the main assistance of Ao’s family and Izuna, supplemented by the three-tomoe Sharingan of the entire Uchiha Clan…

Hiruzen Sarutobi had records of the visual prowess of the entire Uchiha Clan.

When it came to understanding visual prowess, Hiruzen Sarutobi could undoubtedly be called the Great Clan Head of the Uchiha…

“Drink some tea, catch your breath…”

“I’m very glad to see you again, Obito.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a beaming smile, filled with the kindness and gentleness of an elder, yet carrying a trace of melancholy in his tone:

“These eyes of yours…”

“To awaken the Mangekyo, you must have suffered terribly during these days, haven’t you?”

“Now that you’re back in the village, rest well. It’s not just me; your grandmother, your comrades, Minato and Kushina, and many others have missed you dearly. The elderly often go and clean your gravestone…”

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t rush to ask about Obito’s Mangekyo ability.

Since Obito had proactively returned to Konoha and taken off his mask, asking anytime would yield the same result…

Capturing his heart first was the fundamental priority.

Listening to Hiruzen Sarutobi’s words, the scalding hot tea couldn’t compare to a fraction of the burning heat in his heart. Streams of hot tears betrayed his cold, sinister Mangekyo, sliding down his face…

He had actually been thinking:

Having disappeared for so long, and suddenly returning with a pair of Mangekyo and a body full of Tobi’s cells, and then having a lapse in judgment and barging so recklessly into the Lord Hokage’s office…

Being scolded, or even attacked, were both distinct possibilities!

But the Hokage didn’t say any of that. He just gave him a hug.

And he didn’t ask about anything else…

He only asked if he was tired, and told him to rest…

Obito wanted to speak, but the tears flowed like a broken dam, and he just kept sobbing uncontrollably.

Being in Konoha is truly wonderful…

And at this moment, Kaguya stared dumbfounded at this scene, only feeling that her vessel was unfathomably profound.

Wait…

That’s not how you communicate with people!