Now that Nawaki had come to terms with it, everyone was naturally overjoyed. Asa had sent Hashirama a text message on New Year's Day.
He spoke of his recent situation and such, and also mentioned that Nawaki had given up searching for them.
At that time, Hashirama knew Nawaki might be returning, but he didn't expect it so soon.
Such was the content of the message, sent only once a year. Though Hashirama was quite annoyed, he gradually accepted it.
Perhaps his and Asa's father-son bond was fated to be brief, from the moment Asa left the Senju clan compound.
Their lives no longer had any overlap.
Hashirama had slowly come to accept this fact as well.
However, Hashirama had also come to terms with things now. He knew that he and Mito living their lives well was more important than anything.
Asa's choice of such a life was also largely due to the way Hashirama had raised him as a child, so Hashirama wouldn't blame Asa.
Instead, he constantly reflected on his own shortcomings. It wasn't until he took Torifu as his disciple that he completely changed his old, mistaken teaching methods.
Now, Torifu was no different from his own son, but Asa would always remain a scar in Hashirama's heart.
Now that he and his wife had eaten the Life Fruit, they could live for a very long time. Who knew, perhaps they would even see the day Asa and his wife returned to the village.
Hashirama simply regarded this matter as a small hope, not dwelling on it too much.
If it came true, it would be a huge joyous event. If it didn't, Hashirama wouldn't complain or blame anyone.
Hashirama was still very happy about Nawaki's return today, and it could be said that the entire Senju clan compound was overjoyed.
Especially Mito, who was already bustling about preparing dinner again, planning to go out and buy some fresh meat and seafood.
Her grandson had been traveling for so long; the food he ate certainly couldn't compare to home cooking. Mito had to make him a grand feast to properly welcome him back.
Nawaki, for his part, also took a bath at home. The journey had left him dusty and grimy, making him feel a bit dirty all over.
After returning home, he could finally relax and take a hot bath. This was a completely different feeling from soaking in a hot spring in the Land of Hot Water.
While hot springs were more comfortable, they couldn't make Nawaki relax in this way.
Only at home could Nawaki truly relax his entire being.
He had been traveling outside for too long. The moment he relaxed, he realized just how exhausted he was. So, Nawaki went back to his room to rest for a while.
Tsunade felt relieved after seeing that her grandfather didn't scold Nawaki. She stayed for a bit and then went home.
She said she would return at dinner time.
Hashirama nodded, saying nothing. At this moment, he was discussing matters of the Rain Province with Minato, Tobirama, and Ashina.
News of the rebellion in the Rain Province was spreading like wildfire. It was estimated that within a day, it would even reach the Royal Capital.
"Torifu, how have you handled this rebellion in the Rain Province? I haven't asked much about village matters recently, but I assume you've already taken care of it, right?"
Hashirama inquired. Indeed, just as he said, Torifu had already arranged everything. Now, they just needed to proceed with the execution step by step.
Once the masterminds behind it slowly surfaced, Torifu would go directly and capture them all in one fell swoop!
"Yes, Master, the missions have already been dispatched. We just need to wait."
Tobirama and Ashina had been quite concerned about the Rain Province's affairs these past two days, especially Tobirama. Although he trusted Torifu's abilities, he always feared Torifu might be careless.
Now, hearing the answer directly from Torifu, he finally felt relieved.
"That's good. Do you need help from us old-timers? If it's still that Blaze, I'm afraid she'll be difficult to deal with."
Back then, it took the combined efforts of strong individuals from three entire countries to defeat Blaze.
Now, with her showing signs of making a comeback, they couldn't afford not to be vigilant.
Torifu smiled slightly after hearing this. "If it comes to a decisive battle, I'll go alone. You all can just help manage the village's affairs. Although Blaze is strong, I'm not the same person I was back then, either."
Although Torifu's power level was still stuck at the half-Six Paths stage, his abilities in other areas had improved immeasurably.
His ninjutsu could now produce countless variations with just a thought.
He believed that if he were to clash with Blaze again, he would definitely be the victor.
However, Torifu wasn't careless. Who could guarantee that Blaze hadn't made any progress these past years?
Back then, the pills she refined could turn ordinary people into Jonin. If she had improved, would she be mass-producing Kage-level ninja now?
But after a careful thought, that was probably unrealistic as well.
Hearing Torifu say this, Hashirama and Tobirama were visibly stunned. They had only said they were old out of habit, but they never imagined they would actually be sidelined!
After all, weren't they considered Konoha's strongest combatants apart from Torifu? How could it be that they couldn't even go to the front lines now, relegated to staying behind at base?
"No, Torifu, are you serious? You're telling me and Tobirama to stay in the village while you go alone?"
Torifu naturally understood the implication in Hashirama's words, and chuckled as he said, "Master, if all three of us were to make a move, Blaze would surely be utterly defenseless. I also know your strength has improved and you want to test it. I'll spar with you sometime."
"This time, I want to let the newly emerging generation of ninja experience top-tier combat."
"Are you referring to Nawaki? Right... he certainly needs a high-level battle to strengthen his will."
Torifu chuckled and said, "And Dan. If possible, Minato will also come along."
"Nawaki and Dan? And Minato..."
These were all names familiar and dear to Hashirama. To have them all sent to the battlefield by Torifu at once... wasn't that a bit...
"I have no objection to Dan and Nawaki. Their strength is already quite good, on par with or even surpassing Hiruzen in his youth."
But Minato... Hashirama shook his head. He didn't think a Jonin like Minato would be of any help in this battle. This was a battle only Kage-level ninja could participate in.
Allowing him to join a battle beyond his current capabilities would not only be unhelpful to him, but could also damage his confidence or lead to severe injuries.
Therefore, regarding Torifu's suggestion to involve Minato, Hashirama immediately voiced his objection.
Torifu nodded as he listened, saying, "I also said, I would only send Minato if it were possible. My thought was to let Minato get some practice once we were mostly exhausted. But since Master objects so strongly, then I simply won't bring him along."
Hashirama was finally satisfied. Ever since Minato came to Konoha Village, Torifu had always said that Minato would become the Fourth Hokage in the future.
Previously, Hashirama hadn't paid much attention to it. But seeing Minato's rapid growth, and after he learned the forbidden Flying Thunder God Jutsu, which no outsider could possibly master, Hashirama had already begun to consider him a strong contender for the Fourth Hokage position.
Now, for Torifu to push the future Fourth Hokage into a pit of fire, Hashirama naturally couldn't agree to it.