Chapter 154 – The Outsider
"It seems we've lost… Tsunade, with you by his side, I can rest easy."
Senju Tobirama smiled faintly, his expression calm and satisfied.
"Granduncle, I don't need him to protect me," Tsunade huffed, clearly irritated.
The battle was over. The dimensional barrier that had sealed off the area dissolved quietly, its faint shimmer fading into the air as Yusuke released it.
"Tsunade," Hashirama said with rare seriousness, "listen to your granduncle. Finding someone who'll stand by your side for a lifetime isn't something that happens twice."
"…Yes, Grandpa," Tsunade murmured, lowering her head slightly like a scolded child.
Then, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward. His face was calm but his voice carried weight.
"Hashirama-sama, there's something I must ask. As you can see, I'm old. It's time I retire. Would it be possible… for Tsunade to become the Fifth Hokage?"
"No."
"No."
"Yes."
"I don't want to."
Four voices overlapped at once.
The first "no" came from Yusuke—he had no interest in burdensome positions that offered no reward.
The second was from Hashirama—he feared his granddaughter might gamble away the entire village the same way he'd squandered his own pocket money.
The only one who agreed was Tobirama. To him, Tsunade had always been a bright and disciplined child, respectful toward her elders—at least toward him.
After all, she'd grown up fearing his stern gaze. That fear shaped her discipline.
Besides, Tobirama believed in keeping the legacy of Konoha within the family. Power, like water, should flow within its own fields.
"I don't want to be Hokage," Tsunade said firmly.
"Tsunade, this village was founded by your grandfather," Tobirama said, eyes sharp. "And I would like to see you continue that legacy."
Hearing that, even Hashirama fell silent. He looked at his granddaughter thoughtfully. Apart from her gambling habit, she really had no flaws.
"The problem isn't that simple," Tsunade replied, glancing briefly at Yusuke.
"Konoha already has many capable ninja," Yusuke said calmly, stepping forward. "I don't think Tsunade's interested in being Hokage. If I may suggest—perhaps Shikaku Nara? He's experienced and intelligent. Or maybe the head of the Hyuga Clan. What do you think, Sandaime?"
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
It was one thing for Tsunade to refuse, but Yusuke suggesting the Hokage title go to an outsider… that struck deep.
Everyone knew the Hokage's seat was an inheritance bound by ties of trust and lineage.
Even Shikaku, sitting nearby, froze slightly, unsure whether to look flattered or terrified.
"Tobirama-sensei… what do you think?" Hiruzen asked, desperate for his teacher's guidance.
Tobirama folded his arms. "Young man, since you're Tsunade's husband, I'd hoped you would support her as Hokage. Of course," he added with a faint smile, "if you wish to take the position yourself, I'd say you're more than qualified."
"Forget it," Yusuke said lazily. "I'm not interested in thankless jobs. I won't waste my time protecting fools."
"That's not the right mindset," Hashirama said sternly. "To guard the village, protect your family, your friends—there's no shame in that."
"You're right," Yusuke said, his voice calm but cold. "My family, my friends, the ones I love—I'll protect them. But beyond that? Whether others live or die isn't my concern."
Hashirama frowned, clearly displeased. But Tobirama's eyes gleamed with approval.
Unlike his brother, Tobirama had been forged by war. He knew idealism was a fragile thing, easily broken.
To him, Yusuke's cold realism wasn't a flaw—it was strength.
Hashirama opened his mouth to argue, but—
"Enough." Tobirama's voice cut through like a blade.
The sharp tone silenced even Hashirama. Though Hashirama was stronger in combat, when it came to intellect and leadership, he never denied his younger brother's authority.
"You're remarkable, young man," Tobirama said, his tone softer now. "But whether you take the Hokage's seat or not, I hope you'll respect Tsunade's choice."
Tsunade took a deep breath. "Then… I'll do it. I'll continue Grandpa's will—and yours, Granduncle. I'll also fulfill Nawaki's dream."
Yusuke sighed, his gaze softening. "Alright… I'll respect your decision. Time's almost up. Say your goodbyes properly."
He didn't need to explain further. Even with mastery over the Rinnegan, including the Outer Path: Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique, Yusuke knew the truth—reviving the dead wasn't as simple as it sounded.
The stronger and more influential a soul was in life, the heavier the price of bringing them back.
Energy is never created nor destroyed—it must be exchanged.
Whether through Rinne Rebirth or Impure World Reincarnation, the balance demanded payment. A life for a life.
Ordinary people could be revived with chakra alone.
But a being like the First Hokage? That required power equal to rewriting the laws of the world.
If the chakra wasn't enough, the price would be his Dojutsu—or his lifespan.
Even for Yusuke, with his Six-Tomoe Rinnegan, it wasn't possible without severe consequences. Perhaps, if his eyes evolved further...
Tsunade began recounting her journey with Yusuke—how they met, what they had overcome together.
The two Hokage listened in silence, occasionally exchanging glances filled with disbelief.
By the end of her tale, both were stunned.
This man wasn't just extraordinary—he was impossible.
Even during their fight, Yusuke hadn't gone all out. He still had techniques, powers, and mysteries left untouched.
Tobirama studied him like a scientist observing a phenomenon beyond logic.
"I'd advise you," Yusuke said coldly, his blue eyes glowing faintly, "stop looking at me like that. Even if you are Tsunade's granduncle, I won't hesitate to put you down."
"Hahaha! Tobirama, there it is again—your bad habit!" Hashirama burst into laughter. "Don't mind him, Yusuke. He's always been like that. I used to beat him senseless whenever he looked at me that way!"
"Shut up, Brother!" Tobirama snapped, his face reddening.
Hashirama only grinned wider, and with a sigh, Tobirama turned away in exasperation.
Then, to everyone's surprise, Hashirama crouched down, doodling circles in the dirt like a sulking child.
Everyone fell silent.
The legendary God of Shinobi… was acting like a bored kid.
"I suppose… I was wrong," Hashirama said quietly. Then he looked up and smiled. "Yusuke, take care of Tsunade. I have a feeling we'll meet again someday."
He turned to Hiruzen. "Sarutobi… you've done well protecting Konoha. But your heart—it's not the same as before."
"Tobirama-sensei… I know," Hiruzen said, bowing deeply, his voice trembling. "I've strayed from your teachings."
Tobirama's expression softened—just a little. "It doesn't matter anymore. I'm already dead. Just don't disappoint me again, Hiruzen. Protect Tsunade well."
As he spoke his final words, light began to envelop his body.
"Until we meet again," Hashirama said cheerfully, his familiar smile returning as his form faded into radiant motes of light.
And just like that—the two founders of Konoha vanished, leaving behind only the wind, silence… and the faint warmth of their presence lingering in the air.
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