No one understood how terrifying the Mangekyō Sharingan was better than Tobirama Senju.
After all, he had developed numerous jutsu specifically to counter the Uchiha clan.
You could even say that not even the Uchiha themselves knew their powers as well as Tobirama did.
"To instantly wipe out over a dozen Mangekyō Sharingan users...
Just how strong is this kid…?"
This was the first time Tobirama had ever given such high praise to a young man.
Just as Naruto was about to leave, Neji suddenly called out to him.
"Wait."
"Can you help me remove the Caged Bird Seal?"
Naruto turned to look at him. Neji's eyes flickered with unease.
"I could, yes. But why should I?"
Neji stiffened—then clenched his fists.
"I'll repay you in full one day. You have my word."
It was honest. And knowing Neji's character, Naruto didn't doubt his sincerity.
And in the grand scheme of things—it was just a trivial task.
"You realize the seal doesn't just restrict you. It also protects you.
Once it's gone… people will come for you. You sure about this?"
"I'd rather risk that… than keep living under someone else's control!" Neji answered without hesitation.
Might Guy said nothing.
Moments like this, his students needed to choose their own path.
Naruto's eyes lit up with power—
A burst of chakra surged into Neji's eyes.
The Caged Bird Seal that had plagued Neji for years…
Vanished.
Just like that.
Though he couldn't see his forehead, Neji could feel it—
His Byakugan was lighter than it had ever been.
He reached up to where the mark used to be—
Then bowed deeply to Naruto.
Thanks to the help of the First and Second Hokage, the Pure Land outbreak was swiftly brought under control.
But during the process, Hashirama learned something troubling.
The former Uzushio had been turned into a prison holding tens of thousands of villagers.
And the one responsible…
Was Naruto Uzumaki.
Hashirama's first reaction?
Fury.
Using brute force to oppress others like that…
It went against everything he stood for.
Inside the Hokage Tower, Tsunade, Hashirama, and Tobirama gathered.
Hashirama's brows were furrowed deeply.
"Unacceptable! I'm going to free those villagers right now!"
He turned to head toward Uzushio.
Tsunade quickly blocked him.
"Grandpa, wait! Don't rush into this!"
"Those villagers… they weren't exactly innocent either."
She began recounting Naruto's origins—
His childhood. His mistreatment. His trauma.
She didn't leave anything out.
When she was done, both brothers fell silent.
Tobirama sighed.
"So… Sarutobi really made those choices…?"
He thought of a younger Sarutobi Hiruzen—
A seemingly honest, dependable student.
He never imagined such a string of cold-blooded decisions would come from that same man.
If it were Danzo, he wouldn't be surprised.
"A hero's child, treated like a monster…
Brother, it's honestly no wonder the boy turned out like this."
Tobirama was starting to understand Naruto.
But Hashirama still couldn't let it go.
"Even so, it's too much.
Tobirama, I'm bringing those villagers back."
Hashirama's tone was firm and unshakable.
Tobirama sighed inwardly.
Some things never change.
His brother had always been like this—
Once he decided something was "right," he'd follow it through no matter what.
He split the Tailed Beasts between the villages that way.
And now…
"Brother, I saw that boy's strength firsthand.
He's powerful. Incredibly so."
Hashirama was surprised by such high praise coming from Tobirama.
Even Tsunade tried to dissuade him:
"Grandpa, Naruto really is strong. And those villagers were in the wrong first."
"He's only holding them for ten years. He even said he'd release them early.
Let him handle it."
"Tsunade! You're the Hokage!
How can you say such a thing?!
If we go down this road, who would ever want to stay in Konoha?"
"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns—
As the First Hokage, I must stand up for justice!"
"Tobirama—let's go!"
And with that, Hashirama ignored all objections and stormed out.
He didn't go to Uzushio.
He went directly to Naruto.
If they could talk it out, good.
If not…
He'd use force.
At Naruto's house, Hashirama stood face-to-face with him.
Tobirama and Tsunade soon caught up.
Hashirama eyed Naruto up and down.
"You're Uzumaki Naruto? Hmph… You look the part.
If not for what you've done, I'd say you were a future pillar of Konoha."
Naruto glanced at Tsunade.
"What's this about?"
Tsunade looked awkward—but before she could speak, Hashirama stepped forward.
"Boy, I'm going to release the villagers you're holding in Uzushio.
They don't deserve this kind of treatment!"
"Your way of thinking is wrong.
You're young—so I hope you can still find your way back."
His tone had already started to drift into lecture mode.
So that's what this was about.
Naruto didn't bother humoring him.
He replied coldly:
"Not up for discussion."
The flat rejection made Hashirama frown.
This kid…
His eyes and expression reminded him of Madara.
If they couldn't reason with him—
He'd just have to be taught a lesson.
"If that's the case… I'll have to restrain you for a bit."
"Wood Style: Deep Forest Emergence!"
Hashirama clapped his hands—
And a sprawling forest erupted beneath Naruto's feet.
Vines surged up, wrapping tightly around him and hoisting him into the air.
Hashirama looked pleased.
"That was easier than I thought…
Tobirama, you sure this is the right kid?"
Tobirama narrowed his eyes, silent.
There was no way Naruto would go down this easily.
"Don't let your guard down," he warned.
After all, it was still his brother.
Even if he was reckless, Tobirama would back him.
Hashirama crossed his arms and looked at Naruto.
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you.
As long as you agree to release the villagers, I'll let you go."
"Deal?"
From his expression…
He genuinely thought this battle was over.
But Naruto—calm and bound in Wood Release—hadn't even begun to fight.