"Big brother? Are you listening to me?"
Hashirama snapped back to reality in a daze, and the sight that met his eyes was a silver-haired middle-aged man with his brows tightly furrowed and dissatisfaction swirling in his red eyes, questioning him.
"I? Big brother?" he blurted out, but a strange, deep voice came out: "What's wrong with my voice?"
It was then he realized the other person looked a bit familiar, strikingly similar to the Second Hokage from the Naruto anime, the man who was both a cunning leader and an inventor of forbidden techniques, Tobirama Senju.
"Tch… Big brother, can you be serious? Why does it have to be that guy, Madara Uchiha, as the Hokage?" Tobirama slammed his hand on the low desk he was sitting by, the force making the bamboo scrolls rattle. "Have you forgotten that the Third Elder's left arm was cut off by that man?"
Hashirama's pupils trembled, and Hashirama's memories came flooding in like a tide…
It turned out that not long ago, the Senju clan had defeated the Uchiha, and through Hashirama's efforts, the alliance with Madara had ended the Warring States period.
Now Konoha was newly established, and everyone was hotly debating who would become Hokage.
Right at this critical moment, his predecessor had suddenly proposed nominating Madara Uchiha for the position of Hokage.
At that moment, Tetsu suddenly recalled that in the original story, Hashirama and Tobirama would die mysteriously within the next few years, and to survive, he had to do something!
"Tobirama, we need to think long-term…"
"Oh? What do you mean?" The other looked at his older brother with surprise.
Hashirama deliberately slowed his tone: "Konoha is not the end point; changing this suffering world is my ultimate dream. Having Madara become Hokage is part of my plan! Don't forget that other countries are still eyeing us covetously. I plan to have you serve as Deputy Hokage, Sasuke Sarutobi as Hokage Assistant, and at the same time establish the Anbu, the Ninjutsu Research Division, the Police Force, the Ninja Academy…"
As Tobirama listened, his eyes grew brighter and brighter, and he couldn't help but admire his brother inwardly: "I never thought big brother was hiding so much depth… Could it be that I never truly saw through him before?"
"How come I've never heard you mention any of this?" Tobirama suddenly sensed something off and looked at his brother suspiciously.
"This is something I've only recently realized. The children of this world are too pitiful. Things must change, including the abolition of the daimyō."
"What?" A drop of cold sweat slid down Tobirama's cheek. "Big brother, are you planning a rebellion?"
"Don't put it that way," Hashirama said calmly, sipping his tea. "Creating the future is exactly what we're doing. So tell me, are you willing to help me? To join me in making up for the regrets of Itama and Kawarama?"
Tobirama's fingers, which had been tapping on the desk, suddenly stopped, as if he had been drawn into memories.
He was silent for a long time…
"Ah… you're right. Though the chaotic era has ended, other countries still exist. As long as they exist, war will still be there. I can help you, but there's no way I'm working for that guy, nor will I meet with him. Also… next time you have one of your 'naive' ideas, discuss it with me in advance."
"Tobirama, what are you saying? Ha… hahaha." Hashirama scratched his head and laughed heartily in a silly manner.
This approach indeed worked; Tobirama's tense body relaxed, and a trace of nostalgia even flickered in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Hashirama, still laughing foolishly, secretly breathed a sigh of relief…
He had gambled correctly. In the original story, it was precisely this feeling of being unable to reason with him or overpower him that left Tobirama with no recourse against Hashirama.
"By the way, regarding the research direction of the Ninjutsu Research Division," Hashirama shifted the subject. "My idea is to study various secret techniques and…" he lowered his voice, "techniques designed to counter the Sharingan."
Tobirama's pupils contracted sharply. "Counter the Sharingan?"
After they discussed more specific details in depth…
Only then did Tobirama's cold gaze soften slightly, and his tone gradually became more accommodating: "Big brother, you really have changed. Before, you never would have allowed me to do these things. Was this your true nature all along? At tonight's clan meeting, you'd better show the same attitude you did just now."
*Click.* The door closed.
Hashirama slumped onto the chair, cold sweat from his forehead dripping down his chin onto his collar, and only then did he realize his back was already soaked.
He exhaled, wiping away the nervous sweat: "I finally convinced him. Tobirama Senju really is tough to deal with! As expected of the 'Wise Man of Konoha'!"
Outside the window, the setting sun bathed the land.
Hashirama gazed at the lingering clouds on the horizon, recalling how he had been hit by a truck, and at the moment of death, the system had chosen him, allowing him to randomly transmigrate and randomly possess someone.
He had steeled himself to possibly possess someone like Momoshiki or Hyakkimaru, but it turned out to be Hashirama Senju.
This was an incredibly lucky start—as long as he kept Madara close, they would be invincible!
Hashirama leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes to feel this body brimming with life, strength, and chakra, and he felt more confident about surviving.
*Ding!!!*
[Congratulations to the host for invading the "Naruto World" and successfully possessing the God of Shinobi—Hashirama Senju, inheriting his body's instincts.]
[Officially awakening: Invade Anime System!]
Uh…
Suddenly, a sharp pain struck Hashirama, and he looked down to see a long sword piercing through his chest.
"Flying… Thunder God Technique?"
Behind him, Tobirama's cold voice murmured: "You're not my big brother at all. Who exactly are you?"
Blood dripped from the sword tip onto the floor, and Hashirama felt as if he could see his true appearance. Just as he tried to make an excuse…
*Rumble!* Though it was a sunny day, thunder suddenly crashed loudly, cutting off the words he was about to blurt out.
Only then did Hashirama realize the system notification was still continuing.
[Basic Function 1 unlocked — Bond Value Detection]
[Current bond value between Tobirama Senju and the host — 81%]
[Warm reminder: When bond value exceeds 80%, the other party will unconditionally believe you once.]
Overjoyed upon seeing this, Hashirama immediately chanted internally: "Great! System, make him believe me!"
Hashirama reached out and grabbed the sword blade, his expression furious as he roared: "Tobirama! Have I been too merciful lately, that you dare act so recklessly?"
*Snap!* He snapped the sword in two, flung it to the ground, and swiftly formed hand seals.
Tobirama, however, did not stop him, instead watching his brother intently.
Wood Release... Hōbi no Jutsu (Wooden Man Jutsu)!
As the wooden hand seized him, Tobirama finally understood: "Only my big brother in this world can use Wood Release. Sorry, you've been so unusual lately that I had to test you. But with your healing ability, you'll be fine soon."
"Is that so?" Hashirama pressed a hand against his wildly pounding heart and forced himself to reply: "That's you, alright—once you suspect something, you have to verify it immediately. I'll let it slide this time, but next time I'll really be angry."
"I know."
Leaving those words, he vanished instantly…
Hashirama knelt on one knee, clutching his chest tightly, glancing around nervously. Aside from the overturned teacup and the sound of tea dripping onto the floor, there was no other movement.
Only then did he fully relax.
Hiss.... the pain was now intensifying; it hurt so much!
Tears mixed with snot streamed down his face as he clenched his fists tightly, curling up on the floor.
Was he just supposed to bleed and wait like this?
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