"Not bad, not bad. This young man is very responsible! In that case, I feel relieved."
After Hashirama said this, a thought suddenly struck him, and he turned to ask with so doubt in his voice:
"Hikaru, you summoned Tobirama and ... Is Konoha facing another crisis?"
Upon hearing this, Uchiha Hikaru gave a concise account of how Uchiha Obito and Black Zetsu had tead up with a resurrected Madara—brought back through Impure World Reincarnation—and attacked Konoha just a week ago.
As Tobirama listened, his face grew darker by the second. But Hashirama, standing beside him, lit up like a child upon hearing that Madara had been brought back through Impure World Reincarnation.
"Really? Madara was summoned back from the Pure Land too!?"
"That's right, Lord Hashirama. But I already sent him back. If you want to see him again, you may have to wait a few more years."
When Hikaru said this, a flash of regret appeared on Hashirama's face, but it quickly gave way to a warm smile.
"I see..."
"But it doesn't matter! Then Tobirama and I will stay here for a while. After the crisis is resolved, we'll return to the Pure Land and rest in peace!"
"Tobirama, what do you think? Sounds good, doesn't it!?"
Tobirama looked at his older brother's beaming face. Anyone who didn't know better might think Hashirama had just beco a father again.
Didn't he realize what this Uchiha brat was scheming? Obviously, he wanted the two of them to stick around and work—basically unpaid labor. No food, no rest—thanks to the Impure World Reincarnation, they were full-ti, tireless, walking machines.
Tobirama could already see the hellish future ahead for his ti back in the living world...
But just then, Hikaru said sothing that piqued both their interest.
"My two Hokages, Konoha today is not what it once was. Before making any decisions, wouldn't you like to take a good look at the village as it is now?"
Most of Tobirama's complaints dissipated in that mont.
Yeah... After being brought back to the ninja world, he had no family—no wife, no children. Tsunade aside, Konoha was the only thing he cared about.
"Brat, you're right. Let's head to the Hokage Rock first."
"Alright, alright. Tobirama, Hikaru, and this…"
"Orochimaru," the man said awkwardly but politely, trying to show a more subdued expression.
Tobirama narrowed his eyes at Orochimaru.
This junior… wasn't simple.
Maybe it was the intuition of a fellow researcher, or just his honed perception—but Tobirama could sense that Orochimaru had a temperant eerily similar to his own.
"Then let's go. We're already under the forest behind the Hokage Rock."
"Let the two elders see the village Tsunade and I have built together."
...
"Wow! Is all this the result of your and Tsunade's work, Hikaru?"
Hashirama looked like a wide-eyed kid visiting a city for the first ti. His face radiated wonder and excitent.
"That's the Konoha Duel Arena. It's used for ninja duels and competitions."
Hikaru's explanation made Hashirama sigh with awe. Ninja duels? As a sport? The world had truly changed...
"It looks pretty lively over there. Why don't we go take a look?"
Hashirama was already itching to drag Tobirama along.
anwhile, Tobirama was analyzing the village from top to bottom. Everything was well-organized—comrcial districts, production zones, and residential areas were all logically placed and functioning smoothly. The layout was even more advanced than it had been under his own leadership.
His opinion of Uchiha Hikaru shifted slightly.
Despite being from the Uchiha clan—a group Tobirama typically viewed with cautious skepticism—Hikaru had clearly brought structure and stability to Konoha. As soone who believed a Hokage should lead with clear judgnt, Tobirama had always distrusted the Uchiha for their emotional extres. It wasn't hatred—it was logical caution.
But seeing this village firsthand made it harder to hold onto that bias.
If his previous impression of Hikaru had been: "A dangerous Uchiha in power who needs close monitoring...", it was now shifting toward: "A capable child with potential—though further observation is necessary."
"Konoha Duel Arena?" Tobirama's attention snapped back to reality, turning toward the massive stadium Hashirama had pointed out.
The arena had high, circular walls, open to the air above. Even from a distance, the roars and cheers of the crowd could be heard clearly.
"Brat, what kind of event is going on in there? Why are there so many people?" Even Tobirama was intrigued now.
"The third round of the Ninja World Joint Chunin Exams is underway. One-on-one battles."
"Young elites from across the ninja world are fighting until one final winner erges."
Hashirama lit up with joy. A Joint Chunin Exam across all nations... He'd never seen such unity during his lifeti.
But Hikaru had done it. He had created a space where ninja from all villages could gather, compete, and grow together. That kind of progress hinted at sothing more—maybe even true peace.
Later, I need to talk to him in-depth about this peace...
"The final winner?"
"That doesn't sound like a normal Chunin Exam," Tobirama muttered.
"It sounds more like one of those deadly brawls from the black market."
His face darkened instantly.
Tch! And here I was just warming up to this brat... He's got ninjas fighting to the death like they're in so underground tournant?!
He's not just born evil—he's a walking disaster. He's turning war into entertainnt for profit!
But Hikaru caught onto Tobirama's rising hostility and responded calmly.
"Yes. Only one will be crowned champion."
"But any ninja who passes the second round and is approved by the examiners will be promoted to Chunin."
"This third round serves as a showcase of talent for each village—a stage to highlight their future stars."
"To ensure their safety, each match has experienced Jonin acting as referees. There's also a fully-equipped dical team backstage."
"Additionally, we've invited nobles, wealthy rchants, and the daimyo from every major country. One Chunin Exam alone brings in over one billion ryo in revenue for Konoha."
Tobirama's rage simred down as he absorbed the explanation.
Hmph.
Still capitalist filth.
But at least the structure was sound.
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