"Actually, I've wanted to have a proper talk with you for a long time, Grandpa."
After the truth was revealed and everything settled, Maple Leaf walked over to the somewhat puzzled Senju Hashirama and led him to sit on a rock.
As a descendant, Maple Leaf didn't want to belittle his relatives. But to be honest, he never fully understood Senju Hashirama's way of thinking.
"There's nothing wrong with wanting people to understand each other," Maple Leaf sighed lightly, pointing at himself and then at Hashirama. "But for that kind of mutual understanding to truly happen, I believe one side has to make sacrifices."
That wasn't wrong.
In the distance, Madara nodded in agreement. There was no issue with seeking understanding. The problem was, who would take the first step. And usually, the one who stepped forward and the one who was trusted both had to sacrifice something.
Taking the first step was relatively easy. But letting go of hatred and choosing to trust—that was extremely difficult. Just like when Madara trusted Hashirama's idea that creating the ninja village would bring peace, he wasn't without hatred. He let it go and co-founded Konoha. Yet, in the end, all he got was distrust.
The only one he could trust was Hashirama. Even when children stumbled near him, Madara would stand up, and when they saw his face, they'd still cry. It wasn't about appearances anymore, but the scene was still heartbreaking.
"Grandpa, you can choose to sacrifice yourself for mutual understanding, but not everyone is as broad-minded as you," Maple Leaf said. "For example, it's easiest to understand family. But not everyone is family."
The reason was obvious. Maple Leaf was just reminding him, and Hashirama surely understood. A lot had happened since his death. Konoha, the Senju... Even though he treated the village like family, the village didn't treat the Senju the same way.
As Konoha's founder, the God of Shinobi looked confused.
"But my brother said to leave the path of peace to the next generation. I think that's fine," Tobirama said, shaking his head and sitting next to Maple Leaf.
He, the iron-blooded ninja, had seen enough of the dirty side of the ninja world. He understood why Hiruzen targeted the Senju. The taller the tree, the more wind it catches. As long as the Senju existed, he couldn't stay Hokage. The problem wasn't just personal errors—it was the flawed world order. He couldn't change that. But Tobirama knew that someone had come to change the order—his grandson, Senju Yukika.
The stiffness from the Impure World Reincarnation had faded, and Tobirama, with his sharp senses, already felt Yukika's overwhelming force. It was even more terrifying than the Truth-Seeking Orbs floating behind Uchiha Madara.
Absolute power is order. His big brother had never understood that, but his grandson clearly knew what to do. The frenzied cheers of the Senju clan members and their fanatical attitude toward Yukika said it all. The Senju clan feared nothing.
A sigh came from Hashirama's mouth, filled with complex emotions that everyone could hear. But more than anything, it was relief.
"Grandpa's just a dead man," Hashirama said. "The future of the ninja world is your stage now."
Looking at Yukika, Hashirama felt a wave of emotion. His own theory had ultimately been overturned by his grandson. He didn't even know what to say. Maybe back when he was alive, he would've patiently guided, like Madara did, waiting to convince Yukika. But now, he didn't have that mindset. Maybe it was the disappearance of Asura's soul—those naïve ideas had all become a dream.
But for Konoha…
"Yukika, you have to admit, the ninja village did leave you and your comrades with some beautiful memories. You can reject Konoha's ideology, but—"
"I never planned to destroy Konoha," Yukika interrupted. "If I did, the village would've been gone long ago."
"Where Konoha dances, the fire never dies. The great fire will continue to illuminate the village, letting new leaves sprout endlessly."
The Will of Fire. A smile appeared on Hashirama's face. This was the summary of what he and his brother Tobirama had built.
"That line isn't wrong. The problem is, the people who say it turned the village and the Will of Fire into a tool for brainwashing and promoting obedience," Yukika added.
Tobirama rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. He didn't know what Yukika meant exactly, but it didn't sound good.
"Alright, let's not talk about the past. I'll take care of the new generation of ninjas. Reviving you, Grandpa, was only meant to let you see this kid's path to peace."
"As you saw, he believes that the Infinite Tsukuyomi, by putting everyone into a dream world, will bring peace because no one will start wars anymore. What do you think?"
Yukika raised an eyebrow and pointed at Madara in the distance. Behind Madara, Black Zetsu seemed to receive a signal and slowly crept forward.
"What do you think?" Yukika asked again.
Hashirama silently shook his head. He thought he was naïve, but Madara was even more so. Sure, if people were dreaming, no one would fight, and no wars would break out. But the world would be finished—development would stop, no new generations would be born, and in the end, the ninja world would be a lifeless shell, with only Madara left alive. Was that still a ninja world? What was the point of being Hokage then?
"It's stupid," Tobirama calmly commented. His voice wasn't loud but was just enough for Madara to hear.
"If you weren't Yukika's grandfather, I'd knock you down right now," Madara snapped coldly.
"Yukika, is there a way to counter this technique?" Hashirama asked, more concerned about the present state of the ninja world. The Infinite Tsukuyomi couldn't be the path to peace. Even if Madara didn't get it, as a close friend, he had to wake him up.
"Don't worry, Grandpa," Yukika said calmly, waving his hand. "If I don't want him to launch the Infinite Tsukuyomi, he won't even get to see the Ten Tails. We're just watching the show today."
Indeed, the Infinite Tsukuyomi had already begun and completed. The ninja world was saved, and Yukika was the unique savior. Now, only he and the Senju clan remained. The world was perfect! At least, no more pointless disputes.
Madara frowned, completely puzzled by Yukika's words. One step. Two steps. Three steps!
Hehe~
While Madara frowned and the Senju brothers and Yukika were watching the drama unfold, something unexpected happened.