This moment didn't last as long as he would've wished it did, but it lasted long enough for him.
After they embraced each other, Tobirama seized the opportunity to approach Ryuu.
"Young man, I need you to promise me something," he said firmly. Ryuu turned around, his attention fully on Tobirama.
"I'll do anything," Ryuu replied, bowing respectfully.
"Stand up," Tobirama instructed.
Ryuu straightened up and looked at Tobirama, waiting to hear his request.
Tobirama glanced at Hashirama and nodded. They both walked over to Ryuu and placed their hands on his shoulders.
"We need you to promise us something," Hashirama began, his voice filled with conviction. "Promise to protect this village with all your might. Carry on my will of fire, just as it is meant to be. Let your hard work and unwavering belief in a better world guide you."
"We have seen the fruits of our labor in what you have accomplished," Tobirama added, allowing Hashirama's words to resonate.
"We are content knowing that you will achieve great things and that I had the privilege of knowing your father. There is no one better suited than you to carry on our will- no, our legacy. From this point onward, even if you may not hold the title I had hoped for, you will lead this generation and the next."
Ryuu's eyes sparkled, his gaze becoming watery once again. He stood before the Hokage he looked up to as a child. "Hokage-sama... I will not fail either of you," he declared, wiping his face. "I promise."
Hashirama and Tobirama smiled, their hearts touched by Ryuu's determination. Seeing their former student, Hiruzen, inside Ryuu made them feel at ease.
They released their grip on Ryuu's shoulders, and Hashirama's expression turned serious once more. "I trust you know how to release the Reanimation Jutsu. I leave that task to you."
Tobirama turned to his elder brother, his voice laced with concern. "Elder brother, do you expect him to go through with it? Releasing the jutsu means he won't be able to see his parents anymore. You can be so foolish..."
Realizing their oversight, Ryuu and Hashirama dropped their heads depressingly. "Oh... right," they both muttered.
Tobirama was taken back by their shared moment of despair. "Tch! You too?!" he exclaimed, stunned by their foolishness. 'Is this foolish trait unique to the strongest individuals?'
Kakashi and Tobirama interjected, urging them to snap out of their depression. "Hey, quit being so depressed!" they scolded.
"Seriously, you're embarrassing yourself in front of the Hokage, Ryuu," Kakashi added.
"And you, Hashirama, you're setting a poor example for everyone," Tobirama chimed in.
Yuri watched with a frown alongside Hanzo. "See what you did, Hanzo? Now even our boy is depressed because of you!" she exclaimed, delivering a furious punch to his gut.
Hanzo's head dropped depressingly. "Oh, man... what should I do now?" he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
"What did I just say?!" Yuri snapped,
Startled, Hanzo quickly straightened up and nervously scratched his head. "Ahaha... sorry, I just can't help it, you know," he replied with a sheepish smile.
"Haha, haha!" Rikuto burst into laughter, finding the situation amusing. Seeing his parents in such a state only brought him joy.
Shisui and Kagami joined in the laughter. "Hanzo, your son has inherited your incredible foolishness," Kagami remarked amidst his laughter.
Embarrassed, Ryuu, Hashirama, and Hanzo watched the lighthearted scene unfold.
Ryuu tugged his father's arm, still watching embarrassingly,
"You know, if you want, I can make Shisui do a thousand laps on his hands for you."
"Hahaha, that's a fantastic offer, thanks.
Maybe Shisui can suffer as I did against Kagami sensei." Hanzo chimed in, his mood lightening.
Hearing this response, Shisui widened his eyes, aware of Ryuu's mischievous nature. "Sensei, it's just a joke, come on!" he pleaded.
"Sorry, Shisui, I have to do this for my father, you know," Ryuu replied with determination.
Ryuu decided it was time to release the reanimation jutsu, understanding that it was the right thing to do. He knew they couldn't remain in this state indefinitely.
Ryuu swiftly teleported to his dimension and seized Danzo. He tossed him in the midst of the group, making Kakashi, Shisui, Hanzo, Ryuu, Yuri, Hashirama, and Tobirama glare at him.
Feeling the immense pressure emanating from their chakra and intent alone, Danzo realized there was no escape. Tobirama approached him, the disappointment was evident in his eyes.
"Danzo, you have greatly disappointed me," Tobirama began, gripping Danzo by the head. "You are a failure beyond measure."
Danzo desperately pleaded for Tobirama to listen, but the angrier Tobirama became, the more he lashed out. "Silence!" Tobirama shouted, his chakra surging and cracking the ground beneath him. He released his grip on Danzo, allowing Hashirama to step forward.
"Danzo, you should have known that this would be your fate when you revived us," Hashirama stated, his voice filled with authority.
"Your pride has been your downfall... to believe that you could deceive the Hokage is a foolish mistake, and it has cost you your life. Anyone who dares to threaten my village will perish by my hands."
Hashirama made a quick hand seal,
'Wood style: Prison Locking jutsu!'
Thick logs of wood extended toward Danzo, coiling around his limbs and restraining him.
Ryuu extended his hand, manipulating his ash to reinforce Danzo's imprisonment. He tightened a rope around Danzo's neck and inserted a sharp spike-like needle into his spine. Danzo gasped in pain.
"I know the limits of the Izanagi," Ryuu explained calmly. "I have placed a small piece of my ash near your cervical spinal cord. Attempt to move even an inch, and the consequences will be dire."
Closing his eyes, Ryuu activated his Mangekyou Sharingan
'Kotoamatsukami!'
Danzo carefully began to form hand seals under the influence of Shisui's ability.
Curious, Hashirama turned to Tobirama. "What did he do?"
Tobirama looked at Shisui, realization dawned on him. "Kakashi informed me about this."
Ryuu nodded. "Indeed, I possess the Mangekyou ability to copy other abilities, including Kekkei Genkai. One of them being the Mangekyou Sharingan abilities."
Tobirama marveled at the revelation as his own body began to crumble. "It seems our time is drawing to a close."
AU: We're now nearing the end of this arc, what did you think about it? Is there a character you would've liked to see more?