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As soon as Hashirama spoke, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was stunned.
He widened his eyes.
Staring at Hashirama.
His gaze was filled with confusion.
What's going on?
This Four Kage Summit…
It was clearly organized by the First Hokage, so why is he the first to mention the Hokage?
"Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, as I've already mentioned, this Four Kage Summit is to discuss matters related to me. So, speak up!"
There was no trace of a smile on Hashirama's face. His expression remained unchanged, instantly making the atmosphere in the room drop to a suffocating low.
"What... what should I say?"
Even before the Third could speak, he was already sweating profusely. This was no ordinary situation.
This was serious!
You can't just play around like this!
Are we really going to have one Hokage confront another?
"Just say whatever comes to mind, the best you can think of. If I have to remind you, things won't be so easy to resolve."
Hashirama coldly stared at the Third, a barely perceptible aura radiating from him, sending chills through everyone present.
At this moment, Tsunade, who had been playful before, now sat next to Hashirama, her expression turning grave.
Around the square table, the other three Kage had their eyes fixed on Hiruzen Sarutobi, their gazes trembling.
Too ruthless!
Hashirama Senju is too ruthless!
He doesn't even spare his own people!
They could clearly sense Hiruzen Sarutobi's anxiety. This wasn't an act; it was a genuine interrogation.
In other words...
This meeting was taking place over the ruins of the destroyed Kumogakure.
Who would dare act out of line here?
Hashirama Senju is the God of Shinobi.
There's no need for him to go through all the trouble of putting on a show.
This is really happening!
Everyone felt their breathing becoming constricted, not daring to make a sound, yet each of them was already reflecting on whether they had any unresolved grudges with Hashirama Senju.
They needed to prepare in advance!
Otherwise, Hiruzen Sarutobi could be the next to fall!
"I…"
The Third Hokage took a deep breath, lifting his gaze to Tsunade, who sat beside Hashirama. A flicker of guilt flashed in his eyes.
"I didn't take good care of Tsunade and Nawaki."
The Third regretfully shook his head. He knew well how deeply Nawaki's death had impacted Tsunade, but he had still rejected her proposal for each team to have a medical-nin, leading Tsunade to leave Konoha for years.
Their relationship as master and student had since soured.
"Now that's the kind of conversation we should be having!"
A faint, gentle smile appeared on Hashirama's face, but despite the smile, the room felt even colder.
"Tsunade."
"Nawaki."
"And one more... Kato... Hawk..."
"Oh!"
"No, wait!"
"I misspoke!"
"It should be Kato Dan, right?"
"We can discuss these three together."
As Hashirama spoke, he glanced at Tsunade beside him and immediately saw her eyes widen in shock, her face filled with fear.
"It's all in the past."
"Don't worry."
"Grandpa is here!"
Hashirama reached out and gently stroked Tsunade's head, his warm chakra emanating a comforting heat, instantly calming the storm of emotions raging within her.
"Mm."
Tsunade nodded, pursing her lips, trying her best not to dwell on the painful memories buried deep in her mind.
"The deceased aren't completely beyond resurrection. Look at me, sitting here just fine. Those memories don't have to be the final images in your mind. Remember, I'm here for everything."
Hashirama patted Tsunade's head again before withdrawing his hand.
These words, almost magical in their effect, penetrated Tsunade's very being, striking straight at her soul.
Her body trembled uncontrollably, her eyes wide with realization as a nearly unthinkable thought crossed her mind.
Could it be...
Dan.
Nawaki.
Do they have a chance to be brought back to life?!
Tsunade looked deeply at Hashirama, the small spark of hope in her heart now blazing into a fire of renewed optimism.
If it's really possible...
That would be amazing!
Hashirama caught a glimpse of Tsunade's expression out of the corner of his eye and couldn't help but sigh inwardly. There was something he hadn't mentioned earlier.
Even if he used the Reanimation Jutsu to bring back Kato Dan...
He might not be as useful as she hopes.
In the end, it might still require some "golden finger" tricks to make things right!
...
Hashirama refocused his attention on the Four Kage Summit table. After saying those words, his gaze turned cold as he stared at the Third Hokage.
"I… sigh…"
The Third Hokage took a deep breath, then sighed again. There were things he wanted to say but felt were too difficult to express. However, at this point, he had no choice but to speak.
"I have indeed wronged Tsunade. Some of my decisions back then led to her being deeply dissatisfied with the position of Hokage, and she eventually left the village. That was my mistake."
The Third immediately confessed, a look of regret appearing on his age-worn face.
"Those expressions won't deceive me. Even if you feel guilty, it's only because the topic has been brought up now. It's a fleeting guilt."
Hashirama shook his head, mercilessly tearing away the Third's facade.
"If you truly felt responsible for Tsunade, if you really believed you hadn't taken care of her properly, then why didn't you go after her when she left the village?"
"You are revered in the village as the Professor of Ninjutsu."
"But…"
"Not one of your three disciples wears the Konoha forehead protector, and none of them stayed by your side."
"In fact, if it weren't for my intervention, you would have died at Orochimaru's hands."
"Don't you think..."
"That you've been a failure as a teacher?"
Hashirama didn't hold back at all. As he spoke, the Third could feel the intense stares of everyone around him, all eyes now on him.
"Yes! I am a failure as a teacher! I was indeed too hesitant in managing my relationships with my students!"
The Third took another deep breath, his chest rising and falling heavily as he exhaled. Even if he didn't fully agree with it, it was clear to everyone that he was feeling quite uncomfortable.
"However…"
The Third suddenly shifted his tone, feeling the need to defend himself.
"Lord First, regarding Tsunade, it's true that I didn't handle our relationship well and failed to truly understand her pain. But the root of these issues lies in the Second Great Ninja War. Without the war, these pains wouldn't have existed. As Hokage, I've been trying my best to prevent such conflicts!"
The Third was now arguing in his own defense.
After all, he wasn't the one who killed Kato Dan and Nawaki.
He was merely a reluctant decision-maker.
"So…"
"You're not just a failure as a teacher, but also as a Hokage."
"A true Hokage doesn't need to avoid war!"
Hashirama paused for a moment, then turned his gaze to Gaara, who was sitting nearby.
"Fifth Kazekage, since we're discussing the Second Great Ninja War, as the enemy at that time, your Sunagakure directly caused the deaths of Kato Dan and Nawaki. What's your opinion on that?"
(End of Chapter)