Natsuhane found the development of events quite unexpected. Originally planning to meet Orochimaru and perhaps convince Tsunade to rebuild the clan in a more private setting, he didn't anticipate encountering these two legendary ancestors. Their return to the village could potentially expedite Sarutobi Hiruzen's downfall.
On their way back to the village, Jiraiya explained Konoha's recent history in detail to Hashirama and Tobirama. Through this, Hashirama learned that Orochimaru was once Sarutobi's disciple and that she used to be male.
As the progenitor of scientific research in the ninja world, Tobirama couldn't help but marvel, "The technology of this era has advanced to such a degree? Even gender can be altered..."
Orochimaru respectfully responded, "Tobirama-sama, I owe my progress to you. I've always idolized you. Your pioneering work in forbidden techniques made me realize the incredible satisfaction that comes from scientific achievement."
Tobirama paused for a moment, his cold gaze towards Orochimaru softening slightly.
"Tsuna, I understand the village's situation now. How are things in your personal life? Are you married?" Hashirama asked.
"Tsuna? Are you listening?"
Hashirama called several times, but Tsunade seemed not to hear, her eyes fixated on Natsuhane's face.
"Tsuna!" Hashirama raised his voice.
"Ah! Grandpa, what is it?" she finally responded.
"Why are you so distracted?"
"I… I'm not."
Tsunade's behavior didn't escape Hashirama's sharp eyes. He realized his granddaughter might have feelings for the Uchiha youth.
"Tsuna, if I'm not mistaken, you're not married yet, are you?" Hashirama continued.
"Um… no. I've always been independent, and I haven't found the right person," Tsunade explained, embarrassed.
Hashirama sighed, "You're not getting any younger. If this goes on, our Senju bloodline will truly end."
Jiraiya interjected, "Hashirama-sama! If Tsunade agrees, I would gladly take on the responsibility of reviving the Senju bloodline!"
"Shut up, you pervert! We're not compatible," Tsunade immediately dismissed Jiraiya.
Rejected again, Jiraiya thought to himself. He had lost count of how many times Tsunade had turned him down.
"Uchiha young man, do you have any feelings for my granddaughter Tsunade? She might be older, but she's quite a beauty," Hashirama suddenly asked, dropping a bombshell on the group.
Everyone could tell that this was an offer of marriage.
Tsunade's heart pounded, and in her nervousness, her chest seemed to swell even more.
Tobirama protested, "Brother, what are you saying? Are you pushing Tsunade into the hands of an Uchiha? That's like throwing her into the fire!"
Jiraiya added, "Hashirama-sama, I'm the one who truly loves your granddaughter. You're making a mistake!"
Orochimaru remained silent.
Hashirama ignored their protests, "I want to hear what Natsuhane has to say."
Natsuhane didn't hesitate, "Of course, I have no objections. Marrying Tsunade would be an honor."
With Natsuhane's clear response, Hashirama looked at his blushing granddaughter and knew the matter was settled.
"What about you, Tsuna?" Hashirama asked.
Everyone's eyes were on Tsunade.
"I… I agree!" Tsunade exclaimed, unable to contain her eagerness. She looked like she wanted the wedding to happen immediately.
Tobirama was stunned, "Tsuna, do you really want to marry Natsuhane?"
"Yes, I do…" Tsunade replied shyly.
At that moment, Jiraiya felt his heart shatter. He had pursued Tsunade for half his life, only to lose to a younger man he had just met twice.
"Uchiha young man, you have a wife, don't you?" Jiraiya asked, clutching at straws.
Hashirama's brows furrowed, "Natsuhane, are you married?"
Natsuhane didn't lie, "Yes, twice actually."
"What? Twice??!!"
"Yes, twice. I married over a thousand women the first time and over a thousand the second time. Altogether, I have over three thousand wives."
"Wait, are you saying Orochimaru is one of them?" Jiraiya asked, shocked.
"Yes, she's carrying my child," Natsuhane confirmed.
Everyone stopped in their tracks, staring at Natsuhane in disbelief.
Hashirama asked, "You're just in your twenties. Why marry so many women?"
"To revive the Uchiha clan, of course. After the massacre, this is the quickest and most direct method. I have over two thousand children now," Natsuhane explained.
Everyone was speechless, except for Jiraiya, who was nearly exploding with anger.
"Natsuhane! You took my crush and now you want to marry my friend? This is too much!" Jiraiya yelled.
Please remember to add this chapter to your library and follow for more updates. Support me on Patreon for good quality and more chapters at patreon.com/Betek.