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In contrast to Hashirama, who had little confidence in his granddaughter, Hiruzen felt relieved upon hearing that Tsunade, who had been unwilling to return to the village, had finally become the Fifth Hokage.
Fortunately, Danzo hadn't caused any trouble. It seemed that after his death, Homura and Koharu, the advisors of Konoha, had done their jobs well.
Hiruzen understood that with Tsunade's reputation, she was the most suitable candidate to stabilize the village that had just experienced an attack and was leaderless, leaving the villagers in a state of panic.
However, upon hearing Gensou mention that he had visited Konoha and even paid respects at the First Hokage's grave, Hiruzen couldn't help but worry and asked:
"Gensou-sensei, what did you do to Konoha?"
Gensou glanced at Hiruzen and immediately understood his concern. With a slight smirk, he said, "Konoha has a population of over a hundred thousand. I'm not a butcher; what could I do to Konoha? Rest assured, I only sent your friend Danzo to meet you."
Hiruzen felt a wave of relief, followed by a surge of tension.
"Danzo…"
Just moments ago, he had been anxious about his ambitious old friend potentially causing trouble. Who would have thought that Danzo would soon follow in his footsteps? Hiruzen's expression darkened, his feelings a complicated mix.
Despite the many conflicts they had over the years, Hiruzen still harbored deep feelings for Danzo, his childhood companion and comrade-in-arms. Memories of their shared past flooded his mind, leaving him silent for a long time.
Nearby, Minato observed everything quietly, pondering:
"So, Gensou is an enemy?"
He had never interacted with Gensou before. Although the First Hokage was quite different from what he had imagined, Minato could sense the deep wariness and hostility that the Second and Third Hokage felt towards Gensou.
And then there was Danzo. Gensou's words likely referred to Advisor Danzo of Konoha. Killing an advisor clearly marked their relationship. It was time to be prepared.
Outwardly calm, Minato's hand behind his back swiftly flipped, gripping the Hiraishin kunai, ready to act at a moment's notice.
"Gensou, have you truly resurrected?" Tobirama, barely pausing at the news of his disciple Danzo's death, fixed his sharp gaze on Gensou's youthful, unblemished face, his tone filled with incredulity.
He had been closely observing Gensou all along. Initially, he couldn't believe it. But now, he was certain that the Gensou before him was undoubtedly alive. Moreover, his body seemed identical to how it was in the Warring States Period.
How was this possible? Hadn't Gensou's body been completely obliterated under the Thousand-Armed Buddha?
Suppressing the urge to act immediately, Tobirama's curiosity as a master of forbidden techniques and scientific expertise made him yearn to understand how Gensou had broken the ultimate barrier of life and death.
With a sly smile, Gensou looked at Tobirama and said:
"Do you want to know the secret to resurrection? I can teach you."
Tobirama's pupils contracted slightly, just as he was about to speak, a loud voice interrupted him.
"Tobirama!" Hashirama suddenly shouted.
For once, he looked particularly serious, gone was the usual cheerful and approachable demeanor.
No one knew his brother better than him. To prevent Tobirama from going astray, Hashirama swiftly intervened, quashing his brother's budding curiosity.
Tobirama quickly regained his composure, assuring, "Don't worry, brother. I know my limits."
Hashirama nodded, then turned back to face Gensou seriously. After sensing for a moment, he frowned slightly and said:
"Gensou, you really have come back to life."
With the confirmations from both the First and Second Hokage, Hiruzen and Minato were both taken aback, staring at Gensou in disbelief.
Could the dead truly be resurrected? Hiruzen regretted not focusing his efforts on Gensou instead of Orochimaru.
Minato's youthful face grew more worried. It seemed Konoha faced an even tougher adversary than the Nine-Tails.
Gensou scanned the varying expressions on the faces of the four Hokage and casually spread his hands, smiling:
"I said it before, I wasn't done living. Given the chance, of course I seized it. Now, I've fulfilled my promise."
Hashirama sighed and said, "Gensou, the dead should not linger in the living world."
Gensou shook his head, "Hashirama, you should be saying that to yourselves. You're already dead; don't worry about the living world anymore. As for me, by any measure, I am now a living person."
"Life and death are separate. Hashirama, return to where you belong. I'll bring flowers and pay my respects again next year."
"Uh…" Hashirama was momentarily speechless.
"Enough, brother! Let's end the idle talk here."
To prevent his brother from getting tangled in his own thoughts, Tobirama stepped in.
Calmed down, Tobirama looked at Gensou coldly and said:
"Back to the main point. Gensou, it seems you've deeply angered the Shinigami, and it released us from its belly and created bodies for us to move in for a limited time."
"Though it aims to use us to kill you, it's clear we are willing to be the tools."
"Tools?"
Gensou chuckled.
"Tobirama, have you realized yet? From the beginning, I've stood here without any intention of leaving. I'm using you as my whetstones."
Tobirama's brows furrowed.
Gensou continued, "If you four were in your prime, I'd turn and leave without hesitation. But now, without your true bodies, even with the Shinigami's power, how much can you really achieve?"
It was a rare opportunity to face Hashirama not at his peak, a chance to settle old scores.
Gensou cracked his neck and beckoned:
"Come! It's been a long time since I've had a good fight. Show me what the combined might of the four Hokage is like."
The four Hokage exchanged glances.
"Gentlemen, our time is limited."
Feeling the life force sustaining their bodies ebbing away, Tobirama said coldly,
"So let's make this quick."
(End of Chapter)