The village's development and establishment require mutual support and growth. A village cannot exist without its people, just as people cannot thrive without their village. The two are interdependent, advancing together. There's no need to return to the chaotic, violent days of the past—that is the purpose of a village's existence.
"Kakuzu, if you're interested in exploring a new way of life in this era, you might consider joining the Konohagakure family. Perhaps, decades from now, the efforts we make today will forge a brighter future," Hashirama said with a warm, sunny smile. It was precisely this steadfast resolve and optimism that would lay the foundation for the peace of future generations.
"Lord Hokage, are you really so confident in me?" Kakuzu's voice carried a hint of doubt.
"Haha! What's there to worry about?" Hashirama laughed, his demeanor as open as his words, radiating the sincerity of a man who trusted easily. After all, the purpose of a village was to embrace diversity—only through inclusion could it grow stronger.
By the time Kakuzu left Takigakure, his identity had already been cleansed. Now, he was no more than a civilian ninja with a penchant for frequenting the black market—far removed from his past as a rogue ninja or spy. Frankly, worrying about him was unnecessary.
Besides, if anyone was to be scrutinized, surely it would be the Hyūga clan. Over three hundred members had entered Konoha simultaneously, their pale Byakugan eyes standing out like a sea of white. They were a self-contained clan with their own territory in the village, rarely mingling with outsiders or intermarrying with other clans. Yet, despite their insular nature, Hashirama never seemed the least bit concerned about them.
Why?
First, Hashirama was a man of peace and love. As long as no one rebelled, he was willing to live in harmony with anyone. Second, his immense strength rendered most concerns irrelevant—what could threaten a man like him? And finally, the most critical reason: strength commands respect, no matter where it exists.
Hashirama knew Kakuzu wasn't weak—at least, not compared to ordinary people. It was why he extended the olive branch in the first place.
Kakuzu rested his elbows on the table, crossing his arms to support his chin as he weighed the pros and cons of Hashirama's words. Initially, he had assumed his life would follow the original trajectory: making money in the black market. But the path of fate had already diverged significantly.
While Kakuzu's love for money remained unchanged, it no longer held the top spot in his priorities. The shinobi world was extraordinary and perilous. To survive indefinitely here, one needed not only longevity but the strength to protect it.
Unconsciously, Kakuzu's gaze shifted to Hashirama. This man was a walking treasure trove. Kakuzu's future plans would inevitably involve using Hashirama's cells to modify his body and overcome the limitations of Earth Grudge Fear, which had hindered his natural growth.
However, even with such a treasure before him, Kakuzu couldn't afford to act recklessly. Any premature attempt would likely end with Hashirama crushing him effortlessly. No, patience was key. He needed to wait for Hashirama's death, then move in to claim what he needed.
To do that, Kakuzu would need to stay in Konoha. Remaining close to Hashirama until his death would smooth the path for Kakuzu's ambitions.
A faint, knowing smile crept across Kakuzu's face. Perhaps Hashirama didn't notice, but someone else did.
Tobirama Senju's scrutinizing gaze locked onto Kakuzu once again. It seemed Kakuzu's inner calculations had been too loud, drawing the suspicion of Hashirama's ever-alert younger brother.
Kakuzu sighed inwardly. Tobirama's distrust was nothing new. However, it wasn't something Kakuzu worried much about. In the end, it was Hashirama who called the shots. Whatever Tobirama thought didn't matter as long as his older brother remained in charge.
"Lord Hokage, I agree with your vision. If possible, I'd like to stay in Konoha and witness this new era you speak of. That said, it feels less like you're inviting me and more like you're forcing me to stay here!"
"Eh?" Hashirama blinked in surprise. "Did I say something wrong? Please, enlighten me."
Kakuzu chuckled behind his mask, then pulled back his sleeve to reveal his left arm.
"Lord Hokage, what do you make of this?"
"What's this?!" Hashirama's expression turned serious when he saw the seal etched into Kakuzu's arm. It was a mark imbued with a unique restriction—one not easily removed by conventional means.
"Tobirama! What are you standing there for? Help him get rid of it!"
Tobirama glanced at the mark, then at his brother. A hint of awkwardness crossed his face as he turned away with a shrug.
"Flying Thunder God Technique might be my creation, but I haven't figured out how to erase the imprint yet."
"You…" Hashirama was so frustrated he nearly leaped out of his chair.
Kakuzu, however, was unfazed. He'd expected as much. According to the original storyline, even Minato Namikaze had stated that Flying Thunder God Technique marks were permanent unless one possessed a body of Six Paths-level strength or devised some other extraordinary method.
Kakuzu rose calmly to his feet. At the moment, he wasn't a wanted rogue ninja, nor was he a spy from another village. This Flying Thunder God seal, however, was something that required a proper explanation.
"Hokage-sama, I…" The rest of Kakuzu's words caught in his throat as Senju Hashirama abruptly stood and bowed at a full ninety degrees. The three purple lines on his forehead made it abundantly clear that he was deeply distressed. Kakuzu could feel it—without even looking closely, he knew the man hailed as the strongest in the shinobi world was on the verge of tears.
"What the—Hokage-sama, I haven't even said anything yet. Do you really need to react like this?"
Nearby, Senju Tobirama watched his older brother's display of pure despair. His expression was a mix of resignation and embarrassment as he covered his face with one hand. Clearly, this wasn't the first time he'd witnessed such behavior.
"Kakuzu, sumimasen (I'm sorry), it's all my fault. I caused you to suffer this unjust accusation. If I could, I would atone with the highest form of ritual seppuku to make up for the harm I've done to you. But…"
Hashirama suddenly lifted his head, his expression resembling that of a guilty child caught red-handed.
"But Konoha still needs me. I can't die yet. So I…I…"
Kakuzu felt his eyelid twitch. Judging from Hashirama's current state, it was clear another legendary moment was brewing. But this was not a scene Kakuzu wanted to be part of.
Quickly, Kakuzu stepped forward and stopped Hashirama from smashing his forehead into the ground, cutting off the infamous "Hashirama apology bow" in the nick of time.
He'd seen it before—other Kage might have endured Hashirama's apologetic headbutts without issue, but they had their titles to protect them. If Kakuzu, a non-Kage, were on the receiving end of such an act, he could already imagine the fallout.
In less than three minutes, the story would spread across Konoha like wildfire: "You forced the Hokage to bow to you? You're done for! You're as good as dead!"
It wouldn't just be the Senju clan coming for him. The wrath of the entire village would be severe.
At that moment, Kakuzu understood how Hashirama had managed to defeat Uchiha Madara with just his "dejection." It was terrifying.
After barely preventing a full-blown tragedy, Kakuzu watched as Hashirama's expression remained one of misery, self-reproach, and profound sorrow.
"Hokage-sama, let's just leave it at that. Consider the matter resolved. I won't hold a grudge."
"No, Kakuzu, this is entirely my fault. How about this—I, Senju Hashirama, owe you a personal favor. If you ever need anything, just come find me."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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