The Sage of Six Paths was sincere—so much so that he arranged for Hashirama Senju to return briefly to the living world to offer an apology.
In the Sage's view, Emiya Shigen's character and stature warranted his utmost respect.
Shigen's actions had sought the Sage's intervention to prolong Hashirama's life. The Sage, however, had refused, compelled by his duty to protect the ninja world. For this, he felt obligated to apologize.
"The Sage of Six Paths told me…"
"There is indeed a threat in this world far more dangerous than Madara."
Hashirama believed the Sage, showing no resentment over the lack of intervention. "However, the Sage cannot manifest fully in the living world. To express his regret to Lord Shigen, he granted me this brief time to return."
"So, you're saying…"
"The Sage of Six Paths is real…"
"And to him, we are truly insignificant…"
Tobirama's gaze shifted between his rejuvenated brother and Emiya Shigen, who was holding the sleeping Tsunade in his arms. His face darkened again. "If not for Lord Shigen, we wouldn't even have the privilege of knowing the Sage existed…"
This realization left Tobirama deeply unsettled.
Although he had already believed Shigen's words about the Sage's existence, seeing his brother revived and learning of the Sage firsthand had shaken him to his core.
A godlike figure truly existed in their world.
However…
That god was unable to intervene directly in the living world.
He wasn't omnipotent.
What bothered Tobirama even more was the revelation of a threat greater than Madara lurking in the shadows of the ninja world.
"What could possibly be worse than Madara?"
Tobirama couldn't help but ask.
"That is a secret that cannot yet be revealed," Hashirama replied, shaking his head solemnly. "The Sage said the nature of the danger would only become clear when it arrives."
"So, you're still going to die…"
Tobirama's tone grew heavier as he pieced everything together. "The Sage is only extending your time briefly to convey his apology to Lord Shigen?"
"Exactly," Hashirama confirmed with a slow nod.
Even the Sage of Six Paths held Emiya Shigen in high regard.
One might expect a being of legend to remain aloof, but the Sage had shown humility. He treated Shigen with genuine respect, just as the younger generations revered him as a great figure.
"Tobirama, you must not disclose this secret."
Hashirama cast a warning glance at his brother before turning to Shigen. "The Sage has entrusted Lord Shigen with keeping his existence and the truth about the Pure Land a secret."
"I understand."
Shigen furrowed his brow slightly, his voice steady. "I've already learned to conceal things in this era. There's no need to worry."
"Haha, that makes us seem so inadequate…"
Hashirama chuckled awkwardly.
This situation was, indeed, quite embarrassing.
The Sage had even shared stories about Emiya Shigen, including Shigen's disputes with the Sage over the use of chakra. In the end, Shigen had chosen to trust Asura, but the outcome had not been what he had hoped for.
As Hashirama reflected on the Sage's words, he felt as though the Sage's gaze lingered on him during the story.
Was it possible…
Asura had wronged Shigen?
Or perhaps… he himself owed Shigen an apology as well?
After all, it was Tobirama who had disturbed Shigen's eternal rest. As the elder brother, perhaps he should bear responsibility for that transgression.
"Tobirama."
Hashirama placed a hand on his brother's shoulder, his expression serious. "You must ensure that Lord Shigen's soul is returned to the Pure Land. Never again use such a forbidden technique to disturb his rest."
"Yes, Brother…"
Tobirama nodded reluctantly, his tone heavy.
Though he had not yet uncovered the full treasure trove of knowledge hidden within Shigen, Konoha had already reaped immense benefits from his medical expertise.
After all…
The initial purpose of using the Reanimation Jutsu on Shigen had been to save Hashirama's life.
"It's alright," Shigen interjected, seemingly unconcerned. He adjusted the sleeping Tsunade in his arms, making her position more comfortable. "If I had wanted to return to the Pure Land, I could have undone the jutsu myself long ago. However…"
Shigen's gaze fell on the small child in his arms. "I've found hope for the legacy of medical ninjutsu in this world."
"Tsunade, huh…"
Hashirama's face softened into a smile, his voice tinged with pride. "She really is lucky, isn't she?"
"Well then…"
"It's time for me to go."
Hashirama gave Tobirama's shoulder a final pat, smiling as he spoke. "There's no need to worry about what happens after I'm gone. The Sage of Six Paths has promised to guide my soul to the Pure Land, ensuring I won't be trapped in the boundary of life and death because of my obsession with Madara."
"…"
Tobirama's heart eased at those words.
If his brother's soul could find peace in death, it was a significant comfort. For so long, Tobirama had felt the weight of guilt, pushing his brother to shoulder burdens for Konoha even at great personal cost.
Now…
That burden would finally lift.
Just as Tobirama opened his mouth to say more, he felt Hashirama's hand go limp. His brother's body collapsed once more.
"…"
Tobirama quickly caught him.
This time…
The body would not awaken again.
Even though their plan had succeeded, even though Hashirama had met the Sage of Six Paths, it had not changed the inevitable.
"I'll take Tsunade and leave now," Shigen said, his expression calm but solemn.
Inwardly, Shigen's thoughts churned.
It seemed his actions had successfully avoided drawing undue attention from the Sage of Six Paths. More importantly, he had confirmed the Sage's weakened state.
The once-mighty god…
Could no longer interfere with the living world.
This realization gave Shigen some measure of relief.
This experiment…
Had achieved its purpose.
If the Sage hadn't intervened with Hashirama, it was likely he would only act through the next reincarnations of Asura and Indra's chakras.
Those reincarnations…
Naruto Uzumaki.
Sasuke Uchiha.
They were the key to Shigen's millennia-long plan.
For now, though, he would use this knowledge to deal with Black Zetsu.
By leveraging the Sage of Six Paths' existence, Shigen could maneuver Black Zetsu into abandoning its plans to use him as a pawn in Kaguya's resurrection.
As Shigen carried the sleeping Tsunade from the house, a new commission appeared on his task list.
[S-Rank Commission: Obtain Hashirama Cells.]
Shigen accepted the task without hesitation.
[Unfinished Commissions (3/3)]
Though he wasn't about to desecrate Hashirama's remains, there were other ways to acquire the cells.
Madara Uchiha.
Madara's body contained Hashirama's cells.
Obtaining them from Madara would be simple. The man had even cultivated his own supply of Hashirama cells.
Of course, there were other options.
Konoha itself might not be willing to let go of the power contained in those cells.
Shigen knew for a fact that Tobirama had stored a sample of Hashirama's cells in a sealed laboratory long ago.
"Lord Shigen."
When Mito Uzumaki saw him emerge with Tsunade, she immediately understood what had transpired. She had already sensed the stillness within the house.
The red-haired woman, with her unshakable resolve, held back her grief and bowed deeply to Shigen.
"Thank you, and my condolences."
Shigen inclined his head slightly.
"Thank you for all you've done for my husband," Mito said, her voice steady despite the grief etched on her face.
"…"
Shigen's tone carried rare regret. "I'm sorry. My plan failed…"
"No."
"I could feel the change in Hashirama," Mito replied sincerely, her gratitude unwavering. "This was not your fault. Kurama has already told me everything—it guessed your plan…"
Indeed.
Mito's sharp senses had detected a foreign yet awe-inspiring chakra within Hashirama before his death.
That chakra…
Belonged to the Sage of Six Paths.
Even a god had been unable to save her husband.
"Tsunade…"
Mito gently stroked the sleeping child's hair, her voice soft with trust. "Please look after her for a few days, Lord Shigen."
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Powerstones?
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