At this moment, why not seize Hashirama's power and use it for oneself? The answer was simple: Hashirama's power was not something that could be forcibly taken. Such an attempt would only backfire.
Take, for example, the future "Shadow" Danzo. He transplanted Hashirama's cells, but nearly fell victim to their backlash. Constantly suppressing those cells drained him to the point of fragility. A so-called "5.5th Hokage," perpetually outclassed by Sasuke—he embarrassed the very title of Hokage.
Kakuzu, ever pragmatic, would never attempt such a reckless thing without sufficient physical strength.
As for Madara Uchiha, his heart had stopped, and multiple medical-nin confirmed that he was beyond saving. Even Kakuzu's Earth Grudge Fear couldn't manipulate a corpse with no trace of life.
But then—wait!
"Don't leave, Lord Hokage!" Kakuzu's thoughts raced. Stay and post a Wood Clone to guard this guy's body.
Madara wasn't just dead—he was faking it. His body might be cold now, but it wouldn't stay that way for long. Kakuzu wanted to shout this warning aloud, but the chance was gone.
Hashirama had already been taken away by Tobirama.
Not that it mattered. Even if Kakuzu voiced his suspicions, who would believe him? Madara's lifeless state seemed undeniable.
Besides, voicing such thoughts carried enormous risk. What if Madara's heart had stopped but his consciousness remained intact? If he overheard Kakuzu's remarks, his vengeance would be swift and absolute.
Left with no better option, Kakuzu simply gestured to his team. Yamanaka Seifu and the others caught on immediately, initiating the "finishing touch" protocol. They plunged weapons into Madara's body, leaving multiple gaping wounds.
If even this failed to keep Madara from escaping with some secret Uchiha jutsu, Kakuzu would have no further words to say.
Madara's body was sealed into a scroll, and the group made their way back to Konoha.
...
Half a day later, they returned.
The gates were the same, the air carried that familiar scent. They dropped Madara's body at the gate, leaving Kakuzu free to go about his business.
When news spread through Konoha, it caused a stir. But contrary to expectations, the Uchiha Clan didn't erupt in outrage or rebellion.
Fourteen years of relative peace had dulled their old grudges. The younger generation, like Uchiha Kagami, had grown up in Konoha, their lives shaped by a stable village.
Madara's departure had marked a turning point, many Uchiha no longer shared his ideology.
While a few were stricken with grief and even harbored thoughts of revenge, they were a minority. The clan announced a period of seclusion, sensing the increased presence of Anbu monitoring their perimeter—a move clearly orchestrated by Tobirama.
Kakuzu, meanwhile, returned to his former residence to retrieve his belongings. There, he encountered Maruboshi Kosuke, the young boy who had been safeguarding Kakuzu's assets.
Time flew—Kosuke was already 14, no longer a child but a full-fledged ninja.
Sitting side by side on the steps, Kosuke held a chakra paper in his hands. With a simple surge of chakra, the paper exhibited five distinct changes, revealing his mastery of all five chakra natures—a prodigy in every sense of the word.
But Kakuzu noticed a problem.
"Why are you still a Genin, Kosuke? Is Tobirama holding you back?"
He had heard rumors that Tobirama paid particular attention to Kosuke, though whether that was a blessing or a curse remained uncertain.
Kosuke smiled. "You misunderstand, Kakuzu-san. I missed the Chunin Exams due to a mission. I'll take the next one."
Kakuzu nodded. "Fine. I'll teach you a few more jutsu—use them if you ever face danger during a mission."
"Thank you, Kakuzu-san!" Kosuke stood and bowed deeply.
Kakuzu smiled but said nothing more. He understood that Kosuke had his own destiny. All he could do was provide him with tools to survive the battles ahead.
Several days later, after a period of rest, Kakuzu was ready to leave Konoha as quietly as he had arrived. But just before his departure, he caught wind of unexpected news—enough to make him reconsider.
In the Senju Clan compound, every prominent member of the clan had gathered. Representatives from other major families—Sarutobi, Hyuga, and more—were present as well.
Hashirama sat cross-legged on his bed, wearing his Hokage robes. Despite his failing health, his face bore the same warm smile as always.
Tobirama stood silently by his side, his sharp gaze betraying his concern. He could feel his brother's life slipping away. All he could do was accompany him on this final journey.
Beside the bed sat Uzumaki Mito, Hashirama's wife. No words were exchanged between the elderly couple. Their bond needed no words.
Uzumaki Mito gently held Hashirama's hand, silently stepping aside to let her husband speak his final words to the gathered crowd. She understood better than anyone—her husband was the First Hokage of Konohagakure, the hero who ended the Warring States Era. Even now, at this crucial moment, his heart was still burdened with thoughts of the village he had built.
Standing behind Mito were two young adults, both in their early twenties. The man was Senju Mokuma, the son of Hashirama and Mito. Beside him stood his wife, the daughter of the current Daimyō of the Land of Fire. In Mokuma's arms, he held their second son—Hashirama's grandson—Senju Nawaki.
At the forefront, a little girl with blonde hair leaned against Hashirama's chest, cherishing the final moments with her grandfather's warmth. That girl would one day grow into the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade.
"Alright, Tsunade," Hashirama said softly, patting her head with a gentle smile. "Live well. Grandpa will always be watching over you from another world."
Tsunade's eyes brimmed with tears, her voice trembling as she tried to respond.
"Grandpa…"
Before she could say more, her parents gently pulled her away, knowing that this moment belonged to Hashirama and the others gathered here.
Hashirama's gaze swept over the crowd—so many faces brought together by his dream. A warm, bittersweet smile graced his lips. Konohagakure was the culmination of his life's work, the village born of his ideals and hard-fought peace.
As he looked at the people he trusted to carry that legacy forward, Hashirama felt a deep sense of satisfaction. His dream for a future where no child would know war, and where peace would reign, still lay far ahead. But he had taken the first step. That was enough.
"I hereby declare," Hashirama said, his voice steady despite his fading strength, "that from this day forward, all future generations of the Senju clan will relinquish their surname. All Senju will fully integrate into Konohagakure."
The gathered crowd murmured softly, some with tears in their eyes. Hashirama had always been willing to sacrifice everything for the village—even his clan's name. His belief in the unity of Konohagakure remained unshaken to the very end.
As he closed his eyes for the final time, Hashirama entrusted the future to those who stood before him. His dream was far from complete, but the seeds of hope had been planted. Someday, Konohagakure would bloom into the haven of peace he envisioned.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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