"Oh?"
Torifū wasn't particularly familiar with the name, but he wasn't entirely ignorant of it either. Uchiha Setsuna was an extreme radical within the Uchiha clan—an ardent admirer of Uchiha Madara. During the Second Hokage's tenure, he had attempted a rebellion and even tried to assassinate Tobirama. Ultimately, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Naori became serious as she spoke, even slowing down the frequency of picking up meat with her chopsticks.
"He's Kyō's older brother. Both siblings were indoctrinated by their grandfather, who believes that only by following Uchiha Madara can the Uchiha clan be revived."
"That old man uses his elder status to spread pro-Madara ideology within the clan, but in truth, most members of the Uchiha clan have grown weary of war and are quite content with the current peace."
Torifū immediately understood why Naori warned him to be cautious around Uchiha Setsuna. He had thoroughly beaten Setsuna's younger brother and left him in a humiliating state. It would be more surprising if his older brother didn't seek revenge.
Moreover, given that Setsuna would eventually attempt a rebellion, it was clear that he wasn't the type to let things slide. Trouble was inevitable.
"Alright, I'll be careful. Thanks, Naori."
Naori gave him a gentle smile. "It's nothing," she said, returning to her meal.
"This is so delicious. We don't have such good food at home."
"The Akimichi clan holds gourmet food in high regard. Otherwise, the prices wouldn't be this steep."
Their meal had cost more than a thousand ryō—enough for an average family to live on for half a month. Naori's appetite was truly impressive.
Just then, two shinobi from the Senju clan entered the barbecue restaurant. The moment they stepped inside, they spotted Torifū and walked toward him.
"Hello, you're Kumotsuru Torifū, right? We meet again."
Torifū turned to see who it was and was surprised to recognize them. They were the guards from the day he visited the will archives. If not for them dropping some hints, he might still be searching for that detestable mastermind who ruined his mission.
"Ah, it's you, Uncle! What's the matter? Want to join us for a meal?"
The Senju shinobi shook his head. "No need. Hokage-sama wishes to see you. If you've finished eating, please come with us."
Torifū immediately guessed why the Hokage wanted to see him. Since the meat on the grill was already finished, he paid the bill and prepared to leave with the guards.
Naori, seeing that the Hokage had summoned Torifū, figured it must be an important matter. "Torifū, since Hokage-sama has called for you, I won't intrude. Thank you for treating me today."
"Come with me," Torifū said casually. "Haven't you always admired Hokage-sama and wanted to meet him?"
Naori's eyes lit up with excitement, her large, bright eyes turning to the Senju guards. "Really? I can go too?"
The guard scratched his head, looking conflicted. "I'm not sure. Tobirama-sama said that Hokage-sama only summoned Torifū."
Before Naori could react, Torifū spoke confidently. "Just follow me. I'll handle the rest."
Naori wasn't one to hesitate. Since Torifū had already made the offer, there was no reason to refuse—though this meant owing him another favor. She had admired the Hokage for a long time, seeing him as a role model, but opportunities to meet him in person were rare. She wasn't about to let this chance slip away.
The Senju guard, hearing Torifū's assurance, did not press further. Since Torifū seemed confident, it was best not to make things difficult unnecessarily. Offending someone over a trivial matter wasn't worth it.
With everything settled, the four of them left the barbecue restaurant and headed toward the Hokage's office. On the way, Torifū remained relaxed, taking in the sights around him, while Naori, on the other hand, was visibly nervous. Meeting her idol in person for the first time, she worried she might say or do something improper, leaving a bad impression. But in truth, she was overthinking it.
"You two can go in. Hokage-sama and Tobirama-sama are inside."
With that, the two Senju shinobi resumed their guard duty while Torifū and Naori entered the office.
"Hahaha! Torifū, it's been about a month since we last met, hasn't it?"
Hashirama greeted him with a hearty laugh, exuding the warmth of a friendly uncle rather than the intimidating aura of the Hokage.
"Hokage-sama, Tobirama-sama, good afternoon. This is my friend. She has admired you for a long time and sees you as her role model. So I brought her along, I hope you don't mind."
Torifū's words instantly made Naori blush as red as a tomato. She stammered awkwardly, unable to form a proper sentence.
"T-Two Lords, g-good… good afternoon."
"Hmm, Uchiha Naori! I know you. You're Kagami's younger sister."
Naori had assumed that the Hokage wouldn't know who she was, but hearing him call her name so directly filled her with immense satisfaction!
Then, Hashirama turned back to Torifū. "Torifū, I called you here today because I have something important to ask."
"Please, go ahead."
"Would you like to become my disciple?"
Torifū was momentarily stunned. Wasn't it supposed to be Tobirama who took him in as a student? Why was it the First Hokage instead? If he recalled correctly, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others were all Tobirama's students, though they were trained jointly by both brothers.
Did this mean he was about to become Senju Hashirama's direct disciple? That was a major leap in seniority!
"Of course, I would!" Torifū practically shouted.
This is insane! Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime! If he let it slip away, he'd regret it forever! Becoming Tobirama's disciple would have been incredible, but being trained personally by Hashirama was on a whole other level!
Hearing Torifū's enthusiastic response, Hashirama laughed heartily. "Hahaha! Good! From now on, you are my disciple!"
Torifū bowed deeply. "Sensei, please accept my respects."
Though deeply moved, Hashirama waved his hand nonchalantly. "No need for formalities between us."
Torifū straightened up, not out of ceremony but genuine respect. Even if he had become Tobirama's student, he would have done the same—his respect for his teachers was unwavering.
Naori was left speechless, completely stunned by what had just transpired. She had assumed the Hokage had summoned Torifū to discuss the day's combat training, but she never expected it to be about taking him as a disciple!
To be honest, she was incredibly envious at that moment. But she wasn't jealous. Torifū was the top student in both theory and practical training, with the best reputation in their class. For someone as exceptional as him to be chosen by the Hokage—it made perfect sense.
Hashirama then turned his gaze toward Naori, pondering for a moment before saying, "Naori, you are Kagami's sister and a genius of the Uchiha clan. If you are willing, you may train under me as well. However, whether you can become my direct disciple will depend on your performance."