Seeing the enormous meteorite gradually retracting into the sky, Senju Tobirama let out a deep sigh of relief. He was saved. But at the same time, countless doubts flooded his mind.
That boy—who was he really? He clearly belonged to the Uchiha clan, yet he had the audacity to call Uchiha Madara by his first name. Even more bizarre was that Madara actually listened to him! They interacted like equals, something Tobirama had never seen before.
Tobirama clenched his fists as his sharp mind worked to analyze the situation.
First, his own physical state—he was undoubtedly in perfect form. He could feel his chakra flowing smoothly, stronger than ever. He wasn't in a reanimated body like with Edo Tensei. This was something entirely different.
Second, Uchiha Madara—his power had grown to an unimaginable level. Those eyes… they were beyond the Sharingan, even beyond the Mangekyō Sharingan. Tobirama had read ancient records of such eyes but never expected to see them in reality. They weren't just legend; the Rinnegan was real.
Third, where was he? This wasn't the real world, but neither was it the afterlife. It felt like a separate dimension, one that he was inexplicably bound to.
And lastly—this boy.
Senju Tobirama turned his cold gaze toward the young Uchiha who was now walking toward him alongside Madara.
"Hello, Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama!" The boy raised his hand lazily, as if greeting an old acquaintance. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Shouta Kazuki."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes. Something about that name didn't feel right. It lacked the typical structure of Uchiha names.
Madara folded his arms, his expression filled with amusement as he watched the interaction.
Tobirama wasn't about to waste time. He needed answers.
"Shouta Kazuki, is it? Then explain. What is this place? Why am I here? What's going on with my body? How did I return to life? And—most importantly—who exactly are you?"
Shouta smirked. "That's a lot of questions, Second Hokage. But I'll answer them one by one."
He took a deep breath, knowing that this conversation was crucial.
"First, yes, I am from Konoha—but from a time far beyond your era. Decades have passed since your death."
Tobirama's brows furrowed, but he remained silent, allowing Shouta to continue.
"Your current state? You've been perfectly resurrected. This isn't Edo Tensei, nor are you in a temporary reanimated body. You're in your prime—exactly how you were before your death."
Tobirama had already deduced that much, but hearing it confirmed made the situation all the more bizarre.
"As for how this happened… it's because of me." Shouta's lips curled into a playful grin. "You see, I possess a rather unique ability. Due to some… unusual circumstances, I formed a connection to the realm of the dead. I can summon souls back into the living world—just like a summoning contract."
Tobirama's sharp mind instantly picked up on the most alarming detail. "You mean to say… I've been bound by a summoning contract?!"
Shouta shrugged. "Pretty much. But don't worry—it's not like Edo Tensei. You have full control over your body. You can refuse my commands if you wish."
Tobirama's eyes darkened. He could sense it now. There was indeed a connection between himself and Shouta—just like a summoning beast and its summoner. He instinctively checked his chakra flow. Everything felt normal. He wasn't under any form of mind control. But the fact remained: he had been bound by a contract without his consent.
The implications were staggering. If such a technique existed, it was more dangerous than any forbidden jutsu he had ever encountered. The power to summon the dead as independent beings? It was absurd.
Shouta continued, completely unfazed by Tobirama's sharp glare.
"This place we're in now is my summoning space. Think of it like the sealed realms where tailed beasts reside, only a lot more comfortable."
Tobirama processed the information swiftly. So this wasn't the real world. That explained the strange atmosphere and the way his body felt weightless yet completely tangible.
But the most infuriating part?
He was in the same predicament as Uchiha Madara.
Tobirama stole a glance at Madara, who was grinning smugly as if enjoying his frustration. His pride burned at the thought. He, the creator of countless jutsu, the Second Hokage of Konoha—reduced to the status of a summoned creature?!
His fingers twitched. He wanted nothing more than to strangle this brat for dragging him into such an absurd situation. But then, a thought crossed his mind.
He wasn't powerless. Unlike Edo Tensei, he had no constraints. That meant if this Shouta Kazuki ever tried to use him for something he didn't approve of… he could fight back.
Tobirama exhaled slowly, regaining his composure. "I see. If what you say is true, then answer me this—why did you summon me?"
Shouta rubbed his chin. "Well, the main reason is pretty simple—I need strong allies. You and Madara are two of the most powerful shinobi in history. Summoning you was a no-brainer."
Tobirama scoffed. "And what makes you think I'll help you?"
Shouta grinned. "Because if I succeed in my goals, Konoha will be safer than ever. And isn't that what you always wanted, Second Hokage?"
Tobirama's eyes flashed. This brat…
Madara chuckled. "Hah! Tobirama, you're stuck here just like me. Might as well accept it. Besides, I have a much better idea—" He turned toward Shouta. "Brat, you still have four summoning chances left. Try summoning Hashirama!"
Tobirama's heart clenched at the mention of his brother.
Shouta scratched the back of his head. "You think I haven't considered that? But summoning Hashirama would cost me 200 million silver taels. That's double what I spent on you, Tobirama."
Madara clicked his tongue in irritation. "Tch! This ridiculous system of yours wastes too much money!"
Tobirama, meanwhile, remained silent, deep in thought. If this was all true, then Hashirama could indeed be summoned back to life…
Was that a good thing? Or would it disrupt the balance of the world?
For the first time in a long while, Tobirama felt uncertainty creep into his heart.
Shouta sighed. "Alright, enough talking for now. We've got bigger things to figure out." He turned toward Tobirama with a grin. "So, Second Hokage, are you ready to see the world after your time?"
Tobirama folded his arms, his sharp eyes still filled with suspicion. But deep down, he had already made his decision.
"…Lead the way."