Body × Checkup

Hashirama had actually wanted to spar with Izuna today.

Sweeping aside the Uchiha elites with only half his field of vision was so cool!

No one could resist the desire to spar with someone like that!

So he had gone to stake out a spot near Madara's house early that morning, following the Uchiha brothers around and trying to find a chance to whisk Izuna away.

But after that morning's street farce, which could only be described as "performance art," Hashirama had instantly forgotten all about sparring.

Partly, he wanted to be considerate of Izuna and Madara's feelings. There was also the sudden surge of mission requests, which had caught even him, the Hokage-to-be, off guard.

Izuna's novel introduction to Konoha had been like a boulder thrown into the still waters of the village.

It was so fresh and full of life.

The effect on attracting customers was immediate.

Almost all the young ninja Izuna had introduced by name in his song had received requests specifically for them.

Rather than deal with unfamiliar ninja whose abilities they knew nothing about, people seemed to prefer dealing with those who had been introduced.

As for the advance parties from the caravans, after Hashirama personally received them and held brief talks, they decided on the spot to return immediately, gather their main caravans, and begin formal negotiations to establish a presence in Konoha as soon as possible.

What they saw was not just Konoha's market potential as an emerging ninja village. They were also drawn to the inclusive, "big family" atmosphere Izuna had described and the village's solid strength as a place "brimming with talent."

Even more unexpectedly, a plainly dressed middle-aged man with a distinctive bearing had approached Hashirama after the crowd dispersed.

First, he had asked with admiration and curiosity, "Who was that young ninja who played and sang just now? He had such a remarkable presence. He certainly left an impression."

Something stirred in Hashirama's heart, and he answered politely.

The man then revealed his identity.

He was a trusted senior minister in the service of the Land of Fire's daimyo, responsible for certain financial and domestic affairs.

He had come in disguise to see this "village" of ninja for himself.

He praised Izuna's performance and the "vitality" and "potential" it revealed in Konoha, then grandly produced an S-rank mission scroll on the spot: escort him safely and in style back to the Land of Fire's capital.

This was more than a mission. It was a clear signal that the Land of Fire's upper ranks—or at least the faction represented by this minister—were beginning to turn their attention to Konoha in earnest and were willing to engage in substantive dealings and... possibly provide funding.

Hashirama was delighted, but maintained a composed expression as he solemnly accepted the mission.

He handed this highly significant mission off to his younger brother, Tobirama Senju.

Competence, strength, composure, reliability, and, most importantly, a keen sense for politics and the exchange of interests—Tobirama was the only choice.

Besides, having the Senju's second-in-command personally provide the escort would be enough to show how seriously Konoha took the matter.

"Looks like the Land of Fire's funding is on its way." After dealing with everything, Hashirama returned to his office, crossed his hands beneath his chin, and gazed out at the street, which was gradually growing busier. Yet he felt little relief.

Izuna...

The boy's figure and the panicked expression he had worn at the end kept resurfacing in his mind.

Why? Hashirama's thick brows drew together slightly.

Unlike Madara, who believed Izuna did not identify with his own identity, Hashirama saw instead that Izuna identified with being "Madara Uchiha's younger brother."

As he saw it, this Izuna had treated Madara as "his own biological older brother" from the very beginning.

The proof lay in his heartfelt concern over Madara's injuries and his meticulous care, the affection that always filled his eyes when he looked at Madara, and the natural intimacy and praise he had shown Madara while playing and singing in the street today...

If Izuna did not accept this "older brother" in his heart, he could not have faked those feelings and details—at least not for long in front of someone as perceptive as Madara.

That made the problem even stranger.

Since Izuna had already accepted Madara as his older brother and regarded this place as somewhere he belonged, in some sense, then surely he should have been immensely proud to introduce himself on an occasion devoted to showing off his "family."

"Look! This is me! Uchiha Izuna! I'm pretty amazing too!"

But he hadn't.

He had introduced everyone, only to stumble when it came to "himself," his mind going blank in near panic.

Unless... there was something wrong with "himself."

Not a problem with his sense of identity, but something more specific about the individual "Uchiha Izuna"—something he found difficult to speak of, or could not describe naturally.

Just then, the office door opened and Tobirama Senju walked in, expressionless. He carried a document that had clearly been read over and over: a copy of the "Draft Proposal for Parliamentary Management and Optimization of the Uchiha" that Madara had brought over the previous night.

The minister apparently wanted to stay in Konoha for a few more days, so Tobirama had decided to take care of matters here first.

"Big Brother." Tobirama got straight to the point, placing the draft on the desk. "I've finished reading it."

Hashirama came back to himself and looked at his brother. "What do you think?"

Tobirama was silent for a moment, a trace of complicated emotion flashing through his red eyes. He gave his assessment in a businesslike tone. "It's too idealistic. Many of the details aren't practical, and it underestimates the brutality of the ninja world and the obstacles it would face in reality. We can't apply it blindly."

Hashirama scratched his head. "I meant Izuna. What do you think?"

"Uchiha Izuna?"

"This morning, he played 'Hashirama Senju' so naturally. His imitation was spot-on. He also said you were 'frank and calm.'"

"What are you getting at, Big Brother?" Tobirama looked at Hashirama, knowing his brother's point wasn't the impressions.

Hashirama leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "I suspect it's not just his eyes. There might be something wrong with his body too."

Tobirama: "...?"

His brother's leap in logic left him a little speechless. "How did you jump from that to a physical examination?"

"Oh, never mind that." Hashirama answered as though it were perfectly reasonable, then grew serious again. "Think about it. Izuna loves everything about Konoha so passionately. He could enthusiastically introduce passing members of other clans as if he knew every detail about them. That proves he's very familiar with the people he named and has a strong sense of belonging in Konoha, right?"

"So, normally, he should have proudly introduced himself when asked, but instead he avoided it."

Hashirama's gaze sharpened. "Tobirama, I think there's some problem concerning 'himself' that he can't speak about openly."

Tobirama understood Hashirama's reasoning.

Once a problem with his sense of identity was ruled out, the most direct possibility was that something was wrong with Izuna's own "condition," preventing him from describing himself naturally.

"To be honest," Tobirama sighed, "I'm actually a little annoyed that you care so much about an Uchiha."

Hashirama grinned and leaned closer. "But you like that kid too, don't you? He said you were 'frank and calm' and 'cheerful'! What high praise!"

Tobirama turned his head, his red eyes narrowing slightly as he gave a dangerous smile. "Am I not cheerful?"

Hashirama instantly felt a chill shoot up his back. He quickly waved his hands and laughed awkwardly. "You are! You are! Our Tobirama is the most cheerful of all!"

Tobirama couldn't be bothered with him. He sighed again and rubbed his temple.

Though he was annoyed by his brother's excessive attention to the Uchiha, the mysteries surrounding Izuna genuinely intrigued him, making it impossible for him to stay entirely out of it.

"All right, Big Brother." Tobirama finally relented, his tone calm again. "Go explain the situation to Madara Uchiha in a little while. Say we're concerned about Izuna's health and suggest giving him a full physical examination. I'll follow shortly."

"Okay!"

Hashirama went on ahead, rushing off to the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Tobirama went to the laboratory and quickly gathered the portable testing equipment and documents they might need. After a brief stop, he too headed in the same direction at an unhurried pace.

The Uchiha Residence.

Madara's initial response to Hashirama's request to give Izuna a "full physical examination" was to frown and resist.

But Hashirama showed the utmost sincerity and concern, repeatedly stressing that "the eye problem could have far-reaching implications" and "Izuna came back so suddenly; everyone will feel better if we make sure he's healthy."

Madara thought of Izuna's eyeball falling out in that bizarre way, and the "habit" of seeing with one eye that he occasionally revealed. Something in his heart was stirred.

Could there really be other hidden problems?

With Madara's tacit consent, the examination began while Izuna looked utterly bewildered.

Hashirama performed the basic examination first. He gathered his Chakra and let it seep slowly into Izuna's meridians and throughout his body, as gently as a spring breeze, sensing his condition and searching for any hidden injuries or abnormalities.

Tobirama was responsible for the "precise examination." He had brought a large instrument that glowed faintly.

Under Madara's wary gaze, he placed patches on Izuna's key acupoints and joints, recorded various physiological readings, and carefully examined his physical characteristics and responses.

Izuna cooperated obediently the whole time, but inwardly he was nervous. Seriously? Again? What is it this time? All I did was sing a song. Was that really necessary?

The examination lasted quite a while.

Finally, Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged a glance, each seeing confusion in the other's eyes.

"His Chakra is abundant and flowing smoothly, his meridians are strong and wide, and his internal organs are full of vitality. There are no hidden injuries or abnormal buildups of energy."

Hashirama withdrew his hand and spoke to Madara, genuine relief in his voice, though he was also puzzled. "From a physiological standpoint, Izuna is extremely healthy."

Tobirama also removed the instrument, but his frown deepened as he looked at the nearly perfect readings on its screen. "Body temperature, heart rate, muscle condition, neural response speed... all normal. Apart from the clear interruption of Chakra flow in his left eye, there's... nothing wrong with his body itself."

The conclusion they had reached together relieved Madara, but left him even more puzzled.

If that was the case, why had Izuna been so reluctant to introduce himself in the street?

Izuna didn't think that much about it. Hearing the two big shots' "certification of good health," he was overjoyed. Great! Looks like transmigrating didn't come with any other debuffs! My body's in fantastic shape!

Seeing Izuna's relaxed "false alarm, I'm super healthy" expression, Hashirama decided to stop beating around the bush.

He walked over to Izuna and crouched down, asking him directly in a tone as gentle and unpressuring as possible:

"Izuna, let me ask you something. Have you... noticed anything wrong with your body? Or anything different from before? Apart from your eyes."

Izuna blinked and looked into Hashirama's sincere eyes.

He thought about it seriously, then shook his head, his expression open. "Apart from my eye falling out sometimes... there's nothing unusual?"

He even asked in return, "Why do you ask, Brother Hashirama?"

Hashirama looked into Izuna's dark eyes, momentarily at a loss for words.

In the end, all he could do was sigh helplessly and reach up to ruffle Izuna's hair.

Madara shot him a warning look. Hashirama hurriedly withdrew the hand that had been reaching to continue tousling Izuna's fluffy, spiky hair and coughed.

"As long as you're all right." Hashirama stood and nodded to Madara. "Looks like we were worrying too much."

He hoped... Izuna's body really had no problems at all, just as Izuna himself said.

Hashirama and Tobirama said their goodbyes and left.

Madara saw them out, closed the door, and turned to look at Izuna, who was stretching his limbs with a look of relief. Yet the doubts in Madara's heart had not cleared.

Izuna, what exactly are you hiding?

Izuna, meanwhile, thought happily, I passed! Looks like my body came through for me! Now I'll keep my head down, save up points, and go home!

He watched his Return Home Points increase by one every two minutes and happily counted on his fingers.

...Forget it. I'll just lie flat.