Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō

A month later.

Senju Training Ground 1.

"Sage Art—Lava Release—Rasenshuriken!"

Masahiko turned his head. Real men never looked back at explosions...

Over the past month, Masahiko had kept his appearance fixed at fifty-three, finally putting his three disciples at ease.

Masahiko had not been entirely idle either. Whenever he had nothing to do, he added points once more. Destroying the Shinigami had earned him 80 Witness Points. Masahiko added 28 points to Earth Release and finally fused Lava Release. Afterward, he added another 20 points to Yang Release, further increasing both his taijutsu ability and Chakra reserves.

Masahiko saved the remaining 32 points, planning to directly "point out" Dust Release next time...

A faint breeze brushed past his face, and Tobirama appeared beside Masahiko in a Body Flicker.

"Second Grandfather, my brother called..." He stopped halfway through.

"Your brother called for me?" Masahiko turned his head in confusion.

"Uh... What happened to your Training Ground 1?" Masahiko put on an innocent look, having noticed that Training Ground 1 had been reduced to ashes by his Rasenshuriken.

With this kind of power, it could probably break through even the second stage of Madara's Susanoo... But by now, Madara has probably obtained the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. It feels like I'm always one step behind...

"I'm going to see your brother!" Masahiko said, leaving behind a Tobirama standing in the wind in utter disarray.

When he arrived at the Senju Main Hall, Hashirama looked ready to set off.

Masahiko paused, then said, "Hashirama, are you getting ready to leave? Going alone?"

Hashirama nodded. "We've already delayed for a month. The sooner this is done, the better."

"You called me here because you want me to go with you?" Masahiko asked doubtfully.

"Uh..." Hashirama hesitated. "It would be best if you were willing to come. You could represent the Uzumaki Clan's stance. If you don't want to go, then I just wanted to say goodbye."

Masahiko considered it for a moment and asked, "Which clan are you planning to visit first?"

"The Sarutobi Clan. We've worked together before, so things should go more smoothly," Hashirama replied.

"The Sarutobi..." Masahiko fell into reminiscence, recalling the young Sarutobi Sasuke he had met nine years ago.

The Third Hokage should have been born by now... Masahiko muttered, then said, "I'll go with you!"

After making some simple preparations, Hashirama and Masahiko set off together, followed by three little tagalongs.

It was the first time the three disciples had left the Uzumaki Clan. Now, none of them wanted to go back; they wanted to follow Masahiko around and see the world.

When they arrived at the Sarutobi Clan, everything went even more smoothly than expected. The Sarutobi Clan Head had changed, and the twenty-two-year-old Sarutobi Sasuke had become the Sarutobi Clan Head.

The entire Sarutobi Clan called him Sarutobi's hope. At just twenty-two, he was already a Peak Jonin. If his strength improved further, the Sarutobi Clan would have its first clan-head-level ninja and become one of the Medium-sized Clans.

Sarutobi Sasuke showed Masahiko great respect, even calling him Teacher when they met. After learning why Hashirama had come, he hesitated slightly before agreeing. He even offered to help persuade the other Small Clans.

The atmosphere relaxed for a moment. Masahiko suppressed a grin and turned to his three disciples. "Come, say hello to your senior brother."

Then, pointing at Nanako, he introduced her to Sarutobi Sasuke. "This is your second junior brother." He pointed at Iko. "This is your Sha junior brother."

"Pfft..." He burst out laughing, then pointed at Hitomi. "This is White Dragon Horse."

"Our Journey to the West Team has officially assembled. We can set off now."

The four of them exchanged looks. Nanako rolled her eyes and said to Sarutobi Sasuke, "Senior Brother, don't mind him. Teacher often says all kinds of nonsense. Just ignore him."

After the laughter died down, Sarutobi Sasuke grew slightly serious and asked Masahiko, "Teacher, can I teach the technique you taught me to someone else?"

"To whom?" Although Masahiko no longer used the Rasengan much, he did not want Naruto's signature ninjutsu from later generations to become something everyone knew.

"My son, Hiruzen." Sarutobi Sasuke smiled. "He's only four. A few days ago, we tested his Chakra Nature, and he was born with all five natures. He'll definitely surpass me one day and become an extraordinary ninja."

The Third Hokage is already four... That means there are still five years until Konoha is founded... Hearing that familiar name from Sarutobi Sasuke, Masahiko sank into thought.

"Ah, yes, yes!" Masahiko came back to his senses. Seeing the disappointment on Sarutobi Sasuke's face, he answered repeatedly.

The mood lightened again. Hashirama fully described his Village Founding Dream to Sarutobi Sasuke, laying a beautiful future before his eyes.

Though Sarutobi Sasuke was not an idealist like Hashirama, he still felt his blood stir. He took the initiative and said, "Clan Head Hashirama, I'll do my best to persuade our Sarutobi allies. The Shimura Clan shouldn't be a problem, and the others likely won't object too strongly. For us Small Clans, surviving in the Warring States is truly difficult."

As he spoke, he turned to Masahiko. "The Shimura Clan Head is now that brat Shimura Ken. He should agree."

Masahiko pondered briefly. "Shimura Ken doesn't happen to have a son too, does he..."

Sarutobi Sasuke looked puzzled. "How did you know? He does have a son, named Shimura Danzō. He's the same age as Hiruzen, but his talent is far inferior. He only has Wind Release Chakra." As he spoke, a faintly proud look appeared on his face.

Masahiko sighed softly. "Both of your sons will become remarkable figures..."

Sarutobi Sasuke looked delighted. "Then I'll borrow your auspicious words..."

Afterward, Sarutobi Sasuke and Hashirama carefully discussed their itinerary. Masahiko and his three disciples listened from the side in boredom.

Once their discussion ended, Masahiko said to Hashirama, "Hashirama, I'm taking my three disciples back to the Uzumaki Clan. I won't be involved in the rest."

Masahiko was not particularly willing to follow Hashirama as he overwhelmed one clan after another. There were basically no Witness Points to gain from it, and Masahiko also felt a growing sense of urgency. Madara had now obtained the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. If he faced Madara again at his current strength, he likely would not be able to fight back at all. So he wanted to return to the clan as quickly as possible and train hard. There were still five years until Konoha was founded, and at least four years before the battle in which Madara was defeated. He hoped to find a way to improve his strength before then.

Hearing that Masahiko was leaving, Hashirama was clearly stunned. Masahiko had been full of enthusiasm when they came, yet now he suddenly wanted to return.

"Second Grandfather, your health..." Hashirama thought for a moment, worry appearing on his face.

Masahiko rolled his eyes. "There's nothing wrong with my health. Don't forget, I'm the Uzumaki Clan's First Elder. There are still many matters in the clan that need my attention."

Hashirama did not believe Masahiko's excuse at all, but he did not stop him.

"Teacher, I hope the next time we meet will be in the village we build together," Sarutobi Sasuke said.

Masahiko nodded and led his three disciples, who had not had nearly enough fun yet, back to the Uzumaki Clan.

As for the four-year-old Sarutobi Hiruzen, Masahiko had no intention of going to see him. Five years from now, even if he did not want to see him, he would probably see him every day...