A Conversation with Hashirama Senju

"Hahaha, I'm back! Sorry I'm late, Takenaka. Welcome to my home!"

Konohagakure, Hashirama Senju's home.

Takenaka Kaguya had thought Hashirama Senju would be surprised to see him in his home. He had not expected this reaction.

However, after thinking back, once he had left the room Konohagakure had arranged for him, several fairly strong Ninja had followed him in secret.

So it was perfectly normal that they had reported his whereabouts to Hashirama Senju.

With that in mind, Takenaka Kaguya smiled and extended his hand, then clasped Hashirama Senju's as he said with a smile, "Please forgive my unannounced visit."

"Hahaha, what do you mean, disturbing me? I've wanted to have a good talk with you for a while. We can chat while we eat later." Hashirama Senju laughed heartily as he warmly draped an arm over Takenaka Kaguya's shoulder and happily led him into the house.

At that moment, Mito Uzumaki, who had been busy in the kitchen, heard the commotion and came out. Seeing that Hashirama Senju had returned, a sweet smile immediately appeared on her face. "You're back!"

"Mm, I'm back." Hashirama Senju grinned, his gaze exceptionally gentle.

Honestly, neither this Hashirama Senju nor Mito Uzumaki was quite like the people in Takenaka Kaguya's memories, but they gave off an especially warm feeling.

Having lived two lives, Takenaka Kaguya had never experienced such a family atmosphere in either one. For a moment, envy appeared in his eyes.

Yet both Hashirama Senju and Mito Uzumaki happened to notice that envy. They were both taken aback at first, then seemed to realize something. Smiling at Takenaka Kaguya, they said, "Takenaka, sit down and have some tea first. The food will be ready soon."

Hashirama Senju nodded with a smile. "That's right. Come on, Takenaka. Let's talk in the study for a bit."

"Alright."

Takenaka Kaguya came back to his senses, gave Mito Uzumaki a smile, and followed Hashirama Senju into the study next door.

Though it was called a study, there were hardly any books inside. It looked more like a place for drinking tea and relaxing.

After the two sat down, Hashirama Senju poured him a cup of tea before smiling. "Takenaka, actually, when we first met last time, I already wanted to have a proper talk with you."

"Hmm? Why?" Takenaka Kaguya asked directly, somewhat puzzled.

"Of course, it's because I think you're very special. Not only are you powerful, but you're also incredibly brave. Within ten years, your strength will surely reach the pinnacle of the Shinobi World.

"Madara and I ended the chaotic Sengoku era, so naturally, we hope peace can continue into the future.

"With your talent, becoming strong is inevitable. That's why I also hope to personally hear your views on peace." Hashirama Senju paused for only a second before voicing the most honest thoughts in his heart.

After all, Hashirama Senju genuinely thought highly of Takenaka Kaguya's future. That was why he had been willing to let him go on the Land of Fire battlefield last time.

Across from him, Takenaka Kaguya looked at the sincerity on Hashirama Senju's face and gave it no further thought. After all, he understood Hashirama Senju. A man like him would disdain lying.

So Takenaka fell silent for a moment before looking seriously and solemnly at Hashirama Senju. "Peace?

"From what Hokage has done recently—for example, distributing Tailed Beasts among the major hidden villages to balance their strength, making them wary of one another and unwilling to start wars easily, thereby achieving peace.

"But in my view, that kind of peace can at most exist among the Five Great Nations. Beyond the Five Great Nations, the smaller countries and hidden villages will still have no peace. On the contrary, distributing Tailed Beasts will only make the great nations stronger.

"Accordingly, the smaller countries will grow weaker. When the strong bully the weak, isn't that perfectly normal?

"Second, as the great nations grow stronger, they will inevitably require more resources. And since the Five Great Nations are wary of one another and will not easily start wars, they will turn their attention toward the smaller countries and hidden villages.

"So this kind of peace can only be peace in the broadest sense. Small-scale wars will still exist."

At this point, he saw the change in Hashirama Senju's expression and continued with a bitter smile, shaking his head. "Also, the Five Great Nations can maintain temporary peace now for two reasons. First, the Sengoku era has only just ended, and every country needs time to recover and rebuild.

"Second, the Land of Fire has two legendary Ninja of the Shinobi World—you and Madara Uchiha. No one dares to make a move against the Land of Fire. But once Konohagakure, or rather, the Land of Fire, loses you two legendary Ninja, what will the future look like? Heh, with Hokage's wisdom, I'm sure you can consider that.

"So, taking all of the above into account, whether the Shinobi World can remain peaceful depends on how long Hokage and Madara Uchiha can live.

"As long as you are here, no one will dare act out. But if you are gone, the Land of Fire occupies the very center of the Shinobi World and possesses vast, resource-rich territory. One day, war will still break out.

"That is what I think. Or rather, Madara Uchiha has probably already told Hokage some of these things."

"Mm!"

Hashirama Senju nodded with a frown. Madara Uchiha had indeed told him everything Takenaka had said by the river yesterday.

That was precisely why he wanted to hear Takenaka Kaguya's thoughts in person.

Now, not only had Takenaka Kaguya concealed nothing, he had even said several things beyond what he had told Madara. After hearing it all, Hashirama Senju's heart filled with growing concern.

"Takenaka, then would you be willing to tell me what choice you would make if you were me?" Hashirama Senju asked for guidance. He did not put on even the slightest air of a strong man; instead, he seemed like a student seeking advice from a teacher.

Hearing this and seeing Hashirama Senju's attitude, Takenaka Kaguya could not help recalling something Uchiha Itachi had said in the original story: it was not becoming Hokage that earned one everyone's recognition; only someone who had earned everyone's recognition could become Hokage.

At this moment, Hashirama Senju's humility made his already powerful personal charm even stronger.

"Phew!"

Letting out a breath, Takenaka Kaguya said with a bitter smile, "Hokage, I have to say, you are a man of great personal charm. Although we stand in different camps and belong to different countries.

"I truly admire you.

"However, Madara Uchiha asked me this question yesterday as well, but I did not tell him the real answer..."

"I know you didn't tell Madara, but Takenaka, if possible, I hope you can tell me."