Senju Hashirama ran across the water to the corpse and crouched beside it.
Madara narrowed his eyes, watching the water Hashirama had crossed, deep in thought.
"Walking on water. He's a ninja," came a quiet voice. Madara glanced at Shin beside him but said nothing.
Hashirama examined the corpse and said gravely, "This place is about to become a battlefield. We should head back." Seeing the clan crest on the body, he thought, That's the Hagoromo Clan's insignia.
"Sorry, I have to go." Hashirama spoke, then pushed off and leaped to the opposite bank. Turning back, he said, "Goodbye, Madara. And you too, Shin. I'm glad I met you both today."
Shin waved enthusiastically. "Hey, come back next time and skip stones with us!"
Hashirama smiled and waved as he walked farther and farther away.
Only after Hashirama disappeared from sight did Shin come back to himself and look at Madara. Seeing him lost in thought, Shin smiled and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
Madara shook his head. "Nothing. Come on, let's go back to the clan compound."
They turned and leaped into the woods, quickly making their way back to the compound.
"Tell me, why did you come here?" Madara asked on the way back.
Shin shrugged. "I really did come here to clear my head. It hasn't been long since New Year, and now I hear we're going to war with the Senju again. Can't we have a little peace? I heard it's over a newly discovered wisteria forest in Hagoromo territory. The Senju made the first move, and we got involved afterward. Tch, aren't we all just after what belongs to someone else? Killing each other day after day—it's so disharmonious."
Madara fell silent for a while, then let out a deep sigh. "Can war really