The End of the First Hokage

Konoha's upper echelon had gathered in Senju Hashirama's courtyard. The village was still basking in the afterglow of its tenth anniversary celebration, with fireworks blossoming in the night sky from time to time.

Yet Hashirama's courtyard was deathly silent. No one dared to speak at such a time, and every face was grave and heavy.

They were Konoha's middle and upper-ranking officials who had rushed over upon receiving the news, along with many Peak Jonin of the Senju Clan.

Senju Hashirama's courtyard was enormous. Though he himself lived frugally, the Hokage's residence could hardly be too shabby.

Yet even this spacious courtyard was beginning to feel unable to hold everyone, and more ninjas who had received the news continued rushing over.

The clan heads of great clans such as the Sarutobi, Shimura Clan, and Inuzuka stood at the front of the courtyard, their expressions anxious as they repeatedly glanced toward the second floor. A room there was still lit, and they all knew it was the Hokage's bedroom.

Hashirama's home was built in the style of Warring States Period nobility: a typical two-story pavilion divided into east and west wings, with a courtyard in the middle.

Konoha's finest team of medical ninjas had already gone inside. Apart from them, Senju Tobirama and Senju Xiangyang were also in the building, though they had not entered the Hokage's bedroom. Medical ninjas needed a quiet environment.

Several Konoha elders exchanged glances, wanting to enter first, but when they saw the Senju clansmen guarding the entrance, they hesitated.

They had heard that Senju Tobirama had flown into a terrible rage this time and had even issued a strict order: no matter who came, unless he gave the word, no one was to set foot inside the building.

Ever since Senju Hashirama had retreated behind