Seeing the atmosphere suddenly grow tense, Hashirama gave a strained smile and tried to smooth things over. "Tobirama, watch what you say..."
"Big brother, shut up."
"..." Hashirama, who had no authority whatsoever as an older brother, froze as though the words had dealt him a crushing blow, then sank into dejection again.
But when he realized that both of them were ignoring him and were actually preparing to form hand seals and fight... Hashirama no longer had time to mope.
"Both of you, stop right now!" As he spoke, chakra far stronger than Tobirama's erupted from him, instantly shattering the floor! For a moment, it felt as though he had pinned them both down in a single instant.
"..." Tobirama's hands froze midway through forming hand seals.
"..." Meanwhile, the Susanoo around Uchiha Gen flickered to life and went out again, like a lighter that failed to catch.
Silence immediately fell over the room, broken only by the faint creaking of the splintered wooden floor. Silence was Cambridge's bridge...
At that, Tobirama understood his brother's intentions. Although he was unhappy that Hashirama had so readily believed the brat before them, he could only lower his hands in resignation for now.
Besides, he had only intended to use this opportunity to test the Uchiha's strength and any trump cards he might have. At that thought, Tobirama's gaze grew solemn. If I saw that correctly, was that—Susanoo?
Seeing them stop, Hashirama suddenly burst out laughing, seemingly trying to change the subject and ease the awkward atmosphere. Well—at least he thought he had eased it:
"Let's assume everything you said is true. I can take your word for it for now. Akatsuki's goal is to collect the tailed beasts, while your organization, Genkyo, is trying to stop them. In that case, can