That evening, to celebrate the founding of the Land of Light, the village held a grand banquet. Numerous high-ranking officials of the Land of Light, heads of various ninja clans, elders, and village representatives were all invited to attend.
Kizaru made an appearance at the banquet, delivered a speech, and after nibbling on some food, he found an excuse to pull Hashirama Senju, who was busy drinking, away in secret.
"Little Kizaru, where are we going?" Hashirama asked, looking a bit bewildered as he was dragged along.
"I'm taking you to see someone. It's a surprise!" Kizaru said with a smile, holding onto Hashirama's arm.
Hashirama wasn't stupid. Hearing Kizaru's words and seeing the smile on this junior's face, he immediately guessed a name.
"Is it that guy, Madara?" Hashirama asked in a low voice, standing on his tiptoes to lean closer to Kizaru.
"Let's go!" Kizaru didn't confirm it, simply pulling Hashirama forward.
Under Kizaru's guidance, the two walked all the way to the Senju clan's compound, which was arguably the safest and most secluded place in all of Konoha.
The Senju clan's territory was not only vast and sparsely populated, but it also rarely saw any outsiders.
"Senior, look who I've brought," Kizaru said with a smile as he led Hashirama into the room.
Madara, sitting on the tatami mat, glanced up at Hashirama, then withdrew his gaze to continue picking at his side dishes and drinking his wine.
Watching Madara drink in silence, a smile appeared on Hashirama's face. He strode over and sat down beside his old friend.
"Hahaha! Madara! I knew you would come." As he spoke, Hashirama reached out to pat Madara on the shoulder, but was dodged.
Observing their interaction, Kizaru stepped forward and sat in the spot opposite Hashirama.
After sharing a