Hashirama, I'll Keep This Cup Warm for You

The chakra of the strong could forge certain connections across time and space.

Hashirama Senju clearly sensed that call—

Madara Uchiha was coming.

Knowing that a battle to settle the past with Madara was unavoidable, Hashirama Senju did not rush to set out.

He appeared very confident before Sage Katsuyu and Mito Uzumaki.

But honestly, this time, Hashirama Senju was not certain he could simply crush Madara in one go.

Over the past seven years, he had hardly trained seriously at all. He had devoted most of his energy to building the village, and whenever he had free time, he would leave behind a Wood Clone Technique to guard the village while his real body went gambling in Tanzaku Town.

But Madara was different.

What Madara had said that night seven years ago at Naka Shrine still gave Hashirama a chilling feeling whenever he remembered it.

Perhaps Madara had truly changed...

Making preparations for the worst, Hashirama Senju arranged his affairs before heading to the Valley of the End for the meeting.

He urgently recalled Tobirama, who was on a mission in the Land of Lightning, then summoned Toji and chose Yakiniku Q as their meeting place.

Konoha Food Street bustled with people, brimming with the warmth of everyday life and cheerful laughter.

Looking at the scene before him, Hashirama sighed. "How wonderful. Konoha today is peaceful once again."

"Big Brother, you called me back so urgently. Did something happen?" Tobirama asked.

Hashirama raised a hand, stopping Tobirama from continuing.

He did not get straight to the point. Instead, he picked up the wine jug and filled the three large cups with Kirin Beer.

"Let's have a drink first! I'll finish mine; drink as you please. Cheers!"

Hashirama raised his cup high.

Their cups clinked together with a crisp