Early that morning, Toji received a wedding invitation from the Senju Clan.
The moment he received it, he was somewhat surprised.
In his original understanding, the original work had never mentioned Tobirama having a wife or children. He had assumed that old white-haired ghost would probably remain alone for life, burying himself in ninjutsu development and political struggles.
But now, Tobirama was getting married.
The course of Konoha's history seemed to be heading in an unpredictable direction.
"Was this the butterfly effect caused by me reattaching Senju Touka's arms?"
Toji could not be sure.
Perhaps Tobirama would still end up without descendants, or perhaps Tsunade would gain a few more cousins...
Toji changed into a newly purchased set of formal clothes and headed to the Senju Compound.
The streets along the way were bustling with people, festive cheer filling every corner.
The Hokage's younger brother, who was also one of Konoha's elders, was about to marry. It had become the talk of the entire village, as though this marriage symbolized that Konoha's peace would endure for a long time.
Hashirama attached great importance to Tobirama's wedding, as though he wanted to make up for the regret of his own hurried wedding with Mito amid the flames of war during the Warring States period.
He spent a huge sum of money to host a grand feast for the entire village.
Dining tables stretched all the way from the Senju Compound to the entrance of the commercial street. Regardless of whether they were from ninja clans or commoners, regardless of status, anyone could find a seat, enjoy a bite of the wedding feast, and share in the celebration.
Of course, the most important guests were still treated differently.
Standing before the gate, Toji handed over his gift money.
After counting the amount, the Senju gate attendant shouted:
"Ten thousand for Toji!"
Toji was then led into the compound and seated near the front.
It was not Toji's first time visiting the Senju Clan, but the sight within still left him feeling as though his horizons had been broadened.
The Uzumaki Clan from the distant Land of Whirlpools, as well as the Uchiha, who had conflicts with the Senju, had both sent representatives.
The Hyuga, Sarutobi, Shimura, Ino-Shika-Cho...
The renowned ninja clans of this era had gathered in one place, allowing Toji to witness Konoha at the height of its prosperity.
If he wanted to see such a scene again, he would probably have to wait more than sixty years.
"More than sixty years..."
Toji was dazed for a moment.
Tobirama's wedding soon began.
This was a wedding, but it was also the Land of Fire's arena of fame and influence.
During the intervals as exquisite dishes were brought to the tables, the Land of Fire Daimyo's envoy approached Hashirama to speak with him. "Lord Hokage, the Daimyo wishes to marry his daughter to your son..."
Toji overheard their conversation.
A marriage alliance between the Hokage's son and the Daimyo's daughter.
That way, the Hokage and the Daimyo would become relatives by marriage, and the relationship between Konoha and the Land of Fire would grow even closer. Their future development would no longer face any obstacles.
Princess Tsunade...
Hime meant princess!
Toji knew Hashirama had a son, so Tsunade's mother was naturally the Daimyo's daughter.
A blonde girl came over beside the envoy. Her features bore a seventy-percent resemblance to the future Tsunade.
Hashirama then summoned his son, Takayuki Senju, a black-haired youth in his teens who looked quite spirited. Before a gathering of elders, the two were formally betrothed, to marry once they came of age.
Sitting nearby, Toji silently watched it all unfold. Once again, he had witnessed history taking shape with his own eyes.
The banquet continued.
Pleasantly drunk, Hashirama staggered over to Toji, casually throwing an arm around his shoulders.
"Toji, how have you found your time in Konoha lately?"
"Konoha is great. The villagers speak nicely, and I quite like this place."
"I'm glad you like it." Hashirama's expression became more solemn as he put aside some of his joking manner. "During this time, many villagers have benefited from you and remember your kindness. The Reverse Cursed Technique you developed is also extremely useful to our Senju Clan. I need to properly thank you for that."
Toji's expression remained calm and indifferent. "For a doctor like me, being able to lessen the pain of parting and death in this world is already something worth being happy about. There's no need to thank me."
"You may not want it, but I have to give it to you!"
"You said your clan was wiped out in the war. Since that's the case, why not rebuild it here in Konoha?"
Hashirama's tone carried a hearty firmness that brooked no refusal.
"I plan to set aside a plot of land in Konoha for you to rebuild your clan. It's a little remote, so I hope you won't mind."
"Hashirama, this..."
"Oh, don't refuse." Hashirama domineeringly cut him off. "I've never asked you this before. What was your clan called?"
Toji froze slightly.
He had actually expected that, given Hashirama's personality, he would eventually have him put down roots in Konoha and rebuild his clan. He just had not expected that day to arrive so quickly, even before he became the director of Konoha Hospital.
"Zenin. My clan is called Zenin," Toji blurted out.
"Good!" Hashirama promised. "Once the Hokage Building opens for work again, I'll register the Zenin Clan."
Just like that, Toji muddleheadedly fabricated a nonexistent Zenin Clan and became its clan head.
What he had not expected was this.
The land Hashirama had assigned him was actually beside the Naka River.
In other words, he might have taken over the future Uchiha Compound.
"What a strange twist of fate."
Toji softly remarked, then immediately announced that Gospel Medical Clinic would be closed for one week.
He then hired a group of skilled craftsmen from the village and began large-scale construction on the Zenin Compound that had been assigned to him.
As a long-lived ninja, taking a wife, having children, and spreading branches and leaves would only disrupt his resolve.
For a long time to come, this Zenin Compound would probably have only him as its resident.
But none of the necessary construction could be neglected.
First, he needed a completely private and sufficiently secret space of his own, where he could build a hidden laboratory to facilitate future research into Earth Grudge Fear, as well as conduct certain human experiments that could not see the light of day.
Second, it was also for the Senju brothers to see. The more invested he appeared in rebuilding the Zenin Clan, the more at ease Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju would be with him.
One week later.
Hashirama personally led the people in holding the completion and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Toji.
Amid the crowd's cheers, Toji raised his hand and firmly hung the plaque bearing the two characters "Zenin" above the main gate.
A brand-new clan was formally established in Konoha.
Toji felt somewhat emotional...
Things had happened so quickly. In just a few months, he had officially put down roots in Konoha.
After greeting everyone,
Toji held a housewarming banquet according to tradition.
The guests also presented gifts one after another. The ninja clan representatives knew Toji was a favored guest of the Hokage, so none of their gifts were cheap.
The most unusual gift was—
Ichiraku gave him a lifetime free ramen voucher identical to Naruto's.
Inside the reception room.
Half-jokingly, Hashirama said, "Toji, once you're done with all this, you need to return to work at Gospel Medical Clinic. A lot of people have been complaining during the week you were gone."
"I'll return as soon as possible."
Toji agreed, then slowly said, "But Hashirama, I'm only one person. There are many times when I simply can't manage everything."
Hashirama scratched his head, looking slightly apologetic. "I really am sorry about that. I'll do my best to gather everyone's strength and find a solution."
"I'm not complaining."
Toji cut him off. "Hashirama, I have a suggestion for solving the village's medical problems."
Before you continue