"Monkey... no, the Third was a greater elder than either of us."
The Third had not asked anyone to leave while he spoke with Konohamaru, so Tobirama had heard his account too. Still, he had not expected his older brother to make such a remark.
But he nodded as well, offering no objection.
"Sorry for the wait."
Just then, the Third walked toward them. Konohamaru remained rooted to the spot. Though his eyes were full of reluctance to part, he did not step forward to stop him.
"Minato, sorry for the trouble, but could you take Konohamaru back?"
"It's the least I can do."
Minato shook his head, respect in his eyes.
Kushina said softly, "Third, what happened back then wasn't your fault either. If you hadn't been protecting us, Lady Biwako wouldn't have..."
"There's no need to bring up the past. Besides..." The Third smiled back at her. "I'll be seeing her soon, won't I?"
"Then let's go."
Tobirama said nothing more. As the Third's teacher, he could not show his emotions at a moment like this.
Hashirama, however, showed none of the First's dignity. He went straight up to the Third and pulled him into a huge hug, thumping him enthusiastically on the back. "Monkey, that was well said! So well said! That's exactly how I feel too. I..."
"Lord... First... cough, cough!"
"Brother, stop! Monkey can't take your attacks!"
That final little farce swept away the solemn atmosphere, though it nearly cost the Third his life and sent his soul straight to the Pure Land...
In the end, Konohamaru did not ask them to take him along, because the Third had told him this was not their final farewell. They would meet again.
Minato and Kushina took Konohamaru back to the village. As they watched the boy