"Huh?"
Hashirama froze, undisguised bewilderment spreading across his face.
A wandering soul from beyond the heavens?
An existence not of this world?
What did that mean?
Did he mean Naruto came from some distant planet, like the Ōtsutsuki Clan?
But Naruto had a fully documented life growing up!
Besides, when it came to being "suspicious" or a "visitor from beyond the heavens," didn't this old man claiming to be the Sage of Six Paths fit that description better?
According to Tobirama, Urashiki belonged to the same clan as the Sage of Six Paths' mother. That meant the sage was at least half alien.
Hashirama frowned, trying to understand the Sage of Six Paths' words, but found the claim far too incredible.
After some thought, he decided to set aside this riddle-like claim for now and make his position clear instead:
"I don't quite understand what you mean."
Hashirama spoke frankly, then his tone grew firm.
"But that kid Naruto is an outstanding member of the younger generation. He possesses tremendous power, along with the determination and drive to change the world.
"He's fighting for true peace in the Shinobi World. I've seen that with my own eyes, and I'm willing to believe in him."
"So even if he really is some 'wandering soul from beyond the heavens,' what of it?
"As long as his heart is set on peace, on protecting Konoha and the Shinobi World, his origins don't matter to me."
Hashirama's words rang with conviction, full of trust and acceptance toward his junior.
He wasn't being blindly trusting. His judgment came from interacting with Naruto and observing him.
Naruto's vision, strength, and unwavering pursuit of peace inspired admiration even in him, the former "God of Shinobi."
As though to reinforce his point, or perhaps to change the subject,