Rather than Konoha's Hokage, Hashirama was more like its guardian beast.
Konoha had been founded years ago, yet he had hardly ever left the village. Every time Madara and Tobirama went out, he was unbearably envious.
By comparison, even Shingetsu could get out for a stroll now and then, while Hashirama had no chance to stretch his legs outside.
Now that he had finally seized an opportunity, Hashirama was like a fierce dog let out of its cage, running wild with delight. Even out in the godforsaken wilderness, he was perfectly happy.
"Yahoo-!"
Hashirama's laughter echoed through the woods like a wild man's. He raced through the trees and undergrowth, leaping up and down without pause, looking for all the world like Tarzan.
Madara had been left far behind. He held Shingetsu with his left hand and Tsunade with his right, while also having to keep that upright ape Hashirama from running too far away. The good mood he had gained from bullying Tobirama earlier vanished completely, and he roared in exasperation:
"Hashirama Senju, get back here!"
Meanwhile, far away in Konoha, Tobirama gave a sinister chuckle, as though he had already foreseen this scene.
"Just you wait, Madara Uchiha."
Still working through the documents in his hands, Tobirama spoke under his breath. Coupled with his ferocious expression, it sounded almost like a curse:
"Enjoy finding out what it's like to look after bratty children and a bratty adult!"
Perhaps his resentment was simply too powerful, because Tobirama's "prophecy" soon came true. Surrounded by three brats, Madara's face swiftly went from livid to thunderous, his expression frighteningly dark.
But the three seemed oblivious and kept chattering in his ears, never giving him a moment's peace-
"Grandpa Madara, I'm hungry! I want meat!"
Her stomach rumbling, Tsunade looked at Madara with