Summer, year 10 of Konoha.
The heat was outrageous. Cicadas screamed at the tops of their lungs in the trees, their cries enough to drive anyone to distraction.
Deep within the Senju Clan Compound, the window of the quiet room that always smelled of medicine stood half open, but even the breeze blowing in was hot and carried a dampness. Hashirama reclined in a lounge chair with only a thin blanket draped over him. His complexion seemed a little better than it had in winter, but he was still pale, with little color in his face. He held an Anbu summary-a briefing on some recent "important developments" in the village that Tobirama had delivered regularly. He read it slowly, his brow faintly furrowed, occasionally covering his mouth to cough softly.
That was how Tobirama found his elder brother when he pushed the door open. His steps paused before he walked over, picked up the warm-water pitcher, and refilled the empty cup beside Hashirama.
"Brother, how are you feeling today?" Tobirama's voice was gentler than it was outside, but still held little warmth.
Hashirama put down the briefing and took a sip of water to moisten his dry throat before looking up at his younger brother. His gaze lingered on Tobirama's face. His eyes, usually filled with gentleness or weariness, now held unmistakable concern.
"Tobirama," he began, his voice still a little hoarse, "what exactly... is happening to Konoha?"
He picked up the briefing and pointed to the lines about "the rise of clan academies" and "fluctuations in the quality of new students at the Ninja Academy."
"I haven't known much about what's been happening outside while I've been laid up. But what this says..." Hashirama paused, seemingly searching for the right word, before finally letting out a soft sigh. "It