Promise

In a tense atmosphere of anticipation, Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha slowly extended their hands and finally clasped them tightly together.

In an instant, the past, sealed deep within the years, burst forth like a flood, awakening in the depths of Hashirama, Madara, and Koki's memories.

The towering cliffs pierce the clouds, with several resilient pine trees clinging to the cliff face, their branches like dragons and tigers leaping. Below the cliffs lies a magnificent panorama of endless forests, their layered canopies like rolling green waves, a gentle breeze sweeping across the landscape, stretching to the horizon.

Here, one truly feels a sense of grandeur, as if taking in the vast world and embracing the universe.

At that moment, the warm sunlight shone on the edge of the cliff. Ban, unusually, let down his guard. His black, tight-fitting battle robe fluttered in the wind, and his unruly sideburns danced lightly.

He slightly raised the corners of his mouth, his eyes reflecting the brilliance of the sunset, and turned to look at Koki, his smile overflowing, "It's so good that there's no war."

There was a hint of languor and a sense of relief in his voice.

Hashirama, dressed in simple clothes, showed a fleeting look of surprise and curiosity in his eyes upon hearing this, before turning to look into the distance, seemingly asking casually, "Why did the topic of war suddenly come up?"

Ban still had a smile on his lips, but in that instant, as if gripped by a deep pain in his heart, his words trailed off, unfinished.

The muscles on his face twitched slightly, his relaxed expression instantly tightened, and his previously leisurely posture became taut, like a fully drawn bowstring, without the slightest hint of slack.

Koki Madara's unusual behavior. Without thinking, she leaned forward, her eyes full of confusion. "What's wrong with you?"

"It's nothing." Ban lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes concealing the turbulent emotions within. His voice was extremely deep, his face seemed covered with a layer of frost, and his expression was as indifferent as ice.

"What happened? You're the best!" Koki unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes.

Ban gently closed his eyes, then opened them again. A sharp light, a mixture of self-mockery and pain, pierced the soul. He bit his pale lower lip until it turned completely white, then spoke with difficulty, "If I were truly this powerful, my brother wouldn't have died."

Koki was stunned for a long time before she finally found the clue in the voice. "Madara, this is not your fault."

Hashirama's once upright and sturdy back was now slightly hunched. Madara's words echoed in his ears, and those battlefield memories flashed before his eyes like a dream. Their laughter, songs, and passionate oaths still lingered in his ears, but now, only a handful of Kitsuchi remained.

His heart was filled with sorrow. He opened his mouth several times, but in the end, he couldn't utter a single word. He could only lower his head heavily and bury his grief deep in silence.

"I'm sorry, I seem to have touched upon your sorrow as well." Madara broke the long silence. He turned his head and stared at Hashirama. His cold and stern face revealed a hint of gentleness in his sincerity at this moment.

Hashirama paused slightly, then gently shook his head, as if trying to cast all the sorrow swirling in his heart into the wind.

He raised his eyes, and Ban's figure came into view. He asked softly, "Are all your brothers no longer alive?"

Upon hearing this, Ban slowly raised his head, gazing at the sky dyed red by the sunset. His hands, which were supporting him on the ground, clenched involuntarily, his knuckles turning white from the force.

"And my younger brother," he whispered, his voice low but filled with unwavering determination, "I will protect my only brother."

Hashirama lowered his head, his gaze fixed on his toes, his tone growing increasingly deep, filled with tenderness and protectiveness. "Me too!"

Koki sat quietly in a corner, the sound of their conversation flowing gently in her ears, her gaze traversing the vast, lush forest, as if she could glimpse the magnificent outline of a dreamland.

He suddenly stood up, spread his arms like an eagle striking the sky, and wanted to take in the vast world in his mind. His laughter spread and echoed through the gaps in the forest, "Why don't we build a village of our own in this pure land!"

"Huh?" Upon hearing the sound, Ban turned his head quickly, his brows furrowing slightly, and his eyes revealed a look of surprise, as if he had encountered an absurd yet strangely alluring fantasy.

"Excellent!" Hashirama was instantly ignited with passion by this idea, his eyes shining as he turned to Koki with a beaming smile. "I also share this wish: that the children in this village may be safe and sound." He waved his arms as he spoke.

Madara listened to Hashirama's eloquent speech, first taken aback, then a smile crept onto his lips, gradually spreading to his eyes. "Only the two of you dare to utter such arrogant words."

Koki's eyes sparkled as she looked at Madara expectantly. "What do you think?"

Ban was taken aback by his gaze, and the longing hidden deep within him was fully awakened. He smiled heartily, "That's a good idea."

"Then it's settled!" Hashirama clapped his hands.

"If this village can truly be established," Ban stood tall and straight, his clothes fluttering in the wind.

He looked at Koki, his gaze growing increasingly profound, as if deep in thought, or perhaps silently making a solemn promise in his heart, "I will stay here and protect those I cherish."