Lovers Get Married?

---

"That's how it is," Madara said calmly. "I didn't expect the ninja world to become so exciting after my death. Takuya, I'm genuinely impressed."

Hashirama, listening to Madara's explanation, couldn't help but sigh. He had always spoken his mind freely and now felt no need to hold back.

Seeing the admiration in Hashirama's eyes, Takuya's mood lifted. It was a rare honor to have the "God of Shinobi" himself show such respect.

"Hashirama-senpai, I've told you almost everything that has happened since your time. Now, let's head to Konoha and see it for ourselves," Takuya suggested softly.

"Good. I can't wait any longer," Hashirama laughed, eager to witness how Takuya, the strongest of the new generation, had approached things differently from their era.

The journey was quiet. After some time, Takuya, Hashirama, and Madara finally arrived at the gates of Konoha.

"It's strange... We walked all the way here without any attacks," Hashirama remarked, looking at Konoha Village in the distance.

The three had traveled openly from the Land of Rain to Konoha without hiding their presence, yet no ninja had attacked them. Such a situation was unthinkable in their time.

"Snort! Hashirama, is that all you've got? Haven't you noticed how flat and wide the road we took is?" Madara scoffed.

"Yes, the roads in the ninja world are well-built now," Hashirama acknowledged belatedly. The road underfoot was wide and flat, unlike the rough stone paths of old. Even in the rain, this road would remain clear of water.

"This is called an 'asphalt road.' As the saying goes, 'If you want to get rich, build roads first.' Now that the ninja world is unified, I've connected the entire world with roads like this. In the future, whether traveling as a ninja or doing business as a merchant, it will be much easier," Takuya explained briefly.

Building these roads, though costly, had brought immeasurable benefits.

"Takuya, you've done a great job," Hashirama said, patting Takuya on the shoulder, his face filled with relief. He was genuinely pleased that Takuya was willing to invest in such projects that benefited the entire nation.

"Hashirama-senpai, these are just things I should do. Let's go into Konoha and take a look," Takuya smiled.

The entire ninja world now belonged to him, so building roads, regardless of cost, was no issue. He had more wealth than he could ever spend, and investing in such projects was hardly a sacrifice.

Hearing Takuya's words, Hashirama and Madara both felt a sense of admiration. The young man before them truly put them to shame.

Soon, the three entered Konoha Village.

"Konoha has changed so much," Hashirama exclaimed, marveling at the bustling streets. There were lights everywhere, and the smiling faces of the people filled the crowded streets. The shops were magnificently decorated, and tall buildings lined up in neat rows. Occasionally, a "whistle" could be heard as a smoking iron box whizzed by.

Even Madara was taken aback. In just a few years, Konoha had become somewhat unfamiliar to him.

"This is called a rail train. Once charged, it can run at high speed 24 hours a day, carrying hundreds of tons. I plan to spread railroad tracks like this all over the ninja world. Once that's done, traveling will be extremely convenient," Takuya explained calmly.

Hearing Takuya's description, Hashirama and Madara looked at the so-called train in shock. They had never imagined that such an ordinary, somewhat bulky machine could possess such great power. Not only was its carrying capacity astonishing, but it could also operate at high speeds continuously.

"Takuya, did you invent this too?" Hashirama asked in disbelief.

"I merely proposed the idea. The specific details were perfected by others," Takuya replied softly.

"Takuya, if you had been born a few decades earlier, what would have become of Madara and me?" Hashirama murmured, now fully convinced.

Even the proud Madara found no words to refute Hashirama. Compared to Takuya, they were truly outmatched.

Over the next while, Takuya guided Hashirama and Madara around Konoha, explaining the novel innovations to them. By the end, both Madara and Hashirama were completely awestruck.

"Hashirama-senpai, that's enough for today. I want to return to my clan. Do you want to come along?" Takuya asked.

"No, there's no need for the dead to disturb the living any further," Hashirama declined. He was already content to see with his own eyes how the ninja world had transformed. There was no need to return to the Senju clan's land.

"What about you, Madara?" Takuya asked.

"I'll stay in Konoha from now on. Didn't you say the Ōtsutsuki clan would attack the ninja world in the future? I'll be here to contribute when that time comes," Madara said lightly. He would never allow the Ōtsutsuki clan to destroy this hard-won peace. Besides, he was eager to test his strength against the so-called "gods."

"In that case, do as you wish," Takuya replied calmly. As long as they didn't cause trouble, he had no reason to interfere with their plans.

"Before the Ōtsutsuki arrive, I think I'll open a small restaurant. Hashirama, do you want to help?" Madara asked.

"I'd be delighted, Madara," Hashirama responded enthusiastically.

Seeing the two of them so passionate about each other's company, Takuya couldn't help but feel a bit unnerved. He shook his head and quickly made his exit.

*What is this? Lovers getting married?*

---

Madara and Hashirama settled in Konoha, where they opened a shop together. The establishment quickly gained popularity, and few, except Senju Takuya, would suspect that the delicious food they enjoyed was prepared by two men who once stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world.

Watching Madara and Hashirama live in harmony, Takuya couldn't help but feel emotional. *These days must be the happiest time in their lives,* he thought.

With Madara and Hashirama well-settled, Takuya focused on his plan to transform the ninja world. Thanks to his strong support, the entire world underwent monumental changes. Even the most remote and impoverished areas no longer struggled with basic needs like food, clothing, housing, or transportation.

In Jiraiya's autobiography, there was a striking line:

*"He's the man I can never surpass. The bastard who stole the love of my life. The savior of the ninja world—Senju Takuya!"*

After the book's release, Takuya once again became the subject of conversations on the streets. Many sympathized with Jiraiya's plight, believing that no woman in the entire ninja world could resist Takuya's charm if he willed it.

Seizing the moment, Takuya decided to continue expanding his clan. In just two more years, the Senju clan's population swelled to nearly 400, with over two hundred being his direct descendants.

One day, while Takuya quietly reviewed reports from various parts of the ninja world in the Hokage's office, a soft knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Takuya said calmly.

"Lord Hokage," Namikaze Minato greeted as he entered.

"Minato, when we're alone, just call me Takuya," Takuya replied with a slight smile.

Since Hatake Sakumo's retirement, Minato had taken over as the leader of the Anbu, making him the Minister of Anbu in every sense.

"Understood, Takuya," Minato replied respectfully. Over time, his respect for Takuya had only deepened. Though Takuya seemed as harmless as an ordinary man, Minato's instincts told him that Takuya's strength was beyond comprehension. Whenever Minato was near him, he could feel an overwhelming presence, as though Takuya could end his life with a mere thought.

"Minato, what brings you here today?" Takuya asked, noticing Minato's seriousness.

"Lord Hokage, the position for your personal guard has been vacant for some time. I've selected a few promising candidates from the Anbu," Minato informed him.

Takuya raised an eyebrow. "Minato, do you really think I need protection?"

Traditionally, the Hokage always had three personal guards for protection and to relay emergency instructions. Takuya was no exception, though he preferred not to be followed, so he had reassigned his guards. With his strength, no one in the ninja world posed a real threat to him, and even if they did, a few guards wouldn't make much difference.

"Even if you're strong enough not to need protection, having a guard is more about convenience," Minato insisted. As the Minister of Anbu, it was his duty to ensure the Hokage's safety.

"Alright, I'll listen to you. But let's reduce the number to one guard," Takuya finally conceded, seeing how important this was to Minato.

"One is sufficient," Minato agreed, relieved. "I've carefully selected this new generation of Anbu. They may not be as strong as veterans, but they're skilled enough to handle situations."

Minato clapped his hands, and soon the sound of footsteps could be heard outside. An Anbu ninja wearing a cat-faced mask entered.

"Presenting to Hokage-sama!" the Anbu ninja said, kneeling respectfully.

"Lord Hokage, please allow me to introduce—"

"No need," Takuya interrupted. "Just give me her file. She will be my personal guard."

Minato blinked in surprise but handed over the information. He had expected a more drawn-out conversation, but Takuya's swift decision caught him off guard.

"So, it's her," Takuya murmured, recognizing the name in the file. His guess was right—the Anbu ninja before him was Uzuki Yugao. Her iconic long purple hair was unmistakable. *Time really does fly,* he thought, realizing she had already grown into an adult.

"Hokage-sama?" Uzuki Yugao asked timidly, seeing Takuya lost in thought. Had she done something wrong?

"Your name is Uzuki Yugao?" Takuya asked, returning to the present.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!" Yugao confirmed with a nod.

"What is your aspiration?" Takuya inquired.

"My dream is to become strong, like you, Lord Hokage," Yugao replied firmly.

"A worthy goal," Takuya said, nodding in approval. "Take off your mask; I want to see your face."

"Yes!" Yugao responded, removing the cat-faced mask to reveal her cold yet strikingly beautiful features.

"You're stunning," Takuya couldn't help but admire. Despite the many women in his life, Uzuki Yugao's beauty took him by surprise.

---