Chapter-17 What? The Senju Clan Is Gone?!

First Hokage, Nidaime," Minato began, voicing the biggest question in his mind, "can you tell me how you were resurrected? And who is this gentleman?"

Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged a glance and, with Wakato's nod of approval, began to explain. They briefly recounted their origins and experiences, though their incredible time-travel tale left both Minato and Sarutobi astounded. Sarutobi was visibly shaken, but Minato, having once encountered a Konoha ninja from a possible future while on a mission in Lolan, was somewhat more composed. This prior experience with time-travel phenomena allowed him a higher tolerance for such miracles.

In addition, the presence of Wakato, who introduced himself as the "Yu Dao Sage," shocked Minato and Sarutobi even more. Still, with Hashirama and Tobirama by his side and possessing the intimidating Rinnegan, Minato and the others had no choice but to tentatively believe in Wakato's identity. Even if there was doubt, the fact that this person could bring the God of Shinobi through time and space was terrifying enough—a clear indication he was not someone Konoha could afford to antagonize.

…

"Monkey," Tobirama turned to Sarutobi, a hint of concern in his voice. "It seems the village just came out of a war, yes?"

"Yes," Sarutobi replied with a tinge of sorrow. "It was the Third Great Ninja War—horrific and devastating."

The Third Ninja War had been so brutal that it nearly broke Konoha, with countless talented ninjas lost. White Fang's tragic end, the dissolution of the Sannin, and the sacrifice of many, including Maito Dai—all of these were heavy losses. Five Kage-level ninjas had perished, and the village suffered a staggering loss of lower- and mid-level shinobi. If not for Minato, the "Yellow Flash," who single-handedly countered the forces of four other villages, Konoha might not have survived.

"War, even in this era, is inescapable, isn't it?" Hashirama muttered with a trace of sadness. "Tobirama, was our tailed beast allocation policy truly flawed?"

Having witnessed the Nine-Tails' rampage and the Third Great Ninja War's devastation, Hashirama and Tobirama found themselves doubting the success of the "Tailed Beast Deterrence System."

"Brother," Tobirama replied, shifting the topic, "we'll discuss this later. It's something we need to think carefully about."

Turning his attention back to Sarutobi, Tobirama inquired, "Monkey, who leads the Uchiha now?"

"Uchiha Fugaku."

"And how many of them are left?"

"About a thousand, with only a few hundred of them being active ninjas..."

"And the Senju clan? Who leads them now? How many remain?"

Sarutobi broke into a cold sweat but replied, voice faltering, "The Senju clan… most of our ninjas fell during the first two Great Wars..."

Tobirama clenched his fists, chakra flaring in barely restrained anger. "What? Do we have any survivors left? Don't tell me every member of the Senju clan has perished!"

Sensing Tobirama's frustration, Sarutobi stammered, "Well, Lord Hashirama's granddaughter Tsunade still lives."

"Tsunade? Who's that?" Hashirama blinked in confusion.

"She's… your granddaughter from the future, my lord," Tobirama clarified.

Hashirama's face lit up. "My granddaughter, huh! Haha, she must be adorable! Or… maybe now she's grown into a fine beauty? Sarutobi, can I meet her?"

Sarutobi's unease grew as he struggled to respond. "Uh… she isn't in the village at the moment."

The truth was, Tsunade, devastated by the losses of her brother and lover, had left Konoha in despair.

"Not in the village? Out on a mission? Just my luck," Hashirama mused, looking slightly disappointed.

Noticing Sarutobi's discomfort, Tobirama decided to bring the matter up with him privately later.

…

The questioning continued, with Tobirama grilling Sarutobi relentlessly, scolding him for every decision. Thankfully, with Tobirama's chakra not fully recovered, Sarutobi avoided any physical reprimand, though it was clear Tobirama was barely restraining himself. Meanwhile, Hashirama had drawn Minato into a lively conversation, much to Tobirama's surprise.

Despite Minato having learned every forbidden technique Tobirama had created, the young Fourth Hokage shared a temperament closer to Hashirama's than his own. Amused and puzzled, Tobirama couldn't help but think, How strange!

But this seemingly 'harmonious' scene didn't last. Hashirama suddenly felt a strange force building around him, pushing him away from the world.

"What's happening?"

Wakato checked the system and quickly understood. "Your time here is almost up, Hashirama. Don't resist; you'll have a chance to return."

As the leader of the summoned group in Hokage World No. 1, Hashirama's visit to World No. 4 was limited to an hour. But his earlier actions in subduing the Nine-Tails had shortened this duration considerably. Powerful figures not native to this world could only exert so much force before it triggered the world's rejection.

"Ah? But I..." Hashirama began, visibly reluctant. There were so many things he still wanted to discuss with Minato. The Fourth Hokage's kindheartedness and vision reminded him of everything he had hoped the future Hokages would be.

However, trusting Wakato's promise of future reunions, Hashirama relaxed, allowing the force to take him. With a whoosh, he disappeared, returning to his own world.

…

Minato and Sarutobi, witnessing Hashirama's sudden vanishing act, felt their last remnants of doubt about Wakato dissolve.

"Sir, was that… your brother?"

"Don't worry. He merely returned."

"What about me?"

"You have about half an hour left. I could send you back now if you wish."

Tobirama's rational side urged him to stay and gather more information about the future. Yet, with Hashirama gone, he felt an odd sense of vulnerability and unease.

Just then, they heard commotion in the distance—Konoha reinforcements had arrived. They saw Minato and Sarutobi with the subdued Nine-Tails and rushed over, stopped only by the Anbu guards. Among them, several ninjas from Danzo's root faction appeared.

"Nidaime," Sarutobi began.

"Go," Tobirama instructed, understanding the village's urgent need for his guidance in the wake of the recent crisis.

Finally able to relax, Sarutobi left to organize the rescue efforts.

Tobirama turned to Minato. "Fourth Hokage, you've done well. It's an honor to see my work carried forward by you. Lead Konoha well, and be sure to deal with that Uchiha, Obito, promptly."

Minato, visibly moved, nodded firmly. "I will, Nidaime. I swear."

To Minato, a peaceful resolution to this nightmarish situation was the best possible outcome, and he owed it to Wakato and the others.

Tobirama, taking one last glance at Wakato, spoke with resolve, "Sir, please send me back as well. I still have unfinished business, and I intend to kill that Silver Horn Beast once and for all!"

Gritting his teeth in anger at the memory of the Golden and Silver Brothers, Tobirama was determined to settle that score the moment he returned.