Chapter 37

"It began because of me. So of course, I will step in!" a voice echoed through the room.

In an instant, everyone turned their heads, their faces filled with astonishment. The sight before them left them frozen in place.

"First Hokage?" someone uttered, disbelief evident in their voice.

Indeed, it was Senju Hashirama who stood before them. For a moment, everyone was dumbfounded. After all, Senju Hashirama was believed to be dead.

The Second Hokage himself announced it a few days ago. How could such a mistake have been made? But seeing Hashirama alive and well, they quickly dismissed their doubts and instead showed joy and relief.

"Hahaha, I always knew the Shodai wasn't dead!" one patriarch exclaimed.

"That kind of injury means nothing to the Shodai!" another patriarch chimed in.

"Exactly! The Shodai is the god of the ninja world! How could he die?" added another.

Hashirama, hearing the compliments from the patriarchs, responded cheerfully. He slowly approached Tobirama's side, paying little attention to their praises. He knew not to take their words to heart, for he was well aware of the hidden agendas that might lie behind their flattery.

Apart from the families directly attached to the Senju clan, other families had recently joined Konoha. While it was good to have their support and contributions, Hashirama understood that their loyalty might not run deep at the moment.

As Hashirama stood in the office, observing the patriarchs' reactions, he felt a sense of relief. With him present, Konoha had nothing to fear from the invading ninja villages. His reputation as the god of the ninja world would surely deter any ambitions of conquest.

With the patriarchs now enthusiastic about the cause, they began pledging their support.

"Great, with the Shodai here to lead the way, we are all willing to do our part for Konoha!" one patriarch declared.

"Indeed! My clan has 300 ninjas ready to fight for Konoha!" another pledged.

"And count my clan in too! We have 400 ninjas who are willing to fight!" added another.

This ignited a frenzy among the patriarchs, each scrambling to offer their ninjas for the war effort. Observing this scene, Hashirama couldn't help but be pleased with their eagerness.

Meanwhile, Tobirama quickly stood up and took charge of organizing the mobilization efforts for the war. He ensured that the necessary materials and teams were properly arranged. Soon, Konoha's army assembled swiftly, comprising not only the ninjas cultivated by Konoha but also reinforcements from the major clans.

As for the other families, their willingness or lack thereof to contribute was of little concern. They couldn't wait to send all their ninjas to fight for Konoha, seeing this as a great opportunity to gain prestige. While the war brought its own challenges and dangers, it also presented numerous opportunities for those willing to seize them.

With Hashirama's presence and leadership, Konoha's army swiftly advanced towards the battlefield, facing off against the invading forces from the four major ninja villages. The initial offensive by the other ninja villages, which had taken advantage of the border skirmishes, was effectively hindered by Konoha's united front.

"Hmph! So now you send your army to stop us. It's too late!" one enemy ninja sneered.

"Continue the attack! Crush them!" another urged.

Having entered the Land of Fire, the enemy forces were determined not to withdraw. They desired the fertile land of the Fire Country, which they believed would be divided among the victorious parties if Konoha fell. The prospect of claiming such territory drove their aggression.

As the battle raged on, the enemy ninjas, especially those from Sunagakure, became increasingly desperate. The prospect of leaving behind the harsh desert conditions and escaping the daily grind of sand became their greatest motivation.

"Kill them! Kill these Konoha ninjas!" they cried out.

"This land of the Fire Country belongs to us now!"

"No more need to endure wind and sand! Attack!"

With these rallying cries, the Second Kazekage personally led a group of Sand Shinobi in a ferocious assault against the Konoha ninjas.

Catching them off guard, the recently arrived Konoha Shinobi struggled to hold their ground, their lack of experience evident. To the enemy, it seemed that Konoha's ninjas were nothing more than easy targets.

The Second Kazekage revelled in his confidence. "Ha ha ha! Konoha is nothing but a nuisance! Destroy them!" he exclaimed.

In no time, the Sand Shinobi broke through Konoha's defence line. Advancing further into the territory of the Fire Country. Meanwhile, within Konoha Village, Hashirama waited patiently in the Hokage's office, avoiding the risk of information leaks. The plan was for him to join the main force when necessary.

To ensure a swift response, each team sent to the front lines carried the Second Hokage's special Flying Thunder God Kunai. If they encountered a formidable enemy, they could activate the kunai, transporting the Second Hokage and Hashirama directly to the battlefield using the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Soon, the Second Hokage in the office received the signal.

"Brother, it's time for us to go," he informed Hashirama.

"Okay, let's move," Hashirama replied.

Both of them donned their battle armour, emanating a formidable aura. The massive pillars that had once adorned the natural landscape were now prepared to unleash their might.

With a touch of his hand on Hashirama's shoulder, the Second Hokage activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Swish!

"Kill!" Hashirama shouted.

"Come on! Hahahaha! Face us, Konoha!"

"This time, we'll completely shatter you, tree Huggers!"

As Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama appeared on the battlefield in an instant, their commanding presence drew the attention of everyone present. The opposing forces, including the Second Kazekage, were left awestruck.

"Senju... Hashirama?!" the Second Kazekage stammered, unable to comprehend what he was witnessing.

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