Hashirama ~ I'm so envious!

The towering skyscrapers, evenly distributed straight roads, bustling traffic, even during the day, shimmer with colorful neon lights...

The moment when they turned their heads between Hashirama and Tobirama Senju, a scene beyond their scope, a massive city that surpassed their cognitive limits, incredibly shook them.

"Is this... where people live now? It's incredible! Even in my era, the wealthiest lords couldn't reside in such a place. How many years have passed since my death? The development of the Shinobi world has surged this fast?"

In an instant,

The eyes of Hashirama Senju widened in astonishment, like a rustic newcomer entering the city, marveling at this unfamiliar and bustling spectacle in his life.

If only Konoha had such vibrancy!

At this moment, before realizing this was indeed Konoha, Hashirama Senju was lost in immense fantasy, as it was vastly different from his memories.

On the side, though his elder brother wasn't dancing around, Tobirama Senju was no less amazed than the former.

However, rather than the city's surface prosperity, his focus was on the truth behind the opulence.

Numerous skyscrapers, including some most prominent ones, towering and splendid buildings, indicating a tremendous advancement in steel technology compared to his era.

Various goods on the streets, people with healthy, ruddy faces, indicating economic prosperity and a decent standard of living, contrasting starkly with the hand-to-mouth existence prevalent in the old Shinobi world.

It wasn't clear whether this was a unique phenomenon here or a widespread one.

Furthermore, the sharp-eyed Tobirama Senju discovered numerous novelties he had never encountered.

Such as the iron contraption with four wheels running on its own, the black box that emitted images and even sounds from its surface, the tall steel structures billowing with smoke, and so much more.

All of this expanded his horizons.

'Different from the chakra-based systems?'

During his tenure as the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju had encountered individuals, not as shinobi, yet with ingenious minds, creating many innovations.

With his farsightedness and precision, he also had thoughts of nurturing such talents.

However, due to the unexpected demise in a clash between the Uchiha and Senju clans, just as his unfinished reforms for Uchihas, major Shinobi tribes, and the entire village, his plan to foster technological talents also met an abrupt end.

Yet now, even without him, these technologies continued to develop at an astonishing pace.

However...

This place seems somewhat familiar.

Recalling what Orochimaru mentioned earlier, Tobirama Senju had a flash of insight when about to speculate.

Beside him, just as Hashirama Senju had shifted his gaze from the remarkably tall and beautiful buildings, his exclamation interrupted his thoughts.

"A metal carriage with four wheels moving on its own? Didn't see any horses or people pulling it in front! Tobirama, what's going on?"

When in doubt, ask Tobirama.

It was a habit Hashirama Senju had cultivated since childhood, unaltered even after returning from the afterlife.

Tobirama, upon hearing this, could only roll his eyes.

He wasn't all-knowing; how could he know how the four-wheeled metal carriage operated?

After reluctantly dealing with his elder brother's queries, he refocused on his previous contemplation.

Is this truly Konoha?

Shifting his gaze from the immensely unfamiliar cityscape to the surroundings, Tobirama first observed the vegetation and terrain nearby, then carefully felt the current climate, confirming this was the Land of Fire.

Only the Land of Fire, with its prime geographical location, boasted such excellent natural conditions.

Next, Tobirama once again turned back, scrutinizing the city's layout.

As the architect of Konoha from its inception and the leader after his brother's death, having spent more time in Konoha, he was intimately familiar with every detail.

Although present-day Konoha has undergone vast changes, its original layout and framework likely hadn't altered significantly.

And most importantly, if this were true as he thought, then landmarks like the Hokage Rock would undoubtedly still exist.

Tobirama's eyes flickered as per the Hokage Rock's location in his memory, swiftly scanning to the farthest point blocked by rows of tall buildings.

At that moment, Orochimaru walked up to the two, also gazing at the city ahead, remarking, "It's bustling, isn't it? But what you see isn't the true picture. Currently, this place is at its lowest ebb in recent years."

"Even at its lowest, it's like this? Amazing!" exclaimed Hashirama Senju.

When he sought reconciliation with Madara Uchiha to build Konoha, it was to create a place as prosperous and fulfilling as what he saw before him. However, subsequent events didn't allow his dreams to materialize.

Yet, what completely caught him off guard was that after being reincarnated and returning to the mortal world, he witnessed a scene even better than what he had envisioned.

The current generation is far superior to his past self and others!

Such thoughts filled Hashirama Senju without a hint of jealousy but instead with joy.

At this moment, he even harbored the thought of humbly seeking advice from the mastermind behind this grandeur.

Oh...

Almost forgot, even though I'm dead, asking wouldn't change anything.

Regretfully tapping his forehead, Hashirama Senju mused, 'The First Hokage's character is truly surprising.'

At this point, Orochimaru, who had been observing Hashirama Senju, was surprised in his heart.

Then, looking at Tobirama Senju, who paid no attention to him, he smirked inwardly: 'This one is as expected.'

After all, someone capable of manipulating living experiments could never be considered naïve or kind-hearted.

Both being researchers, it's fair to say Tobirama Senju was, in a sense, Orochimaru's student.

The Reanimation Jutsu, the Curse Mark, and more were inspired by Orochimaru's scrolls and experimental notes left for Tobirama Senju and further developed.

Of course, Tobirama Senju wouldn't acknowledge this "teacher."

And compared to acknowledging a teacher, Orochimaru preferred to swallow everything from the other's mind, turning it into his nourishment.

"It's time!"

Without further delay, as Orochimaru was about to act...

The voice of Tobirama Senju suddenly rang out:

"Is this... Konoha?"