Chapter 50: The Ripple of Loss
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The Aftermath
Black Zetsu stood amidst the battlefield, carefully orchestrating the scene to conceal the truth of Hashirama's demise. Evidence was meticulously scattered, painting a picture of an ambush by rival villages. His deception was seamless, ensuring that the reality of Hashirama's death would remain hidden from the world.
From the shadows, Assassin Yuto watched silently. His mission was observation, not interference, yet the weight of what he had witnessed hung heavy in his mind.
"So, this is how it ends," Yuto murmured. "Not by Madara's hand, but through the schemes of Black Zetsu—manipulating the course of history from the shadows."
Once the area was clear, Yuto moved swiftly. He approached Hashirama's fallen body with reverence, replacing it with a lifelike replica crafted by Gene Yuto. The replica, a safeguard against anyone attempting to exploit Hashirama's cells, was designed to fail fatally upon any attempt to extract its secrets.
Carefully, Yuto sealed the real Hashirama's body into a specialized scroll. "Rest in peace, Hashirama Senju," he said softly before vanishing into the shadows.
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The News Reaches Konoha
When word of Hashirama's death reached Konoha, it struck like a thunderclap. The village was thrown into mourning, its heart shattered by the loss of its founder.
Tobirama Senju, now burdened with the role of Second Hokage, concealed his grief beneath a veneer of unshakable resolve. In a tense meeting with the Konoha Council, his voice was sharp and unwavering.
"Hashirama was ambushed by multiple villages," Tobirama declared. "This act of aggression cannot go unanswered."
The room fell silent. While some council members nodded in agreement, others hesitated, wary of the cost of retaliation.
Mito Uzumaki, standing quietly at the edge of the room, finally spoke. Her voice was calm but resolute. "Hashirama would not want vengeance. He gave his life to build peace. We must honor his legacy by protecting that peace, not destroying it."
Tobirama clenched his fists, the tension in his jaw evident, but he nodded. "Then we will strengthen our defenses and forge alliances. But know this—Konoha will never forget this loss."
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The Dimensional Villa
Back in the Dimensional Villa, the Yutos convened to assess the unfolding events. Assassin Yuto recounted his mission in detail, his calm demeanor masking the weight of what he had witnessed.
"The God of Shinobi has fallen," Yuto concluded. "Not to Madara, but to the schemes of Black Zetsu—an enemy even he never truly saw coming."
Gene Yuto nodded gravely. "Black Zetsu's manipulation runs deeper than even we anticipated. Madara's plans have been twisted to revive Kaguya, and neither he nor Hashirama realized the full extent of his influence. This loss will ripple across the generations."
Gaia Yuto leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. "What of Hashirama's body? We cannot let it fall into the wrong hands."
Assassin Yuto responded with certainty. "It's secured in a sealing scroll, safe and untouched. The replica will ensure that any attempt to exploit his legacy will fail. For now, the body will remain hidden."
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Madara's Hidden Lair
In a secluded underground lair, Madara Uchiha stood before a wall lined with Sharingan. His own eyes glowed with intensity as he contemplated his next move.
"Hashirama," he muttered, his voice a mix of sorrow and determination, "your death will not be in vain. It will drive this world to the peace you and I dreamed of—even if I must break it to make it whole."
Unnoticed, Black Zetsu lurked in the shadows, his expression unreadable. "Yes, Madara," he whispered to himself, "all according to plan."
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In Konoha's Shadows
Assassin Yuto continued his quiet observations within Konoha, now focusing on Tobirama's actions. The new Hokage worked tirelessly, implementing policies to strengthen the village's defenses and establish a stable structure of governance.
One such policy was the creation of the Konoha Police Force, dominated by the Uchiha Clan. Yuto observed the move with a knowing eye.
"Tobirama is efficient," he thought. "But his mistrust of the Uchiha will sow seeds of discord. This, too, will play into the larger narrative."
At night, Yuto infiltrated the village's archives, studying its inner workings. He kept a particular eye on Tobirama's activities, ensuring the replica body he had left behind remained undisturbed.
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Mito's Grief and Resolve
At the Senju compound, Mito Uzumaki mourned her husband in solitude. Her calm exterior masked the deep pain she felt at the loss of the man who had brought peace to a fractured world.
One evening, she stood before Hashirama's memorial, her fingers lightly tracing the carved name. "You believed in the goodness of others, Hashirama," she whispered. "I will honor that belief by protecting what you've built. Our legacy will endure."
Her resolve hardened, Mito began laying plans to ensure the survival of both the Uzumaki and Senju clans, even as whispers of war grew louder around her.
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The Yutos' Strategy
In the Dimensional Villa, the Yutos met once more to refine their strategy. Gene Yuto addressed the group, his tone measured and analytical.
"Hashirama's death is the beginning of the fractures," he said. "He was the glue holding the alliances together. Without him, mistrust will grow among the villages, and war is inevitable."
Military Yuto nodded. "The First Shinobi World War is on the horizon. This chaos will give us the perfect opportunity to integrate our orphan strategy into the timeline."
Gaia raised a cautionary point. "What of Mito? She's crucial—not just as a symbol of strength, but as a bridge between the Uzumaki and Senju."
Gene Yuto agreed. "She must be left to her role. Her actions will ensure her descendants shape the future as intended."
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The End of the Beginning
In the Dimensional Villa, CEO Yuto stood before the gathered Yutos, his presence commanding. "With Hashirama's death, the first chapter of this era is complete. The ripples of this event will shape the shinobi world for decades to come. Our next phase begins now."
The Yutos nodded in unison, their resolve clear.
"We are the Celestial Clan," CEO Yuto continued. "And this world will come to know our strength—not through brute force, but through patience, precision, and unity."
As silence fell over the room, the Yutos prepared to enact the next steps of their intricate plan. The world was on the brink of turmoil, and the Celestial Clan stood ready to shape its future.