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"Kagami?"
Tobirama stared at his disciple, fleeting suspicion flashing in his eyes.
"Looking for me?"
"Uchiha Kagami" spread his arms mockingly. "No need to search – here I stand!"
Instant recognition swept through the crowd. Humiliation burned as they realized they'd been played.
"Earth Release: Stone Servant Hand!"
The Second Tsuchikage's hands flew. A colossal stone fist erupted, slamming toward Kamihane.
Unflinching, Kamihane stood rooted. Hashirama's foot twisted, summoning thick vines that wove into a wooden shield.
Boom!
The earthen fist collided harmlessly with the barrier.
Breeze tousled Kamihane's hair as he stared impassively. "Where's Tsunade?" Hashirama growled.
"Hmm? What Tsunade?" Kamihane feigned ignorance. "Weren't you seeking me?"
"Enough games!" Hashirama stepped forward. "She's just a baby! Our feud doesn't concern her! Where is she?!"
"Truly don't follow." Kamihane shrugged. "Merely caused chaos. Losing your brat isn't my fault."
"Uchiha Kamihane!" Tobirama barked. "Don't think your spiritual form makes you invincible! I have a dozen ways to destroy you! We spare you only for information!"
"Ah, even you can rage, old fox."
Kamihane threw back his head laughing maniacally. "Hahaha! To see you so unraveled!"
Mad laughter echoed through tense silence. Gradually subsiding, Kamihane caught his breath. "True, I hid her outside Konoha. Tear the village apart – you'll never find her."
"Unless—" He paused theatrically.
"Unless what?!" Hashirama demanded.
"Brother! He toys with us!" Tobirama's killing intent spiked. "Let me extract his soul for answers!"
Hashirama blocked him. "Let him speak!"
"Simple..." Kamihane raised one finger. The Kage flinched back warily – all except Hashirama – still traumatized by his earlier possession display.
Slowly, he pointed at Hashirama. "Lord First... between brother and granddaughter... who matters more?"
Tomb-like silence fell.
Hashirama's shadowed face radiate suffocating pressure. Kamihane continued airily, "Three choices: 1) Kill yourself now. 2) Slay your brother. 3)..." He gestured at the Kage. "...Pick any of these to murder."
"Complete any, and I return your precious Tsunade unharmed."
Hashirama stood statue-still. Tobirama silently raised a finger-seal. Behind them, the Kage reacted variously – the Kazekage grimaced, Raikage gulped, Tsuchikage retreated slightly. Gengetsu's eyes darted nervously between Hashirama and Kamihane.
"Absurd!" Tobirama snapped. "Brother, you can't seriously consider—"
Hashirama interrupted, "Is this... my test?"
Kamihane tilted his head, waiting.
"Options 1-2 force me to sacrifice Konoha's foundations or future. Option 3 destroys peace itself..." Hashirama declared firmly. "Even if it costs Tsunade... I won't shatter this hard-won peace!"
"So you'll persist," Kamihane locked eyes with him, "even as loved ones die for your 'peace'? But wasn't the village meant to protect them? As Madara-sama said... you've inverted purpose."
"Enough!" Tobirama strode forward. "Give me five minutes to extract that spirit!"
"Wait!" Hashirama drew a kunai. Heavy sigh. "Perhaps this is fate... the curse binding me since killing Madara..."
He reversed the blade toward his heart. "Our era fades... New saplings must grow... Remember – when crisis comes... only burning old wood nourishes new trees." He gazed skyward. "May Konoha's fire endure."
Clap. Clap. Clap.
All turned to Kamihane, baffled.
"Worthy of 'God of Shinobi'... worthy of Madara's respect." Kamihane smiled faintly. "I've changed my mind. Come alone with me, and I'll reveal Tsunade's location."
"Why?" Hashirama blinked.
"To witness your burning flame before it extinguishes."
"Agreed." Hashirama stepped forward unguarded.
"Brother! Don't!" Tobirama warned. "He's treacherous!"
"Hah! None surpass your cunning, Lord Second." Kamihane's gaze turned dangerous. "Anyone else follows... becomes my enemy."
His vicious grin left no doubt – this was no bluff.
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