After the Third Hokage finished speaking, the audience burst into applause.
The people of Konoha still held deep affection for the Third Hokage. After all, his rule was the longest in the village's history, spanning eras of conflict, rebuilding, and development. During that time, he made countless sacrifices to protect the village and its people.
Because of this, everyone naturally respected and cherished him.
Hiruzen stepped down from the podium and approached Jiraiya and Tsunade, looking at them with gentle warmth.
"Jiraiya, Tsunade," he said softly, "I hope that you will support each other in the future… and grow old together."
Jiraiya and Tsunade both nodded, their eyes meeting.
Tears glistened faintly in Tsunade's eyes. She knew this was not just a blessing — it was the Third Hokage's final, sincere wish for their happiness.
Jiraiya tightened his hold on her hand. He understood the weight of Hiruzen's words, and he accepted the responsibility with resolve. Whatever came next, he and Tsunade would face it together.
The Third Hokage stepped down from the stage.
Kakashi took the microphone, smiling beneath his mask. "Thank you, Third Hokage. It's clear that you hold deep expectations and emotions for this couple. I was moved as well."
He lifted a hand. "Let's give the Third Hokage another round of applause!"
The crowd responded instantly, clapping loudly.
Onstage, both Jiraiya and Tsunade were visibly emotional. To be blessed by their teacher — a man who had guided them through childhood and adulthood — was a great honor.
They knew their love would face challenges, but they also believed that as long as they stood together, nothing could break them.
Kakashi continued with a cheerful tone, "Now that the Third Hokage has spoken, it's time to invite Tsunade's family."
The audience murmured with anticipation.
"As many know," Kakashi said, "Tsunade is recognized as the princess of the Senju clan… a descendant of Konoha's founders."
He paused dramatically.
"And who stands behind that identity?"
Everyone was already excited.
"Yes — the First Hokage and the Second Hokage. Please welcome Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama to the stage to share stories about the bride's childhood!"
Thunderous applause filled the air.
Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama rose together and walked toward the podium under the admiring gaze of the entire crowd.
The God of Shinobi — Senju Hashirama — was one of Konoha's founders, a man whose strength rivaled the legends of old. Beside him, Senju Tobirama stood tall, the brilliant master of ninjutsu, creator of many techniques that shaped the shinobi world.
Their presence electrified the hall.
Even Ōnoki of the Hidden Stone, usually calm and grumbling, suddenly slapped the table and shouted, "Hahaha! Master Hashirama is taking the stage!"
In his youth, Hashirama's ideals had greatly inspired Ōnoki, shaping his early dreams of peace. Even now, despite his age, he couldn't hide his excitement.
Kurotsuchi, seated beside him at the Kage guards' table, snickered quietly. It was rare to see the stubborn old man fanboy like a teenager.
Hashirama accepted the microphone with a booming laugh. "To be honest, I'm very happy to see such a lively scene! In the world I came from, something like this would have been impossible."
He opened his arms warmly.
"In today's world, peace is precious — hard-won. Naruto and the others created this era. Because of that, I was resurrected and can attend Tsunade's wedding like this."
He turned toward Tsunade with affectionate eyes.
"Speaking of Tsunade — when I awakened the first time, I asked Minato, the Fourth Hokage, who currently leads the village. Actually, Orochimaru spoke first and told me Tsunade was my granddaughter."
The crowd laughed lightly.
"I was shocked. And worried!"
Hashirama widened his eyes dramatically.
"Minato looked at me, embarrassed, and asked why."
"I said, 'Tsunade is my granddaughter. When she was little, Tobirama and I spoiled her rotten! She stuck to me all day and even picked up some bad habits — like gambling.'"
Hashirama scratched his cheek. "I'm serious. When I heard she became Fifth Hokage, I was terrified she might gamble away the entire village!"
The audience roared with laughter.
Onstage, Jiraiya tried hard to keep a straight face, but a snort escaped. Tsunade immediately pinched his arm.
"What are you laughing at?" she hissed.
Jiraiya straightened, rubbing his side. "Just… remembered something happy."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "What happy thing?"
He smiled. "I remembered I'm getting married today."
Tsunade glared, silently warning him that one more laugh might get him hospitalised.
Hashirama continued, "Tsunade is very kind. Even if she picked up some bad habits from me — which is my fault as a grandfather — she always had a strong heart. When she saw injured people, she insisted on treating them. That's when she told me she wanted to learn medical ninjutsu."
"I was surprised… and proud. She didn't chase after flashy ninjutsu. She pursued healing. In her, I saw the spirit of our brother, Itama."
Tobirama's eyes softened. "Brother…"
"Later," Hashirama continued, "I fought Madara… died… and left the world. When I was resurrected again — first by Orochimaru to fight Hiruzen, and later with Naruto — it was to save the world."
Hashirama inhaled deeply, eyes drifting as if looking through time.
"Peace in the ninja world… is hard-won. I was born into war."
He recalled his childhood — the endless battles, the funerals, the constant fear. He remembered the deaths of his brothers, one after another, until only Tobirama remained. Those memories shaped his dream of creating a place where children didn't have to die on the battlefield.
"So I vowed to end war," he said softly. "I trained, grew stronger, and eventually met Madara. Together we dreamed of peace."
But Hashirama smiled sadly.
"I only built the beginning. After my death, war returned."
His voice warmed.
"But I'm relieved. Because a young man in Konoha fulfilled my dream. Naruto."
The audience clapped.
Hashirama nodded. "Naruto told me he was reborn to save the ninja world. And he did. So I want to say this: as long as we stand united, the future of the shinobi world is in our hands."
Another wave of applause thundered.
"Konoha forever! Long live Hashirama! Long live Naruto!"
Hashirama handed the microphone to Tobirama.
Tobirama cleared his throat. "To be honest, my elder brother is far too idealistic. He believes peace can be achieved simply through understanding."
He shook his head.
"In reality, it's extremely difficult."
The crowd laughed knowingly.
"But my brother insisted, so I followed him."
He looked directly at Madara.
"There was even a time when I supported Madara's idea — that he and my brother should unite, conquer the entire ninja world, and enforce peace. No one could challenge them."
At Madara's table, Madara crossed his arms with a cold snort.
He muttered internally, Now he says it. Where was this support earlier? With Hashirama and me together — the Great Buddha and Susanoo — we could have crushed all four nations and built a united shinobi village.
Izuna leaned in whispering, "Brother, is that true?"
Madara nodded.
Izuna hummed, giving Tobirama a new, somewhat impressed look.
Tobirama continued, "But ruling by tyranny does not last. True peace must come from love."
He looked at Jiraiya and Tsunade.
"So today, I witness a union of love."
The audience softened.
"I raised Tsunade when she was little. My brother was always busy, so I cared for her. I didn't have a family of my own… so I raised her as if she were my daughter."
His eyes sharpened.
"Jiraiya, treat her well. If you hurt her… I will not let you go."
The tone was calm, but the atmosphere froze.
Even the Third Hokage tensed. He knew how serious Tobirama was.
Jiraiya wiped sweat from his brow. The threat was clear as day.
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