Senju Hashirama and Hoshino Yota spoke for a long time, exchanging warm words and heartfelt praise. All the while, Senju Tobirama stood quietly to the side, observing the conversation in silence.
Despite the kind words, Yota was no fool. He could sense the intent behind the compliments. Still, his heart was filled with concern and hesitation.
Just as he was weighing his thoughts, a shadowy figure appeared in a blur of motion, dropping to one knee.
"Lord Hokage, Hoshikawa Haru is awake."
Hashirama gave a slight wave and nodded. "Understood."
In the blink of an eye, the shadow vanished, as if they had never been there.
Yota understood that the message was not just for the Hokage—it was for him, too. But something still didn't sit right with him.
As far as he knew, Hashirama was a warm, straightforward person. He wouldn't normally rely on covert methods like this. His gaze drifted subtly toward Tobirama, and in that moment, clarity struck him.
Yota steadied his breath and said calmly, "Lord Hokage, may I ask a favor?"
"Oh? Please, speak freely," Hashirama said kindly.
"My son often speaks of you with admiration. I was hoping he could meet you in person."
The room fell silent for a moment.
After a brief pause, Hashirama cleared his throat and replied, slightly embarrassed, "In that case, let's arrange for it today."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Yota said, bowing respectfully before turning to head for the hospital.
As the door closed behind him, Hashirama slumped lazily into his chair, all traces of the mighty "God of Shinobi" vanishing.
"Ugh, I'm exhausted. This kind of stuff is more your style. I'm not doing it again next time."
Tobirama remained silent, his sharp eyes following Yota's departing figure.
"He doesn't trust the village," Tobirama said at last.
Hashirama frowned. "Don't be ridiculous. It's only natural for a father to protect his child."
To him, Tobirama's comment missed the mark. A father's love wasn't about trust or distrust. Even a wild beast protects its young. Why wouldn't a man?
Tobirama gave his brother a long look but said nothing more. Instead, he shifted topics.
"The village is growing fast. We're running out of space."
Hashirama waved his hand dismissively. "Then expand it. There's plenty of open land nearby."
Tobirama's eye twitched. Of course he'd say that. It wasn't him who would have to do the actual work.
Still, he reminded himself, He's my brother… my actual brother.
With a deep sigh, Tobirama muttered under his breath, "Don't forget what you promised."
About half a cup of tea later, a knock came at the door. Hashirama gave permission, and Hoshino Yota entered with his son, Hoshikawa Haru, beside him.
"Lord Hokage, this is my son," Yota announced.
Hashirama's eyes scanned the boy, and he froze for a second. He could sense Haru's chakra—already at the level of a Chūnin.
Only five years old, and yet such an extraordinary amount of chakra? Even he hadn't reached that level at that age.
Their eyes met, and Haru stared back.
A surge of emotion crashed through Haru's heart. To him, Hashirama's presence was like a shining sun, his chakra overflowing with life and power, extending from earth to sky. So this is the weight of the God of Shinobi…
But Haru quickly calmed himself, bowed respectfully, and introduced himself with poise.
"Hello, Lord Hokage. My name is Hoshikawa Haru."
"Hello… little guy," Hashirama replied with a soft chuckle. For some reason, all the words he had prepared vanished the moment he saw the boy. The awkwardness melted away instantly.
Tobirama, watching silently from the side, couldn't bear it. His eyelid twitched. Why did I let big brother do the talking?
"I heard you awakened a bloodline limit," Hashirama said with curiosity. "Do you know what kind of ability it gives you?"
Haru smiled shyly, sensing the warmth in Hashirama's tone. There was no need to hide. This village was a stage, and it was time to shine.
"Yes. I think… I can control time."
Gasps filled the room.
Even Tobirama, usually so composed, stiffened.
Time.
There were time-space techniques in the ninja world—like the Flying Thunder God, which allowed instantaneous teleportation. But that was merely spatial displacement, not actual time control.
True manipulation of time… that was on a completely different level.
"Are you certain?" Hashirama's tone became serious.
Haru nodded. His eyes scanned the room and fell on a potted plant on the desk. It was winter; the leaves had long withered.
He stepped forward, placed his hand gently on the plant, and his sapphire-blue eyes flickered with light.
Under the breathless gaze of the others, a spark of green emerged. Fresh leaves unfurled, vibrant and alive.
Winter was rewound. Spring had returned.
He reversed time.
"It's real…" Tobirama whispered, his expression unreadable.
Hashirama roared with laughter, "HA! Amazing!"
Then, without warning, Tobirama flashed to Haru's side.
"Kid, would you take me as your master?"
His eyes gleamed with intensity. Never had the ninja world seen a time-based kekkei genkai. This was a first.
And the boy's chakra—now that he was close, Tobirama could feel it. Already the level of an elite Chūnin at age five. The potential was staggering.
Before Haru could answer, Hashirama interjected, "Tobirama, I'm still here, you know?"
Tobirama didn't even look back. "We'll talk later, brother. I'm busy."
Hashirama chuckled. "I haven't taken a disciple yet, either…"
The room was filled with amusement and subtle rivalry.
Haru was speechless for a moment. This is unreal. Senju Hashirama himself wants to teach me?
Becoming his student would be like strapping a rocket to his back. No one in Konoha would dare look down on him.
Tobirama, sensing Haru's growing excitement, sighed and lowered his head. Too slow again.
Meanwhile, Hashirama's grin stretched wide. He looked every bit like a proud rooster who had just claimed victory.