"Where is this?" Black Zetsu couldn't quite figure out the location.
"When is this?" Black Zetsu was a bit confused about the time.
"Am I in the ninja world a thousand years later?" Black Zetsu began to suspect that something was wrong with its life.
Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign land should be a joyous occasion. However, meeting someone who absolutely should not be there often brings not joy, but a profound questioning of one's own existence.
Like Black Zetsu right now.
What on earth was going on? It had truly lived for over a thousand years, diligently instigating wars and assiduously spreading the philosophy of medical ninjas throughout this long period. The time should definitely not be an issue.
Then... had it lived so long it had become muddled? Why was Emiya Shirou here? Wasn't he from over a thousand years ago? How could he possibly appear in this world a thousand years later? Could its mind have split?
Dazed, Black Zetsu lurked in the shadows, watching Emiya Shirou, suspecting it was losing its mind. From any perspective, this person should not be here. But there he was, living quite happily in this era.
"Let's try to distract the patient for a while," Emiya Shirou said, seemingly unaware of Madara hiding in the darkness, and also seemingly unaware that Black Zetsu was definitely hiding nearby.
As a diligent medical ninja, he was extremely concerned about the patient's psychological state. "Killing his friend caused him great pain. As a family member, it's best to help the patient find a new source of support as soon as possible."
As he spoke, he observed Senju Tobirama, trying to test if he could sense the two hidden figures nearby. However, Tobirama showed no abnormalities.
Although his sensory abilities were outstanding, in the heavily guarded Konoha, there was no need to use any powerful sensory jutsu.
Besides, he had not yet mastered the cursed seal Shirou had given him, so he couldn't freely use his chakra.
"Let me think," Tobirama said, lowering his head. "Compared to that evil fellow Madara, my brother definitely cares more about the people of the village. I'll have him spend more time with the children. They are the future he truly wants to protect."
"That's a good idea," Shirou strongly agreed. "I will do my best during this time to think of a way to extend his lifespan."
"Thank you," Tobirama said, a sigh of relief escaping him. Although he couldn't imagine a solution, he still hoped. But one must always prepare for the worst.
"In the hospital, it wasn't convenient for me to ask," he began, his expression cautious. "Lord Emiya, I want to know the answer to a question. If... you don't find a solution..." He crossed his arms, his voice slow but firm. "How much time... does my brother have left?"
The night wind fell silent. The air on the street seemed to freeze. Tobirama, Madara, everyone held their breath.
For Madara, Hashirama had to live. He still wanted to prove to his former friend that he was right. For Tobirama, his brother had to live. Konoha's stability rested on his prestige and power. Emotionally, he could not accept his brother's death, but rationally, he had to prepare.
"Ten years," Shirou said, giving a precise number. "If I don't find a solution, even if he doesn't use any power, his lifespan is unlikely to exceed ten years."
"Ten years?" Tobirama's heart grew heavy. It seemed long, but for someone in their prime, it was cruel. And for a nascent village like Konoha, it was too short.
He was used to preparing for the worst. As the de facto ruler of Konoha, he couldn't let it fall apart. Before his brother died, he had to find a path for the village to survive.
The clans of Konoha had submitted to his brother's power, but they were still independent. They had not yet truly recognized themselves as Konoha ninjas.
It seems I must find a feasible plan as soon as possible.
A glint of determination flashed in Tobirama's eyes. He rarely showed his inner thoughts. He simply nodded at Shirou, as if unconcerned. "I understand."
He quickened his pace toward the Hokage's office. "During this time, I will arrange for Sasuke and the ANBU to accompany you. If you have any requests, feel free to command them."
"It's fine," Shirou said, his attitude friendly. "If it's convenient, I would also like to see more of this era." His face turned pious and sacred. "I hope to meet someone in this era to whom I can entrust the future of medical ninjas."
He wants to find a disciple? Tobirama thought. For Konoha, this is really good news.
The medical ninjas in the village were several levels behind Shirou. The man must have mastered many secret medical techniques that had been lost during the Warring States period.
Their footsteps faded into the distance.
After they were gone, Madara's figure quietly emerged from the dark corner, looking at their retreating backs. "Ten years?" he murmured, narrowing his eyes before once again melting into the darkness, heading toward Konoha Hospital.
However, Black Zetsu did not follow him. The completely black creature emerged, glanced at the departing Madara, and then looked back in the direction where Tobirama and Emiya Shirou had left.