Senju Hashirama and Yota talked for a long time, both exchanging words of admiration and mutual respect.
Throughout their conversation, Senju Tobirama remained silent, quietly observing the exchange between the two.
Though Yota received countless words of praise, he wasn't foolish. He could easily sense the underlying intentions behind those compliments. Even so, a hint of worry lingered in his heart, his expression hesitant.
Just as he was lost in thought, a dark shadow flashed before them, kneeling on one knee."Hokage-sama, Hoshino Kaede is awake."
Hashirama nodded lightly. "I understand."
At once, the figure vanished, leaving no trace.
Yota knew those words were meant not only for the Hokage but also for him. Yet, one thing continued to bother him.
From what he knew, the Hokage was a cheerful man, one who preferred openness and rarely used such covert methods. His gaze shifted slightly toward Tobirama, and realization struck him almost immediately.
"Hokage-sama," Yota began carefully, "I have a favor to ask."
"Oh? Speak freely," Hashirama replied warmly.
"My son has always admired you deeply. I hope he can meet you in person."
The room fell silent for a moment. After several seconds, Hashirama coughed lightly, a touch of awkwardness in his tone."In that case, let's do it today."
"Thank you, Lord Hokage." Yota bowed respectfully, then turned and left for the hospital.
Once he was gone, Hashirama leaned back in his chair, completely losing the dignified bearing of the Hokage."I'm exhausted. You're the one better suited for this sort of thing, Tobirama. Next time, I'm skipping it."
Tobirama said nothing, his eyes following Yota's departing figure."It seems he doesn't fully trust the village," he said quietly.
Hashirama frowned. "What are you talking about? It's only natural for a father to love his son."
He clearly disagreed with Tobirama's suspicion. To Hashirama, this had nothing to do with trust or politics, just parental instinct. Even a tiger protects its cubs; humans are no different.
Tobirama gave his brother a long look but ultimately said nothing more. Instead, he shifted the topic."In recent years, the village's population has grown rapidly. Space is becoming scarce."
Hashirama waved his hand casually. "Then expand it. There's plenty of land around us."
Tobirama's eye twitched. Of course, it's easy for you to say, you're not the one doing it.
Suppressing his irritation, he muttered quietly to himself. This was indeed his brother, the same easygoing fool he'd always known.
"Hmph." He finally exhaled, clearly frustrated. "Just don't forget what we agreed on."
After about half a cup of tea, a knock sounded on the office door. Upon permission, Yota entered with Kaede by his side.
"Hokage-sama, this is my son," Yota said respectfully.
Hashirama looked at the boy and paused. His eyes widened slightly as he sensed Kaede's chakra. Despite being only five years old, the boy's chakra reserves were already at the level of a chunin.
Incredible, Hashirama thought. At that age, he's already this strong.
Their gazes met, and Kaede couldn't help but feel a surge of awe. The man before him radiated overwhelming vitality, a force of nature that seemed to stretch from the earth to the heavens.
So this is the God of Shinobi, he thought, marveling at the sheer pressure emanating from Hashirama.
The feeling lasted only a moment. Kaede quickly composed himself, bowed respectfully, and said, "Hello, Hokage-sama. My name is Kaede."
"Hello, little one," Hashirama replied, smiling kindly. For some reason, the moment he saw the boy, the formal words he had prepared vanished from his mind.
Tobirama, however, sighed inwardly. Watching his brother act so casually always tested his patience.
"I heard you awakened a Kekkei Genkai," Hashirama said, his curiosity outweighing his authority. "Do you know what kind of ability it is?"
Kaede smiled shyly. The First Hokage's kind nature made him feel at ease, and he saw no reason to hide the truth.
"I do. I think I can control time."
The words, spoken so innocently, left the room in stunned silence.
Even Tobirama, usually composed and analytical, was momentarily shocked.
Time itself.
The ninja world had space-time ninjutsu, techniques like the Flying Thunder God that allowed instantaneous movement, but manipulating time itself was something entirely different.
To control time... could that mean reversing life and death? Tobirama's mind raced.
"Are you sure, little one?" Hashirama's voice had lost its easy warmth, replaced by deep seriousness.
If Kaede spoke the truth, this was no ordinary Kekkei Genkai. It was a power that could change everything.
Kaede nodded calmly. His gaze shifted to a withered potted plant on Hashirama's desk. It was winter now, the leaves had long since fallen.
He stepped forward and gently touched it.
A soft blue glow flickered in his eyes.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, a faint green hue began to spread across the plant. Slowly, tender shoots emerged, curling upward.
It was as if winter itself had turned to spring.
Time had been reversed.
"It really is time manipulation," Tobirama whispered, his voice trembling slightly.
"Hahaha! Wonderful! Truly wonderful!" Hashirama's laughter filled the office, booming with joy. To him, this discovery was nothing short of a blessing for Konoha.
Tobirama, though still astonished, quickly composed himself. In a blur, he appeared in front of Kaede.
"Little one, would you like to become my student?"
His sharp eyes gleamed with anticipation. Such a rare Kekkei Genkai had never appeared before in the ninja world. The possibilities it represented were limitless.
And Kaede himself, his chakra, his potential, was remarkable. Only five years old, yet already as powerful as an elite chunin.
Tobirama's gaze was intense, like a craftsman discovering an uncut gem.
Before Kaede could answer, Hashirama interjected."Tobirama, I'm still here, you know."
Without turning around, Tobirama replied impatiently, "Brother, we can discuss this later. I'm busy."
Hashirama smiled faintly at his brother's transparent greed. Good students were rare, but this one was exceptional.
Kaede's heart raced. His eyes lit up.
To be taught by Hashirama Senju himself...
The thought alone filled him with excitement. Becoming the disciple of the First Hokage meant standing at the center of Konoha's future.
Seeing Kaede's expression, Tobirama sighed in defeat, lowering his head slightly.
Hashirama's grin widened, satisfaction shining in his eyes like that of a proud, triumphant rooster.