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Clang! Hashirama's mood instantly dropped.
"Tobirama, I'm doing this for your own good." Whenever he thought of Tobirama being alone, Hashirama couldn't help but worry. Especially now that he had been diagnosed with a terminal illness, this feeling was even stronger. He hoped Tobirama could have a family of his own. A place to belong. Someone from the Uchiha clan would be very suitable for Tobirama. However, despite several attempts, he couldn't persuade Tobirama.
"You don't need to worry about this, big brother," Tobirama said irritably. Tobirama had his own thoughts about whether he would marry or have children. He wasn't a seven-year-old child anymore. He didn't need Hashirama to interfere.
"Alright then." Seeing that Tobirama didn't want to talk about it, Hashirama decided to drop the topic. However...
Just as Hashirama was about to suggest heading back, a thought suddenly occurred to him. Hashirama turned around and looked at Kazekaze standing nearby.
'Although I may not live to see Kazekaze at his peak, I can at least have a match with him now.' Hashirama's eyes suddenly lit up. Although Kazekaze was only seven this year, his strength was not to be underestimated. At such a young age, he had already become a Special Jonin. Moreover, he had consecutively defeated powerful figures like Kinkaku, Ginkaku, and Hōzuki Gengetsu. With Kazekaze's strength, he was fully qualified to be his opponent.
Since the battle at the Valley of the End, he hadn't fought with any ninja. Because in Hashirama's eyes, there was no longer an opponent in the ninja world like Uchiha Madara who could excite him. But... Hashirama no longer thought that way. Now, the ninja world had produced a ninja he was eager to fight. That was Kazekaze!
"What's wrong?" Kazekaze couldn't help but frown, feeling that Hashirama's gaze was somewhat strange. And was Hashirama being too serious right now? It didn't match his usual goofy persona at all.
"Wait..." Kazekaze suddenly had a revelation. Because the discussion between Hashirama and Tobirama was about whether he could become the Hokage of Konoha at the age of eight. Although the whole process left Kazekaze dumbfounded. But judging from their conversation, these two Hokage had high hopes for him. Now Hashirama's expression was so serious. Could he be thinking of making him the Hokage right now? No way. No way. Becoming Hokage can't be that easy, right?
"Kazekaze, do you want to have a match with me?" Hashirama's lips curled into a smile as he spread his hands and asked Kazekaze.
Tobirama stood frozen on the spot, seriously doubting if he was hallucinating! What did big brother just say? He actually asked the seven-year-old Kazekaze if he wanted to have a match with him? What kind of joke is this! No, big brother wasn't joking. Tobirama blinked and noticed that although big brother Hashirama was smiling when he said this, his eyes were extremely serious. Hashirama was serious now! He wanted to have a match with Kazekaze!
Clap clap clap!
Tsunade, in Tobirama's arms, clapped her little hands, looking eager for the fight to start. Truly enjoying the spectacle!
Kazekaze was stunned on the spot. He never expected that the usually goofy Hashirama would suddenly ask him this question! If he wanted to have a match with him! Without a doubt, in this era, Hashirama was almost the pinnacle of power in the ninja world. The strongest below the Sage of Six Paths! Anyone who had seen his strength called him the God of Ninjutsu. So... You ask if Kazekaze wants to have a match with a top-tier powerhouse like Senju Hashirama? How could he not want to?
Even if it's just a spar, such an opportunity is rare. Especially since Hashirama now had a terminal illness and spent most of his time recuperating. If he missed this chance, he might not get another opportunity in the future. Kazekaze's gaze focused as he began to take deep breaths, adjusting his emotions.
"I want to." Kazekaze responded to Hashirama with a firm, serious tone. And Kazekaze was ready to face Hashirama right here!
"Hahaha!" Seeing Kazekaze's straightforward answer, Hashirama couldn't help but laugh heartily. If Kazekaze had been afraid of his power or intimidated by his status and thus didn't dare to fight him, then Hashirama would have truly been disappointed. On the contrary, daring to challenge him, the God of Ninjutsu, proved that Kazekaze had the heart of a strong warrior. This undoubtedly made Hashirama happy.
Although this was just a whim of his, however... Kazekaze would undoubtedly gain a lot from the actual combat.
"Tobirama, step back." Hashirama said to Tobirama, indicating that he shouldn't interfere with his match with Kazekaze. However, Hashirama's sudden decision caught Tobirama off guard. He widened his eyes, looking at Hashirama in disbelief.
"Big brother..." However, just as Tobirama was about to speak, intending to persuade Hashirama not to fight Kazekaze. Not because he was worried that Hashirama's terrifying strength would traumatize Kazekaze. On the contrary, Tobirama thought that experiencing some setbacks at Kazekaze's age wasn't necessarily a bad thing. So that he wouldn't become arrogant and conceited because of his talent and strength in the future. Even if Hashirama didn't do this, he planned to find an appropriate opportunity to spar with Kazekaze.
What really worried Tobirama was Hashirama's health. Now that he had a terminal illness, every use of Chakra would burden his body. And the medicine he developed for him could only prolong his life. It couldn't fundamentally cure Hashirama. But did Tobirama really need to remind him of this? Could he not understand his own physical condition better than Tobirama?
But there were some things he, as a grandfather, had to do. Besides himself and Kazekaze, there was no one else in Konoha who could use Wood Release. In other words, the only person who could guide Kazekaze in Wood Release was himself. This actual combat would benefit Kazekaze for a lifetime. This was the greatest help he, as a grandfather, could give Kazekaze.
On the other hand, Hashirama didn't want to leave any regrets. He understood very well how far his condition had progressed. He probably wouldn't live to see Kazekaze at his peak. But at the very least, he wanted to spar with Kazekaze once before he passed away. So, Hashirama began to untie his haori, as such clothing wasn't suitable for battle.
"Big brother..." Although Tobirama still hoped Hashirama would reconsider, seeing that his mind was made up, he could only choose to support him. Soon, Hashirama took off his haori, revealing his solid muscles. From his physical appearance, it was hard to tell that Hashirama was someone with a terminal illness.
"Come on, Kazekaze!"