Three months passed in the blink of an eye.
Renya felt that his fugitive life could finally come to an end.
The resentment between the Senju and Uchiha clans should no longer be as intense as before.
It was time to prepare to return to Konohagakure.
The incident had already been three months ago.
Senju Tobirama and Senju Tanaka couldn't possibly still be clinging to this matter, right?
He had already been forced to leave the village, hiding everywhere for three months.
What more did those troublesome villagers want?!
Thinking this way, Renya planned to pack up his things and return to Konohagakure.
If he didn't go back now, he feared Shimura Danzō would brand him a rogue shinobi.
"Kid, getting ready to return?"
Uchiha Madara looked at Renya, who was stuffing large and small bags full of things.
"Madara-sama, it's time to return to the village. When I have time, I'll come visit you both again."
Renya continued packing his backpack while speaking to the two of them.
Inside were local specialties from the Land of Iron, including gifts sent by the leader Mifune.
It was worth mentioning that when Mifune came to find Renya, he accidentally saw the two of them lying in the courtyard basking in the sun.
At that time, Mifune's expression was as if he had seen a ghost.
If he wasn't mistaken…
Weren't those the God of Shinobi who had been dead for over a decade and the Asura of the Shinobi World?
But Mifune didn't say a word. He pretended not to recognize the two and didn't even dare let his gaze land on them.
He quickly left after giving the gifts.
With these two powerhouses guarding the Land of Iron, why would they need to fear the petty villains of the shinobi world?
Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara naturally noticed the fleeting shock in Mifune's eyes.
However, they didn't care much about it.
"Renya, I'll go back with you." Senju Hashirama suddenly said.
Renya paused his packing and looked at Hashirama in surprise.
Was this still the same Hashirama he knew?
Uchiha Madara raised his eyebrow slightly.
"Don't look at me like that. It's just that I haven't seen Mito in a long time."
Senju Hashirama awkwardly scratched his head.
The last time he returned to the village was nearly a year ago.
If he didn't go back soon, Mito would surely get angry again.
"No problem." Renya responded.
"Madara, do you want to come back to the village with me?" Senju Hashirama asked his friend with anticipation.
The Land of Iron was some distance from Konohagakure—at least a full day's travel.
If his friend returned with him, the journey wouldn't be boring.
Facing Hashirama's hopeful gaze, Uchiha Madara refused without hesitation.
"No."
He had no affection for Konohagakure.
Even if he went, there was no one he cared to see. Worse, he might encounter the wicked Tobirama.
He might not be able to restrain himself from killing him.
As for the Uchiha clan?
Ever since he left Konohagakure alone, those people were no longer his clan.
Right now, he only wanted to awaken the Rinnegan as soon as possible and carry out the "Eye of the Moon" Plan—
To erase this shinobi world full of war and slaughter…
And create a truly peaceful world!
"Alright…"
Senju Hashirama lowered his head with a hint of disappointment.
All these years, every time he returned to the village, he invited Madara to come along.
But Madara never agreed.
He more or less understood his friend's inner thoughts, yet he had no good solutions.
At the root of it all, it was still his fault.
Madara was no longer the partner who had once shared the same dream with him and founded the village.
If not for their past bond…
Uchiha Madara would have already kicked Senju Hashirama out—there was no chance he would allow him to stay by his side for so long.
Senju Hashirama didn't dare hope for more. As long as he could stay beside his dearest friend, it was enough.
He was satisfied with his current life.
Every day he could be with his best friend, and occasionally sneak back to visit his wife.
"Hashirama-san, we should set out."
Renya finished packing and reminded him.
"Coming." Senju Hashirama responded, his gaze still on his friend. "Madara, I'll be back in a few days."
"Mm." Uchiha Madara remained expressionless and just gave a slight nod.
"Wait for me, Madara. I'll be back soon."
After speaking, Senju Hashirama turned and left with Renya.
Uchiha Madara watched their figures disappear into the distance before quietly closing the courtyard gate.
...
"Renya, how is Mito-san's health?"
Along the road, Senju Hashirama kept asking Renya about his wife.
He always felt guilty toward Mito, feeling he wasn't a qualified husband.
But there were some things he simply couldn't avoid.
So Mito had to bear the hardship instead.
"Mito-san is in very good health." Renya answered honestly.
"Haha, that's good."
Senju Hashirama smiled, relieved.
"Hashirama-san, you can actually return to the village and stay with Mito-san."
Renya's expression remained calm as he voiced his opinion.
"Madara-sama is already stable."
"He won't be able to carry out the 'Eye of the Moon' Plan anytime soon. You won't make a difference staying by his side—better to return and accompany Mito-san."
The pure friendship in Konohagakure was truly terrifying.
He wanted to persuade Hashirama-san—Mito-san was really pitiful.
Senju Hashirama fell silent.
Of course he understood the logic Renya spoke of.
But he simply couldn't stop worrying about Madara being alone.
But was Mito not alone as well?
Senju Hashirama looked conflicted, remaining silent for the rest of the journey.
Renya didn't push him—Hashirama-san needed time to think.
Right now, they were still no match for Madara, or else Renya would have smashed "Infinite Tsukuyomi" with three punches already…
And sent Uchiha Madara back to the village for retirement.
Unfortunately, he could only continue to bide his time for a few more years.
The rest of the journey was silent.
After a full day of traveling, they returned to the village under the night sky.
"Hashirama-san, be careful not to let that uncle sense you."
Renya reminded before leaving.
Senju Tobirama's sensory abilities were very strong. If his identity was exposed, it would be troublesome.
"Don't worry, I'm experienced." Senju Hashirama laughed.
He had secretly returned dozens of times over the years and had never been detected by Tobirama.
He was very confident in his ability to conceal his presence.
As long as he wasn't caught directly, Tobirama would never find out!
"Then I'll head home first. Find an opportunity to sneak in later."
Saying that, Renya walked toward his house.
He was already thinking about how to explain the novel situation to that old brat Senju Tobirama.
...
Senju Tobirama's residence.
Renya returned home and found no one there. Without guessing, he knew that old brat must be busy in the laboratory again.
His tense heart finally relaxed.
Wash up and go to sleep. Explain tomorrow.
...
Senju clan grounds.
Senju Tobirama finished his experiment, completely exhausted as he prepared to return home.
These days, he and Orochimaru had been tackling a major problem together, but still had no success.
Just then, he suddenly noticed a sneaky shadow flipping into his sister-in-law's courtyard nearby!
The shadow moved too fast, and he didn't manage to get a clear look—
But it gave him an inexplicably familiar feeling.
Senju Tobirama's eyes flickered as he walked toward his sister-in-law's courtyard gate.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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