"Cheers! To our fallen comrades and brave warriors!"
In the courtyard, a multitude of men and women drank as if there were no tomorrow, relishing both the flavorful drinks and the lively atmosphere under the starlit sky.
Some in the crowd were filled with joy, while others sighed heavily as they remembered their lost friends, grateful to witness another day.
Amid the cheerful buzz, an elderly man stepped forward and called out, "Listen up, everyone! For too long, our brothers and sisters have faced bloodshed, despair, and the pain of losing loved ones. So many lives have been brutally taken in this endless cycle of hatred."
His words cast a momentary shadow over the festivities, reminding everyone of the deep losses they had endured.
Friends, family, and innocent souls had been snatched away without the chance for a brighter tomorrow. Yet each loss ignited a fierce determination in these warriors, fueling their commitment to fight for a future worth living.
As the joyful atmosphere waned, the old man pressed on, "But thanks to Hashirama-sama's incredible strength and Tobirama-sama's clever strategies, we did it! Our united forces, with the support of various clans, emerged victorious in the war!"
"Madara and the Uchiha Clan have surrendered and agreed to a pact! We are on the brink of fulfilling Hashirama's dream: a village where children can grow up free from the weight of war and bloodshed! A place filled with peace and hope for the future!"
"Cheers to Hashirama-sama! Cheers to Tobirama-sama! Cheers to our fallen comrades! And cheers to the founding of Konoha!"
"Cheers, Yoshinori-san!"
"That speech really hit home, Yoshinori!"
"Looks like the old man still knows how to rally the crowd! HAHA!"
When the old man finally finished speaking, his hopeful message left the crowd buzzing with excitement, lifting their spirits back to where they had started.
"This guy... He sure knows how to put things into words…"
In the front, a man with white hair regarded the scene with a furrowed brow, a complicated expression on his face.
True, the war was over. But there remained an immense amount of work to be done.
With manpower and resources stretched thin, as well as numerous ongoing projects, the white-haired man couldn't shake his unease.
"Tobirama, why the long face? Let's enjoy the evening! Yoshinori-san, that was a heartfelt speech! Here's to you and our allies!"
On Tobirama's side, a man with long hair was scolding him when, out of nowhere, he dove into the crowd and began praising Yoshinori with a bright smile.
"But—"
"Hashirama is right, Tobirama. Let's chat and figure things out another time. Honestly, you're starting to resemble Sensei more and more with that expression of yours. Why not spend some time with Akari? Or maybe catch up with Saki—"
An elegant woman with red hair chimed in, playfully nudging Tobirama.
"... I get it, sister-in-law."
Tobirama's eyelids flickered at her words, as he tried to brush off her relentless matchmaking suggestions.
Thoughts about love and marriage crossed his mind now and then, but as the second son of a well-known shinobi clan, the weight of his responsibilities loomed larger than life. Luckily, he had a brother, a clan to uphold, and a mentor who filled his childhood with exciting lessons.
"By the way, do you have any clue where Sensei is? I can't feel his chakra around…" Bored and curious, Tobirama glanced at Mito, who was dining gracefully, savoring each bite.
"I'm not sure. He could be wandering somewhere, or maybe he's off experimenting with new techniques. You know how he can be—"
"HAHAHA! Takeo-san, I just have to give you a shout-out for your outstanding contributions earlier! Cheers to you and everyone else!"
As Mito continued to enjoy her meal, she shook her head but was about to speak when both she and Tobirama heard a hearty laugh. They exchanged knowing glances at the commotion nearby.
"Hashirama! I—" Mito started to say, but…
"Brother, that's enough! You've had way too much to drink!"
Jumping into the fray, Tobirama spoke up as the crowd turned to him with admiration and respect.
"Hey, Tobirama! Come on, let's go have a drink!" Hashirama said, a rosy blush tinting his cheeks as he threw an arm around his brother's shoulder and took a swig from a bottle of sake.
"To Tobirama-sama! Thanks for all your brilliant plans!"
"And cheers to both Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sama!"
Watching the crowd cheer and shower them with good wishes, Tobirama couldn't help but frown. He suddenly felt exhausted by all the festivities.
'Seems like only Sensei really gets me, huh...'
->->->->->->->->->->->->
"Hey, are you feeling better now, brother? That fuss earlier seemed a bit immature, especially given your position."
"But I—"
"We get that you wanted to mingle with everyone, but Tobirama has a point. As the Clan Head of the Senju, you really need to show some respect and composure!"
"Even you, Mito..."
In the Senju Courtyard, Hashirama felt a wave of disbelief wash over him as he faced the "motherly nagging" from Tobirama and Mito, their glares so intense it felt like they could fire lasers.
"Still, it's a reason to celebrate our big win! And honestly, you two seemed to have a better time than I did! Don't treat me like I'm some kind of little kid who needs special care—I'm not a toddler!" Hashirama said with a playful grin, feeling pretty sure of himself.
"But you really are a lot like a child!" both Tobirama and Mito chimed in.
Their goading remarks earned them a sullen look from Hashirama once again.
"Please, Sensei! I really need you here!"
"It seems like you all still have some energy left this evening."
"Sensei!" they all exclaimed in unison.
Out of nowhere, a clear voice echoed through the courtyard, mixed with a few coughs, as he stepped into the light.
Hashirama and Tobirama's faces lit up with joy at the sight of their teacher, while Mito's expression softened a bit.
"Where did you— What happened, Sensei?!"
In an instant, Tobirama's expression turned to alarm as he noticed his teacher's condition, and the other two quickly grew worried and anxious as well.
Their sensei was a fit guy with black hair and a slightly darker skin tone, standing at about 175 cm tall. He had a distinctive handsomeness, marked by slashed scars on both cheeks, and dressed like a wandering scientist. His striking golden eyes gave him an almost otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of a rare Kekkai Genkai.
(AN: holy shit, the description is too glazing a little bit. Basically, he looks like Thorns from Arknights.)
That's just the way their teacher is. But at the moment, his face is pretty pale, with a bit of red around his lips that he keeps wiping away, and he seems really tired.
"Sensei! Did someone catch you off guard on your way here?" Hashirama asked, his face filled with concern. Even though he found it hard to believe that an ambush had actually happened, he couldn't completely shake off the thought.
"It appears that my time is up... Look."
As all eyes were on him, Sensei simply held out his hand, which looked like they were falling apart—like paper being burned, with the ashes carried away by a gentle, mournful breeze.
Moreover, this strange disease was creeping into his forearm, almost as if ants were relentlessly biting at his skin.
"Sensei!" Hashirama shouted.
"...Why didn't you tell us?! If we had known sooner, we could have helped find a way to treat this terrible curse! Why didn't you speak up?" Tobirama exclaimed, his anger directed at his teacher as he sought answers.
Even though their reactions were a bit over the top, their concern for their teacher was sincere. Growing up, they had received invaluable lessons and teachings, particularly in Martial Arts, which mattered to them just as much as their care for their mentor.
As they said, "a teacher for a day, a father for a lifetime."
"Haha, I really tried to resist it, you know? I practiced martial arts like crazy, focused on living longer, and even dabbled in those mystical herbs... But it seems like this insidious curse called fate is my greatest enemy!"
With a wry smile, the sensei couldn't help but lament his silly predicament. Even with the wisdom of the Martial Arts Ancestor and the system at his disposal, he still couldn't break free from the curse.
Yes, you heard it right— the Teacher was a modern man transmigrated into the world of Naruto. At first, he felt a wave of happiness and gratitude for being given another chance at life. But as the struggles and heartbreaking farewells continued, this curse quickly shattered his hopes.
"I don't want to die at just forty," he said. "But it seems my time is up, so I'll keep things straightforward."
"But Sensei—" Tobirama and Hashirama began to protest, wanting to interrupt their teacher's final words when...
"Enough, you two. You're both old enough now to take on this burden. Given your responsibilities and abilities, I'm really proud of how far you've come!"
"This can't be real, right? Am I just dreaming?" Hashirama exclaimed, overwhelmed with anxiety as he grabbed his teacher's shoulders and shook him, wishing against hope that it was all just a nightmare.
Tobirama and Mito felt their eyes moistened up due to this untimely farewell. In Tobirama's mind, he couldn't help but to reminiscent of their time as children, happily enduring each lessons and having free time without any worries.
"Really, Hashirama? I think so too... However, reality slaps us harder than you think of." The teacher merely patted Hashirama's shoulder, glancing on the other two who were crying silently.
Tobirama and Mito felt their eyes welling up at this unexpected goodbye. Tobirama found himself reflecting on their childhood memories, where they spent carefree days tackling lessons and enjoying their free time without a single worry.
"Honestly, Hashirama? I feel the same way... But reality has a way of hitting harder than we expect," the teacher said, giving Hashirama a gentle pat on the shoulder while casting a glance at the two others who were quietly shedding tears.
"Tobirama, I'm really sorry, but I had to leave you with some burdens—especially your silly brother. Mito, I trust you'll support Hashirama in his dream of creating a peaceful village." As he spoke these poignant final words, his body began to fade away.
"... A-As you wish, Sensei." Mito replied, her eyes filled with tears as she gazed at her mentor's face. She felt a deep sense of respect and determination in her heart.
"As for Madara, I left a letter with his clan. My biggest regrets are not being able to teach you all the martial arts techniques and not saving Izuna from his fate. Hahaha, what a sad excuse, isn't it?"
Even with the power of the Divine Teaching System, Sensei couldn't save Izuna from death, leaving Madara to mourn his beloved brother alone yet he has the power to change it all.
"I just wish someone could rescue my mom and put an end to this terrible fate..."
"Sensei!"
"NOOOO!"
With a heartbreaking cry, the sensei disappeared, his form gradually carried off by the wind, leaving the three on the ground sobbing and wailing in despair.
What had once been a joyful gathering turned into a bittersweet goodbye for their teacher, a man who had devoted himself to training the legendary pillars of Konoha.
->->->->->->->->->
"When you are reading this letter, maybe I am now on the hands of death. As a Sensei of you and others, I still have a lot of techniques to teach. However, life is unfair to anyone. I am very sorry for the loss of your brother and my incapability to save him. I have no excuse like wandering for herbs or creating martial arts again."
"This time, I am merely asking for your forgiveness as a teacher. I also was deeply hurt when Izuna died. Thinking that I am incapable as a teacher and blaming myself for this tragedy."
"Yet life must go on and so you too. I know you have other plans to put an end in this senseless wars. I can only push you forward and support you. Just do it, no matter what they said. But remember, strength is merely a component to win. Strategy, planning, and manpower are also part of it."
"I wish you to complete your plans and fulfill the void in your heart. —Best wishes, Murakami."
In the brightly lit shrine, a young man read the letter, alone with solitude in his visage.
"Sensei..."
After a long time reading, a tear slid off in his face, feeling lonely once more yet his eyes gradually became calm and imperceptible like a bottomless well.