"Lord Hashirama, Teacher Tobirama."
Hiruzen Sarutobi also came over at this moment, quickly stepping forward to respectfully salute the two former Hokage.
Although he looked travel-worn at the moment, with some traces of battle still on him.
His eyes, however, were extremely bright, and the former youthful immaturity in his brows had long faded, replaced by a sense of maturity and composure.
"You've grown too, Monkey!"
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was also a young man now, Senju Hashirama first carefully observed him, then couldn't help but laugh and exclaim.
It should be known that Hiruzen Sarutobi was initially the disciple of the First Hokage, and only after Senju Hashirama's death did he transfer to become a student of the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama.
This is also why Senju Tobirama had six disciples.
Unlike Hashirama's pure joy, Senju Tobirama's reaction was much more complex.
His sharp red eyes gazed at Hiruzen Sarutobi, and after a moment of silence, he spoke in a calm tone that betrayed little emotion: "It's Monkey..."
He paused, his words even carrying a hint of imperceptible scrutiny.
"You ultimately didn't become Hokage."
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi showed no sign of regret; instead, he was open and sincere, even displaying a bright, sunny smile.
"Mori defeated me in the Jonin confidence vote and became Hokage fair and square. This was the collective choice of everyone in the Village, and I wholeheartedly accept this result without any complaints."
As he spoke, he slightly turned to point at his sleeve, on which was embroidered a pattern somewhat similar to the Hokage's ceremonial robes.
"Mori trusts me greatly after becoming Hokage and has entrusted me with important responsibilities. I am now an Advisor to the Village."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's performance was impeccable.
From his tone, expression, and content, he flawlessly displayed the demeanor of a Will of Fire inheritor, deeply influenced by the former Hokage's ideals and prioritizing the Village's overall interests.
Senju Mori also stepped forward at this opportune moment, a gentle smile on his face, and naturally placed his right hand on Hiruzen Sarutobi's shoulder, a subtle display of trust and tacit understanding in his movements.
"With Hiruzen's help, it also makes things much easier for me."
This harmonious posture between the two made Senju Hashirama nod repeatedly, his smile growing even wider, clearly immensely pleased by the unity of the younger generation.
Senju Tobirama, however, fell silent once more.
His profound gaze subtly shifted between Senju Mori and Hiruzen Sarutobi, but ultimately, he said nothing.
After a moment of silence, Senju Tobirama no longer wished to dwell on the topic. He turned his head and called out to the distance: "Little Tsunade."
Tsunade had already been paying attention to the scene. Upon hearing the call, she immediately cheered, pulling Orochimaru and Sakumo Hatake along as she excitedly ran over.
"Great-Grandpa, Great-Uncle, Teacher, Uncle Hiruzen—"
Her usually lively personality showed a polite side at this moment, as she greeted each elder present.
"Hahahaha~ Little Tsunade has grown so big!"
Senju Hashirama's joy was evident. He wrapped an arm around Tsunade and asked with concern, "Mori told us that you are now a Konoha Chunin. Are these two children your teammates?"
"That's right! This is Sakumo Hatake, and this is Orochimaru—"
Tsunade quickly introduced them to Senju Hashirama.
"Lord First."
Orochimaru and Sakumo Hatake saluted simultaneously.
Their names and surnames made Senju Tobirama look slightly. His gaze first fell on Sakumo Hatake.
Looking at his rather unique attire, the short sword on his back, and his striking white spiky hair, a flash of understanding crossed his eyes, and he couldn't help but ask, "You are Shūichi's son?"
Senju Tobirama had a deep impression of that Konoha Jonin who, like himself, had striking white short hair and was known for his exceptional swordsmanship.
"Yes, Lord Second."
Sakumo Hatake's small body stood ramrod straight, his expression serious, answering meticulously.
As Senju Tobirama's gaze turned to Orochimaru, Senju Mori timely took over the conversation, saying with a smile, "Orochimaru's parents were martyrs of the Village; his father even participated in the war against Kumogakure with you. So, this child also has some connection to you."
Gazing at Orochimaru's snake-like yellow vertical pupils, for some reason, Senju Tobirama felt an extremely familiar sensation from this child, Orochimaru.
It wasn't based on appearance, but rather a resonance in temperament and some hidden characteristics.
His gaze met Senju Mori's for a moment, seemingly exchanging something silently.
Finally, he slowly nodded.
"Is that so—"
Senju Mori's smile grew even brighter.
"Of course, both of these children are very talented and will definitely become excellent Konoha Ninja in the future."
While the two were conversing, Tsunade, on the side, was pulling Senju Hashirama, chattering endlessly about her experiences on the battlefield.
"—The Hidden Mist Ninja are a bunch of cowards; they don't dare to fight us head-on. Most of them fled as soon as we engaged."
As she spoke, she reached into her Ninja tool pouch and fumbled around, quickly pulling out a blood-stained Kunai.
"I personally took down a Hidden Mist Ninja!"
"That guy was wearing a standard vest and was quite skilled; at the very least, he was a Chunin from the Hidden Mist Village—"
The facts were as Tsunade said; when Konoha's main force entered the field, the Hidden Mist forces quickly began to collapse.
Except for a few stubborn individuals, most of the Jonin chose to retreat due to the Third Mizukage's orders, having almost completely lost the will to fight to the death with the Konoha Ninja.
Senju Hashirama showed no impatience with his granddaughter's garrulousness; he listened very patiently, a gentle and doting smile always on his face.
From time to time, he would also cooperatively let out a few exclamations of praise.
"Oh? Really?"
"Our little Tsunade is so amazing!"
"Truly remarkable!"
His demeanor was completely different from the "god of shinobi" who dominated the battlefield.
Although she had spent more time with Senju Tobirama and received more of his teachings since childhood, it was clear that emotionally, Tsunade was closer to her cheerful and generous great-grandfather, who doted on her immensely.
After a brief moment of commotion, Senju Tobirama seemed to think of something. He walked over to Tsunade and gently patted her shoulder.
"Little Tsunade, I have something to ask you privately—"
Tsunade blinked her big eyes, looked at Senju Hashirama, then at Senju Mori.
Seeing them both nod slightly, she obediently responded and followed Senju Tobirama to a relatively quiet spot nearby.