After squeezing a pile of benefits out of the legends, Furukawa Ryu washed up, ate breakfast, and headed out.
He was in the same class as Naruto and Sasuke and had not graduated yet. That meant he still had to attend the Academy.
"Today's a good day~ a really good day~"
With his strength having skyrocketed overnight, Ryu walked down the street humming happily.
The network members were also in a good mood.
After being dead for so long, being able to see the real world again felt incredible.
Even though it was still morning, Konoha's streets were already bustling with activity.
The village was thriving.
Civilians rushed around earning a living, while shinobi leapt across rooftops or passed through the crowds with practiced ease.
Almost everyone wore a faint smile.
Konoha had enjoyed peace for quite some time now, and it stood firmly as the strongest ninja village in the world.
Naturally, people felt optimistic.
[Senju Hashirama]: Konoha really has changed a lot. It's far more prosperous than when I was around! Looks like the younger generation did a great job!
[Senju Tobirama]: Hm. It seems giving the Hokage position to Sarutobi was the right choice. That kid turned out reliable after all. Konoha looks well managed.
[Uchiha Madara]: Heh. Just the illusion of prosperity. The rot and darkness underneath it—you two can't see that.
[Senju Hashirama]: Madara! Don't always assume the ninja world is so dark!
[Uchiha Madara]: Hashirama, you're too naïve. It's not the world that's dark. It's people's hearts.
Ryu silently agreed with Madara.
But seeing those two about to start arguing again, he quickly cut in.
[Furukawa Ryu]: Alright, alright. Calm down, you two. You're already dead—what's the point of arguing now?
Maybe they did not want to get muted again.
Or maybe they did not want Ryu to shut off vision sharing.
Either way, even someone as proud as Madara did not push it further.
Watching these legendary figures gradually start giving him face, Ryu could not help grinning.
Having admin privileges feels amazing.
Along the way, they saw quite a few shinobi moving across rooftops or hurrying through the streets.
Madara could not resist commenting again.
[Uchiha Madara]: Look at them. Just look at them. These people call themselves ninja? What a joke. Each generation is worse than the last.
[Senju Hashirama]: Or maybe it simply means the ninja world is more peaceful now.
[Uchiha Izuna]: That might be true, brother. Peace probably made them comfortable.
[Uchiha Madara]: Tch. Peace…
To Madara, the ultimate pessimist, true peace was impossible.
He simply thought modern shinobi were weak.
…
Soon, Ryu turned through a narrow alley and stepped onto a wide main road.
This street was even busier than the last.
The long-dead "ancient relics" in the chat could not help marveling at the scene.
Then Hashirama suddenly noticed something.
The Hokage Rock.
[Senju Hashirama]: Wait a second—there are four faces carved up there now?!
[Senju Hashirama]: Oh! The one behind mine must be Tobirama. But who are the other two? Does that mean Konoha is currently ruled by the Fourth Hokage?
[Furukawa Ryu]: Not exactly. The Third Hokage is still in charge.
[Senju Hashirama]: Then why are there four faces?
[Furukawa Ryu]: After you died, your brother became Hokage. After your brother died, the Third Hokage took over. Later, when the Third grew old, he passed the title to the Fourth Hokage. Then the Fourth died young, so the Third had to take the position again.
[Senju Tobirama]: Hm… I knew Sarutobi was capable. Looks like I chose the right successor.
Tobirama sounded proud of his former student.
Ryu could not help wondering—
What will the Second Hokage say when he eventually finds out everything Hiruzen actually did?
Still, facts spoke louder than words.
Ryu decided not to tell him yet.
It would be more interesting if Tobirama saw everything unfold for himself.
[Senju Hashirama]: That's unfortunate about the Fourth Hokage, though.
[Namikaze Minato]: Dying to protect Konoha was an honor for me as Hokage.
[Senju Hashirama]: Oh! So you're the Fourth Hokage, little brother?
[Namikaze Minato]: Yes, sir. It's an honor to meet you, First Hokage-sama.
At that moment, Ryu's mouth twitched slightly.
He had a bad feeling.
A very famous moment was about to happen.
Sure enough—
It came immediately.
[Senju Hashirama]: By the way… how exactly did you die?
[Namikaze Minato]: Haha… I died sealing the Nine-Tails.
[Senju Hashirama]: You died… just to seal the Nine-Tails?!
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 60 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/StrawHatStudios