Chapter 188: Chapter 188: Go Home Often
After listening to the Fourth Hokage's account of that turbulent time in history, Hashirama Senju let out a deep sigh.
"Old friends are dying one after another, like leaves falling in the wind."
Hashirama's voice was filled with sorrow. Back in his era, allies had joined Konoha one after another. Though there were occasional dissenting voices, they were few and manageable.
But now… the Uchiha clan was gone. The Uzumaki clan, too. So many had vanished, and everything felt so unpredictable. Like intestines tangled in a knot, an internal chaos he couldn't unravel.
Nagato also sighed as he recalled his childhood. He, Yahiko, and Konan had all been war orphans.
As far back as he could remember, the elders in his village had often spoken of the peaceful era under the First Hokage. A time when no one dared to touch Konohagakure because of one man—the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju.
That was why Nagato had always admired Hashirama. Even after descending into darkness, he had created Pain to deliver the will of a god—an idea inspired by Hashirama himself.
Because under the divine name of the God of Shinobi, peace had reigned.
Thus, he became the god of this world—through Pain.
After Minato finished recounting the story, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with guilt, "It was indeed due to my lack of ability."
Orochimaru smiled coldly. "Sensei, you've always had quite a few shortcomings."
Naruto stepped forward and said seriously, "What happened in the past was truly painful. But it taught us one important thing—if we're not strong enough, we can't protect the things we hold dear."
Tobirama frowned slightly and looked at Naruto. "Kid, your philosophy sounds a lot like the Uchiha's. Placing too much importance on the power of Ninjutsu."
Naruto sighed. "I did think that way in the past. But after going through so much, I realized—there's no way to live without power. Some people won't even sit down and talk about love with you unless you're strong enough to make them listen."
Everyone fell silent at Naruto's words. Each of them felt something stir within.
Nagato, having sensed the massive chakra earlier, spoke to Naruto, "Since everything's fine now, I'll head back and rest."
Naruto nodded. He could tell Nagato hadn't been asleep before. With the power of the Deva Path, he could sense chakra fluctuations acutely.
"Yes, Big Bro. You've worked hard. Go rest."
Nagato took one last look at the Four Hokage, then turned to Naruto. "I'll rest soon, Naruto. Don't keep me waiting too long. And you should know—I'm not staying by your side because of his eyes."
Naruto nodded seriously.
Shisui, having been clearly referenced, looked confused. What do you mean he's not staying because of his eyes?
Wait… could it be?
Did Naruto use Kotoamatsukami on Nagato?
He glanced at Naruto in surprise. Naruto, watching Nagato's fading figure, took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
Big Bro Nagato woke up a long time ago. It's not that Kotoamatsukami failed—it's that it helped him rediscover his true self. The version of him that wasn't shackled by hatred.
Just like in my previous life, I had spoken to him—without Kotoamatsukami—and still managed to awaken the real Nagato. That's why he chose to trust me then. That's why he's choosing to trust me now.
Watching Nagato leave, Naruto felt a renewed determination. Perhaps Nagato's desire to reunite with Yahiko was what gave him the strength to go on.
Regrets can be redeemed. So why destroy the world?
Thinking of Nagato reminded Naruto of another—Obito. That guy still needed to be awakened… by him, in this life.
Naruto turned to the Hokage and said, "Alright, esteemed Hokage ancestors. Now that we've explained everything, the reason I called you here is to stop Madara's Eye of the Moon Plan. You don't want the entire world falling into an illusion, do you? A Genjutsu world without life or meaning!"
Tobirama didn't refute him this time. Instead, he agreed.
"Of course not. I won't let the village fall prey to the Eye of the Moon plan—yet another twisted scheme from the inherently dangerous Uchiha clan."
Hashirama's expression turned stern. "Tobirama, watch your words! We have two Uchiha comrades right here!"
Tobirama glanced at Itachi and Shisui. "Except for you two. You've both passed many trials. I recognize that."
Naruto sighed. This Second Hokage uncle… if he met Sasuke now, he'd probably try to fight him on the spot for being another 'inherently evil Uchiha.'
"Okay, Uncle Second Hokage, ease up. There aren't many Uchiha left. Our enemies are Obito and Madara. That's all."
Tobirama grunted in reply.
Naruto then looked at Orochimaru. "Uncle Snake, I want to take them back to the village. Let them see what Konoha has become."
Orochimaru nodded. "No problem. Do you want me to come along?"
Naruto understood his concern. He waved a hand. "No need. If Lord Hashirama really wanted to resist, even you wouldn't be able to stop him."
Hashirama burst out laughing.
Tobirama glanced between his brother and Naruto, frowning. There was definitely a resemblance. Both had that slightly air-headed natural streak.
What the hell is going on with these two?
Naruto turned to the Hokage. "Please, everyone, place your hands on each other's shoulders. I'll use the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport us back."
Tobirama raised an eyebrow. "You brat. You can use the Flying Thunder God?"
Hiruzen frowned. "Did you teach him, Minato?"
Minato chuckled. "It's indeed my Flying Thunder God Technique, but no—I didn't teach him."
Naruto smiled. "I picked it up later. Dad, I've gotta say, your technique is seriously impressive."
Tobirama crossed his arms, clearly displeased. "Let's not forget—I'm the one who created that jutsu!"
Minato nodded respectfully. "True. I just improved it from your foundation, Lord Second."
Hearing that, Tobirama finally nodded with pride.
Hashirama was getting excited. "Naruto, come on! Hurry and take us back to the village!"
Shisui perked up too, eager to return.
Itachi gave a quiet nod.
"Alright," Naruto said, smiling.
He formed the hand seals.
Minato placed his hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"Third Hokage-sama, Second, First—please place your hands on me."
Hiruzen nodded. "Alright."
Hashirama echoed him. "Okay."
Tobirama scowled. Since his original Flying Thunder God marks had long vanished from the village, he had no way of teleporting by himself. Begrudgingly, he complied.
Hashirama noticed his brother's hesitation and barked, "Tobirama, why are you hesitating? Give me your hand!"
Tobirama slapped his brother's hand aside but placed his own on Hashirama's shoulder.
Out of respect, Itachi and Shisui placed their hands on Naruto's shoulders.
Feeling the chakra connection with all six of them, Naruto activated the Flying Thunder God Technique. With a buzz, they all vanished from Orochimaru's laboratory in a flash of light.
Left behind, Orochimaru let out a sigh.
In truth… he also wanted to go back and have a look.
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