With the end of the great war, news of Madara Uchiha's return rapidly spread throughout the Ninja World.
The Moon's Eye Plan threw everyone into chaos.
After all, no one wanted to be devoured by the God Tree after barely living out a few dreams. The price for such a dream would be far too high.
When people learned that Konoha's elite fighters had clashed with Madara and even lost the Fourth Hokage, their spirits plummeted.
In their eyes, Tsunade had unified the Ninja World, earning her legendary status.
If a legend like her, a ninja of such strength, had fallen at Madara's hands, how impossibly strong must he be?
And with Kawaki—the Second God of the Ninja World—also failing to defeat him, some had already begun losing hope.
The entire atmosphere of the Ninja World grew heavy, and in no time at all, the once-enthusiastic development plans were shelved.
No one was still interested in pushing forward with grand visions for the future of the Ninja World. Everyone's focus now turned to Konoha.
But none of that mattered to Kawaki anymore.
Kawaki held Tsunade's hand as they reached the door, but hesitated to go in.
He had no idea how to face the two children.
Their mother had left them whole and came back like this.
Even though she stood beside them, it couldn't change the fact that she was gone.
"Don't worry. Ginji and Ritsukimi are both strong kids."
"Aren't you the one who said you could bring us back to life?"
"This form is only temporary."
"Right?"
Tsunade knew exactly what Kawaki was thinking. His guilt must have weighed far heavier than she realized.
Her gentle voice gave Kawaki great courage.
"I will."
Kawaki gave a slight nod, took a few deep breaths, then pushed open the door and stepped inside.
Not a few steps in, Ginji and Ritsukimi came sprinting out.
"Dad, Mom."
"Are you okay?"
"No injuries~"
Ritsukimi, burning with excitement, dashed forward on her little legs straight into Kawaki's arms while smiling at Tsunade.
But Ginji hadn't even finished speaking before his words seemed stuck in his throat.
Staring blankly at the cracks on Tsunade's face and her dull, lifeless eyes, tears suddenly streamed down without warning.
He'd seen it before—he couldn't be mistaken.
"Mom…you~"
Ginji's voice trembled with sorrow as he raised his hand and stepped slowly toward Tsunade.
When his hand touched her face, the icy touch and visible cracks made the truth undeniable.
Mom is dead!!!
He couldn't say another word. Ginji threw his arms around Tsunade and broke into tears.
Only now did little Ritsukimi realize something strange, noticing the difference between her mom now and how she used to be.
"Waaahhh~"
She buried her face in Kawaki's shoulder, quickly soaking his shirt with tears.
"It's okay, don't cry. Mom is still here, standing right in front of you."
"This is just temporary."
"Dad will bring Mom back, and Nagato too."
"Good boy, Ginji~"
Tenderly stroking Ginji's hair, Tsunade's eyes glistened with tears as well.
It had been a long time since Ginji had been petted on the head by Tsunade like this, not since he'd grown up.
His already fragile composure shattered completely, making him sob even harder.
"It's because Dad didn't take proper care of Mama."
"Dad is sorry to both of you."
Kawaki tried to calm Ginji and Ritsukimi down, but soon found himself losing control of his own emotions as well.
The four of them clung together tightly, the air heavy with sorrow.
Natsuki held Seina in her arms while Kakashi stood beside them, both shedding silent tears.
No one could tell how long had passed before everyone finally calmed down.
Though reluctant to accept what had happened, Ginji and Ritsukimi had no choice but to come to terms with it, hoping Kawaki could revive Tsunade soon.
After a night filled with unease, they all gathered the next morning in the Operations Department's meeting room within the Hokage Building.
The Five Kage stood together on the stage, surrounded by Jonin from Konoha filling the seats below.
Such a large-scale meeting hadn't been held in ages.
Without exception, worry was etched on every face, and the atmosphere in the entire hall was unbearably heavy.
"If no one else wishes to speak first, I'll begin."
Hashirama stepped forward, drawing all attention toward him.
"Madara Uchiha—surely none of you are unfamiliar with that name."
"All those years ago, after my battle against him, he escaped by faking his death."
"This current situation is my burden to bear."
"As the First Hokage, I have failed Konoha—and each and every one of you."
After saying that, Hashirama deeply bowed. It was clear he wasn't putting on a show—he genuinely felt remorseful.
"First Hokage, please, you are too hard on yourself."
"Madara Uchiha is cunning and manipulative; you bear no blame."
"This isn't your fault."
"..."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, but there was agreement on one thing—no one held Hashirama responsible.
If anyone should be blamed, it was Tobirama instead.
Why did he have to create the Impure World Reincarnation technique in the first place?
Without the Impure World Reincarnation, there wouldn't have been these troubles!
"Thank you all for understanding."
"I won't hide anything from you either—the current situation is extremely severe."
"Right now, Madara's strength has completely surpassed mine."
"He's already sealed five Tailed Beasts."
"The remaining ones—One-Tail, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, and Nine-Tails—are still in our hands."
"But to complete the Moon's Eye Plan, he will definitely strike again without doubt."
"We don't know when he will strike."
"But one thing's certain—we cannot let the battlefield reach Konoha."
"Not anywhere with civilians either."
"We'll bring the Tailed Beasts to the desert region in the Land of Wind."
"There's no absolute certainty we can win this battle, so we need everyone's strength."
"Rasa of Sunagakure, Sasori, and Kakuzu from Akatsuki have already gathered in the Land of Wind."
"This is a battle that concerns the entire Ninja World. Everyone, are you willing to contribute your power alongside us?"
Hashirama's voice wasn't loud, but it rang clearly through the meeting room.
He did not issue orders forcefully by virtue of being the First Hokage. Instead, he spoke with sincere conviction.
"Of course we're willing!!!"
The thunderous response shattered the stillness of the room and echoed outward.
At this moment, fighting spirit soared. Hashirama's words ignited the room, turning the atmosphere electric with fervor.
"Everyone, please calm down first."
"Let me make one thing perfectly clear first."
"Your current strength is still not enough to face Madara in battle."
"We don't need you serving as cannon fodder either."
"Just focus solely on sealing the reanimated shinobi under Madara's control. Do not interfere with the decisive battle that will shape the future of the Ninja World."
Tobirama stepped forward, his cold gaze dousing the rising enthusiasm.
He had no intention of letting anyone lose their composure and charge at Madara blindly.
That would only result in a pointless death.
"Understood."
Seeing the satisfied response, Tobirama gave a slight nod and remained silent.
Please bookmark: Naruto: A Journey Beginning with Courting Tsunade (m.