After returning to Konoha, life once again settled into peaceful routines.
With the news of Madara Uchiha's defeat spreading, the Ninja World slowly began to regain its vitality.
The development plan for the Ninja World proceeded smoothly.
However, Minato was feeling immense pressure—Tobirama would occasionally drop by his office unannounced.
Sometimes he'd come to discuss the future of the Ninja World with Minato, other times to assist with official duties.
Facing someone with such seniority as an elder, Minato constantly felt uneasy inside.
He constantly worried he'd do something wrong and earn Tobirama's disapproval.
Luckily, Tobirama didn't have any bad intentions—he was motivated purely by curiosity.
Plus, seeing how his older brother already had many grandchildren, there were times Tobirama just couldn't bear staying at home.
Coming to the Hokage's Office actually gave him a sense of calm.
"This should've happened ages ago."
"If only Big Bro hadn't been so wishy-washy and soft-hearted."
"You wouldn't have gone through all those wars."
As Tobirama talked with Minato about the old ninja wars, his resentment toward Hashirama was obvious.
If Hashirama had listened to him earlier, even without Madara, the two brothers alone could've conquered the entire ninja world.
Then there wouldn't have been a Second or Third Great Ninja War.
"I get why Hashirama didn't want war to spread."
"Thanks to his efforts, the Ninja World did stay peaceful for quite some time."
Minato wasn't defending Hashirama—he just thought everyone saw things differently.
One couldn't simply say Hashirama was wrong, nor could one claim Tobirama's idea of military unification was absolutely right.
"What good did that do?"
"The moment he died, another big war broke out."
"If he was so capable, why didn't he just not die?"
Tobirama didn't care one bit. Grumbling about Hashirama had become second nature to him.
"Look at you."
"Why don't you try not dying yourself?"
"How come you blame me now?"
Before Minato could say a word, Hashirama strolled in carrying Hanami.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
Unfazed, Tobirama stood up and snatched Hanami from Hashirama's arms.
"Call me Grandpa."
The moment Hanami was in Tobirama's arms, his entire demeanor softened, lighting up with an unusually warm smile.
Minato was stunned—was this the same stoic Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju?
"Grandpa!"
Hanami called out sweetly, and Tobirama's smile widened even more.
"Why are you kidnapping my granddaughter?"
Hashirama reached out, but Tobirama easily dodged him.
"What can you possibly teach Hanami?"
"You taught Tsunade gambling too."
"If it weren't for me, she probably would only recognize dice numbers."
Tobirama presented facts logically, and Hashirama immediately lost all arguments.
With Tsunade as a precedent, the only reason he could even bring Hanami here was because he'd sneaked her out secretly.
"Fine, fine. Take her."
Helplessly, Hashirama plopped onto the couch, and now Minato felt even more uneasy.
Originally, he had no boss watching over him anymore—but suddenly, two retired leaders dropped by and started hovering around his work. It was incredibly uncomfortable.
"Ignore us. Just keep working."
Hashirama kindly allowed Minato to continue with his tasks.
"Alright."
Minato got up and went back to his desk but couldn't focus at all.
Beside him, the Hokage's assistant Shikaku Nara was also making unusually frequent trips to the restroom.
Kawaki didn't know anything about what had happened to Minato.
Even if he did know, there was nothing he could do about it anyway.
At the Hatake family estate, Kawaki and Tsunade were casually chatting with Sakumo's couple.
Ritsukimi and Seina were playing not far away, with Ghost Mastiff and Little White dutifully by their sides.
"When are you planning to go find Madara?"
Sakumo couldn't bear seeing Tsunade remaining in her Reanimation body any longer.
This was already the Nth time he'd brought up this topic since returning.
"Big brother, stop rushing me."
"I'm even more anxious than you are."
"Orochimaru should be getting news soon."
"I'm waiting for his results."
"Sharpening your blade won't slow you down when it's time to cut wood. There's no need to hurry for a day or two."
Kawaki naturally wouldn't refuse another opportunity to enhance his strength.
Even though he felt confident in his current strength, who would ever complain about having more tricks up their sleeve?
If things ever took an unexpected turn, he'd be ready to handle them calmly.
"It's not that I want to rush you."
"As long as Madara remains at large, my heart won't settle."
Sakumo sighed. He knew well he couldn't defeat Madara himself—he would've gone otherwise.
"Don't worry."
"I understand the timing."
"Once we deal with Madara—"
"We can finally hold Nagato and Yahiko's wedding."
"With so many celebrations at once, we should make it truly grand."
Kawaki changed the subject, finally letting Sakumo temporarily forget about Madara.
"That's definitely true."
"Their wedding has to be done properly."
"Poor Nagato!"
As Sakumo spoke, he glanced at Kawaki—clearly suggesting that Kawaki hadn't taken good care of his student.
"All right then, Big Brother."
"Kawaki didn't intend for it either."
"He tried his best. Please don't blame him anymore."
"The outcome will surely satisfy you."
Tsunade came to Kawaki's defense, clearly confident in him—revival wasn't something she was especially eager to rush.
"You're always on his side."
"As their older brother, what's wrong with me scolding him a little?"
Sakumo put on an air of authority, indeed looking more imposing than Kawaki outwardly.
"Yeah, yeah, suit yourself."
"Who else is calling the shots around here if not you?"
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Kawaki did feel somewhat guilty and resigned himself to the scolding without protest.
"Fine, you just like talking tough."
"Then go ahead and do it yourself if you're so capable."
"Easy for you to talk—you're not the one dealing with it."
Natsuki lightly patted Sakumo a few times, clearly choosing sides against her husband.
"You—"
"Sigh—"
Sakumo held back for quite some time before sighing deeply, his previously erected authoritative image completely crumbling.
"Hahaha~"
Kawaki and Tsunade couldn't help laughing upon seeing Sakumo defeated.
"What are you laughing at? Hurry up and get things moving."
"I'll be waiting for the wedding toast."
Sakumo said as he stood up and walked toward Ritsukimi and Seina.
"My little angels, let me join in your game!"
Sakumo flashed a crooked grin and swaggered playfully as he pulled the two gentle children into his arms.
"Big Sister, I'll leave preparations for Nagato and Yahiko's wedding to you and Tsunade."
"It won't take long."
Kawaki knew Natsuki wasn't voicing her thoughts openly, but deep down, she surely felt the same way Sakumo did.
He completely understood this impatient anticipation.
"With your words, I can rest easy."
"Come on, let's go shopping."
Natsuki smiled, grabbed Tsunade's hand, and headed for the door.
"I'll go too. I should check up on Orochimaru."
Kawaki said and stood up as well. By the time Sakumo snapped back to reality, only he and the two kids remained in the courtyard.
"Great, not even a word before leaving."
"Does anyone even respect me—the head of this household?"
Gazing at the deserted stone table, Sakumo felt abandoned.
"You've still got me, Dad."
"Uncle, you've still got Ritsukimi."
The two clingy little girls instantly melted Sakumo into an emotional mess with their sweet words.
...
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