But who was he, really? After only three months of training, Kaede's strength had already reached the level of a jōnin.
In terms of identity, he was the disciple of the First Hokage himself — already an extraordinary position.
In terms of strength and talent, he surpassed most of the older generation present.
Realizing this, Kaede's nerves gradually eased.
He could still hear faint whispers among the smaller clans, but his expression remained calm and unreadable.
Hashirama sat silently, saying nothing. He seemed to be waiting for something.
Behind him, Tobirama's gaze was cold and sharp, filled with visible hostility toward one of the elders at the main table.
Kaede immediately sensed the tension. *So that's how it is... this meeting won't be peaceful.*
His eyes shifted toward the elder in question — an aged man whose vitality was surprisingly strong. He must be from the Senju clan...
Kaede's brow twitched slightly. *This doesn't look good.*
When he glanced at Hashirama, his teacher coughed softly, lifted his teacup, and gave him a helpless look — one that clearly said, Don't get involved.
Kaede sighed internally. So, the problem's inside the clan, huh?
He suddenly felt as if disaster had struck from the sky while he was minding his own business.
No wonder Tobirama's hostility was so blatant — this meeting was clearly about questioning Hashirama's decision to take on a disciple.
After all, to become the student of the "God of Shinobi" was an honor that could change one's fate entirely. For many Senju, such power and influence should remain within their family.
But Hashirama had never cared much for bloodline politics — and Tobirama, despite his pragmatism, wasn't one to support nepotism either.
So, the Senju elders had no choice but to direct their frustration elsewhere. Naturally, the easiest target was Hashirama's young disciple.
"Ahem, Lord Hokage, this must be your new disciple?"
The elder who had been glaring earlier finally broke the silence, his tone polite but sharp.
From the moment he opened his mouth, his intent was obvious.
"Haha, Elder Naoki is correct," Hashirama said with a smile, his eyes unreadable. "This is the disciple I accepted a few months ago."
Being under that calm yet immense gaze, Naoki felt an invisible pressure pressing down on him. Still, for the sake of his clan, he steeled himself and continued.
"He is indeed quite talented. Lord Hokage has extraordinary foresight."
Kaede barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes. That's the art of flattery right there… but could you at least mean it?
Hashirama replied evenly, "You're too kind. He still has a long way to go."
Naoki chuckled. "Lord Hokage is too modest. As the God of Shinobi, it's only natural that your disciple would be exceptional."
It was clear he didn't catch the warning hidden in Hashirama's words — or chose to ignore it.
The atmosphere grew heavier, and Kaede could already predict what would come next.
Naoki's tone shifted slightly. "But..."
The single word made Hashirama's expression darken, his hands tightening around his cup.
"It's no small matter to be the Hokage's disciple," Naoki continued smoothly. "I believe it's necessary to assess his strength — for the sake of Konoha's future. Don't you agree, Lord Hokage?"
His speech was quick and polished, clearly rehearsed long before this meeting.
Tobirama's face immediately sank, his expression as dark as ink.
*Is this man serious?*
It had barely been a few months since Hashirama took Kaede as his student, and this elder wanted to "test" him publicly?
Even Hashirama, usually mild-tempered, looked visibly displeased. Not because he doubted Kaede's ability — but because Naoki was deliberately cornering him.
Before Hashirama could respond, a mocking voice interrupted.
"Where's your shame, old man?"
Everyone turned in shock.
It was Uchiha Madara.
A collective murmur rippled through the room. The Senju and Uchiha were supposed to be rivals — and yet here was Madara, stepping in on Hashirama's behalf.
As the room fell silent, Madara's crimson eyes narrowed, and an oppressive aura burst from him like a tidal wave.
The killing intent was so thick it was nearly tangible.
Several elders froze in place, their bodies trembling under the pressure.
Fortunately, Hashirama acted quickly, countering Madara's chakra with his own and forcing the air back to normal.
"Madara, calm down," he said with a weary smile. "We're still in a meeting. Don't go scaring everyone."
Hashirama's tone was light, almost indulgent. It seemed even the great Uchiha couldn't escape his friend's gentle reprimands.
Standing nearby, Tobirama smirked faintly. For once, he didn't seem to mind Madara's outburst.
Once the tension settled, Hashirama turned back to Naoki.
"Elder Naoki," he said quietly, "are you suggesting my disciple should fight you?"
Naoki's face twitched, and he hurriedly waved his hands. "No, no, I would never do something so disrespectful!"
He smiled stiffly and added, "However, my grandson is ten years old — not too young, not too old. Perhaps he could serve as a fair opponent?"
Even the other clan heads couldn't help but cringe.
*A ten-year-old versus a five-year-old? And he calls that fair?*
Shamelessness truly had no limits.
Hashirama looked down at Kaede, his expression calm. "What do you think, Kaede?"
Every gaze in the room turned toward him.
This was no simple duel — this was a trial by fire.
If he won, it would only be expected of the Hokage's disciple.
If he lost, it would bring shame not only to himself but to Hashirama as well.
Naoki gave a patronizing smile. "It's all right if you're nervous, boy. Being the Hokage's disciple comes with heavy pressure."
Kaede tilted his head, then shrugged with a faint smile.
"Alright. I don't mind. If he wants to embarrass himself, I'll allow it."
The confidence in his tone caught many off guard.
Naoki frowned, but quickly dismissed it. *A five-year-old... how strong could he really be?*
"In that case," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction, "why not have the match today? A little demonstration before the meeting ends."
Hashirama gave Tobirama a subtle glance. Tobirama nodded and gestured toward the window. A moment later, an Anbu vanished from sight.
"Two hours from now," Hashirama announced, "the match will be held at the training grounds beside the Hokage Building."
No one objected.
As the meeting adjourned, the clan heads began to leave one by one, most of them whispering among themselves. Many planned to bring their young heirs to witness the fight firsthand.
When the room finally emptied, Hashirama and Tobirama exchanged glances — and faint smiles appeared on both their faces.
Neither spoke, but their thoughts were clear.
*The elders may have set this up to humiliate Kaede...*
*But they were about to learn who they were really dealing with.*
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