Chapter 48: Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo
One month later.
Senju Training Ground 1.
"Sage Art: Lava Release: Rasenshuriken!"
Masahiko turned his head away. Cool guys don't look at explosions...
Over the past month, Masahiko had stabilized his appearance to look about 53 years old, finally calming the worries of his three disciples.
Masahiko hadn't been completely idle either. When he had free time, he went through another round of adding points. Destroying the Shinigami had netted him 80 Witness Points. He added 28 points to his Earth attribute, finally fusing it to create Lava Release. After that, he added another 20 points to his Yang attribute, further increasing his Taijutsu abilities and chakra reserves.
He saved the remaining 32 points, planning to "click" Dust Release into existence next time...
A breeze brushed past his face as Tobirama used the Body Flicker Technique to appear by his side.
"Great-Uncle, my brother is asking..." Tobirama stopped halfway through his sentence.
"Your brother is asking for me?" Masahiko asked, turning around.
"Er... what happened to Training Ground 1?" Masahiko put on an innocent expression as he "discovered" that Training Ground 1 had been reduced to ash by his Rasenshuriken.
'With this kind of power, I could probably break through Stage 2 Susanoo... But by now, Madara probably has the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. I feel like I'm always one step behind,' Masahiko thought.
"I'm going to find your brother!" Masahiko shouted, leaving a bewildered Tobirama standing in the wind.
Arriving at the Senju main hall, he found Hashirama packed and ready to go.
Masahiko paused. "Hashirama, you're ready to leave? You're going alone?"
Hashirama nodded. "We've already delayed for a month. This matter shouldn't be put off any longer."
"Did you call me here to ask me to go with you?" Masahiko asked.
"Er..." Hashirama hesitated. "If you are willing to come, that would be best. You represent the attitude of the Uzumaki clan. If you don't want to go, then I just wanted to say goodbye."
Masahiko considered it. "Which clan are you planning to visit first?"
"The Sarutobi clan. We've cooperated before, so it should go smoothly," Hashirama replied.
"Sarutobi, huh..." Masahiko fell into a memory, thinking of the young Sarutobi Sasuke he met nine years ago.
'By this time, the Third Hokage should have been born...' Masahiko muttered, then replied, "I'll go with you!"
After quickly packing his bags, Masahiko set off with Hashirama. Trailing behind them were three "little tails."
His three disciples were leaving the Uzumaki clan territory for the first time. Now that they were out, none of them wanted to go back; they all wanted to follow Masahiko and see the world.
When they arrived at the Sarutobi clan, everything went even smoother than expected. The Sarutobi Clan Head had changed; the 22-year-old Sarutobi Sasuke was now the leader.
He was known by the entire clan as the "Hope of the Sarutobi." Being a Peak Jonin at 22, if his strength increased just one step further, the Sarutobi would have their first Clan Head-level ninja, officially becoming a medium-sized clan.
Sarutobi Sasuke was extremely respectful to Masahiko, calling him "Sensei" upon meeting. After learning of Hashirama's purpose, he agreed after only a slight hesitation and even offered to help persuade the other small clans.
The atmosphere relaxed. Masahiko suppressed a smile and turned to his three disciples. "Come, say hello to your Eldest Senior Brother."
After that, he pointed at Nanako and introduced her to Sarutobi Sasuke, "This is your Second Junior Brother (Pigsy)." He pointed at Yiko, "This is your Junior Brother Sandy."
"Pfft..." Masahiko laughed, pointing at Kento. "And this is the White Dragon Horse."
"Our 'Journey to the West' pilgrimage team is officially assembled. We can depart."
The four of them looked at each other. Nanako rolled her eyes and said to Sarutobi Sasuke, "Senior Brother, don't mind him. Sensei often says messy nonsense. Just ignore it."
After the laughter, Sarutobi Sasuke looked serious and said to Masahiko, "Sensei, may I teach the jutsu you taught me to others?"
"Teach who?" Although Masahiko didn't use the Rasengan much anymore, he didn't want Naruto's future signature move to become something everyone knew.
"My son, Hiruzen," Sarutobi Sasuke said with a smile. "He's only four years old, but we tested his chakra nature a few days ago. He possesses all five chakra natures naturally. In the future, he will surely surpass me and become an amazing ninja."
"The Third Hokage is four years old... That means there are five years left until the founding of Konoha..." Masahiko fell into thought upon hearing the familiar name.
"Ah, yes, you can!" Masahiko snapped back to reality. Seeing Sarutobi Sasuke's disappointed look, he quickly agreed.
The atmosphere relaxed again. Hashirama described his dream of building a village to Sarutobi Sasuke in full detail, painting a picture of a beautiful future before his eyes.
Although Sarutobi Sasuke wasn't an idealist like Hashirama, he felt a surge of excitement. He volunteered, "Clan Head Hashirama, I will do my best to persuade the Sarutobi's allies. The Shimura clan won't be a problem, and the others likely won't object too much. For small clans like us, survival in the Warring States is not easy."
He turned to Masahiko. "The current head of the Shimura clan is that kid, Shimura Ken. He should agree."
Masahiko hummed. "Shimura Ken doesn't happen to have a son too, does he...?"
Sarutobi Sasuke looked confused. "How did you know? He does have a son named Shimura Danzo. He's the same age as Hiruzen-kun, but his talent is far inferior—he only has a single Wind affinity." As he spoke, he revealed a look of slight pride.
Masahiko sighed softly. "Both of your sons will become incredible figures..."
Sarutobi Sasuke beamed. "I hope your words come true..."
Afterward, Sarutobi Sasuke and Hashirama discussed the itinerary for the upcoming journey in detail while Masahiko and his three disciples listened boredly from the side.
When the discussion ended, Masahiko said to Hashirama, "Hashirama, I'm taking my three disciples back to the Uzumaki clan. I won't be participating in the rest of this."
Masahiko didn't want to follow Hashirama as he steamrolled from one clan to the next; there were practically no Witness Points to be gained. Furthermore, Masahiko felt a sense of urgency. Madara now possessed the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. With his current strength, Masahiko feared he would be helpless if he faced Madara again. He wanted to return to the clan and train hard. There were five years until Konoha was founded, and at least four years until Madara's defeat. He hoped to find a way to increase his strength before then.
Hearing that Masahiko was leaving, Hashirama was visibly stunned. Masahiko had been so enthusiastic when they arrived; he hadn't expected him to want to leave so suddenly.
"Great-Uncle, is it your health..." Hashirama asked worriedly after a moment.
Masahiko rolled his eyes. "My health is fine. Don't forget, I am the Great Elder of the Uzumaki clan. There are many matters in the clan that require my attention."
Hashirama didn't believe Masahiko's excuse for a second, but he didn't stop him.
"Sensei, I hope our next meeting will be in our shared village," Sarutobi Sasuke said.
Masahiko nodded and took his three disciples, who still hadn't had enough fun, back toward the Uzumaki clan.
As for the 4-year-old Sarutobi Hiruzen, Masahiko didn't try to go see him.
In five years, he'd probably be seeing him every day whether he wanted to or not...
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