The staircase descended for so long that Naruto lost track of time. At the bottom was a massive chamber lit by torches that flared to life as they approached—despite being centuries old.
In the center sat a statue of a man with long hair and stern eyes, armored like a warrior but carrying a peaceful expression.
Shikamaru whispered, almost reverently:
"That's not Hashirama… but the style is similar."
When Naruto stepped closer, the statue's eyes snapped open.
The ANBU drew their blades instantly.
A voice echoed through the chamber, ancient and powerful:
"Uzumaki Naruto. Hokage. Child of the sun."
Naruto stiffened.
Shikamaru cursed under his breath.
"Here we go…"
Cracks formed across the statue as it transformed—stone turning to flesh, dust blowing away in a swirl of chakra. The man who emerged stood tall and imposing.
"I am Senju Raiden," he said. "Brother to the First Hokage—forgotten by history. Guardian of what lies beneath."
Naruto blinked.
"Hashirama had a brother named Raiden?"
"No," Shikamaru whispered. "At least… not in any written history."
Raiden's eyes glowed with fiery gold.
"History hides what was too dangerous to remember."