Another timeline—
It's almost over.
Once we formally sign the alliance treaty with the Raikage in a month, this war will finally come to an end.
Inside the Hokage Building, the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, stared at the victory report in his hand and spoke in a low voice.
He let out a long sigh of relief. This news meant that the years-long First Great Ninja War was about to conclude.
Upon hearing the Second's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others in the room also showed expressions of joy.
"Really? That's incredible news!"
Someone couldn't help but exclaim loudly.
"Yes, it's finally ending!"
Another person chimed in.
Ever since the First Hokage passed away, the various nations had been eyeing Konoha covetously, seizing the opportunity presented by Senju Hashirama's death to launch sudden attacks.
Previously, deterred by Hashirama's might, they hadn't dared to act recklessly. But with that restraint gone, these forces immediately declared war on Konoha without hesitation.
Kumogakure and the Land of Lightning were the first to ignite the flames of war.
Under the leadership of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, Konoha's elite shinobi fought against the entire ninja world single-handedly while also protecting the village's foundational legacy.
During this time, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo, and Kagami Uchiha had also grown rapidly in strength.
Just as everyone was breathing a sigh of relief, Danzo suddenly spoke up, voicing his concerns.
"Teacher, although we are about to form an alliance with the Raikage, the treaty signing is scheduled to take place within the Land of Lightning. We should still proceed with caution."
Hearing Danzo's words, Senju Tobirama nodded, acknowledging his concern.
But as the fastest shinobi in the ninja world, he believed he could handle any unexpected situations.
"Hahaha, no need to worry!"
He waved his hand, reassuring everyone with a firm tone.
"Over these past few years, every ninja village's resources have been nearly depleted. They simply don't have enough supplies to sustain further warfare."
After hearing this, Danzo said nothing more.
Just as Senju Tobirama was about to continue giving instructions, a mechanical notification sound abruptly echoed in his mind without warning.
[Ding! You have joined the Konoha Hokage Chat Group. Group Owner Aoki has initiated a Round Table Conference. Please attend on time!]
The sudden notification instantly put Tobirama on high alert.
Even though the war was nearing its end, he hadn't let his guard down in the slightest—he was well aware that many shinobi from other villages were waiting for an opportunity to assassinate him, the Hokage.
"Teacher, what's wrong?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with concern.
"Is there an enemy invasion?"
The others also grew tense.
Seeing Senju Tobirama suddenly become rigid and alert, Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others exchanged glances and quickly scanned the entire Hokage office.
Observing the Anbu shinobi stationed around, they felt slightly reassured.
After confirming there were no signs of an external enemy invasion, Senju Tobirama was instead left stunned.
The notification sound rang in his mind again. This was neither a Genjutsu nor accompanied by any Chakra fluctuations.
Realizing this matter required thorough investigation, Tobirama resolved to enter the group chat space to see for himself.
With the Flying Thunder God Technique at his disposal, he believed there wouldn't be any danger.
"Alright!"
He declared in a deep voice, choosing to join this Round Table Conference.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage building elsewhere, Tsunade was facing Naruto's questioning about her decision to let someone leave.
After a moment of silence, she gave her reply.
"Yes."
Naruto immediately pressed her on why she had allowed Jiraiya to venture into danger alone, emphasizing that Tsunade knew better than anyone Jiraiya's nature—that perpetually unreliable perverted sage.
Just then, Kakashi stepped in to mediate, trying to explain to Naruto.
"Naruto, you don't understand the Fifth Hokage's difficulties."
Hearing Kakashi's words, Naruto fell silent for a few seconds before turning and heading toward the door.
Before leaving, he looked back at Tsunade and threw out one last remark.
"If the perverted sage were the Fifth Hokage, he would never have let you go to such a dangerous place alone!"
With those words, Naruto left the Hokage building, leaving everyone in the office exchanging bewildered glances.
Alone in the empty office, Tsunade finally let down her usual tough facade, revealing her true desolation.
She was lost in her chaotic thoughts when a mechanical notification suddenly rang out in her mind.
[Ding! You have joined the Konoha Hokage Chat Group. Group owner Aoki has initiated a Round Table Conference. Please attend on time!]
The sudden voice in her mind startled Tsunade. She quickly scanned her surroundings but found nothing unusual and sensed no Chakra fluctuations whatsoever.
This meant the voice truly originated from within her own mind.
"Konoha Hokage Chat Group?"
Tsunade fell into deep thought, recalling the perilous state of the ninja world—according to the intelligence Jiraiya had sent back, Pain's next target was the remaining Tailed Beasts.
A sense of powerlessness washed over her.
Considering this, Tsunade decided to give it a try and declared:
"I'll join."
With a soft utterance, she chose to join the group chat.
Instantly, a multicolored light enveloped her entire body. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself within that group chat space.
At that moment, Aoki, seated at the head of the round table, was watching the colorful curtain of light that appeared after the summoning notification was issued.
Three figures emerged from the curtain one after another.
The first to appear was a long-haired man wearing loose-fitting traditional Japanese clothing.
"Wow! This place is truly amazing!"
The man exclaimed in awe.
"I feel like the injuries on my body have stopped worsening."
The newcomer was none other than Senju Hashirama.
He curiously examined his surroundings while sensing the changes in his body, his interest growing by the moment.
Just then, Hashirama noticed Aoki sitting at the head of the table.
He was about to speak when another figure emerged behind him.
The newcomer wore blue battle armor that bore the marks of countless battles, exuding a sharp and imposing aura.
Senju Tobirama had intended to figure out the details of this group chat, but when he saw the living, breathing Hashirama before him, he froze in place.
This was definitely not an effect achievable by the Edo Tensei.
"Huh?! Brother?"
Tobirama exclaimed in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock.
"Tobirama!"
Hashirama looked at him with equal surprise and delight.
"I didn't expect you to come too. I thought I was the only one who heard that voice."
Before the two brothers could exchange more words, another surprised voice called out from behind.
"Grandpa? And... Second Grandpa?"