Encountering the child Haku was indeed somewhat unexpected, but life itself was an intersection of all kinds of accidents, so Natsuhiko was able to accept it calmly.
Moreover, this child's appearance did not disrupt Natsuhiko's own plan. He still followed his original idea and wandered around the Land of Water.
It wasn't until his feet finally reached the coastline that he decided it was time to return directly to Konoha.
In truth, there was one matter that sometimes gave Natsuhiko a headache, and that was whether this child would speak carelessly after learning that he was Konoha's Hokage.
After all, for a Kage to run into another village's territory and act recklessly was already something hard to accept.
Especially when what Natsuhiko had done was practically no different from a villain's behavior. More or less, there was some risk of exposing him.
However, when Natsuhiko told Haku that "my appearance in the Land of Water is a secret between the two of us," and instructed the child not to reveal that secret, this little fellow seemed to have found "the meaning of his existence" and immediately promised Natsuhiko that he would absolutely not reveal any information.
This made Natsuhiko quite satisfied. Haku's loyalty, like Kimimaro's, was basically something that reached the maximum.
Speaking of which, it was truly rather amusing. In a place like Kirigakure, although there were not many stories in the original story, every ninja who came from there had professional qualities that were almost fully developed.
Although there were also somewhat embarrassing existences like Raiga of the Thunder Blades, in the end, the other characters had truly left a fairly deep impression on Natsuhiko.
Whether it was Kimimaro, Haku, or Kisame, these fellows were either unbelievably loyal or frighteningly professional.
To put it bluntly, even if people like them had many flaws, that could not hide Natsuhiko's liking for them, because this was the true embodiment of a ninja.
As for Konoha, those with relatively better professionalism also had Uchiha Itachi to represent them.
Unfortunately, in Natsuhiko's eyes, Uchiha Itachi was truly mentally unstable, no matter how noble the things he did seemed.
That could not hide the fact that he was far too self-righteous, and that he simply did not know how to properly use his own brain to think about what the best method was in their situation at the time.
"Since this guy already had the resolve to wipe out his entire clan, then why not strike first and kill all the hawkish elders directly?
Then force Uchiha Fugaku to step down and strip him of his positions as clan head and Police Force chief, while pushing the dovish elders into power and returning the Police Force to Konoha.
I refuse to believe that under such circumstances, he would still need to slaughter the entire clan just to protect Uchiha Sasuke."
Natsuhiko's idea could not really be called an especially good plan, but compared with what Uchiha Itachi actually did, at least Natsuhiko could have preserved the Uchiha Clan.
However, the Uchiha seemed to have always had the potential to betray someone. Whether it was toward the village or toward their families, they seemed capable of doing it.
"In the future, once Kisame joins Akatsuki, I'll have Nagato bring him to me. I can't afford to let a ninja of that caliber slip away."
Natsuhiko had no intention of letting Kisame go. He had already obtained two members of "Kirigakure Loyal Trio," and if he brought Kisame in as well, then the set would be complete.
However, those were matters for the future. What Natsuhiko had to do now was return to Konoha, then use Edo Tensei again on Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.
Aside from that, Natsuhiko also planned to summon Rin as well.
Since he had already decided to revive her, what was wrong with summoning her in advance and letting her adapt to the current life?
Moreover, Natsuhiko knew that Rin's death had not been that simple. Uchiha Madara had definitely been involved.
Letting her come back to life and expose Uchiha Madara's shadow ahead of time, thereby drawing the attention of Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama, could also be considered a good thing.
Without any ceremony, Natsuhiko summoned those ten White Zetsu together. Then, under Haku's somewhat frightened gaze, he directly sealed their chakra and knocked all ten White Zetsu unconscious.
Finally, after confirming that Black Zetsu had not left any hidden tricks on their bodies, he brought Haku and the ten White Zetsu back to Konoha through the Flying Thunder God Technique.
The Land of Fire in November was also filled with snow, but the Land of Fire was much warmer than the Land of Water.
Moreover, the place Natsuhiko chose was Senju Tobirama's laboratory, where the temperature was naturally much more comfortable than outside.
The reason Natsuhiko chose this place was because although this laboratory was large enough, there was only Senju Tobirama inside.
After all, Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama were still extremely secret existences right now.
Before completely reviving them, Natsuhiko did not intend to let them meet the world in their current appearance.
Likewise, the two of them temporarily did not have such thoughts either. In fact, they felt that even after being fully revived, they would rather use the Transformation Technique and become someone else.
They were former Hokage, and as the two Hokage who had founded Konoha and stabilized Konoha, they did not want to cause trouble for Natsuhiko.
Of course, they also knew that they could not influence any of Natsuhiko's decisions.
There was no doubt that Natsuhiko was a person with very strong opinions. Such a person truly could not be easily disturbed by others, but they were still worried about outside influence.
As for this, Natsuhiko did not care at all. If he could not even suppress the influence of these two Hokage, then how could he complete that mission?
"You're back?"
Natsuhiko's sudden appearance really startled Senju Tobirama, who was studying the curse mark inside Nagato's body, but very quickly, his expression darkened.
"As the Hokage, you ran out for two or three months without sending back a single message. Do you think that is appropriate?"
"Hokage?"
Haku was still somewhat dizzy. The Flying Thunder God Technique was not something anyone could easily adapt to, especially the feeling of passing through space at high speed, and Haku clearly could not adapt to it.
However, even though he was uncomfortable, Haku still heard what Senju Tobirama said. Although Haku had always lived in the Land of Water, he still knew what a Kage was.
Haku had never imagined that the person who had asked whether he was willing to follow him would actually be the Hokage.
"Want the job yourself?"
Natsuhiko smiled disdainfully. Then he directly took off his mask, and at the same time, he also removed his cloak.
Haku had been watching Natsuhiko the entire time. This was the first time the child saw Natsuhiko's true face, and Haku discovered that his lord was actually so young.
But could someone so young really be the Hokage?
"You little brat, you really are irritating."
Senju Tobirama naturally knew that Natsuhiko was joking, and he would not get angry over such a small matter.
He looked curiously at the child following Natsuhiko's side. He did not know why Natsuhiko had brought such a child back.
However, when his gaze fell on the White Zetsu lying all over the ground, each of them possessing cells that were almost exactly the same as his elder brother's, his expression immediately changed.
"What are these things?"
Senju Tobirama looked at Natsuhiko with an extremely grave expression. Those ten unconscious White Zetsu had truly given him a huge shock, and he really could not understand where Natsuhiko had gotten these things.
Most importantly, the cells, power, and even chakra inside these fellows' bodies were truly far too compatible with his elder brother.
Could it be that there was someone in the shinobi world just like him, conducting human experiments using his elder brother's cells, and that these white fellows were the results of those experiments?
But how exactly had Natsuhiko learned about these people? And who were they?
However, Senju Tobirama quickly reacted. Were these white things not the same as the things inside the body of that kid named Nagato, the one who had the Rinnegan?
Could it be that Natsuhiko had gone to find those people and wiped out their base along the way?
"I think Tobirama-senpai should have guessed it as well."
Seeing the changes in Senju Tobirama's expression, Natsuhiko immediately knew that this man had probably thought of something, so he spoke with a smile.
"The things inside Nagato's body gave me inspiration. I believed that there must be people outside Konoha doing the same thing you once did, Senpai."
This sentence immediately made Senju Tobirama's expression darken. In the end, he was indeed the one who had started the research into Senju Hashirama's cells.
"As for how these things spread out, I am not sure either, but I know that someone's experiment was very successful.
Because of that, I became interested in this matter. My original goal was to seize those white tissues, bring them back, and fuse them with death-row prisoners, then use the successful bodies as sacrifices.
But what I did not expect was that after I spent some effort finding them and came into conflict with them, they were unwilling to keep fighting me, so they proposed a negotiation.
I went along with it and stated my demand. I just did not expect that they had already created living bodies."
Natsuhiko explained this operation in a somewhat vague way, mixing truth and lies, and his words also made Senju Tobirama fall into deep thought.
He truly could not figure out what kind of person had the ability to complete something even he had not completed.
But when he thought about how he had been dead for so long, he felt somewhat relieved. It was not that he had been incapable, but that he simply had not had enough time to finish it.
Moreover, these experimental bodies were so ugly that they could hardly be considered successful. Still, no matter what, they were decent individuals.
However, he still had many questions. He raised his head, looked at Natsuhiko, and then asked seriously.
"With your strength, you only negotiated with them? Also, how did they obtain my elder brother's cells?
Aside from that, where did you find them? And what kind of people are they?"
Senju Tobirama asked four questions at once, and every one of them struck at the key points. It had to be said that Senju Tobirama was truly far too sharp.
Back then, Nagato had not explained too much in detail, and Senju Tobirama's attention had also been drawn to the Rinnegan and the curse mark.
Moreover, Natsuhiko clearly intended to use that guy as a blade, so he had not asked too many messy questions.
But now that only the two of them were here, some questions truly needed to be properly explored.
"I encountered them near the Land of Rain. I could not kill them because they possessed space-time ninjutsu."
Natsuhiko thought for a moment, then simply continued speaking.
"Strictly speaking, their strength was not much, but they could rely on space-time ninjutsu to make themselves enter a dimensional space, so I could not hit them.
However, their luck was poor. Before the battle, I had already left a space mark behind, so no matter where they fled, I could chase them down.
They also discovered this problem, so they chose to negotiate with me and gave me these things.
As for who they are, I think you should first prepare yourself. The person who fought me had one Sharingan, and his space-time ability relied on that Sharingan.
Barring any accidents, that eye should be a Mangekyō Sharingan. Also, Nagato told me that the person who found him called himself Uchiha Madara."
"Uchiha Madara!"
Senju Tobirama was indeed shocked when he heard this news, but he was still very calm, and he carefully began thinking over every sentence Natsuhiko had said.
It was not that he doubted Natsuhiko. It could be said that he completely trusted Natsuhiko. What he was thinking about was the content of Natsuhiko's words.
After a long while, he finally chuckled and shook his head. "No, it is not Uchiha Madara."
"Oh?" Natsuhiko raised his brow, then asked with a strange expression, "How are you so certain?"
"First is age," Senju Tobirama said directly. "If it were Madara, then he would already be extremely old and unable to move.
"Time has always been a ninja's greatest natural enemy. Unless one can truly become a so-called god, no one can escape it.
"I admit that back then, I was tricked by Uchiha Madara. That man sacrificed one eye and used Izanami to survive.
"But I simply do not think he could have reached this point. Although the person you described does somewhat match Madara, you overlooked one thing.
"If it were truly Madara, he would absolutely not hide inside space like a rat in a gutter.
"Uchiha Madara is a proud man. His pride is beyond your imagination. He would rather bet his last eye than live in such a pathetic way!"
Natsuhiko quietly listened to Senju Tobirama's words, and at this moment, he really had to admit that the person who understood you best might truly be your enemy.
As for how proud Uchiha Madara was later, Natsuhiko, who had seen the original story, naturally knew it well. It was truly difficult for him to be like Obito, who lacked strength yet still acted so arrogant.
Moreover, Madara was indeed not the type to shrink back when he could not win. He was the type with a strong fighting spirit, someone who dared to fight to the death when meeting a powerful enemy.
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko could not help shaking his head, but he did not mind that Senju Tobirama had denied Uchiha Madara's existence.
In any case, he had planned to slowly draw out his wariness of Uchiha Madara's existence and gradually make the others take it seriously.
He did not want them to know from the very beginning and then immediately go looking for someone to cause trouble.
After all, that would ruin Natsuhiko's plan. The reason he had said it was originally to deny it himself, but unexpectedly, Senju Tobirama had directly helped him finish that part.
Having saved himself a lot of trouble, Natsuhiko was in a rather good mood. However, he soon noticed that Senju Tobirama's expression remained heavy.
"However, even if that person is not Uchiha Madara, he may still have some connection to him. He could be Madara's disciple or something similar. It would be best to remain cautious about this matter."
"That much is only natural. After all, that eye is very likely a Mangekyō Sharingan. Unfortunately, my seal mark has already been removed by them, so I can no longer track them."
Natsuhiko immediately agreed. In any case, saying things up to this point was enough; how Senju Tobirama interpreted it was his own concern.
However, Natsuhiko still pointed at Haku, then continued speaking.
"As for this little fellow, his name is Haku. He is a child I encountered after tracking those people to Kirigakure and then returning.
"The Fourth Mizukage is currently carrying out some Bloody Mist policy, and they are extremely ruthless toward their own kekkei genkai clans. This little fellow is from the Ice Release clan.
"This child was being chased by a group of ordinary people, and I happened to run into him, so I brought him back."
"Is that so?"
Senju Tobirama nodded. In truth, whether Natsuhiko explained Haku's matter or not did not matter, since Senju Tobirama did not really care.
Moreover, it was not as if he was unfamiliar with the Ice Release user. Those kekkei genkai clans of Kirigakure had all been forced overseas by Uchiha Madara.
As someone who had personally experienced that matter back then, he did not look up to those people very much, but since Natsuhiko had brought him back, then he had brought him back. It was not a big deal.
"It does not matter. In any case, there is already someone from the Kaguya Clan in the Anbu. Integrating an additional Ice Release user into the system introduces no administrative friction."
Senju Tobirama thought for a moment, then opened his mouth and asked. His gaze glanced at Haku, then shifted to the White Zetsu lying all over the ground, and his meaning was already quite clear without words.
"Then naturally, we do what should be done. I imagine you have been waiting for a long time as well."
Natsuhiko naturally knew what he was thinking, so he spoke directly.
"Go call Hashirama-senpai over. I also want to see exactly how effective these things are."
After saying this, Natsuhiko's gaze turned toward Haku again. After thinking for a moment, Natsuhiko continued.
"As for you, stay at my home for the time being. I will arrange a spot for you at the Ninja Academy.
"As for your name, I think you should use Yuki from now on. What do you think of the name Yuki Haku?"
In truth, no matter what name Natsuhiko gave Haku, the child would not object. Natsuhiko was very clear about this, because to Haku, he was everything.
To some extent, he really had replaced Zabuza, although this had not been his intention. For now, however, that was simply the truth.
And Haku had now fully confirmed that the lord he followed was truly Konoha's Hokage.
Although Haku had not received any ninja education since childhood because of Obito's actions, due to the Land of Water's overall hatred and resentment toward the Land of Fire, Haku more or less still understood the general situation of the shinobi world.
This was far better than Naruto's team in the original story. In the original story, even top student Sakura had little concept of the other ninja villages, let alone Naruto.
Of course, this might also have had something to do with the state of the shinobi world at that time. Back then, the overall trend was still centered around peace, so a corresponding educational system was naturally needed.
But to say nothing at all about other countries and ninja villages was something Natsuhiko still found somewhat difficult to understand, though this was not something he could not change.
As for Haku, who knew a little about these things, his entire mind was now dazed.
Especially after Haku was led away from the Hokage Building by a Senju ninja and saw the faces carved on the Hokage Rock, Haku became completely certain.
Right now, Haku's feelings were extremely complicated. Following such a great person, even Haku himself did not know whether he could truly have value.
But since things had already come to this, worrying was useless. He could only do as Hokage-sama Natsuhiko said.
Only by working hard to learn more and working hard to show his own value could he remain by this Hokage-sama's side.
After Haku left, Senju Hashirama soon arrived at the underground laboratory as well, and naturally, he noticed the White Zetsu bodies lying all over the ground.
This time, Senju Tobirama took the initiative to explain things to Senju Hashirama, and at the same time, he did not forget to mention the matter of Uchiha Madara.
Just like Senju Tobirama, Senju Hashirama also did not think the person Natsuhiko encountered could be Uchiha Madara. As close friends, they even knew each other's details from childhood.
They were even more familiar with each other's personalities than anyone else. According to Natsuhiko's description, that guy was simply a rat in the sewer, and it was completely impossible for him to be Uchiha Madara.
"I still understand Madara. That person absolutely cannot be him."
Senju Hashirama spoke with certainty, then sighed slightly.
"Back then, during my battle with him, I thought everything had ended. Later, however, I learned that he had used Izanagi.
"At that time, I felt that it was also fine if he left, because we had originally been the friends who trusted each other most. It was only because of some differences in belief that things went wrong.
"Looking at it now, perhaps I was wrong back then, but everything can no longer be repaired.
"Madara is probably already dead now, and even if he is not dead, he likely cannot move anymore. If there is a chance to find his remains, I hope I can see him.
"As for this person, perhaps he is only Madara's successor or disciple. But clearly, Madara did not train him well."
Once Uchiha Madara was mentioned, Senju Hashirama seemed to have endless things to say. Fortunately, he restrained himself and only expressed his own view.
When Natsuhiko heard this, however, he curled his lips somewhat disdainfully. Find Uchiha Madara's remains and then revive him through Edo Tensei?
Although it was not impossible, who knew where Uchiha Madara was?
Besides, Natsuhiko had no plan at all for how to deal with Uchiha Madara. Since there was no plan, he also did not have the mood to handle these things.
However, temporarily going along with it was not a big deal. In any case, many things were hard to say in the future.
If he truly had any ideas, Natsuhiko might still be able to start from Obito's side.
After all, Uchiha Madara had died in Obito's hands, so that guy might know where Uchiha Madara was buried.
If that plan did not work, Natsuhiko could also have Yakushi Kabuto take action.
The current Yakushi Kabuto very clearly belonged to Konoha, and he was a numbered ninja under the Anbu.
Natsuhiko did not think that while Yakushi Nono was still alive, Kabuto would choose to betray Konoha and fully side with Orochimaru.
"All right, let's stop talking about these issues. I think we should deal with something practical."
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko simply spoke.
"The materials are ready, and everyone is here.
"I think we can now test how much of your peak combat strength these materials can restore."
When Natsuhiko's chakra dissipated, the previously sluggish Hashirama and Tobirama regained full awareness.
They glanced at each other, then at the spot where they had previously stood—only two corpses remained.
They nodded to Natsuhiko and began sensing their own power.
Natsuhiko also watched silently from the side. After the two of them directly released the Edo Tensei on themselves, Natsuhiko used White Zetsu's bodies to summon them back once more.
No matter how one looked at it, the quality of these White Zetsu bodies was much higher than the ones Obito had left on Sasuke.
After all, those had been used for surveillance, and Natsuhiko did not believe Obito would use especially good things for that task.
Moreover, the best White Zetsu had been attached to Yamato in order to deal with the Allied Shinobi Forces.
Even so, Senju Tobirama, revived by Orochimaru in the original story, had around eighty percent of his peak strength.
As for how much Senju Hashirama had, Natsuhiko was not too certain, because Senju Hashirama had not said it.
However, Natsuhiko felt that seventy percent should not be a problem. In the end, White Zetsu's power was most compatible with Senju Hashirama himself, and even eighty percent was not impossible.
This time, the White Zetsu Natsuhiko obtained had been strengthened by Black Zetsu. After all, they looked so dull yet possessed such high Yang Release chakra. If that was not temporary strengthening, then what was it?
With these White Zetsu as sacrifices, Natsuhiko was truly not worried that the effect would be poor. The only thing he cared about now was how much of their peak combat strength the two of them could recover.
"The materials you found are not bad."
At this moment, Senju Tobirama spoke with a delighted expression, and both Natsuhiko and Senju Hashirama could not help looking at him.
"I can feel that right now, I have already recovered to the level of my peak strength.
"However, because this body cannot be considered truly alive, I have also lost part of my fine control over the body. That is unavoidable.
"Fortunately, Edo Tensei provides an undying body, along with limitless chakra. Looking at overall strength, I should also be considered at my peak level."
Listening to Senju Tobirama's words, Natsuhiko could not help nodding. Indeed, for a strong person, especially someone whose strength had reached their level, this made sense.
Although, strictly speaking, Senju Tobirama was quite a bit weaker than Natsuhiko and Senju Hashirama, he was still among the very top group of ninja.
Among ninja at this level, their control over themselves had already reached an unimaginable level.
That kind of precise control over the body, as well as the coordination that pushed the body to its limits, was truly not something Edo Tensei could compare to.
It could be said that losing this part of their ability did indeed weaken their strength.
But in return, their current bodies were not afraid of injury, nor did they need to fear chakra consumption.
Even though their chakra still had an upper limit, once that limit was used up, it could quickly be restored, unlike a living body that needed a long period of rest to recover.
It could only be said that the effects brought by Edo Tensei had both advantages and disadvantages, but in terms of overall strength, the difference was truly not that great.
Thinking of this, Natsuhiko also looked toward Senju Hashirama with some anticipation.
Although Senju Tobirama's strength was somewhat different from his peak, his overall combat strength could still be considered to have reached that level.
As for Senju Hashirama, who was more compatible with these materials, the exact effect was truly something worth looking forward to.
"As for me, I should be at around ninety percent, or perhaps even at my peak."
Senju Hashirama also noticed Natsuhiko and Senju Tobirama's gazes. He thought for a moment, then spoke somewhat awkwardly.
"I can feel that in terms of chakra, I should have reached the level I had when I was alive. With this amount of chakra, I should be able to use all of my Wood Release.
"Aside from that, I feel that I can use Sage Arts now, but whether I can use True Several Thousand Hands is still uncertain.
"But overall, compared with before, the current me is much stronger."
Senju Hashirama still gave a relatively conservative estimate of his own strength. In truth, this was also very normal.
After all, once strength reached their level, it was truly difficult to accurately estimate exactly how strong one was. They had to go through battle before they could gain an intuitive understanding.
It was just like Natsuhiko. In truth, he had never had an especially clear understanding either. He only compared himself with characters from the original story.
However, Natsuhiko felt that the current Senju Hashirama should at least be stronger than the Senju Hashirama from the Fourth War, the one who had been unable to use True Several Thousand Hands.
As for whether he had reached the level he had before death, that was truly hard to judge.
An undying body and infinite chakra, for ninja like Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara, honestly had rather ordinary effects.
Because their strength either guaranteed that they would not be injured, or their recovery ability made them unafraid of injury at all.
In addition, their chakra was already enormous, so the traits provided by Edo Tensei were completely unnecessary to them.
Compared with that, it would be better for them to possess the peak control over their own bodies that they had when they were alive. After all, a person's own body was the thing with the greatest potential, and also a vast treasure.
"Is that so?"
After hearing Senju Hashirama's words, Natsuhiko could not help touching his chin. After thinking for quite a while, he suddenly spoke.
"How about we test how strong you are now?"
"Test?"
Senju Hashirama froze for a moment, then seemed to understand something.
"You mean, we spar?"
"That is a good idea!"
Senju Tobirama nodded seriously from the side, looking as if he very much agreed with this suggestion.
"Brother, you are not very familiar with your own strength, so the best method is to understand and adapt to it through battle.
"And I think Natsuhiko's strength should not be inferior to yours when you were alive. Even if he is lacking in some areas, he should also be able to gain a clearer understanding of himself.
"Besides, Natsuhiko's recovery ability is probably not weaker than yours, Brother. So if the two of you spar and probe each other's strength, I think that would be the best method."
Using sparring to understand his own condition?
Senju Hashirama was somewhat hesitant, but after thinking for a moment, he also nodded.
Indeed, the feeling Natsuhiko's strength gave him was that it was not weaker than his own when he was alive, and he had also seen Natsuhiko's recovery ability.
Although in that regard, it seemed slightly worse than his own before death, considering the enemies Natsuhiko had faced in battle, everything seemed reasonable.
Moreover, if it truly came to a critical moment, it was not as if he could not stop. In the end, his body was one of Edo Tensei, and he did not fear any backlash from techniques.
Thinking of this, Senju Hashirama also nodded seriously.
"No problem. Let us find a place and try it."
"Good. As it happens, I also want to see just how powerful the First Hokage, close to his peak, really is!"
...
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