Faced with the Third Hokage's stern questioning, Orochimaru merely smiled.
"Danzo gave me this forbidden technique—why shouldn't I study it? I'm merely following in the footsteps of my predecessors."
Oh, you've got to be kidding me…
Jiraiya could only marvel at Orochimaru's audacity.
Not only did he revive the two legendary Hokage, but now he was throwing Danzo and even Tobirama under the bus?
His guts weren't just big—they were downright colossal.
"As expected of an evil bastard!"
The Third Hokage was so furious that he could barely form words, and even Tobirama could no longer hold back.
The urge to end Orochimaru was strong.
Why keep such a reckless disciple alive?
To celebrate the New Year with?
"Orochimaru, that's enough! As if disturbing Grandfather and Granduncle's rest wasn't bad enough?!"
Tsunade had arrived.
The moment Orochimaru saw her storming toward him with a dark expression, his arrogance immediately shrank.
He knew that angering the Third Hokage was one thing—but provoking Tsunade?
That was an entirely different level of danger.
The smirk on his face faded, which caught both Hashirama and Tobirama off guard.
So this woman could actually suppress Orochimaru?
Both of them had observed how Orochimaru completely ignored both Jiraiya and the Third Hokage earlier.
He had been completely unfazed by their reprimands.
Even when confronted by his own teacher, Orochimaru had smiled and shot back sarcastic remarks.
Yet, as soon as Tsunade arrived, he immediately quieted down.
Interesting…
Even Jiraiya and Sakumo visibly relaxed when they saw Tsunade.
Because that meant—
If Tsunade was here, then Takuya wouldn't be far behind.
And Takuya was the only one who could truly put Orochimaru in his place.
Hashirama and Tobirama, however, had no idea.
They assumed Orochimaru was backing down because of Tsunade.
But in reality—
It was because of the man arriving alongside her.
Yes, Hashirama and Tobirama were far stronger than Orochimaru.
But so what?
What could they actually do to him?
Kill him?
No. At worst, they could lock him up.
But Takuya?
If things went south, Takuya could make his entire existence a living hell.
Just thinking back to the days he spent under Takuya's genjutsu control made Orochimaru's blood boil with resentment.
"I hate genjutsu users!"
"And I hate Sharingan users even more!"
—
As the group turned toward the approaching figures, Tobirama momentarily froze—
While Hashirama was completely stunned.
Seeing the blonde woman in a cloak, striding toward them with unwavering confidence, his brain short-circuited.
"That's Tsunade…?"
No matter how much he squinted or replayed his memories, Hashirama simply couldn't reconcile this mature woman with the clingy little brat who used to follow him around.
Compared to the strict and composed Tobirama, Tsunade had always favored Hashirama more—
So the moment she saw him, her eyes turned red, and she immediately rushed forward.
Takuya, however, did not follow.
Instead, he stopped beside Sakumo.
"So… how do we handle this?"
Sakumo looked exhausted.
Orochimaru had already gone too far by disturbing the previous Hokage's rest—
But now, things had escalated to the point where he couldn't even control his own Edo Tensei summons.
It was a complete disaster.
Orochimaru was embarrassed.
And everyone else was uncomfortable.
Because nobody knew what Hashirama and Tobirama were thinking.
What if they started interfering with the village's leadership?
What if they sided with the Third Hokage?
That… wouldn't be good.
Honestly, if possible, Sakumo would prefer for these two legends to go back to the Pure Land as soon as possible.
The dead should stay dead.
They had no business roaming around the world of the living.
—
"Just deal with it as it comes."
Takuya chuckled lightly.
To him, this wasn't something worth worrying about.
As for Hashirama and Tobirama siding with the Third Hokage?
Tobirama? Maybe.
But Hashirama?
Absolutely not.
If anything, he would stand with Tsunade.
And if things got complicated?
Well, he could just drop the truth about Uchiha Madara on Tobirama's head.
That should keep him too preoccupied to care about Konoha's affairs.
Even Hashirama wouldn't be able to stay calm if that happened.
Besides—
Takuya would love for someone else to take charge of things for once.
So that he could finally relax.
Why waste time solving village problems when he could be at home—
Cooking.
Teaching his disciples.
Or better yet—
Spending time with his women.
That sounded far more appealing.
—
"You—you—you… You're really little Tsunade?"
Looking at his granddaughter standing before him, Hashirama was so shocked he started stuttering.
"Since when did the women of the Senju Clan have such good genes?!"
Tsunade's initial excitement immediately vanished.
Her veins bulged.
She wanted nothing more than to punch this tactless old man across the face.
"Big brother!! What nonsense are you spouting?! Tsunade just takes after her mother!"
Tobirama couldn't stand it anymore.
His brother was a complete mess outside of battle.
He actually said that?
About his own granddaughter?!
"Ahaha… I was just surprised, that's all."
Scratching his head awkwardly, Hashirama opened his arms and pulled Tsunade into a hug.
It was a warm and heartfelt moment.
Except—
One of them was alive.
The other was a reanimated corpse.
—
A few people instinctively turned to look at Takuya.
Because until now, the only person allowed to hug Tsunade like that… was him.
That was his exclusive privilege.
But now?
Her ancestor was here.
That was… awkward.
—
Tobirama noticed the strange reactions.
He frowned.
"Wait… Does Tsunade have some kind of relationship with this guy?"
Then, he glanced at the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen's expression stiffened—then he gave a weak smile and nodded.
Confirmed.
—
"Should I test this kid's strength?"
"No, wait… Isn't he a bit young?"
"Don't tell me… Tsunade actually went for someone younger?!"
Tobirama's thoughts spiraled further into absurdity.
—
"Who are they, Takuya?"
Kushina and Pakura had finally arrived.
Kushina instinctively clung to Takuya's arm, lowering her voice as she asked.
The others also looked at him curiously.
Takuya sighed and smirked.
Turning to Nawaki, he teased,
"Nawaki, aren't you going to go hug them? That's your grandfather and granduncle."
"...What?"
Nawaki's eyes nearly popped out of his skull.
"My grandfather and granduncle…?"
"They're DEAD."
"HOW ARE THEY HERE?!"
Kushina's jaw dropped.
Minato simply patted Nawaki's shoulder.
He wasn't sure what to say.
—
"Monkey, what is going on here?"
Hashirama finally turned to the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen sighed.
This was going to be a long, long night.
___________________________
(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01.
DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING