Chapter 42: Inheritance from First Hokage
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In the Senju clan, one-year-old Senju Tsunade sat in front of Fumori Masaki, watching their game with delight. She clapped her hands happily and smiled.
Fumori Masaki thought to himself how strange it was to be playing a game with a little girl. It all started because Senju Tsunade, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, had taken a liking to him.
As he looked at Senju Tsunade's beaming face, Fumori Masaki reached out and gently pinched her chubby cheek, causing her to squirm and wave her hands in protest.
"Haha, it seems Tsunade likes you very much, Masaki," the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama said with a warm smile.
"Really?" Fumori Masaki replied, looking at Tsunade, who was still showing her discontent.
"Of course," Hashirama said, "If Tsunade didn't like someone, she would have already raised her hand and hit them."
"Well, that's a relief," Fumori Masaki said with a smile. "Tsunade-chan is very cute, but it seems her future might be a bit willful."
Senju Hashirama considered this and remarked, "I used to think Tsunade would become quieter as she grew up, but she seems to be getting more willful. This is part of my indulgence, I suppose. Even so, I believe Mito will educate her well."
Fumori Masaki said, "Tsunade-chan will definitely grow up healthy. Don't worry."
"If you say so, I'll feel at ease," Senju Hashirama said. "Masaki, if Tsunade becomes a ninja in the future, I would appreciate it if you could look after her."
Senju Hashirama had no son of his own and only had two daughters. The eldest daughter was married, and her child was Tsunade. The second daughter was only eleven years old and had other aspirations. Given this situation, Hashirama asked Fumori Masaki to take care of Tsunade if she chose to become a ninja.
Fumori Masaki was about to agree when Senju Hashirama said, "Actually, thinking it over, it would be wonderful if you could be Tsunade's teacher. She seems to like you very much. Even if she becomes willful, she should be in good hands."
Fumori Masaki was taken aback by Senju Hashirama's words. He wondered what would happen if Senju Tsunade, as his student, became part of the future Konoha Sannin. He mused about Sarutobi Hiruzen's potential role in guiding her.
"I'll think about it when the time comes," Fumori Masaki said. "Maybe Tsunade-chan won't want that in the future."
"I don't think so," Senju Hashirama said with a smile. "Masaki, I have watched you grow over the years, and I trust you completely. I am sure you will handle it well."
Senju Hashirama had also taught seven disciples, but his bond with Fumori Masaki was unique. If he had to choose a direct disciple, it would be Fumori Masaki.
"You honor me," Fumori Masaki said.
"Don't undervalue yourself, Masaki. You are truly exceptional," Senju Hashirama said, "I've heard you've given some advice about threats to the country's periphery."
"You know about that?" Fumori Masaki asked, surprised.
"Of course. I am the First Hokage," Senju Hashirama said with a rueful smile. "It's sad to see the shadows of other countries leave one after another. I didn't expect those heirs to prepare for war so soon."
"This may not be their real intention. There could be other reasons," Fumori Masaki suggested but chose not to mention the issue of the daimyo.
"I hope so. There are people who love peace even in other ninja villages," Senju Hashirama said.
Perhaps such people exist, Fumori Masaki thought, but once the daimyo speaks, even those who wish for peace must act. He refrained from contemplating what would happen if the Land of Fire's daimyo gave an order.
"War is approaching, but at least I have maintained peace for ten years," Senju Hashirama said. "Perhaps I have made mistakes, but after killing Madara, I felt I had no choice but to continue. Everything I've done cannot be in vain. I hope your generation can find better ways to achieve peace."
"Hashirama-sama, I will definitely seek other peaceful methods to realize your vision of the world. Even if our generation doesn't achieve it, we will pass on our experiences to the next generation, so they can come closer to our goals," Fumori Masaki promised.
"Well said, Masaki," Senju Hashirama said with a smile. "The Will of Fire I hope to promote is indeed about such ideals."
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