"Hashirama Senju…?"
At the mention of that name, Is fell into deep thought.
Yes—this man was no ordinary figure.
In his original world, Hashirama Senju had been the leader of the Senju Clan, one of the founders of Konohagakure, and the First Hokage of the Land of Fire. More than that, he was the reincarnation of Asura Ōtsutsuki, the second son of the Sage of Six Paths.
He excelled in Wood Release techniques—
And in terms of raw power, he even surpassed Madara Uchiha.
He was the only ninja Madara truly respected.
The two of them were revered as legendary figures.
Anyone who had witnessed Hashirama's strength described him as a myth—on par with the Sage of Six Paths himself.
Later on, he would be known across the ninja world as the "God of Shinobi."
As for his relationship with Madara—
In their original world, they had been both enemies and friends.
But here—
They would stand on the same side forever.
And Hashirama's arrival undoubtedly elevated Is' forces to an entirely new level.
While Is was still thinking—
A cluster of white light particles appeared before him.
Just like the previous times—
Not too big, not too small.
Soon, the particles gathered together—
Taking the shape of a human figure.
The next moment—
A man with long black hair appeared.
He wore a black combat outfit layered with red armor, the Senju Clan emblem visible on his shoulder. Red metal guards wrapped around his wrists.
There was no doubt—
This was the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju.
Hashirama slowly opened his eyes, looking over his body.
"If not for that mysterious voice earlier… I would've thought I'd been revived again through Edo Tensei."
"It seems the people in your world were quite eager to make use of your power," Is said with a faint smile.
He knew Hashirama very well—
Perhaps even better than Hashirama knew himself.
After all, Naruto was a classic—
One he had watched countless times before coming to this world.
"Hahaha!"
Hashirama burst into laughter.
"You flatter me, Is!"
"First time meeting you. Welcome to this new world," Is said calmly.
Hashirama smiled and nodded.
Compared to Madara, he was far easier to get along with.
"Alright, we can talk more after we return. Besides… there's someone who'll be even happier to see you than I am," Is added.
Hashirama paused slightly.
"Someone from my world as well?"
"Yes. More precisely… someone from the same world as you."
As Is walked forward, he answered casually.
"The same world…? Don't tell me…"
Hashirama hesitated for a few seconds.
"…Madara?"
"Correct."
"Hahaha! I never expected that guy to be here too!"
But as he spoke—
A subtle shift passed through his tone.
"I thought… after that battle, we'd never meet again."
"To think we'd reunite in another world…"
"I just hope… he'll accept this long-overdue apology."
He murmured softly, then looked back at Is, the gloom on his face fading into a warm smile.
"Thank you, Is."
The reason for that apology—
Was simple.
Hashirama believed that he had killed Madara during their final battle at the Valley of the End.
But in truth—
Madara had survived.
He had escaped death using his own abilities and lived on for many years afterward.
"There's no need to thank me," Is replied calmly. "This is fate. I have no control over it."
"No matter what… we're only here because of you."
Time passed.
Unfortunately—
Is' return journey did not go smoothly.
He got lost.
The New World's chaotic magnetic fields, weather patterns, ocean currents, and airflows only made things worse.
For someone already unfamiliar with the route—
It became a nightmare.
Fortunately, after half a day, Is found a Marine base stationed on an island and had them send him back by ship.
The next day—
In the New World, at the site of the battle between the Rocks Pirates and the Roger Pirates—
"Buru buru… Buru buru…"
A Den Den Mushi rang inside a Marine warship beside Monkey D. Garp.
Garp paused briefly, then reached out and answered.
"This is Marine Vice Admiral Garp. Go ahead."
He deliberately omitted the "D."
After all—
The Will of D. had deep ties with the World Government.
Best to avoid unnecessary trouble.
"I am Aurelius D. Virel ·Is."
"…Saint Aurelius D. Virel ·Is?!"
Garp froze for a moment.
His earlier laziness vanished instantly.
"It's me. Where are you now?" Is asked.
"We're still at the battlefield where Roger and Rocks fought, waiting for you," Garp replied.
Indeed—
The Fleet Admiral and the others had already left.
Only Garp's ship remained behind, waiting for Is.
"No need to wait. I got lost midway—ended up being sent back to Mary Geoise by the Marines. You can return," Is instructed.
"Understood."
"And tell Madara this—an old friend is waiting for him in Mary Geoise."
"Got it."
With that—
The call ended.
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