Uchiha Ren rapidly formed hand seals.
A white light engulfed the prisoner before him, and amidst painful screams, the body transformed into reanimation dust—Hashirama Senju's face gradually emerging.
Hashirama Senju had arrived.
A smile appeared on Ren's face—success.
To ensure control, Ren used the basic version of the technique.
The sacrifice was just an ordinary prisoner, not even a shinobi.
Hashirama's strength was heavily suppressed.
Control remained firmly in Ren's hands.
Hashirama opened his eyes slowly.
"This… is the Pure Land?"
He looked around the dim underground chamber, lit only by flickering firelight.
"Not exactly what I imagined…"
Then his gaze landed on Ren.
The Hokage cloak caught his attention immediately.
"You're a Hokage?"
"Which generation?"
"What about Tobirama?"
"Too bad… he died so early…"
"And Konoha—how is it now?"
Hashirama walked over quickly, words pouring out nonstop.
For him, Konoha was everything.
More important than even his own life.
"First Hokage-sama… please calm down."
Ren raised a hand.
"I am the Third Hokage."
"Uchiha Ren."
"Uchiha?!"
Hashirama's expression shifted in surprise.
He knew Tobirama's attitude toward the Uchiha.
For an Uchiha to become Hokage… that was unexpected.
In his mind, a peaceful image formed—
The Uchiha finally fully integrated into Konoha.
Otherwise, Tobirama would never allow it.
If Madara knew this… he might feel relieved.
Madara.
The name surfaced instantly.
A man he loved and hated all his life.
Wait.
Ren was Uchiha.
Was he sent by Madara?
Excitement, guilt, anticipation—
All surged through Hashirama's heart.
He had killed Madara with his own hands.
From behind.
That regret never faded.
"If it were possible… I'd let him stab me instead."
"One time… two times… even three…"
Memories flooded back.
The river, the sunset, their childhood games.
"Did Madara send you?"
Hashirama asked eagerly.
"Huh?"
Ren blinked, confused.
"Does he… not want to see me?"
Hashirama's expression grew anxious.
"Please!"
"Just let me meet him once!"
"I need to apologize!"
His voice trembled.
Tears began to form.
Ren was stunned.
This emotional intensity caught him off guard.
"First Hokage-sama…"
"What are you even talking about?"
"I don't know Madara at all."
"…What?"
Hashirama froze.
"Not sent by Madara?"
Silence fell.
Awkwardness filled the room.
"Hahaha…"
Hashirama scratched his head, laughing sheepishly.
"That's… embarrassing."
He quickly changed the subject.
"So, Third Hokage… how did you die?"
Ren's face darkened.
"I'm very much alive."
"I eat well, sleep well, and I'm in great health."
"I even have two beautiful women at home."
"…Ah."
Hashirama paused.
"Hahaha!"
He burst into laughter again, trying to cover the awkwardness.
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