Chapter 26: The Road To Peace
After the other ninjas left, Uzumaki Mito immediately turned to Senju Hashirama, scolding him:
"How could you call yourself a teacher? Look at what you've done to Ryuusei during a simple sparring session!"
Hashirama quickly denied responsibility, raising his hands defensively.
"His injuries weren't my fault! He fell from the air!"
Mito's eyes narrowed in disbelief, and her fiery red hair seemed to bristle with anger.
"And you just let him fall? You didn't even think to catch him before he hit the ground?"
Hashirama pointed to the shattered wooden wall nearby.
"I was defending myself with my Wood Release! I didn't even see him falling."
Mito crossed her arms and glared at him.
"Ridiculous. Are you seriously blaming Ryuusei's taijutsu for this?" she asked, her gaze shifting to the broken wooden wall. For a moment, she was at a loss for words, noting the extent of the damage.
Senju Tobirama, observing the cracked ground and shattered wall, asked incredulously,
"Is it even possible for taijutsu to cause this level of destruction?"
Even Uchiha Madara, who had been quietly watching, appeared mildly surprised as he examined the damage, though he said nothing.
In the ninja world, taijutsu was often underestimated. Even decades later, figures like Might Duy, who relied solely on taijutsu, remained unacknowledged for most of their lives. It wasn't until he unleashed the Eight Gates Formation in his final moments that taijutsu earned some respect.
Hashirama, however, appeared undeterred.
"Yes, it's all from taijutsu," he said proudly. "Who knew it could be this strong?"
Mito responded by hammering Hashirama on the head with her fist.
"Stop bragging! And instead of boasting, go channel some of your Yang Release Chakra to heal Ryuusei."
Grumbling, Hashirama turned to Ryuusei, who was already unconscious, and began channeling healing chakra into him. As he worked, Hashirama muttered,
"You know, with the way he's progressing, Ryuusei might surpass us one day. He could become the strongest pillar of Konoha."
When Ryuusei Yamamoto woke up, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. The sky outside was dark, and he felt surprisingly refreshed.
The door opened, and Senju Miyuki entered carrying a bowl of porridge.
"Ryuusei, you're awake! Here, have something to eat," she said with a warm smile.
As Ryuusei drank the porridge, he asked curiously,
"Where am I, Sister Miyuki?"
"This is the Senju residence. Lord Hashirama brought you here. You were unconscious when you arrived. What happened to you? Did Lord Hashirama beat you up?" Miyuki asked, her large eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Ryuusei scratched his head awkwardly.
"Well, it wouldn't be wrong to say that... but most of these injuries are my own fault. Wait, why don't I feel any pain?"
Miyuki giggled.
"That's because Lord Hashirama infused you with some of his Yang Release Chakra."
At that moment, Mito entered the room, her expression softening.
"How are you feeling now, Ryuusei?"
Ryuusei smiled brightly.
"I feel amazing! I could probably go for another match!"
Mito smacked him lightly on the head.
"Don't push yourself! Overdrawing your chakra like that is dangerous. If you're not careful, you could lose your life!"
Ryuusei chuckled sheepishly.
"Understood, Mito-sama."
Mito patted his head affectionately.
"Good. Rest here tonight and recover fully."
---
The next morning, Ryuusei began light exercises in the courtyard. Soon, a groggy Miyuki emerged from the house, her hair disheveled.
"Ryuusei, why are you up so early? You're making too much noise out here!" she complained.
Looking at the sun already high in the sky, Ryuusei decided not to argue.
"Alright, Miyuki-sama, I'll be quieter."
After breakfast, Ryuusei and Miyuki went to find Hashirama. When they arrived at his room, they found Uchiha Madara seated across from Hashirama, several scrolls spread out on the table.
Ryuusei bowed respectfully.
"Good morning, Teacher Hashirama, Teacher Madara. Have you eaten?"
Hashirama laughed heartily.
"Yes, we've eaten. How are you feeling, Ryuusei?"
"Much better!" Ryuusei replied enthusiastically. "Teacher, your chakra is incredible! How do you do it?"
Hashirama smiled, sliding several scrolls toward him.
"This is the result of mastering the Yang Release Chakra Nature Transformation. These scrolls also cover Yin Release Chakra and the fundamentals of genjutsu. Study them well."
Madara interjected coldly.
"I'll teach you the advanced Yin Release Chakra techniques and how to use genjutsu effectively."
Ryuusei nodded eagerly.
"Thank you, Madara-sensei!"
Madara activated his Sharingan, and Ryuusei suddenly found himself standing in a forest of blooming cherry blossoms. A moment later, the blossoms disintegrated, and he was back in the room.
"This is the simplest form of genjutsu," Madara explained. "It can disrupt the enemy's perception but causes no real harm. Breaking it is easy—just disrupt your own chakra flow."
He went on to explain higher levels of genjutsu and their devastating effects, from nervous system control to reality-altering illusions like Izanagi.
Ryuusei listened intently, asking questions and absorbing the lessons.
As Ryuusei studied the scrolls, Hashirama and Madara began discussing peace again.
"Hashirama," Madara said gravely, "do you truly believe we've achieved peace?"
"Of course," Hashirama replied confidently. "Isn't it peaceful now?"
Madara's expression darkened.
"No. The existence of the other hidden villages proves otherwise. They're only biding their time, waiting for us to die. Once we're gone, war will erupt again. We should unite the world under one village and secure true peace."
Hashirama's face hardened.
"Madara, starting another war will only destroy what we've built. I've already invited the Tsuchikage for peace talks. We can achieve peace through alliances."
Madara's eyes narrowed.
"You're too naive, Hashirama. Someday, your idealism will come at a great cost."
Madara stood abruptly and turned to Ryuusei.
"Come with me, Ryuusei. We'll continue your training at my home."
Ryuusei hesitated, glancing at Hashirama, who remained silent. Packing up the scrolls, Ryuusei followed Madara out of the Senju compound.
As they walked through the streets of Konoha, Madara's intimidating presence caused pedestrians to part nervously, avoiding his piercing gaze.
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