> "What do you want?"
Hashirama answered with clear irritation, looking at the younger brother who didn't resemble him in the slightest. Honestly, he really didn't understand how genetics worked in the Naruto world.
But as the saying goes—seeking scientific logic in anime is the ultimate act of pedantry.
He turned and walked toward Senju Tsubasa, but halfway there, a playful smile appeared on his face. He reached his hand out toward the little boy with snow-white hair.
> "What is it, Tobirama? Being a good boy and coming to see your big brother?"
In the original timeline, Hashirama had more than one younger brother, but most of them died young. The boy standing before him now was the only one who lived long enough to help end the Warring States era and co-found the Hidden Leaf Village:
Senju Tobirama, the Second Hokage.
The most brilliant forbidden jutsu creator in Naruto history. His masterpieces? Shadow Clone Technique, Flying Thunder God Technique, and the infamous Reanimation Jutsu.
Each of these techniques would later be passed down and perfected by Konoha's ninjas.
From Naruto's signature Shadow Clones, to the Flying Thunder God mastered by Hashirama's personal favorite, the Fourth Hokage—Minato—they all had one origin:
Tobirama.
Of course, among all his forbidden techniques, Reanimation Jutsu was undoubtedly the most broken.
Yes—Edo Tensei is supreme.
The ultimate wish-fulfillment jutsu in Naruto.
Sasuke and Itachi didn't get to resolve their bond in life? No problem—Reanimation Jutsu brings closure.
Naruto never got to meet his father while he was alive? Minor issue—just tear him out of the Shinigami's belly and let the reunion begin.
In short, Edo Tensei played a pivotal role in the plot of the original story.
Even Tobirama, its inventor, ended up getting summoned back to life by Orochimaru's version of the same technique.
---
As Hashirama reached out his hand, Tobirama casually twisted away with an expression full of disdain.
Eyes half-lidded, he muttered under his breath:
> "Idiot."
> "Okay, I know you grow up to be a genius inventor, but aren't you a little too precocious?"
Hashirama's eyelid twitched.
Even young Sasuke—Mr. "Edgelord Reborn"—acted like a sweet kitten in front of his big brother Itachi.
So why was his own little brother Tobirama acting like such a brat?
In response, Hashirama moved fast—before Tobirama could react, his palm clamped down on that fluffy white hair and rubbed it vigorously.
> "Try using Flying Thunder God to dodge, huh? Aren't you supposed to be the fastest ninja ever?"
Hand withdrawn, Hashirama smirked in triumph.
Tobirama was already too late to retaliate.
> "So?" Hashirama asked, suddenly putting on his Big Brother face. "Why'd you come looking for me?"
Inside, though, he was practically giddy.
In his previous life, he had a brother too—an older brother, twelve years his senior.
Growing up, he'd been treated like a toy half the time.
It's true what they say—whether it's a brother or a wife, the one who's on top always has the final say.
Tobirama lowered his eyes and muttered unhappily:
> "Father wants to see you."
> "Oh?"
Hashirama raised an eyebrow.
> "And he sent you, of all people, to deliver the message?"
Still grumbling, he didn't dare delay. As the clan head, Senju Butsuma was a strict and uncompromising man.
Hashirama might be his son—but first and foremost, he was a member of the Senju clan.
Whether as father or clan leader, Butsuma's words carried the weight of absolute command.
---
Before leaving, Hashirama glanced back at Tobirama's hair—the very hair he had just ruffled aggressively.
Strangely, it still looked perfect. Not a strand out of place.
> "Seriously? That didn't even mess up his hair? What is he, a Saiyan?"
With a light tap of his foot, Hashirama's small figure launched several meters through the air.
For someone who used to be a physically weak otaku, this sensation was amazing.
The only downside?
Landing barefoot made his feet feel a bit chilly.
He still couldn't understand why everyone in the ninja world wore open-toed sandals. They weren't practical for combat at all.
And yet, even a hundred years later in Boruto's era, ninja fashion still hadn't evolved past them.
---
At the center of the camp stood the largest tent—Senju Butsuma's command tent.
Hashirama quickly arrived. The guards outside recognized him instantly and let him pass without question.
> "You've arrived."
As he stepped inside, a deep, commanding voice greeted him.
Hashirama froze just inside the entrance, posture tense, not daring to step forward without permission.
Senju Butsuma looked up from a scroll in his hand.
As the head of the Senju clan, he was undoubtedly one of the most powerful shinobi of this era.
His build was broad, his features hardened like steel.
> "Father," Hashirama said respectfully, head lowered.
In front of this formidable "old man," Hashirama wouldn't dare act recklessly.
After all, Naruto was a Japanese manga, and the characters reflected Japanese cultural values.
Respect for parents—especially one who's also a powerful clan leader—was an absolute must.
Forget all that modern-day "parents and children should be friends" stuff.
That wasn't going to fly here.
> "You've stayed diligent in your training. Good."
There was a slight softening in Butsuma's brow as he looked at Hashirama.
He could easily sense the quality and stability of his son's chakra.
Even in a clan known for its robust physiques, a child like Hashirama hadn't been seen in generations.
Though Butsuma didn't always watch the sparring matches personally, he was always kept informed.
And Hashirama—as the clan heir—was under constant scrutiny.
If he continued developing well, it was all but guaranteed that he'd succeed as the next clan leader.
Hashirama's potential had given Butsuma—and the entire clan's elders—hope for the future.
Because while the Senju were strong… they weren't unrivaled.
> "I'm your son. This is just part of my duty."
Hashirama kept his tone calm, but inside he winced at his own words.
They sounded way too fake.
In truth, he felt no sense of clan pride or duty—at least not yet.
Even after a full year here, he still hadn't developed a real emotional connection to the Senju clan.
A single year wasn't enough to erase over twenty years of memories from his past life.
> "Hmm. You've done well," Butsuma nodded.
Then, after a short pause, his gaze sharpened.
> "Your third birthday is in a few days."
> "Yes."
Hashirama responded, but his real reaction was:
> "Wait... Are you seriously thinking of giving me a birthday gift?"
He barely had time to finish that thought before Butsuma continued:
> "It's time. Let's consider it a celebration of sorts."
> "...Huh?"
Hashirama blinked, momentarily stunned.
He'd only been thinking it sarcastically—but now it sounded like his stoic father might actually be planning something for his birthday?
In this world—especially within a clan like the Senju—he'd assumed birthdays were no big deal.
Even for the clan leader's son.
For a split second, Hashirama wondered if he had misjudged his father.
Could Senju Butsuma, the grim, strict clan patriarch… secretly be a warm-hearted, doting dad?