The First Hokage’s Curiosity

Facing the endlessly chattering Senju Hashirama, Uchiha Madara found himself in a predicament he had not experienced in years. He had missed this damn idiot when he wasn't around, but now that Hashirama was resurrected, he was already beginning to regret it. The sheer amount of nonsense the man could spew in mere minutes was unbearable.

With no choice but to put an end to the annoying barrage of words, Madara raised his hand, preparing to deliver yet another knock to Hashirama's forehead. However, before he could act, he realized that the fool wouldn't stop unless he understood the situation properly.

So, with a sigh, Uchiha Madara forced himself to explain.

He briefly summarized everything—Shouta Kazuki's strange ability, the world of the dead, the contract that had bound them all as his so-called 'summoned beasts.' He also included some details about how they had been resurrected through this unusual technique.

As expected, Senju Tobirama listened with sharp, calculating eyes, undoubtedly already theorizing countless potential dangers. Unlike his older brother, who often let emotions rule his actions, Tobirama was the kind to think ten steps ahead. He was clearly wary of Shouta, and Madara could already sense that Tobirama's mind was working out countermeasures in case the boy turned out to be a threat.

But Hashirama? His reaction was… completely different.

Instead of showing suspicion or concern, his eyes sparkled with wonder.

"Si Guoyi!!!"

Madara facepalmed.

Tobirama, on the other hand, let out a deep sigh, as if he had already anticipated his brother's foolishness.

But it wasn't over yet. Hashirama suddenly turned toward Madara and Shouta, eyes widening in realization.

"Madara! This little guy… He looks kind of like you! His chakra even gives off a similar feeling! Could it be—" He gasped dramatically. "Madara! Is he your son?!"

Bang!

Before the words had even fully left Hashirama's mouth, Madara's fist had already landed on the fool's head.

"You idiot!" Madara's voice was filled with pure exasperation. "Didn't I just explain this to you?! His surname is Kazuki! He has absolutely nothing to do with the Uchiha! And more importantly, how the hell would I have a son when I never even married?!"

Despite the clear irritation in Madara's voice, Shouta, who had been standing silently up to this point, caught a subtle shift in his expression. For just a fraction of a second, there was hesitation in Madara's gaze when he looked at him.

A strange feeling settled in Shouta's heart.

That was… curiosity? Doubt?

Almost as if Madara himself was questioning why Shouta felt so strangely familiar.

For a man as prideful as Madara, this was a rare moment of uncertainty.

Shouta remained quiet, observing, but his mind was already working to figure out what had caused this reaction. Was it because of the Indra chakra he had gained? Or was it something deeper?

Madara, meanwhile, clenched his fists. There was something about this boy. Something that stirred a feeling inside him that he couldn't quite explain. It was as if…

No. He shook the thought away.

This brat was hiding something.

Madara didn't know what yet, but he would find out.

For now, however, he would have to endure Hashirama's idiocy a little longer.

And true to form, the First Hokage had already recovered from the hit and was now staring at Shouta like he was some kind of rare treasure.

"You're incredible, little guy!" Hashirama practically sparkled as he sat down in front of Shouta. Without a hint of shame, he gave the boy a bright, eager smile. "I am Senju Hashirama, the First Hokage of Konoha! Nice to meet you!"

Shouta, despite being caught off guard by the man's overwhelming enthusiasm, simply sat down as well, mirroring the gesture.

"First Hokage-sama," Shouta said with a polite nod, "your name is legendary. It is an honor."

Hearing those words, Hashirama scratched his head, as if embarrassed. "Haha! No need to be so formal! Just call me Hashirama, okay?"

Before Shouta could respond, however, Hashirama suddenly leaned in closer, his eyes burning with excitement.

"Say… Madara told me something interesting." His voice dropped to a hushed whisper, as if discussing some grand secret. "You still have three more chances to summon people, right?"

Shouta blinked.

"…Yes?"

"Show me!" Hashirama's entire demeanor turned into that of an overly excited child. "I must see it! This ability of yours—it's simply amazing!"

Shouta felt a cold chill run down his spine.

It wasn't just the sudden enthusiasm.

It was the way Hashirama had said those words—the tone, the pleading gaze.

It was the same way he had acted toward Madara before.

Madara must have noticed it too because, in an instant, his entire face darkened.

"…Hasi hot mom," he muttered, clenching his jaw.

Hashirama, meanwhile, was completely oblivious to the rising tension in the room.

"C'mon, c'mon, just once! Let me see how it works! Who knows, maybe you'll get someone else we know! Imagine if my grandpa gets summoned! Or maybe even the Sage of Six Paths!"

Shouta's mouth twitched.

This man… Was he really the feared God of Shinobi?

Madara took a deep breath, as if trying to suppress the urge to strangle the man sitting before him.

Tobirama, however, had had enough.

"Nii-san!" His voice was sharp, cutting through the noise.

"Huh?" Hashirama turned, blinking in confusion.

"The important thing right now is to understand this boy's ability," Tobirama said firmly. "We need to analyze the risks. Being able to resurrect the dead and contract them as summons—this power is beyond anything we've ever seen. It could be dangerous. We should—"

"Okay, Tobirama, that's enough."

Tobirama stiffened.

Hashirama's playful expression was gone.

Instead, his eyes held a quiet, unshakable resolve.

"I said stop talking." Hashirama's voice was calm but absolute. "Shouta's ability is his own. We're not here to interrogate him. As elders, we don't need to interfere too much." He turned back to Shouta, smiling once again. "All that matters is that he's from Konoha."

Tobirama clenched his jaw but didn't argue further.

Shouta, watching this exchange, realized something important.

No matter how foolish Hashirama seemed, when it truly mattered, he always knew where to stand.

And in that moment, Shouta understood.

Despite everything—despite the madness of the situation, despite his own questions and doubts—there was one thing he could be sure of.

Senju Hashirama was someone he could trust.