“Brother, we already have the advantage.” “There’s no reason to risk yourself fighting Madara Uchiha in a duel.” The moment Tobirama received the news, he rushed over to stop Hashirama.
He knew his brother too well.
If Madara issued a challenge— Hashirama would accept it.
Hashirama remained silent for a long moment before finally asking quietly: “Tobirama… do you know how many of our clansmen have died in this war?” Tobirama froze.
Because he did know.
And the number hurt too much to think about.
Hashirama saw the answer on his brother’s face immediately.
Pain flickered through his eyes.
“I know the safest strategy is to keep pressing our advantage carefully.” “But that kind of victory costs more lives.” “And I can’t accept that anymore.” His voice grew softer.
“When Itama and Kawarama died…” “I swore I’d end this war as quickly as possible.” “The sooner it ends…” “The more people survive.” Tobirama fell silent.
At that point, he understood.
Hashirama had already made up his mind.
Nothing would change it now.
Hashirama suddenly smiled and slapped his younger brother’s shoulder.
“Have a little faith in me.” “You don’t actually think I’ll lose, do you?” “You won’t lose,” Tobirama admitted immediately.
Then his expression darkened.
“I’m worried you won’t be willing to kill him when it matters.” He stared directly into Hashirama’s eyes.
“You are the leader of the Senju Clan.” “This isn’t just about winning or losing.” “The fate of countless people depends on you.” “Don’t forget that.” Hashirama nodded seriously.
“I understand.” Tobirama turned toward the door.
“I’ll ensure nobody interferes with the duel.” Without another word, he left.
Hashirama watched his brother’s departing back with visible guilt.
He knew Tobirama was angry.
After leaving, Tobirama wandered aimlessly through the village.
His thoughts remained restless.
Before he realized it, he’d arrived outside Ethan’s residence.
Inside the courtyard, Ethan was practicing Fish-Man Karate.
Tobirama stood quietly beyond the fence, watching in silence.
Gradually, the unfamiliar martial art began capturing his attention completely.
Compared to battlefield politics and looming tragedy— this was refreshingly straightforward.
“Ethan.” Tobirama finally spoke.
“Your taijutsu contains traces of Water Release principles, doesn’t it?” Ethan had sensed Tobirama’s presence long ago but pretended not to notice.
Only now did he turn around with exaggerated surprise.
“Sensei!” He greeted respectfully.
Tobirama acknowledged him absently before getting straight to the point.
“This fighting style is unusual.” “Explain it.” Ethan nodded.
The technique he’d been practicing wasn’t ordinary Fish-Man Karate.
It was one of its more specialized aspects: Water manipulation.
Fish-Man Karate possessed the ability to directly influence water currents.
But that capability normally depended on natural fish-man physiology.
In theory, a human shouldn’t be capable of replicating it.
Ethan understood that perfectly.
So he’d started searching for another method.
His idea was simple: Combine Water Release principles with Fish-Man Karate mechanics to artificially reproduce the effect.
Since Wood Release itself originated from the fusion of Water and Earth Chakra natures, Ethan already possessed strong affinity with Water Release.
He’d only just begun experimenting when Tobirama arrived.
So Ethan simply explained his entire thought process openly.
After all— if anyone in shinobi history qualified as the greatest inventor alive— it was Tobirama Senju.
Listening carefully, Tobirama’s eyes gradually brightened.
He nodded repeatedly.
Techniques that fused taijutsu and ninjutsu weren’t unheard of.
But they were notoriously difficult to develop.
Yet Ethan had already built a functional framework entirely through independent experimentation.
In Tobirama’s eyes, Ethan’s greatest strength wasn’t merely talent.
It was the way he thought.
The boy possessed the instincts of a true researcher.
“He can inherit Hashirama’s Wood Release…” “And potentially continue my own research and innovations as well…” Tobirama suddenly saw endless possibilities in Ethan.
Meanwhile, Ethan had spent nearly ten straight minutes enthusiastically explaining theories and ideas— only to realize Tobirama hadn’t actually given any feedback yet.
Confused, he looked up.
And nearly jumped.
Tobirama was smiling at him.
Actually smiling.
Warmly.
Ethan almost had a heart attack.
Did the sun rise in the west today?!
Was this some kind of hallucination?!
He blinked rapidly.
By the time he looked again, Tobirama had already returned to his usual cold expression.
Yeah.
Definitely hallucinating.
Tobirama spoke calmly.
“Your approach is correct.” “The problem is your understanding of Water Release remains superficial.” “That limitation is slowing the development of this style.” He folded his arms.
“If you want to perfect this technique…” “Then starting today, you’ll begin properly studying Water Release under me.” Ethan’s eyes lit up instantly.
Most people associated Tobirama with Flying Thunder God.
But that wasn’t actually his original specialty.
Tobirama first became famous through Water Release.
Before inventing Flying Thunder God, he’d slaughtered enemies across the battlefield using Water Release techniques alone.
Naturally, Ethan became wildly enthusiastic.
The lesson began immediately.
Tobirama shifted into full teaching mode, carefully explaining principles from the ground up.
Both of them became completely immersed.
By the time they finally stopped, the sky had already darkened.
As Tobirama prepared to leave, he paused near the gate.
For once, hesitation flickered across his face.
“Hashirama plans to duel Madara.” He spoke quietly.
“At the moment, I’m the only one in the clan who knows the location.” Then he looked directly at Ethan.
“I’m considering taking you with me.” “What do you think?” Ethan nearly exploded internally.
Hashirama versus Madara?
The legendary battle of the era?
And with Tobirama himself acting as bodyguard?
What was there to hesitate about?!
“I want to go!” Tobirama smiled faintly, clearly having expected that answer already.
“Watching battles between monsters like them is dangerous.” “But you’ll gain more from it than years of ordinary training.” His eyes sharpened slightly.
“As another Wood Release user…” “Observe Hashirama carefully.” Ethan nodded immediately.
This was an incredible opportunity.
During actual warfare, he’d always been too busy surviving to properly study Hashirama’s combat style.
But now?
This was different.
Late the following night, two figures moved silently through the forest like ghosts.
Eventually, they arrived at a hidden valley.
It wasn’t the Valley of the End Ethan remembered.
There were no massive waterfalls.
Only a narrow stream running quietly through the canyon.
Clearly, history hadn’t reached that point yet.
After arriving, Tobirama immediately began inspecting the surroundings alongside Ethan.
Based on Madara’s personality, he likely wouldn’t set an ambush after agreeing to a duel.
Still— Tobirama trusted caution more than honor.
Quietly, he marked multiple locations with Flying Thunder God formulas while also planting hidden explosive tags throughout the valley.
If anything suspicious happened— he would stop the duel immediately.