"Big Brother, we're the ones holding the advantage right now. There's no need for you to put yourself at risk by dueling that guy, Madara Uchiha."
The moment he received the news, Tobirama Senju rushed over to stop Hashirama Senju. He knew his brother's personality all too well—once Madara proposed the duel, Hashirama would definitely agree.
Hashirama fell silent for a moment before asking, "Tobirama, do you know how many of our clansmen have died in this war so far?"
Tobirama froze.
Because it was a number that hurt just to think about.
Seeing the expression on his brother's face, pain flashed through Hashirama's eyes as he said in a low voice, "I understand perfectly well that pressing our advantage step by step is the safest way to win—but it's also a victory bought with even more lives. I can't bear that."
"When Itama and Kawarama died, I swore that I would end this war as soon as possible."
"If the war ends even one day earlier, that's more people who get to live."
Hearing this, Tobirama knew his brother had already made up his mind. No matter what he said now, it would be useless.
Looking at his brother's conflicted expression, Hashirama patted Tobirama on the shoulder and laughed boldly. "Have a little faith in me, Tobirama. Do you really think I'll lose?"
"You won't lose," Tobirama replied with a bitter smile. "I'm just afraid that at a critical moment, you won't have the heart to strike decisively."
He then said solemnly, "You have to remember—you are the head of the Senju Clan. This isn't a simple matter of winning or losing. It concerns the fate of tens of thousands of clansmen behind you. Don't forget that."
Hashirama nodded seriously.
"I'll make sure no one interferes with your duel." After saying this, Tobirama didn't even say goodbye before turning around and leaving the room.
Hashirama knew Tobirama was upset. He watched his brother's departing figure with an apologetic gaze.
After leaving, Tobirama's emotions were in turmoil.
He wandered aimlessly through the streets, and before he realized it, he had arrived at Chu Yang's residence.
At this moment, Chu Yang was practicing Fish-Man Karate in the courtyard.
Tobirama stood outside the courtyard, silently watching, gradually becoming absorbed in this entirely new taijutsu style.
Once he stopped thinking about those troubling matters, the gloom in Tobirama's heart dissipated considerably.
"Yang, this taijutsu of yours seems to contain some water-attribute chakra transformation," Tobirama finally spoke after observing for a long time.
In truth, Chu Yang had already sensed Tobirama's presence long ago—he was just pretending not to notice. Only when Tobirama spoke did Chu Yang put on a pleasantly surprised expression.
"Good day, Sensei," Chu Yang greeted respectfully.
"Mm." Tobirama responded casually, then immediately pressed on, "This taijutsu of yours is very special. Can you explain it in detail?"
Chu Yang nodded.
What he had been practicing just now was a rather special technique within Fish-Man Karate—
Water control.
Fish-Man Karate is a unique taijutsu that allows the practitioner to manipulate water flow, but this ability is tied to the racial talents of the Fish-Men.
As an ordinary human, Chu Yang theoretically shouldn't be able to reach this level at all.
Chu Yang knew this very well, which was why he had chosen a different path—combining the power of Water Release to simulate this technique.
Wood Release itself is the result of fusing water-attribute and earth-attribute chakra.
Naturally, Chu Yang was already quite familiar with the power of Water Release.
He had only just begun experimenting and had made a little progress when Tobirama arrived. So he simply laid out his thoughts in full, hoping Tobirama could give him some advice.
After all, Tobirama Senju was the number-one inventor in the history of the shinobi world—his mind was far sharper than Chu Yang's.
Listening to Chu Yang's explanation, Tobirama smiled and nodded repeatedly.
Techniques that combined taijutsu and ninjutsu weren't unheard of in the shinobi world, but without exception, they were all extremely difficult to develop. Yet Chu Yang had managed to form a prototype through his own efforts.
In Tobirama's eyes, Chu Yang's way of thinking already surpassed that of ordinary people, aligning perfectly with his own mindset as a researcher.
"Not only can he inherit my brother's Wood Release, but he can also inherit my ninjutsu and continue to innovate…" Tobirama saw endless possibilities in Chu Yang.
After talking for a long time, Chu Yang's throat was dry, yet he hadn't received a single concrete suggestion.
He looked up—only to see Tobirama smiling gently at him.
Chu Yang jumped in fright!
Was the sun rising in the west today? Tobirama Senju, who never smiled, was actually smiling?!
Had he started hallucinating?
When Chu Yang looked again, Tobirama had already returned to his usual cold, expressionless demeanor.
So it really was an illusion.
"Your taijutsu concept is correct," Tobirama said calmly. "The key issue is that your understanding of Water Release is still too shallow. You're only scratching the surface, and that's slowing the progress of this taijutsu."
"If you want to perfect it, then starting today, you must learn more Water Release techniques from me!"
Chu Yang's eyes lit up.
What was the Second Hokage best at?
The Flying Thunder God Technique?
No.
The answer was Water Release.
Before creating the Flying Thunder God Technique, Tobirama had made his name through Water Release, slaughtering enemies on the battlefield during the clan wars.
Filled with excitement, Chu Yang immediately began seeking Tobirama's guidance on Water Release. Tobirama, in turn, entered full teaching mode, starting patiently from the very basics.
Both of them became completely absorbed, and only stopped once night had fully fallen.
Before leaving, Tobirama hesitated at the doorway, as if struggling with an important decision.
"The Clan Head is preparing to duel Madara Uchiha. As for the location, I'm currently the only one in the clan who knows it. I plan to take you with me—what do you think?"
A duel between Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha?
Was there even a need to think?
This was the most spectacular battle in shinobi history—and with the Second Hokage acting as a bodyguard, what was there to hesitate about?
"I want to go!" Chu Yang said excitedly.
Tobirama smiled, clearly having anticipated this response. "Watching a battle between warriors of that level carries risks, but it will also benefit you immensely."
"As a Wood Release user yourself, you must carefully observe the Clan Head's fighting style."
Chu Yang understood that this was an extremely valuable opportunity.
Previously, on the battlefield, he had been too busy just trying to stay alive—he'd never had the chance to properly observe Hashirama's combat.
Late the next night, two figures moved like ghosts through the forest, arriving at a secluded mountain valley.
However, this place was different from the Valley of the End that Chu Yang remembered—there was no waterfall, only a small stream. It was clearly somewhere else.
Moreover, the story hadn't yet progressed to the final battle at the Valley of the End.
Upon arrival, Tobirama concealed himself together with Chu Yang and made a circuit of the surrounding area.
Although, given Madara's personality, once he agreed to a duel he would never set an ambush, Tobirama still took precautions. He left Flying Thunder God markings in many locations and set up numerous explosive tag traps.
If anything felt even slightly off, he would immediately abort the duel.
(End of Chapter)
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