Chapter 63: Taki Village Village

These words made Lian Ye overturn his perception of Hashirama.

For a long time, Lian Ye always felt that Hashirama's devotion to Ninja World peace was almost naive.

In this world full of slaughter and betrayal, those vows of peace are as illusory as a mirage.

The "Will of Fire" that Hashirama advocates, in his eyes, is merely the futile idealism of an impractical dreamer.

However, Hashirama's words just now completely overturned his previous understanding.

At that moment, Lian Ye realized that he had always misunderstood this God of Ninja.

Hashirama is not blindly optimistic; he knows the road to peace is riddled with thorns and that countless doubts and betrayals lie ahead.

Although Hashirama and Madara Uchiha have disagreed, he still chose this arduous path, intending to achieve Ninja World peace in his own way.

Even though he knows such peace is fleeting…

Only by experiencing the cruelty of war can one appreciate the value of peace.

This is precisely why Hashirama and Madara Uchiha seek to realize Ninja World peace.

Lian Ye looked at Hashirama with a hint of admiration, feeling moved.

"Although the peace Hashirama achieves is fleeting,

but at least it was achieved, wasn't it?"

Hashirama spoke those words, and many of the knots in his heart dissipated.

Seeing Lian Ye's reverent gaze, a smile tugged at his lips, and his warm palm rested on the boy's shoulder,

"Xiao Lian Ye, I hope you will protect the Village in the future."

He suddenly withdrew his smile, his gaze piercing the deep night as if seeing Konoha ten years later, "The Village is like a great tree, the villagers are its branches, and the ninja that guard it are its roots."

He withdrew his hand, his expression turning serious,

"In the future there may be raging storms and powerful enemies invading, but as long as there are people willing to stand up and protect the Village, Konoha's fire will never be extinguished."

"I believe you can become the solid strength that supports this great tree, protecting the Village's safety in your own way!"

Hearing this, Lian Ye's expression froze.

He hadn't expected Hashirama to say so much to him.

These words even felt like a dying wish.

It always feels as if Hashirama is arranging his affairs…

"I understand, Uncle Hashirama." Lian Ye looked at Hashirama, "I will do my best to protect the Village."

As long as it's within his abilities, he doesn't mind protecting the Village on Hashirama's behalf.

Seeing Lian Ye agree, Hashirama's face broke into a smile,

"Then from now on the Village is in your care, Xiao Lian Ye!"

Lian Ye always felt Hashirama's words were odd, but couldn't quite put it into words.

By the way, is this correct?

Has he been brainwashed by Hashirama?

Just then, Hashirama's words interrupted Lian Ye's thoughts.

"Xiao Lian Ye, it's time to leave."

The two figures, one large and one small, left the former Senju Clan Land.

Soon after they departed, a thick, ink‑black shadow slowly poked its head out of the ground.

It was Heijue.

A cold, grim smile curled at Heijue's mouth.

"Hehe, the reincarnated Asura is still so naive."

He sneered at Hashirama and Madara Uchiha's ideals.

In his view, only when his mother breaks the seal can the Ninja World welcome true peace.

Of course, he isn't interested in the so‑called Ninja World peace; he simply wants to rescue his mother.

Heijue watched Lian Ye's departing back, "That Uchiha Xiao Gui… shouldn't have appeared on this board."

He always felt Lian Ye's appearance would disrupt his plan.

As the mastermind who incited Indra and Asura to become mortal enemies.

He truly doesn't understand why the Senju brothers would adopt a Uchiha Xiao Gui.

Lian Ye's appearance is a variable for Heijue.

"We must never let this little devil disrupt the final arrangement…"

Before the words finished, Heijue's body sank back into the earth, as if he had never emerged.

———————

The news of Hashirama leaving Konoha Village spread wildly throughout the Ninja World for some reason.

Hashirama and Lian Ye, the two parties involved, were unaware that someone had already been watching them in secret.

"Xiao Lian Ye, do you know any fun places in the Ninja World?" Hashirama asked, a bit troubled.

The Ninja World is so vast, he didn't know where to go at once.

Hearing this, Lian Ye suggested, "Uncle Hashirama, I heard the hot springs of the Country of Hot Springs are nice."

The Country of Hot Springs is a tourist hotspot, one of Zilaoye's favorite places to visit in the future.

In all the years he's been in the Ninja World, he hasn't been there even once.

"Is that so? Then let's go take a look…"

The two set off immediately for the Country of Hot Springs.

…………

Longyin Village, High Council meeting room.

"Senju Hashirama has left Konoha."

"This is a chance for revenge for us!"

Senju Hashirama allocated the Tailed Beast to the Five Great Nations during the Five Kage Summit.

Although Longyin Village has a Seven Tails, they were not invited to the Five Kage Summit.

Longyin Village may be weaker than the Five Great Nations, but it also has its own traits and a certain strength.

Senju Hashirama's actions have greatly displeased the village's high council; how can they look down on a small nation?

Thus the Hidden Rain Village High Council bears a grudge against Senju Hashirama.

They originally intended to assassinate Senju Hashirama, but some matters delayed them.

When the Hidden Rain Village High Council learned of Senju Hashirama's departure, they immediately convened a high council meeting to discuss how to take revenge.

In the end, they unanimously decided to send someone to assassinate Senju Hashirama.

Even if they can't kill him, they can vent their anger...

At least they want the other side to know that their small nation is not to be trifled with!

"Then who should we send?"

The meeting room fell into silence.

They all know Senju Hashirama's strength, making an assassination extremely difficult.

The people they send are basically just going to deliver a head.

"Let Jiaodu go... He's powerful and has already threatened our position," someone suggested.

"No problem!" several people in the meeting room agreed unanimously.

So they called Jiaodu and informed him of the mission.

Jiaodu: "???"

Sending him to assassinate the God of Ninja—are the high council members insane?

"Jiaodu..." the leading white‑haired elder rose shakily, his gaunt hand resting on Jiaodu's shoulder, "This mission is perilous, but you are the village's sharpest blade!"

His voice was hoarse, yet his eyes flickered with calculating light.

"Since Senju Hashirama founded Konoha, he has never regarded our small nations. If you succeed, Longyin Village will regain its standing in the Ninja World, and you will become the village's hero!"

Another middle‑aged man stepped forward, handing over a Scroll, "This contains the intelligence we gathered; Senju Hashirama's weaknesses are all inside."

Although Jiaodu was reluctant at heart, he still took the Scroll and left the village.

PS: Everyone, I can't continue writing, I really can't continue.

I'll owe a chapter today and make it up over the weekend...