Chapter 75: The Village Is Yours

"Big brother, you're back."

At the Muye Dameng, Qianshou Feijian, after sensing the two's chakra, hurriedly ended the experiment and came to the gate to greet them.

Although he appeared calm on the surface, he was still afraid that big brother would learn of his meddling with the dead's souls.

After all, Impure Earth Reincarnation is not like other Forbidden Techniques; honestly, this Ninjutsu is rather cruel.

Given big brother's temperament, if he found out, he would certainly not let him off easily.

So he came to the gate at once to greet him, hoping to dispel big brother's doubts as much as possible.

"Ha ha, Feijian, I'm back!" Hashirama's bright laugh rang out.

It's been a while since I haven't seen my younger brother; I really miss him…

"Big brother, why were you out so long?" Feijian couldn't help complaining.

At first he thought big brother would be out for three or five days and return, but it turned out to be over three months.

If he didn't know big brother's strength, he would have thought the other had met misfortune.

"Sorry about that, it took a bit of time on the road," Hashirama said, his gaze unconsciously falling on Lian Ye.

Lian Ye, seeing this, lowered his head a little awkwardly.

Five days ago, he snatched the map to lead the way, but accidentally went off course again.

It should have taken only two days to arrive, yet it ended up taking five days.

Two consecutive wrong turns made Lian Ye realize that this map truly had problems!

The map's crooked, tangled lines—who could a normal person understand such an abstract route?

Lian Ye hadn't never thought about why Uncle Hashirama could understand it.

But he quickly figured it out: Uncle Hashirama must know the general route, whether he looks at the map or not.

Had he known, he wouldn't have wasted money buying the map; Uncle Hashirama's personal navigation would have been enough.

He thought about whether he could find the seller later to return the map.

If he couldn't find them, the three hundred taels would be lost…

Feijian noticed big brother looking at Lian Ye and became curious.

Could big brother's late return be related to Lian Ye?

If that's the case, this kid really has helped him a lot.

"Feijian, nothing's happened in the Village during this time, right?"

Hearing big brother's question, Feijian replied, "Don't worry, big brother, with me in the Village nothing can go wrong."

Hashirama heard that and cheerfully said, "With you here I feel at ease."

Feijian subconsciously frowned, feeling that big brother's words were odd.

He couldn't help saying, "Big brother, since you're back, the Village's affairs are now yours."

Hashirama was slightly startled, then smiled and shook his head, "Feijian, I should have retired long ago; the Hokage should still be you."

"Big brother…" Feijian opened his mouth, wanted to say something but stopped, finally sighing, "I understand."

He had long anticipated such a day, but didn't expect it to arrive so quickly.

Since big brother was injured, he had been handling the Village's affairs.

Feijian always held hope, believing big brother's wound could fully recover.

For this, he even conducted many experiments, but to no effect.

Thus, he could only rely on big brother's abnormally strong regenerative ability.

But big brother's recent decision made him realize the wound couldn't heal…

Hashirama patted Feijian's shoulder and softly said, "Feijian, the Village is yours now; don't disappoint me."

Then he turned to Lian Ye, smiling, "Xiao Lian Ye, I'm heading back; when you have time, come accompany Gangshou to play."

"Okay, I'll go," Lian Ye nodded.

"Ha ha, these past days have indeed been tiring; it's time to go back and rest," Hashirama cheerfully left.

The two stood where they were, watching Hashirama's silhouette fade away.

"Uncle Hashirama's chakra... is getting weaker," Lian Ye murmured softly.

He had been staying with Hashirama these months, so he naturally noticed the changes in Hashirama's body.

But since Hashirama never brought it up, he wouldn't ask.

Feijian remained silent, the red pupils reflecting big brother's silhouette.

The sunset finally fell below the horizon, the last ray stretching Hashirama's shadow long and long.

The man who once ended a war with Wood Release now resembled a setting sun, each inch of his brilliance being devoured by darkness.

After an unknown amount of time, the sky was completely dark.

Qianshou Feijian turned his head toward Lian Ye, his voice hoarse, "Kid, let's go back."

Lian Ye nodded, silently following behind.

Both were somewhat silent along the way.

Feijian's house was located behind Hashirama's house.

When they passed Hashirama's doorway, they heard Hashirama and Gangshou's laughter from the courtyard.

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Qianshou Feijian Residence.

Since Qianshou Feijian returned, he has locked himself in the study.

He stared at the walls full of experimental data, a hint of bewilderment flashing in his eyes,

"Is there really no way…?"

At that moment, a voice came from outside the door, Lian Ye's voice: "Uncle, it's time to come out for a meal."

"Hmm, I understand."

Hearing that, Feijian put away the documents, then opened the door and went out.

At the dining table, neither of them spoke.

Qianshou Feijian ate his meal by himself.

Although his older brother's affairs robbed him of an appetite, Lian Ye's cooking was another matter—it was truly appetizing.

I have to admit, it's been some days since I've tasted this kid's cooking, and I actually miss it…

Eating the delicacy gradually calmed Feijian's slightly irritable mood.

He broke the silence at the table, looking at Lian Ye: "Tell me, where have you all been during this time?"

He was curious about what exactly had delayed his older brother on the road.

Lian Ye set down his chopsticks and recounted the experiences of that period in detail.

He only selectively concealed the fact that he got lost twice…

It's better not to let this old kid know about such embarrassing matters.

After the meal, Qianshou Feijian alone cleared the dishes from the table.

Lian Ye then went to the Training Ground to train; the path to becoming stronger was imminent.

He knew that, given Senju Hashirama's current physical condition, he probably couldn't hold out much longer.

As long as Senju Hashirama dies, Konoha will lose its formidable deterrent.

In that case, those nations eyeing the Fire Country would launch war without hesitation.

Although Lian Ye's current strength means that, on the Battlefield, as long as he remains cautious, major problems are unlikely, the stronger he becomes, the higher his chance of survival.

He will try to make up for the wasted three months as much as possible.

At some point, Qianshou Feijian leaned against the door, silently watching Lian Ye train.

The kid is really diligent…

He had originally intended to study Lian Ye tonight, but seeing the kid had just returned, he abandoned the idea.

He should at least let the kid get a good rest, right?

After all, Qianshou Feijian is not an unreasonable person.

Thinking that, Feijian glanced at Lian Ye and returned to the study.

The Lian Ye training at the moment didn't know that he had luckily escaped a disaster…

ps: I'm five minutes late, sorry.