The First Hokage? That was the First Hokage of the entire ninja world, a legendary figure who once ended the chaos of the Warring States era with his unparalleled strength. Known as the "God of Shinobi," he was a man revered throughout history.
But this person wasn't just a legend, he had been dead for countless years.
How could someone who had long departed from the world of the living still be walking among them?
So, when the First Hokage revealed his identity, the Sand Ninjas' immediate reaction was to dismiss it as a ruse.
After a moment of confusion, their disbelief turned into laughter.
Following the order of one of their captains, the Sand Ninjas drew their weapons and charged out of hiding, their movements decisive and full of confidence.
Ninja battles typically relied on kunai and long-range ninjutsu. However, in situations like this, where the numerical advantage clearly lay with one side—close-quarters combat was often preferred.
The reasons were practical. Poor visibility made long-range techniques more dangerous for allies, and the risk of friendly fire increased exponentially. Thus, the Sand Ninjas charged in for a direct confrontation, expecting to overwhelm the enemy with sheer numbers.
But never in their wildest dreams did they expect the man standing before them to truly be the First Hokage…
Faced with a legendary figure of his caliber, their attempt to rush in, seven or eight Sand Ninjas at once was laughably futile.
To call it an ill-fated charge would be an understatement. It was no different from throwing themselves directly into the jaws of a predator.
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!
The two men—one with dark, wild hair, the other with silver effortlessly dodged their attacks, striking back with simple, fluid movements.
Every time a Sand Ninja was sent flying, countless thick, twisting vines burst forth from the earth, capturing them midair and binding them tightly.
In less than thirty seconds, all the Sand Ninjas were immobilized, wrapped like rice dumplings by the First Hokage's Wood Release.
The only one left standing was a middle-aged man whose legs were trembling so badly that he could barely hold onto his kunai.
"This… This is Wood Release!?" the man stammered.
"This can't be… Could he really be… the God of Shinobi?"
"Impossible!"
"It's a trick… right? Right?!"
Even though the Sand Ninjas were tightly bound, their mouths hadn't been silenced, and they couldn't help voicing their doubts.
Under the faint moonlight, they got a good look at the two men standing before them.
Although none of them had ever seen the First or Second Hokage in person, the sheer presence these two exuded, combined with their direction of approach—from Konoha—made the situation far too suspicious.
And then there was that undeniable Wood Release…
How could they not believe it?
Hashirama crouched down beside one of the captured ninjas. His tone was earnest, almost apologetic:
"Why don't you believe me? I'm really Senju Hashirama!"
The ninja, exasperated, blurted out, "Please, come on! You've been dead for years! Who would believe that?"
"Ah? That's… a good point," Hashirama replied, scratching his head in genuine realization.
"…"
Tobirama let out a cold snort, clearly unimpressed by his brother's antics. His sharp, critical gaze turned toward the Sand Ninjas, who were growing more and more bewildered.
What were these two even talking about?
"Forget it," Hashirama finally said with a sigh. "Go back and tell the current Kazekage that for the sake of peace between our villages, I request that he come meet me personally."
"You… You're letting me go?" the last standing ninja asked hesitantly, his fear still evident.
Tobirama interjected, his voice cold and matter-of-fact: "If we wanted to kill you, do you think you'd still be standing there, able to talk?"
The aura between the two brothers couldn't have been more different.
Hashirama had a kind and easygoing demeanor, but when he became serious, his mere gaze could send chills down anyone's spine.
Tobirama, on the other hand, exuded a stern, commanding presence. His sharp personality, no-nonsense attitude, and resolute decisiveness gave the impression of a man who was always in control.
However, when it came to important decisions, it was clear that Hashirama had the final say, and Tobirama would respect his brother's judgment—even if begrudgingly.
Thus, despite Tobirama's preference for more ruthless methods, he allowed Hashirama to handle this situation through negotiation.
The vines released their hold, and the captured Sand Ninjas scrambled to their feet, trembling under the oppressive pressure of the two men. None of them dared to act recklessly.
"Go. Relay our message," Hashirama said, waving his hand dismissively. His tone was as casual as if he were bidding farewell to a friend.
"I-I will! I promise I'll deliver your message!" the ninja stammered, hastily retreating with his comrades.
"Good. We'll wait for you here," Hashirama said with a nod, smiling warmly.
…
This war was far more brutal than the previous two great conflicts. Because of this, the leaders of each nation had stationed themselves at the frontlines to oversee operations personally.
Before dawn, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, had already received the battlefield reports.
"The First Hokage… Senju Hashirama?" he muttered, utterly perplexed.
When he first heard the name, his immediate reaction was disbelief.
How could this be possible?
How many decades had it been since the First Hokage's death? How could he suddenly appear to negotiate with him now?
"Lord Kazekage, the other man's ninjutsu, demeanor, and even his actions align perfectly with the legends," one of the Sand Ninjas reported with great respect.
"Also, there was a silver-haired man in blue armor next to him, addressing him as 'Big Brother.' Based on our observations, we believe he may be the Second Hokage of Konoha."
Rasa frowned deeply, his thoughts spinning.
The First Hokage and the Second Hokage?
Even with his own considerable strength, Rasa couldn't deny the enormous gap in power between him and the legendary Hashirama.
If the reports were accurate, and it truly was the First and Second Hokage… then this situation demanded careful consideration.
"Summon Chiyo," Rasa finally ordered after a moment of thought. "We're heading to the frontlines immediately!"
Although he had never met the First or Second Hokage in person, Chiyo had lived long enough to have possibly encountered them.
If the pair turned out to be imposters, they would expose their ruse. But if they were genuine, Rasa would need to understand the situation fully before deciding on his next course of action.
No matter the outcome, he couldn't afford to ignore this. He had to meet them in person.
…
While Rasa wrestled with his disbelief, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure was facing his own urgent reports.
"What's this about the Sand Ninja army being unstoppable? What's going on?" he demanded, his voice sharp and impatient.
The Kumo ninja who had returned to report trembled as he explained. "It's the Sand Ninjas, my lord. Their numbers are overwhelming, there must be over five hundred of them and they're being led by the Third Kazekage."
"And?" the Raikage pressed, his brows furrowing deeper.
"They're… unkillable," the Kumo ninja stammered. "They seem tireless and have already taken over Konoha's defensive line."
The Fourth Raikage slammed a hand onto his desk, the wood creaking under the pressure.
"The Reanimation Jutsu," he muttered grimly.
The true horror of that technique wasn't just in summoning the dead, it was in making them immortal, with limitless chakra reserves.
Hearing the full report, the Raikage didn't hesitate. Rising from his seat, he barked an order:
"We're heading to the frontlines immediately!"
***
Support me on patreon to read 70+ advanced chapters: /Blownleaves.