"You didn't target Konoha? Then who killed the Konoha ninja lying on the battlefield? If it wasn't you Uchiha, did they commit suicide? Do you take me for a blind man?" Senju Tobirama glared at Isamu, his expression filled with anger.
"Hmph! They deserved to die." Realizing Tobirama's hatred stemmed from Konoha, Isamu lifted his chin, his gaze cold and arrogant.
"They deserved to die? You evil Uchiha brat—I'll destroy you right now!" Tobirama's fury erupted, his chakra forming a violent storm that surged toward Isamu.
Isamu simply crossed his arms. Even as the gale whipped his long hair wildly, he stood unmoved, letting the force crash against him without effect.
Watching him, Senju Hashirama felt a strange sense of déjà vu—as if Uchiha Madara himself stood before him once again.
"Tobirama!"
Hashirama's chakra burst forth, even more overwhelming. The ground beneath him cracked instantly, and the surrounding ninja were forced to retreat.
Even Tsunade stepped back instinctively. Though she knew her grandfather wouldn't harm her, the sheer pressure of his chakra was terrifying.
Is this the strength of Grandfather Hashirama…? Maybe… maybe we really can bring him back…
At that moment, Isamu's focus was entirely on Hashirama. The immense chakra stirred something deep within him—his body practically itching for battle.
"Tobirama, withdraw your chakra. How can you treat a junior like this? Let's hear him out first."
"I understand, Brother… no need to go that far," Tobirama muttered, immediately suppressing his chakra.
"Hahaha!" Hashirama laughed heartily, then turned to Isamu.
"Tell me—why did the Konoha ninja deserve to die?"
"Heh. I declared war on the Four Great Nations—not Konoha. They chose to interfere. If they step onto my battlefield, they accept death. Isn't that obvious?" Isamu replied calmly.
Hashirama paused, caught off guard.
"Well… Konoha intervening was indeed questionable… but by excluding Konoha, aren't you forcing it into a difficult position?"
"More importantly, you've already disrupted the peace of the ninja world. That's where you're wrong. Stop now, Isamu. It's not too late—once I act, it will be."
"Hahahaha!" Isamu laughed loudly.
"Peace? Has this world ever known peace? After you died, war broke out immediately. Your brother died in battle. Then came more wars—again and again."
"I didn't break peace. I just started the inevitable a little earlier."
Hashirama fell silent. He knew there was truth in those words—but this wasn't the time to agree.
"…Even so, I still believe people can understand one another."
Isamu shook his head.
"Understanding? Even you and Madara couldn't stand on the same side. Don't talk to me about illusions."
Seeing reasoning wouldn't work, Hashirama changed approach.
"Then tell me—why start this war? You don't seem like someone who'd do it recklessly."
"Why?" Isamu grinned, his eyes blazing.
"My goal has always been you. I want to defeat you, take the title of God of Shinobi, and restore the glory of the Uchiha."
"You started a war for a title and empty glory? You're insane!" Tobirama snapped.
Hashirama sighed.
"You've already proven the strength of the Uchiha. No one will look down on your clan anymore. As for the title… I can give it to you. Just stop."
"Yes! Isamu, stop! Come back!" Tsunade shouted desperately, struggling against Jiraiya and Orochimaru holding her back.
The other Kage frowned. Let him go just like that? After everything? But none of them spoke—Hashirama's presence silenced them.
Isamu glanced at Tsunade. For a brief moment, something soft flickered in his eyes… then vanished.
Hashirama caught it.
So that's it… He's not completely lost…
But Isamu had no intention of stopping. The system mission—and this battle—mattered more.
Still… since Hashirama wanted to play, he'd play along.
"Ahem."
Isamu cleared his throat, his voice suddenly echoing across the battlefield.
"I, the new God of Shinobi, hereby declare—Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade… since you've survived multiple rounds against me and are still standing…"
"…as a reward for your survival—"
"I name you… the Konoha Sannin."
Silence.
The battlefield froze.
The Kage stared in disbelief.
He just… accepted the title? Just like that?
And now he's handing out titles mid-war?!
This wasn't how things were supposed to go.
Not at all.