When Orochimaru couldn't sustain the Reanimation Jutsu, instead of choosing to return to the afterlife, he willingly released the contract of the jutsu, staying in the mortal realm.
'Tobirama, both of us are deceased. It might be better not to linger too much in the mortal realm; the afterlife is our true home,' cautioned Hashirama, witnessing this scene.
He knew his younger brother had always been decisive and, with his unconventional ways, if not for Hashirama's guidance, who knows how many forbidden techniques like the Reanimation Jutsu Tobirama might have explored.
Seeing Tobirama willingly stay, Hashirama reflexively prepared the seedling needle.
'Don't worry, elder brother. I can distinguish between life and death,' Tobirama calmly nodded, 'It's just been so many years. It's rare to have a chance to return to the mortal realm; I'd like to spend some time observing the current state of Konoha and feel more assured even when returning to the afterlife.'
'Ah, that's true! I also want to see more of today's Konoha! I was too hasty in my previous observations. Then... shall we stay a bit longer?'
Originally, after resolving the trouble caused by Orochimaru, Tobirama, following the principle of life and death's separation, intended to return to the afterlife.
But hearing his younger brother, he was immediately intrigued. So, with enthusiasm, he changed his mind.
Returning to the afterlife wasn't an immediate necessity anyway. First, carefully observing the new appearance of the village he founded, then departing wouldn't be too late.
Oh! And that girl with Wood Release, she seems very familiar.
Unexpectedly, the Senju clan has produced such a genius. It's crucial to meet her later.
With these thoughts, Hashirama's face was filled with anticipation.
Meanwhile, on the other side, after the battle's conclusion, Nara Shikaku, Aya Uchiha, and other Konoha ninjas arrived swiftly.
With excitement, admiration, curiosity, surprise, and more, they enthusiastically greeted Hashirama and Tobirama:
'First Hokage! Second Hokage!'
'Ah, hello everyone!'
Seeing this, the down-to-earth Hashirama showed his characteristic big smile without any pretense, warmly waving to the Konoha ninjas.
The composed Tobirama also smiled slightly.
'Truly the First and Second Hokage!'
Seeing the genuine response from the two former Hokages, many Konoha ninjas couldn't contain their excitement.
For their generation, the First and Second Hokages were figures they admired from the teachings at the ninja academy.
Now, the figures they once looked up to in their childhood were standing before them, naturally evoking intense emotions.
Thus, the aftermath of the recent battle turned into a lively fan meet-up, bustling with excitement.
Among them, the sociable Hashirama engaged with the enthusiastic fans, answering all their queries.
Meanwhile, after a brief survey, Tobirama, noticing the distinct hairstyle of Nara Shikaku, possibly the current captain of the Jonin, pulled him aside to inquire about the current situation in Konoha and the ninja world.
Nara Shikaku didn't conceal anything, briefing Tobirama on the changes in Konoha over the years and the situation in the ninja world.
Afterward, Tobirama fell silent, refraining from further comments.
Elsewhere, compared to others, Aya Uchiha, usually calm, withdrew her gaze from Tobirama.
Among the Uchiha clan members, the general opinion of the Second Hokage wasn't particularly favorable.
After all, the ANBU forces, a creation of the Second Hokage, enforced by the Third, had become confinement for the Uchiha clan.
In contrast, the First Hokage was more acknowledged by the Uchiha clan.
Seeing the enthusiastic and amiable First Hokage in front of her and then glancing at the unconscious Orochimaru on the side, Aya Uchiha's lips curled involuntarily.
Not for any other reason, but because she recalled a phrase once mentioned by the Fourth Hokage, 'Reanimation Jutsu, the jutsu that fulfills dreams.'
In the past, she didn't quite comprehend the meaning behind those words.
But now, she understood.
...
Soon, with the reinforcements from Konoha, led by Sarutobi Hiruzen, the meeting of the Hokages came to a temporary halt.
'First Hokage! Second Hokage!' With Orochimaru's resolution and the return of the First and Second Hokages' spirits, Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted them with a nostalgic sigh.
'Long time no see, Monkey! You look much older now!' Hashirama laughed heartily, patting Sarutobi Hiruzen's shoulder vigorously.
'Can't help it, aging is inevitable. Speaking of which, this appearance is a result of my recent efforts to maintain wellness over the years.' Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled faintly.
'Over these years, Monkey, you've done well. You being the Third Hokage was not a choice in vain made by me.' Tobirama joined, patting Sarutobi Hiruzen's other shoulder.
'The Third Hokage? With my limited abilities, I could only barely maintain the overall situation. Speaking of which, the credit for the current state of Konoha lies more with the Fourth Hokage.' Sarutobi Hiruzen sincerely remarked.
Hearing this, Hashirama considered it mere modesty.
But Tobirama, who had some knowledge from Nara Shikaku, understood the true intent behind Sarutobi Hiruzen's words.
'Nevertheless, you've contributed significantly to Konoha's state,' he earnestly said.
'True!' Hashirama agreed.
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a pang in his heart.
...
The conversation among the three generations of Hokages continued in Konoha.
However, due to the aftermath of Orochimaru's attack needing resolution, this reminiscing didn't last long.
As they escorted the Konoha members back, Sarutobi Hiruzen also wished for the two former Hokages to visit the village.
Originally planning to do so, Hashirama and Tobirama readily agreed.
On the way, Hashirama curiously asked his younger brother, 'Tobirama, do you happen to know the current Fourth Hokage of Konoha?'
From the previous interactions with the Konoha ninjas, he had learned that the current Fourth Hokage belonged to the Senju clan, awakened Wood Release, much like himself, and was naturally interested.
'I don't know.' Tobirama shook his head. When he fell in battle, Tsunade was still a child, and the Fourth Hokage, even younger, hadn't been born.
But mentioning Tsunade, Tobirama suddenly turned to his elder brother, 'Speaking of which, don't you know that the current wife of the Fourth Hokage is Tsunade?'
'What? Tsunade is already married?' Hashirama exclaimed in surprise.
He genuinely didn't know.
Because when he enthusiastically interacted with the Konoha ninjas earlier, though he asked about the current Fourth Hokage, he hadn't bothered to ask about their spouses.
'Tsunade is still so young...'
Subconsciously, memories of his granddaughter remained stuck in her childhood in Hashirama's mind.
But soon, realizing the present situation before him, he abruptly stopped.
He almost forgot; it had been several decades already.
'I didn't expect Tsunade to be married!' At this moment, akin to realizing the changed landscape of the bustling city being Konoha, Hashirama deeply sighed with a sense of time's passage.
Tobirama, observing this, was about to give his elder brother an even bigger surprise.
However, before that 'surprise' could arrive on its own, rushing towards his elder brother, while exclaiming loudly, came a voice:
'Grandpa!!'"