"Yo, Garfield."
After Garfield finished misleading Rin, Hashirama suddenly ran out from behind a nearby corner, like a supporting character who had missed his cue and rushed back onstage.
"Hashirama," Garfield glanced at him, "You look swollen. Want me to treat you?"
"It's fine. I'm used to it." Hashirama waved a hand indifferently.
Rin stared at the bandage-wrapped figure in horror. So… the First Hokage is beaten by his wife every day?
Is this why he and Madara both died after the Valley of the End battle?
The realization that struck her was terrifying.
Rin, who believed she had accidentally uncovered a great historical truth, began trembling.
"H~Hokage Hashirama." She asked cautiously, "Are you sure this isn't serious?"
"What if it leaves a lasting injury? I've never heard you had many children… and if you're really as strong as everyone says, shouldn't you be… healthier?"
Hashirama's expression stiffened slightly. He coughed and immediately changed the subject with impressive speed.
After several minutes of incoherent rambling, Garfield narrowed his eyes.
These two definitely know something they're hiding.
As a self-proclaimed expert detective, Garfield vowed to uncover the truth sooner or later.
"Well," Hashirama suddenly said, "My wife wants to discuss something with you."
"…What?" Garfield asked warily.
"About Tsunade."
"I didn't see anything."
Hashirama froze. "…See what?"
"I didn't see anything."
"Oh." Hashirama exhaled in relief. "That's good then."
Rin stood silently to the side, her heart quietly shattering.
So this is the legendary First Hokage…
Why does he seem so foolish…? Sure enough, legends really were lies told to children.
Thinking about Uzumaki Mito's terrifying presence, Garfield decided now was not a good time to linger.
Activate: Procrastination Technique.
"Hashirama." Garfield said casually. "Are you interested in seeing that big orange fox with nine tails?"
"Nine-Tails?" Hashirama blinked. "That little orange fox?"
"Yes."
"…Garfield." Hashirama asked sincerely, "Do you want to eat fox meat?"
"No," Garfield replied seriously. "I want to raise one. I don't like ordinary foxes. This one's a bit arrogant, but otherwise pretty decent."
Hashirama nodded thoughtfully. "I've fought the Nine-Tails before. The caretaker's fine, bad temper though."
…Wait.
"You've fought it already?" Garfield and Rin stared at Hashirama's bandaged face.
He didn't look like he was boasting.
The First Hokage really is terrifying, Rin thought, instantly reverting to fangirl mode.
Garfield, however, saw an opportunity.
Looking at Hashirama's calm confidence, he felt his plan to 'borrow' Kurama becoming significantly easier.
Still, he asked cautiously, "Hashirama… are you actually in good condition right now?"
"Of course!" Hashirama laughed.
"These bandages are for show to fool that violent red-haired woman. I'm Senju Hashirama the strongest man alive!"
Garfield glanced at the conspicuous bloodstain nearby and said kindly, "Don't force it. If you're injured, admit it. I can heal you."
Hashirama snorted, tore off the bandages, and struck what he believed was a heroic pose.
"See? Nothing wrong. Earlier was just an act to deceive that violent red~"
"SENJU HASHIRAMA!"
A tyrannical roar shook the heavens.
Hashirama's face turned pale instantly.
"I'm doomed." He whispered. Then he grabbed Garfield desperately. "Garfield, aren't you going to catch the Nine-Tails?!"
"…Suddenly, I don't feel like it."
"Don't do this!" Hashirama pleaded. "Please! Show loyalty! Help me!"
Garfield considered for a moment. "…You owe me."
"How many?"
"Three favors."
Hashirama gritted his teeth. "…Deal."
Garfield raised a paw. Space folded.
In the next instant, both he and Hashirama vanished, leaving Rin alone on Hokage Rock, shaking as a red blur rapidly approached.
"…" Rin swallowed.
Being an adult… is terrifying.
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
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