Chapter Six: Spots, Spots, Spots—That’s All You Ever Think About!

“Feel this.”

Emiya Shirou casually left a deep black cursed seal on Senju Tobirama’s arm, even fashioning it into the iconic Leaf Village ninja swirl symbol.

“Chakra…”

“As expected, it can’t be activated.”

When Tobirama raised his finger to muster chakra, the cursed seal on his arm flowed like warm water through his body, sealing off his chakra and even causing his body to stiffen.

However…

Tobirama was undoubtedly a genius in the study of ninjutsu.

This advisor to the Hokage of Konoha immediately realized he could not oppose the cursed seal’s energy directly, and instead guided its power to merge with his chakra.

“This power…”

A flicker of surprise passed over Tobirama’s face.

The fusion of this cursed seal, imbued with natural energy, and chakra, indeed greatly enhanced a ninja’s strength.

Tobirama had to admit that Emiya Shirou’s concerns about the cursed seal spreading and sparking new conflicts in the ninja world were well founded!

If an ordinary ninja acquired the power of the cursed seal, amplified to the level of a jōnin’s chakra and then properly trained, they would become a formidable force on the battlefield.

The only problem was…

The power of the cursed seal was not so easily controlled.

Tobirama knew very well that it was only his deep understanding of ninjutsu principles that allowed him to quickly learn to guide the cursed seal, and even so, he could not master it perfectly.

Unfortunately…

He had promised Lord Emiya that he would never use the cursed seal for conflict.

Tobirama could only hope that Konoha would maintain peace, and that he would never need to resort to this power in a dire situation.

“I’ll help you remove the cursed seal.”

Emiya Shirou seemed to want to help Tobirama unlock the seal, but it appeared he only wanted Tobirama to experience the power of the cursed seal, without any intention of using it to bind his movements.

While slowly forming hand seals, Emiya Shirou explained, “This crude use of natural energy is too easy to master. I only hope this power will not bring new wars to this world…”

“Lord Emiya.”

Tobirama grasped Shirou’s wrist and said solemnly, “There’s no need to rush to remove the cursed seal. I need to analyze the energy changes caused by the seal on me to determine how long it can suppress my elder brother’s chakra…”

This ancient medical ninja was perhaps too naive.

Maybe because he was born in an era of countless prodigies, he assumed the current ninja world was similarly filled with geniuses.

Natural energy…

Is not so easily mastered.

Tobirama was not unfamiliar with natural energy.

Having a close relationship with his elder brother Senju Hashirama, he had witnessed his brother’s mastery of natural energy, cultivating the powerful Sage Mode, and had been curious about natural energy himself, though unable to precisely sense it.

He knew just how precious this cursed seal, infused with natural energy, was, and a fleeting sense of guilt crossed his heart.

The cursed seal was a source of power.

For a ninja like Tobirama, who had lived through the Warring States period, power meant a longer life.

Power…

Meant having greater control over the situation.

Whether it was the uproar within Konoha after his elder brother’s injury or the hostile neighboring villages like wolves watching and waiting, Tobirama was unwilling to give up the power that could make him stronger.

He could only silently promise the deceived Lord Emiya that he would only use this power in the most critical moments of his life.

Of course,

He could never reveal this reasoning to Shirou.

Tobirama was telling the truth, though; he did need to assess the cursed seal energy within his body to determine how long it could suppress his elder brother’s chakra.

“You really have a good relationship with your brother…”

Emiya Shirou shook his head, perhaps having witnessed sibling rivalries of the ancient era, unable to fully understand Tobirama’s approach, and helplessly reminded him, “If you don’t remove the cursed seal, your movements during this time might be…”

“No need to worry.”

Tobirama raised his arm. The cursed seal’s energy flowed slowly like water, yet it did not hinder his movements.

If all went well…

He would master the cursed seal completely today.

“I already understand its principles.”

Tobirama glanced at his brother lying in bed, intending to skip the topic quickly. “Apply the cursed seal to my elder brother first. He has mastered the Sage Mode, which perfectly utilizes the cursed seal. Perhaps he will soon absorb the seal’s power for himself…”

“I’m worried about that too.”

Emiya Shirou sighed, placing his finger on Senju Hashirama’s arm, and a black cursed seal appeared.

As expected,

The cursed seal quickly disappeared.

The natural energy within it was instantly absorbed by the body.

Hashirama’s body was highly sensitive to natural energy; upon contact, it rapidly transformed into senjutsu chakra, allowing him to swiftly enter Sage Mode.

On the hospital bed,

A gleam appeared in Hashirama’s eyes.

The First Hokage, lying there, seemed to sense a change in his body, a painful expression crossing his face as he murmured the first words since his coma.

“Madara…”

“…”

Tobirama’s face darkened.

What on earth was going on!

Why was his brother still murmuring Madara’s name?

Even while unconscious!

That scoundrel had controlled the Nine-Tails to try to destroy Konoha, causing injuries and shortening his brother’s life—how could he still be thinking of that villain!

“Most likely…”

“The patient will awaken soon.”

Emiya Shirou breathed a sigh of relief and explained, “Though my cursed seal didn’t meet expectations, his body automatically absorbed the natural energy and entered Sage Mode. His senjutsu chakra recovery is remarkable but may continue to harm his lifespan…”

“But that’s okay.”

“As long as the patient refrains from using chakra for the time being and controls his self-healing abilities, further damage can be avoided…”

After saying this, Emiya Shirou casually added, “As for the previous damage to his lifespan, I still need to find a way to compensate for it. Since in that era I obtained the power of Yang and am accustomed to using it for healing, my research in medical ninjutsu has lagged somewhat…”

“Thank you.”

The worry in Tobirama’s eyes gradually faded.

It was truly successful.

Emiya Shirou had revived his elder brother.

Tobirama recalled leading the Anbu to the battlefield, bringing back Madara’s corpse and his severely injured brother, who had fallen into a coma upon returning to the village.

The village’s best medical ninja were helpless against his brother’s injuries, unable even to predict when he would awaken.

No matter what…

This debt was unforgettable.

Tobirama felt deeply grateful.

Moreover, Emiya Shirou did not mind being disturbed in his spiritual peace and was even willing to find ways to compensate for his brother’s lifespan damage.

“I am truly grateful.”

With sincere expression, Tobirama thanked Emiya Shirou again and praised his contribution: “Lord Emiya should not belittle himself. Without you, there would be no medical ninja willing to heal and save lives in this world…”

Before Shirou could modestly respond, Tobirama revealed his true intent: “My elder brother’s life is tied to Konoha’s peace and everyone’s hope for the future. The future depends on you, Lord Emiya.”

This was Tobirama’s selfish desire.

In truth, he was reluctant to undo the Edo Tensei.

After all, by reviving Emiya Shirou, he had learned many secrets of the ancient era and even obtained the cursed seal capable of harnessing natural energy.

Emiya Shirou…

Was truly a treasure trove.

If Emiya Shirou could not remedy his brother’s lifespan damage, Tobirama would have to find ways to delay the inevitable, hoping to uncover more information before undoing the Edo Tensei and allowing Emiya Shirou’s soul to return to the afterlife.

But…

This ancient medical ninja was as great as the legends told, selflessly wishing to solve the problems plaguing his brother!

This truly…

Made Tobirama feel an instant kinship.

He pondered carefully how to accommodate Emiya Shirou so the latter would not feel neglected as a respected elder, while also keeping his identity secret within the village to avoid unnecessary speculation.

“…”

Emiya Shirou felt the same instant connection.

Still wishing to maintain his demeanor as a medical ninja, he looked with concern at the First Hokage on the bed and softly reminded Tobirama.

“The patient is waking.”

Just as Emiya Shirou said,

Hashirama, lying on the bed, furrowed his brow, the gleam of Sage Mode fading rapidly from his eyes.

Suddenly, the First Hokage sat upright, as if awakened from a terrible nightmare, calling out his dear friend’s name in terror.

“Madara!”