The sky over Konoha was dull grey, like it was sad.
Word spread like fire Senju Hashirama the First Hokage was nearing the end of his life.
All clan leader came to pay their final respects. Uchiha, Sarutobi, Shimura, Aburame, Hyuga, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka and the even distant allies.
Outside the Senju compound an uneasy silence blanketed the village.
Inside the strongest shinobi in history lay on his bed, his chakra now faint, his breath slow.
Mito Uzumaki sat beside him holding his hand. Tobirama stood tall at the side. His face calm but jaw tight, fist clenched.
Hashirama: "Bring the boys. Raizen and the one in green."
Moments later Senju Raizen and Might Fist stood before him. Even the energetic Might Fist bowed his head solemnly. Hashirama raised his eyes and smiled, weak but kind.
Hashirama: "You two... remind me of my brother and I."
Raizen stepped forward.
Raizen: "Lord First..."
Hashirama: "Raizen… I've watched your training. I've seen your growth. There's something inside you... a deep strength. Like a storm in calm waters. Promise me… support Konoha. Not just with fists but with your heart."
Raizen knelt beside him and bowed deeply.
Raizen: "I swear. I will protect Konoha with everything I have."
Might Fist: "Me too! I'll become the strongest in Konoha, just watch!"
Hashirama chuckled softly.
Hashirama: "Also look after Tsunade teach her well..... now I can rest… knowing the next generation is in good hands."
That night, under a silver moon, the God of Shinobi passed quietly in his sleep.
Konoha mourned.
The next morning the sky was raining lightly as if crying, the entire village gathered to wish good bye to Hashirama who was going to be buried beneath the sacred tree in the Konoha cemetery. Flowers lined the path. Even children were silent.
Raizen stood near the front, gaze firm.
But as the final good bye was said
[Almighty System - Online]
Hidden Task Completed: "Legacy"
Gift: Wood Release – 20% (Hashirama Variant)
Integrating into host body…started..... Commencing genetic restructuring…
Before Raizen could react he felt a jolt. His eyes widened as green light burst around him. He clutched his hand, Jaw tight and vein bulged.
Mito gasped.
Tobirama's eyes narrowed.
Suddenly, the earth around Raizen trembled. From the soil near his feet, grass and saplings burst forth, blooming in seconds.
The crowd whispered.
Senju Elder: "It… can't be…"
Mito: "Hashirama's chakra… that's the same feeling."
Raizen's body settled. His breath returned to normal. He looked down at his hands. he felt new power. He felt one with the nature.
Tobirama:"Wood Release!!"
He stepped forward, placing a hand on Raizen's shoulder.
Tobirama: "Perhaps… the will of Hashirama didn't die with him."
Raizen stood, stunned. He had not asked for this power but it had been given. Chosen.
A new line flashed on the system screen:
Kaido Template Progress: 49%
Beast Body (Enhanced) Armament Haki (Mid) Observation Haki (Mid)
Conqueror's Haki (Mid)
Wood Release – 20% (Inherited)
Raizen closed his fist.
The legacy of the First Hokage now burned within him.
And the world… would soon know it.