Now, everyone was searching for the Senju clan members after reading Hashirama's message.
Tobirama also began to take a closer look.
After carefully inspecting the classroom, he found that there wasn't a single student from the Senju clan present.
[Senju Hashirama: Tobirama, is there really not a single one?]
[Senju Tobirama: It seems so. I don't see any students from the Senju clan here at all…]
[Senju Hashirama: What's going on?]
[Senju Tobirama: Perhaps it's just a coincidence that none of them are in this class. They're probably in other classrooms.]
[Senju Hashirama: That's right! They should be studying in other classrooms]
While the Senju and Uchiha brothers were only beginning to suspect something, other members of the group were already aware of the truth regarding the Senju clan, at least to some extent.
In reality, there were no Senju left in Konoha.
But no one in the group dared to speak up first. After all, this wasn't good news, and no one wanted to be the one to break it.
Meanwhile, Tobirama began replaying the earlier events in his mind, carefully recalling Makoto's journey from home to school. He tried to recall any sign of a Senju clansman along the way but came up empty-handed.
There wasn't just a lack of Senju students in the academy. There were no Senju at all on the streets!
A strong sense of unease gripped at his heart. Something had clearly gone wrong with the Senju clan.
He could no longer assume they were living well. If anything, their complete absence painted a much darker picture than he had initially imagined.
Unlike his younger brother, Senju Hashirama didn't dwell too much on the matter.
Deep thinking had always been Tobirama's job anyway. His head already hurt just trying to process everything.
For now, he decided to stick with Tobirama's explanation.
Makoto chose to remain silent. There was no need to say anything.
Sooner or later, these two would see the truth for themselves.
If he spoke up now, they might just bombard him with questions or refuse to believe him. Instead, it was better to let them witness the reality first hand.
Would they still find any trace of the Senju clan in Konoha?
Although Iruka's lecture felt dull in Ito Makoto's eyes, the presence of the big names in the group chat kept things entertaining.
__________
Before he knew it, the morning had passed.
Once he finished his lesson, Iruka suddenly turned to the class with an enthusiastic announcement.
"Students, I have great news! The Third Hokage will soon be visiting the school to explain the Will of Fire to all of you."
"As you all know, Lord Third is incredibly busy, yet he is taking time out of his packed schedule just to speak with you. When he arrives, make sure to give him a warm welcome!"
[Senju Tobirama: The Will of Fire? The little monkey has done well. Instilling the Will of Fire must start at an early age!]
[Senju Hashirama: Yes, your disciple is quite something, even finding time in his schedule to personally visit the school and give a lecture!]
[Uchiha Izuna: I don't fully understand this 'Will of Fire' you all keep mentioning, but why does it sound like brainwashing to me?]
[Uchiha Madara: Because it is brainwashing.]
[Uchiha Fugaku: Hmph! This is what Konoha's leadership excels at! That Damned Will of Fire. If not for that, Shisui and Itachi wouldn't have been fooled into becoming loyal pawns! I should never have sent them to the Ninja Academy!]
[Senju Tobirama: Sure, Whatever you say! They were fooled into being loyal pawns.
But isn't your son currently undergoing the same brainwashing at this very school?]
The conversation continued with them exchanging sarcastic remarks, teasing one another in the chat.
Meanwhile, in the real world, Iruka was filled with excitement.
Third Hokage was an admirable figure to him. Sarutobi Hiruzen was someone he looked up to as a figure of endless wisdom and power.
The idea that he would take time from his busy duties to personally visit the academy was incredible!
However, Iruka's enthusiasm wasn't shared by the students.
"Huh? Lord third is coming to give a speech again?"
"Yeah… isn't this the third time just this week?"
"Every time he gives a speech, it drags on forever!"
"I'm hungry… I just want to eat!"
"Is the Hokage really so free? He keeps coming here to talk!"
"Doesn't he get hungry? Doesn't he need to eat lunch?"
[Senju Hashirama: Judging by what these kids are saying, the Third Hokage must visit the academy quite frequently…]
[Uchiha Madara: This is so damn hilarious! What do they call this? Wasted effort! Haha!]
[Ito Makoto: Today is Thursday, and this will be his fourth visit this week…]
[Senju Tobirama: ...]
[Senju Hashirama: Your disciple is really… really… Quick, Tobirama! I can't think of the right word]
[Senju Tobirama: You mean 'dedicated,' right? My foolish big brother.]
[Senju Hashirama: Ah, yes! That's it! I was trying to say that. It seems your disciple is truly dedicated!]
Meanwhile, Iruka's expression darkened as he noticed the students whispering among themselves, clearly dissatisfied with yet another lengthy speech.
"Everyone, quiet down! No more complaining and follow me to the playground"
Instantly, the classroom fell silent.
The students shrank back and obediently followed him to the schoolyard.
[Uchiha Izuna: If this is just brainwashing, why drag everyone outside? Can't it be done right here in the classroom?]
[Ito Makoto: What do you think? The Third Hokage isn't just here for one class. If he's coming all the way to the academy, of course, the entire school has to gather for the 'lesson' together!]
[Senju Hashirama: .....]
[Uchiha Madara: …....]
[Uchiha Izuna:...]
[Senju Tobirama: Actually, this is efficient method. I think it's quite practical. Now come on, Makoto, Stop grumbling and follow along. I haven't seen the little monkey in years. I'm curious to take a look at him.]
With that, Makoto followed the rest of the students as they made their way to the playground.
Just then, Yamanaka Ino deliberately slowed her pace to walk beside him.
"Makoto-kun! I noticed you didn't bring a lunch box today. I packed plenty of extra food. let's eat together at noon!"
Looking at the cheerful little girl, Ito Makoto smiled. "Alright, thank you!"
And Hyuga Hizashi saw this scene!
__________________________
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