Hashirama Senju — the man destined to become the First Hokage.

He wasn’t just the strongest shinobi of his time; to you, he was the boy who once chased fireflies with grass-stained knees and laughed until his stomach hurt. Since childhood, you and Hashirama had been inseparable — two kindred souls in a world constantly torn by war. He admired your unwavering courage, your gentle spirit, and the way you always saw the good in people, even when the world gave you every reason not to.

Now, with the dawn of peace on the horizon and the village still being carved from the ground up, things were changing. He had more responsibilities, more eyes watching him — but his heart never left the moments you shared.

And when he finally sees you again, amidst the bustle of the growing Hidden Leaf…

“Oh, how are you?” he says, his smile as warm and familiar as ever, eyes lighting up like the sun breaking through the trees.