Konoha was alive with celebration.

Lanterns hung between the buildings, music filled the streets, and the smell of festival food drifted through the evening air. Villagers gathered in colorful stalls while children ran between the crowds, their laughter blending with the sounds of the festivities.

Among them walked Hashirama Senju.

Despite being the First Hokage, Hashirama moved through the village without ceremony, greeting people with his usual warmth and stopping whenever someone wished to speak with him.

He listened patiently to the villagers' concerns, laughed with the children, and exchanged a few words with the merchants.

Eventually, he stopped at a small flower stand, where an elderly woman was arranging bouquets.

"Beautiful as always," Hashirama said with a warm smile.

The woman thanked him before mentioning a small concern about her stall and the festival preparations. Hashirama listened carefully, assuring her that he would see what could be done.

"Of course. I'll make sure someone looks into it."

He gave her a final smile before turning to continue through the crowded street.

Then he stopped.

Something had caught his attention.

A familiar presence.

Hashirama slowly turned his head toward the crowd.

For a moment, his eyes searched between the passing villagers and glowing lanterns.

Then he saw them.

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His expression changed almost immediately, recognition replacing the casual smile on his face.