Uchiha Kei: Game Dev in the Shinobi World

After some back-and-forth explanation, Uchiha Kei finally cleared up the misunderstanding about his relationship with Tsunade.

The Senju clan, both young and old, were stunned. They hadn't expected this whole thing to be just a misunderstanding.

Hashirama didn't blame Nawaki for misleading him. Instead, he looked regretful. "What a shame. I really thought you and little Tsunade would be perfect together. You'd make a wonderful couple, Kei-dono."

Kei chuckled, half exasperated. "Tsunade-senpai is definitely beautiful and kind, very charming indeed. But, First Hokage-dono, I should tell you—I already had someone who liked me even before Tsunade-senpai and I became friends."

Hashirama perked up. He remembered the girl standing beside Kei during their last meeting. "Ah, that girl from the Uzumaki clan, right? Actually, that's not a problem, Kei-dono. Just marry them all!"

That caught Kei completely off guard. He never expected Hashirama to double down. "I mean... sure, marrying all of them sounds nice in theory. But if I really tried something like that, Tsunade-senpai would probably punch me straight through the wall."

Hashirama's eyes sparkled. "So you *are* interested in Tsunade! That's great news. As long as you're willing, Tsunade will definitely agree."

Kei: "...Let's not even get into whether I'm willing or not. Clearly, you and I are not on the same wavelength here."

Hashirama frowned thoughtfully. "I know, I know. Nawaki told me about Tsunade's situation. She's already in her thirties. Sure, she looks young thanks to the Strength of a Hundred Seal her grandmother invented, but that doesn't change her actual age."

"If this keeps up, she'll really grow old alone. And if we wait too long, she might not even be able to have children. What then?"

Nawaki chimed in, equally troubled. "Yeah. If even Kei-nii won't marry her, my sister really might end up alone. That's just too sad."

The two sighed in unison.

Kei didn't know what to say. From a modern perspective, being pressured to marry felt so outdated.

But this was the Shinobi World. Knowing how harsh this world was, Kei understood that their concern wasn't without merit. Dying alone here was no joke.

In this feudal world where productivity was low and survival rates lower, the concept of a "glamorous single life" was pure fantasy.

Besides, as the princess of the Senju clan—even though the clan had merged into the Hidden Leaf Village—Tsunade's identity still carried weight. Her marriage was a matter of political interest.

If it weren't for the prestige of Hashirama and Tobirama, Tsunade wouldn't even have had the freedom to choose her partner. She'd likely be pushed into a political marriage, possibly with the Fire Daimyō's family. That kind of union would've been seen as a huge benefit for both the Senju and the village.

Only because of her strength and her powerful grandfathers did she have the freedom to live as she pleased.

And really, based on the original story, their concern had weight. Tsunade *did* end up single. Even in Boruto, she was still beautiful and spirited, but the loneliness surrounding her was real. Given her tragic past, it made your heart ache.

But that wasn't something he could talk about now. All he could do was offer a sincere promise.

"I understand how much you care about Tsunade-senpai. She's an amazing person—beautiful, capable, incredibly appealing. It'd be a lie if I said I've never thought about it. I'm still a man, after all."

"But love can't be forced. Even if I do like her, what about her feelings? To her, I'm probably just a talented junior."

"Besides, it's not like she doesn't have admirers. I think we should let things happen naturally."

That was his stance.

As the two processed his answer, Kei quickly shifted topics. "By the way, First Hokage-dono—"

Hashirama cut in with a hearty laugh. "Hahaha! Kei-dono, you've been calling me 'First Hokage-dono' this whole time. It sounds so stiff! If you don't mind, just call me 'Uncle.' Hahahaha!"

His laugh was warm and boisterous.

Kei paused, then nodded. "Alright then... Uncle Hashirama."

Hashirama's eyes lit up. "Yes! Just like that. Now, what did you want to tell me? Don't hold back, just say it!"

Kei didn't hesitate. "Uncle Hashirama, did you know that our Uchiha ancestor, Madara, isn't dead? He's still alive."

Hashirama's smile froze. His expression turned deadly serious, and his aura shifted.

Nawaki felt like the name "Madara" was familiar. He frowned, trying to remember.

But he didn't have to think for long—because Hashirama's next question triggered a realization.

"Kei-dono, is this true? Madara's not dead?"

As Nawaki's eyes widened in dawning horror, Kei continued.

"Uncle, I understand your doubts. After all, you *did* kill Madara at the Valley of the End. His body was even recovered and hidden by your brother, the Second Hokage."

"But Madara used a forbidden Uchiha technique—Izanagi. He faked his death using that power."

Kei then explained Izanagi's ability in detail. Hashirama finally understood.

Then, Kei turned to Nawaki and gave him a pointed look—this was where he should stop listening.

Nawaki pouted, clearly annoyed, but after mumbling a few words, he obediently left.

Once Nawaki was out of earshot, Kei's expression turned grim.

"Uncle Hashirama, what I'm about to tell you is a true secret. I haven't told anyone else. The only reason I'm telling you is because you're directly involved. If Madara goes berserk again, we'll need *you* to stop him."

Hashirama immediately understood the gravity of the situation. He nodded solemnly. "You have my word—I'll keep this secret."

But then he looked troubled. "Kei-dono, I'm honored by your trust. But even though I've been revived, I'm only a spirit. I can fight in this genjutsu world, sure—but I can't affect anything in the real world."

Kei grinned. "Don't worry, Uncle. You won't have to face Madara in the real world. You can meet him in the genjutsu world."

After a pause, he added, "You know about the genjutsu game. Well, Madara is completely obsessed with it. He spends every day immersed in it."

"In this special genjutsu space, you can connect to the outside genjutsu game directly. In other words, you can *enter* the games Madara's playing—and confront him there."

Hashirama's eyes lit up. "Wait, this world can *do* that?! That's incredible! I have no idea how you made that happen, but you're amazing, Kei-dono! Even better than Madara!"

Kei chuckled modestly. "Let's just say I've got some talent in that field. But in terms of sheer power, Madara is still stronger."

Then, he brought the conversation back on track.

"Now, about Madara's original actions—when he attacked the Leaf with the Nine Tails, he wasn't trying to destroy the village. His real goal was to force you into one last battle."

Hashirama froze. "You're saying... he didn't want to destroy the village? Just fight me? But why?"

His pupils trembled. He was shaken to his core.

The First Hokage had long believed Madara had gone mad—that he truly wanted to destroy the Hidden Leaf. That belief drove him to kill Madara and left him tormented with regret.

The god of the ninja world, a man with superhuman vitality, died early because of that heartbreak.

Even so, he'd never once regretted his decision. He was the Hokage. Protecting the village was his duty.

But now Kei was telling him Madara never wanted to destroy the Leaf. That he was only pretending. That his goal was just to battle him.

If Hashirama had a physical body, he'd probably be coughing up blood from the emotional impact.

Let's face it—Hashirama and Madara were *true love*, no doubt about it.

So now, Hashirama needed to know: Why? Why had Madara gone so far? Why did he give up on their dream just to force a duel? Why had such a proud man faked his death? What was he hiding?

He needed an answer.

And Kei gave it to him.

"Because Madara wanted your cells—your flesh and blood. He needed them to obtain the power of the Senju. When the power of the Sage's Body fuses with the Sage's Eyes, it creates the Rinnegan—the power of all things, yin and yang in perfect harmony."