58 Guardian

"This is..."

Hashirama and Madara caught the Coca Cola that Ars threw. Then a memory from 10 years ago came back.

"You are Ars?" Madara asked doubtfully.

The appearance of the young man in front of him has never changed!

"Finally, you remember, brat." Ars smiled slightly.

"It's really you, Ars? But your appearance is still the same as before!" Hashirama was shocked.

"You're still as excited as ever, Hashirama."

"Wow, it really is you!"

Even though Hashirama had only met Ars once, that encounter left a deep impression on him.

Ars approached the two of them, but this time both of them were not in a position to attack.

"What exactly are you?" Without further ado, Madara asked him.

If it is proven that the other party poses a threat to Konohagakure Village, he will kill them.

"Don't be so tense. Look, Hashirama. He's been drinking the Coca-Cola I gave him." Ars pointed at Hashirama.

"Hey Hashirama! Can't you be serious in a situation like this? What if Ars had bad intentions! You are too relaxed!" Madara shouted annoyed at his friend's reckless behavior.

"Come on, Madara. Ars doesn't have bad intentions, I can feel it."

"Where does your confidence come from?"

"You know I'm good at Senjutsu (Sage Technique)."

"I see."

Madara understood Hashirama's meaning.

As the saying goes, the one who knows yourself better is often your enemy.

Senjutsu is a special technique that involves the use of natural energy. Hashirama was very sensitive to evil intentions thanks to this.

"It's finished? Hashirama, can you use Mokuton (Wood Release) to create three chairs and a table?"

"It does not matter."

Hashirama agreed to Ars' simple request. Then from the ground came the wood, which changed shape into tables and chairs.

"Let's celebrate the founding of Konohagakure Village!"

Ars took out a pile of snacks, cookies, various Cokes, and wine.

Seeing food and drink appear out of thin air, Hashirama and Madara guessed it was a time and space technique.

As peak experts of this era, the two of them did not overreact. After all, Hashirama's younger brother, Tobirama, could also use time and space techniques.

"I know there's a lot you guys are asking. Let's talk while eating. I'm sure you guys will like the dishes I'm serving."

Sitting on a chair, Ars cut the chiffon cake and ate it.

"Wow, this is so soft and sweet! I've never had cake this delicious before."

Compared to Madara who was still unsure, Hashirama was straightforward. He sat down and tasted a piece of chiffon cake.

"You... Haaah..."

Madara sighed, and sat down.

"Madara, try this cake. It's really delicious!" Hashirama said, his cheeks puffing out full of cake.

"You are too much."

Taking a piece of chiffon cake, Madara took a small bite.

"It's... Delicious." His eyes twinkled brightly.

Although not as excited as Hashirama, Madara ate a few more pieces.

"Glad you both like it." Ars felt satisfied.

Culinary in this world is not very developed because people are busy fighting wars. As a result, the food tastes bland due to the lack of variety in herbs and spices.

"Ahem, can you say who you are?" Madara cleared his throat.

"I want to know too." Hashirama said.

Ars rubbed his chin, contemplating where to start his story.

"Hmmm... Before answering that, I have something to ask. Do you two believe in the existence of Rikudo Sennin?"

"Rikudo Sennin is just a bedtime legend for children."

"I believe."

Ars received two different answers. Hashirama didn't believe it, while Madara was the opposite.

"Madara, do you believe in those fairy tales? It turns out that you are such a person."

"What's with that annoying look of pity? I have my reasons."

"That's a Stone Tablet, right?"

Ars interrupted their conversation.

"How did you know that?!"

Madara's pupils shrank.

The Stone Tablet is one of the ancestral relics of the Uchiha Clan. Not all clan members know about this, only people who have awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan have the right to know clan secrets.

"How could I not know? The Stone Tablet was left behind by Rikudo Sennin himself to prevent his son's descendants from trying to recreate the Rinnegan." Ars said lightly.

"If the Rikudo Sennin did exist, how would you know? You sound as if..."

From their conversation, Hashirama decided that Rikudo Sennin was not just a legend. He knew Madara wouldn't make a joke.

"As if you knew him." Madara continued Hashirama's sentence.

"Rather than acquaintances, it would be more accurate to describe our relationship as enemies." Ars smiled.

"That's not possible! If what you say is true, doesn't that mean that you have lived for hundreds of years? No human can live that long, not even Rikudo Sennin."

Standing up from the chair, Madara denied.

"I agree with Madara." Hashirama felt it was too ridiculous.

Ars was no wonder the two couldn't believe it. It's strange if they immediately believe without any evidence.

"Well, that's a natural reaction. All right, I'll show you some evidence. Have you ever heard of the weapon that Rikudo Sennin has?"

Hashirama and Madara nodded.

"Do not tell..."

Before Madara finished his sentence, Ars waved his hand, and then five items appeared. Namely a bottle gourd, a rope, a large pot, a large feather fan, and a strange sword.

"As you think. These are Benihisago (Crimson Gourd), Kokinjo (Golden Canopy Rope), Shichiseiken (Seven Star Sword), Kohaku no Johei (Amber Purifying Pot), and Bashosen (Banana Palm Fan). These are all Rikudo Sennin weapons that I have collected over 800 years."

Ars wasted no time playing around. During his wanderings, he collected Rikudo Sennin's weapons as collectibles.

"This is real."

Using the Sharingan, Madara verified their authenticity. He felt that there was a unique power in each weapon.

"Unbelievable, so the legend is real…. Wait a minute, you said you were the enemy of Rikudo Sennin. Doesn't that mean you're an enemy of the world?"

Hashirama realized something important.

In legend, Rikudo Sennin is considered a god because he taught Ninjutsu to humans. That means, he is the enemy of mankind.

"Don't look at me with hostility. Despite being an enemy, I really haven't done anything bad. It's just that Rikudo Sennin is too stubborn!"

Then Ars revealed the fact that he was an explorer between worlds. However, his arrival was not welcomed by Rikudo Sennin.

Hashirama and Madara listened seriously.

"Interesting. It turns out that there is life other than on this planet. It broadens my outlook."

After Ars presented a lot of evidence, Madara believed him.

"This is amazing... It turns out that there used to be only one moon, but because of you, now there are two moons in the sky." Hashirama exclaimed in admiration.

Ars drank Fanta, his throat was dry after telling a long story. After all, it's just a clone, and it will still feel tired.

"Well, may I stay temporarily in Konohagakure Village? At least until my main body has finished cultivating."

Ars wants to witness the development of Konosuba Village with his own eyes. It can also be considered a separate form of entertainment.

When Hashirama was about to agree, he was stopped by Madara.

"What's in it for us?"

"Madara!"

"Leave this matter to me."

"You... All right."

Seeing Madara's serious look, Hashirama let it go.

"What do you want?" Ask Ars.

"Become a Guardian and protect Konohagakure Village for 100 years."

Madara was about to be crowned Hokage, so he started acting in the interests of the village.

"Those conditions were too severe." Ars pretended to be reluctant.

"Even if you're just a clone, if what you're all saying is true. At least Konohagakure Village will be safe for generations to come."

This is the insurance that Madara prepared for Konohagakure Village. He knew that no matter how much power they had, they couldn't escape death.

He wanted Ars to act as Guardian and dispel any threat to Konohagakure Village after his and Hashirama's deaths.

Madara believed Konohagakure Village would become a target because of its fertile land. Currently, no one dared think of this idea while he and Hashirama were alive, but what about after they were both dead?

"To you, 100 years is not long. I will give you the best location in the village, how about that?"

Hashirama also realized Madara's intentions and tried to persuade Ars.

"Hmmm... Alright, I agree to be the Guardian."

Pretending to ponder, Ars agreed.

"Welcome to Konohagakure Village!"

Hashirama smiled broadly as he held out his hand.

Ars shook hands with Hashirama and Madara.