Uchiha Madara couldn't help but nod.
It was indeed like that... When he was young, the dignified Uchiha Tajima would always mercilessly scold every lazy brother, and physical punishment was a common occurrence.
But afterward, the Uchiha lady would always come out at the right time to comfort those children or clan members who were punished by Tajima.
It's the same principle whether it's a family, a clan, or a village.
"But in the Ninja World, this era of strength and dignity comes first... As someone in the shadows, you're more suited to stand at the forefront, while the facade is best behind you."
"A tree that grows healthily has its bright leaves, but behind them are roots entrenched in the darkness, constantly absorbing nutrients..."
"Roots are ugly, but without them, where would the leaves come from?"
"Your tasks and responsibilities are far heavier than Hashirama's... You are Izuna's brother, and now, you can be considered part of my family."
"I don't want to deceive you, I must honestly tell you all these things, Madara... I hope after knowing these drawbacks, you're still willing to accept and bear all of it."
Senju Tobirama sighed:
"Of course, Izuna doesn't want to see you so exhausted... Personally, I actually think you're the best candidate... But still, the point is, we're family. If you face difficulties, we can always find new solutions..."
Family?
Uchiha Madara chewed over this word, staring intently at Tobirama's sincere face, eventually helplessly curling his lip and nodding.
So we really are family...
If Tobirama had any hidden motives, he wouldn't be able to lay it all bare and explain it to me like this...
This is truly speaking the truth.
"Hmph... Do you think I don't know what you're saying? It's nothing but criticism from the weak; what is there for Uchiha Madara to fear?"
Uchiha Madara straightened his collar, his Mangekyo ablaze like burning blood in the dim room, speaking in a deep voice:
"Let that childlike Hashirama take care of being the facade... Like you said, Tobirama, who else but me for this position!"
"I've long stopped caring about others' opinions; I just need to know I'm doing the right thing!"
Senju Tobirama smiled to himself.
Really stopped caring long ago? That's probably not entirely true...
Izuna did tell him that her brother cares the most about the clan's opinion...
But Tobirama still graciously nodded: "I believe in you, Madara! You will be the best First Hokage!"
"Naturally!" Uchiha Madara said spiritedly.
"By the way, Madara, you've almost fully absorbed the Indra Chakra within you, right? Any oddities?"
Tobirama looked at Uchiha Madara's Mangekyo Sharingan and asked.
In these months, it's not just the integration between Senju and Uchiha.
Tobirama utilized his preliminarily unlocked Power of the Six Paths, along with his ability to burn spirit and soul with the Evil Fire Magatsuhi, to tailor treatment plans for Hashirama and Madara.
These Black Flames slowly burned the residual Chakra of Indra and Asura, destroying their consciousness, leaving only valuable nutrients.
"Hmph..."
Uchiha Madara snorted coldly but then, seeing Tobirama's concerned face, hesitated for a moment before quietly speaking:
"There are no abnormalities... Indra's consciousness has already been extinguished, and my eye strength is gradually increasing... Compared to before, now using Susanoo almost doesn't deplete eye strength."
"Then I can rest assured..." Tobirama nodded: "Go ahead and do it, Madara!"
At this moment, despite Uchiha Madara previously having various prejudices against Tobirama.
He had no choice but to admit, having such a darned bastard by his side was genuinely very comforting in all aspects!
Even compared to Izuna, the biased Uchiha Madara had to say— "Izuna is great, but compared to Tobirama, there's still a gap!"
It's just too useful!
"What about you, Tobirama? What are you and Izuna going to do..." Even Uchiha Madara didn't realize he had subconsciously started calling this bastard by name.
"You remember I told you, right? Madara..."
Tobirama drummed his fingers lightly on the table: "The Otsutsuki Clan... might yet come to this Ninja World... I must find a way to resolve this future crisis..."
"But that's also a future matter. The immediate priority is to restore the world, ravaged by war, to peace, so we'll split into two groups."
"You, Hashirama, and Izuna handle the present, while I take care of the future."
Tobirama said calmly.
And Uchiha Madara looked at this man whom he once hated immensely, seemingly feeling an intense torrent in his heart, erupting in various complex emotions.
There was helplessness, loss, admiration, envy...
Tobirama's actions are the toughest.
In this era, when all the spotlight is about to focus on Senju and Uchiha, to end all wars as a legendary ninja is something even Uchiha Madara desires...
Who wouldn't want to be the one to create history?
No one can refuse such temptation.
But Tobirama is unconcerned, as the greatest hero, he instead readily steps behind the scenes after delegating all necessary points to address future hidden dangers...
Such magnanimity makes Uchiha Madara feel inadequate.
"You... thank you, Tobirama."
Uchiha Madara sighed and proactively extended his hand to Tobirama: "I will be a competent Hokage, and you must take good care of Izuna..."
"If you need anything, tell me, I'll help you."
"Of course, I won't be polite, after all, we're family..." Tobirama smiled and extended his hand.
The large hands of two men shook firmly together.
And from that day onward, the alliance of Senju and Uchiha, Konoha— declared war on the entire Ninja World!