Tobirama turned around in confusion.
He saw that Danzo still looked the same as ever…
A black robe, bandages wrapped around his head, and who knows where he had dug up another cane…
That stiff, deadpan face, pulled tight as ever.
The veins on Tobirama's forehead twitched slightly as he forcibly suppressed his irritation.
After all, he was now an Uchiha…
If this were the past, if Danzo had dared to ignore his words, he would've already used some methods to discipline this brat!
A kick to the face, rip off that stupid hood, and snap that idiotic cane in half!
But that was a false premise.
Because in his previous life, Danzo had never once disobeyed his orders—and often even over-executed them…
"Why are you still wearing those bandages?"
"And today you've got another cane. Your inner world must be pretty empty… Are you trying to use these external props to decorate your authority?"
Tobirama spoke in an exaggerated tone: "I get it. It's because a few days ago, the Hokage demonstrated dual Kekkei Genkai, and you realized you can't keep up with his rate of improvement—so now you're seeking comfort in external things, aren't you?"
"Clutching a cane, wrapping yourself in bandages, constantly hinting to everyone that you're a meritorious assistant to the Hokage—the so-called darkness of the shinobi, the root of Konoha…"
"You're also a great contributor to Konoha. Even if your strength isn't up to par, you've at least made some contributions, right? That new cane is quite eye-catching, but I think even if you stand beside the Hokage, people still won't notice you."
"I've known you since I first came to the village. And over these past few months… you really haven't improved at all."
As he spoke, Tobirama slowly turned around, a mocking smile on his face: "Assistant-sama, I've heard from the elders that you really want to become Hokage. But judging from the current situation…"
"Even if something unexpected happened and you somehow maneuvered yourself into the position, no one would believe you could compare to the Third."
"What do you think?"
Tobirama freely spewed venom, stabbing directly at Danzo's weakest points.
He was now an Uchiha…
A proud Uchiha youth—this was exactly the kind of attitude he should have toward the Hokage's assistant who had been intimidating him since he entered the village…
Even if no one else was around.
Tobirama still intended to uphold the agreement he had with Hiruzen.
Aside from the two of them, sensei and disciple, no one else would ever know his true identity…
Moreover, his experiences at the Ninja Academy and the grassroots level had left him deeply dissatisfied with Danzo.
The concept behind Root had value…
But the execution was far too crude!
This was planting mines beneath the reputation and legitimacy of the Senju faction!
After being blasted in the face by Tobirama's verbal assault, Danzo clenched his fists instantly, his heart filled with fury—his eyes even reddening slightly.
Damn Uchiha brat!
How dare he speak to him like this? And even hit the mark every single time!
Lies don't hurt—truth is the sharpest blade. Tobirama had basically seen right through him, down to his underwear…
Danzo had indeed been extremely anxious lately.
After seeing that Hiruzen had mastered not just one, but two Kekkei Genkai…
He finally had to accept a fact:
He might… actually not be able to defeat Hiruzen.
In terms of individual combat strength, at least before he developed Wind Release Chakra Mode, there was no longer any point in sparring between them…
Sparring was no longer mutual exchange—it had turned into him simply accompanying Hiruzen's training…
To Hiruzen, this wasn't a big deal.
Helping an old friend research new techniques could be seen as relaxation and a way to strengthen their bond.
But Danzo's pride couldn't accept it.
What he wanted was an equal match!
With no other options, Danzo could only temporarily shift his focus elsewhere…
Following Orochimaru's example—opening up a new path beyond raw strength.
Uchiha Seisui became his chosen target…
Danzo wanted to replicate his old teacher Senju Tobirama's method—winning over Uchiha Kagami back in the day…
And if successful, surpass Tobirama's achievement!
Because compared to Kagami, "Seisui" clearly had far greater potential.
According to Danzo's intelligence, within the Uchiha clan, Seisui already had high popularity and reputation.
In less than half a year, he was already gaining strong support!
If he could grasp such an Uchiha in his hands…
Then perhaps he could accomplish what even Tobirama failed to—bringing the Uchiha fully under his control!
Danzo repeated this grand vision in his mind, suppressing his anger as much as possible. He couldn't afford to fall out with Seisui right now.
Even after being provoked like this, he had to endure it.
All for a greater cause!
Meanwhile—
Far away, at the other end of the shinobi world…
At the moment Danzo approached Tobirama, Madara had already been cheerfully awakened by White Zetsu: "Madara-sama, there's a show to watch! The Seisui program is on!"
"This episode's guest is Shimura Danzo—the inferior imitation of Senju Tobirama you mentioned!"
Still groggy, Madara subconsciously linked with White Zetsu's network and began watching.
He had thought it was the scheduled special broadcast…
The one where Seisui would dismantle his ideology in front of all Uchiha…
But a warm-up show wasn't bad either.
To watch Seisui tear apart his will, the ever-enthusiastic former citizen of Konoha, Madara, even had White Zetsu buy him some alcohol and snacks—planning to watch while eating…
But as soon as he started watching—
Madara, who had little interest in the warm-up, was instantly jolted awake by Seisui's sharp commentary…
What a sharp tongue!
What keen insight!
"Just like Izuna…" Madara murmured, gazing at Seisui's face, a trace of nostalgia passing through his heart.
Most Uchiha were quick with the blade but clumsy with words—preferring action over speech.
Only Izuna had both a sharp blade and a sharper tongue…
"Back then, when Izuna cursed Senju Tobirama, it sounded just like this—every word cutting straight to the bone…"
Madara slapped his stone seat, sighing: "Feels damn satisfying to listen to!"
"Didn't expect to see something like this again after all these years…"
...
After calming down slightly, Danzo narrowed his eyes and spoke: "Brat, your tongue is sharp—but I wonder what your heart is like…"
"Why do you have such a strong opinion of me? Just because I am Tobirama-sensei's disciple, and you are an Uchiha?"
"You are in a dangerous state. Your thinking is being gradually assimilated by narrow clan ideology—you are straying from the Will of Fire."
Same old tactic.
Put a label on him first, then talk.
"I admire Tobirama-sama," Tobirama replied with a fake smile.
"Are you out of options already? So you're resorting to using your status and history to shut me up?"
Hearing Danzo invoke his name in such a crude way…
Tobirama felt deeply displeased.
Wasn't this just creating opposition?
He seriously doubted—
With Danzo's current mindset, if he actually became Hokage, wouldn't he turn Konoha into something like Kirigakure next door?
A Bloody Mist Village…
Even at his worst moments with the Uchiha, Tobirama had always wrapped his actions in righteousness and legitimacy—never admitting he was targeting the Uchiha.
He even brought out Uchiha Kagami, splitting the clan into dove and hawk factions.
That single move had greatly reduced pressure on him back then—no longer facing a united front.
But look at Danzo…
Just when the Uchiha had a chance to reconcile with the village, Danzo, for his own interests, was recklessly using his name to suppress others!
"Why aren't you speaking?"
"Fine, I'll say it," Tobirama narrowed his eyes, staring at Danzo's increasingly ugly expression.
"What you mean is that the Second Hokage had a blood feud with the Uchiha, right?"
"That all his past policies weren't for the village's benefit or balance, but purely personal targeting—abusing his authority as Hokage to retaliate against the Uchiha?"
"And that's why you say my attitude toward you is bad—because you are the Second Hokage's disciple, and I am an Uchiha…"
Tobirama's gaze sharpened as he fixed on Danzo.
Waiting for his answer.
Danzo had reduced everything between him and the Uchiha to simple opposition.
That was ruining his reputation!
Tobirama prided himself—
That he treated every clan and every ninja in the village equally. The only factor guiding his decisions was whether something would negatively impact the village…
Even regarding the Uchiha, he believed the same.
Aside from the need for a Hokage to be impartial, there was also another, more peculiar reason.
Back then, he didn't know what the Pure Land was like…
If he died and met Uchiha Izuna there, he didn't want that bastard laughing at him.
When the Senju and Uchiha formed their alliance, everyone—including Madara—agreed.
Only Izuna had strongly opposed it!
Believing that allying with the Senju would inevitably lead the Uchiha to destruction—and that Tobirama would be the one to push it forward…
So Tobirama thought—
If he really did that, wouldn't it prove Izuna right?
His vision wasn't so small as to be like a rabid dog!
But Danzo's words clearly placed him on the same level as Izuna…
That was an insult!
"You… you dare put words in my mouth? You're twisting my meaning!"
Danzo took a deep breath, suppressing his rage: "Tobirama-sensei would naturally never deliberately target the Uchiha! But there were indeed reactionary elements within the Uchiha who once opposed the village's decisions—I am merely taking precautions!"
In truth, what Danzo wanted to say was: Of course he targeted them—what else?
There were so many records in the archives—you can read them yourself!
But some things couldn't be said openly.
Off the scale, it weighs nothing—but once weighed, it becomes immeasurably heavy…
...
Madara burst into laughter.
At first, when "Seisui" said he admired Tobirama…
He had felt a bit annoyed.
But after hearing the rest, he realized—it was sarcasm!
No wonder that fake smile looked so off…
However—
Madara misunderstood Tobirama's dissatisfaction with Danzo as Seisui's disdain for Tobirama…
"If it's the village's decision, does that mean ninjas within the village aren't allowed to question it?"
Tobirama let out a cold laugh.
If a policy benefits the village, no one would oppose it.
Even controversial ones—if meaningful in the long run—can be pushed through despite opposition…
But that doesn't mean others shouldn't be allowed to speak!
If ninjas can't even speak, then in Tobirama's view—Konoha is in danger…
"What exactly do you want to question?" Danzo narrowed his eyes dangerously. At this moment, he wasn't trying to label him anymore.
He had genuinely become wary of "Seisui"!
As a traditional high-ranking shinobi, Danzo had always been deeply resistant to the idea of shinobi possessing self-awareness…
Because once a tool developed thoughts, it was like a blade going dull—it was self-destruction.
As for the so-called people of "Root," what Danzo approved of was having no names, no emotions, no past, and no future…
"I have no issue with the Third Hokage-sama."
"But I do have issues with some of your actions," Tobirama said coldly.
"Based on the information I've gathered from the Ninja Academy, the lower ranks, the patrol force, and the Uchiha, you once established a department similar to the Anbu, called 'Root,' correct?"
"So what if I did?" Danzo admitted openly, with even a trace of pride in his tone.
Even though Hiruzen had dissolved Root, Danzo still believed that "Root" had made tremendous contributions to Konoha, and that it was one of the boldest strokes of merit in his career as an aide.
"Brat, let me tell you this—everything has two sides."
"Where there is light, there is darkness. If Konoha wants flourishing branches, then it must also have roots that run deep underground."
"The shinobi world is not some child's game of make-believe. Light and justice may attract people, but the enemy's cunning and malice must be met with equally ruthless retaliation. Only then will they feel fear."
"I sought you out because I saw the darkness in your heart…"
Danzo stared fixedly at Tobirama. "Let me guide that darkness of yours, and use it to protect Konoha!"
"Even though you are an Uchiha, and even though you misunderstand me, I have endured you up to now because your caliber and mentality are enough to bear responsibilities and pressures that others cannot."
Danzo recalled the scene where "Seisui," after seeing Hiruzen display dual Kekkei Genkai, had merely frowned and fallen into thought instead of cheering like the other Ninja Academy students…
With that kind of mentality at such a young age, he was perfectly suited for "Root."
"You need to understand—I'm not only asking you to sacrifice. You need to see my sincerity!"
"I am Tobirama-sensei's disciple, the legitimate heir of the Hokage line. If you become my disciple, you will have a chance to compete for the position of Fifth Hokage!"
Danzo played what he believed was his strongest trump card, sneering inwardly: 'Let's see how you refuse this!'
'The Uchiha clan definitely wants to become Hokage. It's their obsession…'
'But they don't even have the chance to sit at the table. There's no way they could resist my offer!'
As for why "Seisui" had rejected him before, Danzo believed that had simply been because the boy had only just entered the village and was too immature to understand what it meant to become the disciple of the Hokage's aide…
Now that he had been here this long, he should understand how valuable that position was, shouldn't he?
Konoha's master-disciple succession system was right there in the open…
Though there had only been two generations so far, it was obvious that the next Hokage would only be chosen from within the Hokage line's master-disciple sequence.
It sounded closed off, but in truth, the shinobi had little objection to it.
Because it was still far more advanced than bloodline succession.
The village's policies also needed to maintain continuity, to avoid excessive conflict between consecutive administrations and the meaningless internal friction that would result.
To achieve that, successors naturally had to be cultivated from a young age, and the master-disciple succession system met that hard requirement.
"No. I have no interest in becoming Hokage."
Contrary to Danzo's expectations, the boy shook his head coldly.
"You don't want to become Hokage? Why not?!" Danzo demanded angrily.
A Konoha shinobi who did not want to become Hokage was certainly no good one!
Especially if he actually had the ability…
"I only hope that the village can become better. Konoha has already given me more than enough."
"I am someone with no father and no mother. Before I came to Konoha, I didn't even have a name. I rolled around in that cesspit called Kusagakure for who knows how many years. I nearly died several times, and I was often so hungry I couldn't even remember things…"
"If Hokage-sama hadn't endured pressure from all sides and struck Kusagakure like lightning to rescue me, then no matter how talented I was, it would have meant nothing."
"Without resources and a platform, a genius who cannot grow is just a pitiful person."
"So I love Konoha. I sincerely hope the village can become better. Anything that benefits the village, I will try to do it, and I ask for nothing in return."
"Because the village has already paid me my reward. That is also why I have no desire for the position of Hokage."
"I only want to build a perfect Konoha. As for whether I am Hokage or not, I do not care."
Tobirama spoke in an even tone, while deliberately mixing in a bit of the Uchiha clan's obsession.
Reinforcing a persona had to be done at all times…
Danzo's heart stirred, and the look in his eyes as he watched Tobirama unconsciously softened a little.
This speech, and the genuine feeling within it, was something the Darkness of the Shinobi could understand.
Danzo had worked in the intelligence system for many years. In this respect, he possessed intuition far beyond that of ordinary people.
The phrases "no parents, no name, no past" and "willing to do anything for the village" struck hard at Danzo's heart as well.
Wasn't this just a smaller version of himself?
There was a very curious phenomenon in the shinobi world.
Blood ties were certainly close, but there was something even more capable of creating mutual recognition—
It was called a "shinobi way."
People whose beliefs aligned were like opposite poles of a magnet—they would naturally be drawn to one another.
"Brat, I retract some of my accusations against you."
Danzo looked at Tobirama and said seriously, "You are a different kind of Uchiha."
"Since you've spoken your heart, then for once, I'll make an exception and tell you some things as well."
For some reason, when it came to "Seisui," this Uchiha, Danzo had initially found him very unpleasant to look at.
Because his appearance and bearing always made him inexplicably think of Tobirama-sensei…
On closer inspection, he actually didn't resemble him that much. Uchiha Izuna looked more like him, obviously.
But Danzo still had this strange sense of irritation, like a believer feeling that his god had been defiled…
And after speaking with him today, now that they had found common ground in their shinobi way, even that irritation was gone…
If the shinobi way aligned, then everything else could be discussed. A little Uchiha bloodline didn't matter either…
Back then, his relationship with Uchiha Kagami had also been quite good!
"Hiruzen… he truly is a very good Hokage, one who can satisfy the vast majority of people and inspire them to follow him. But I know him very well—he is someone with a soft heart."
"But the shinobi world is a filthy place. Someone always has to make sacrifices and do the dirty work. If Hiruzen is made to shoulder the darkness, it damages the image of the Hokage, and that is bad for the village."
Tobirama nodded silently.
That was indeed the truth.
"The inside" and "the outside" had to be separated.
"The outside" had to give shinobi a goal they could follow wholeheartedly, strengthening cohesion as much as possible.
So it could not have obvious stains on it.
That was why "the inside" was needed to handle problems.
'My elder brother's image stands so tall in the shinobi world. His personal charisma is the main reason, yes—but also because he had two 'insides' serving his one 'outside'…'
Hashirama's two "insides" were Tobirama himself and Uchiha Madara.
Tobirama did not want to admit it, but that was an objective fact.
All the things that would offend people were done by him and Madara…
"And besides, some shinobi are born with darkness in their hearts."
"No matter how hard Hiruzen tries, that is something he can never avoid…"
"So in order to keep them from harming the village, a department must be established to restrain and control them—to make their darkness harm the enemy instead of Konoha!"
"And the one who can control them must possess even more darkness in his heart than they do! And you have exactly that kind of talent!"
"Didn't you say you wanted what was best for the village? Then come with this old man!"
Danzo said in a deep voice.
Tobirama gave a cold snort.
In his view, that line of thinking was already outdated…
No one was born evil—not even the Uchiha clan…
It was simply that no proper method had been found to guide them.
"What, you still haven't given up on Madara's will?" Danzo asked when he saw Tobirama still unmoved, sounding slightly unable to keep his composure.
The moment he thought of this matter, Danzo found it profoundly strange.
He had also seen the application Isshin had submitted—
The Uchiha clan requests a full rotational leave to discuss reforming the Police Force and to reinterpret Madara's will.
At the time, Danzo had thought his eyes were playing tricks on him…
That application had a kind of black humor to it, like asking for approval before staging a rebellion…
To begin with, he had already been dissatisfied with Hiruzen's decision to free the Uchiha from their historical burden.
As long as the matter of Madara was never made clear, wasn't that a choke point the Uchiha could always be held by?
But Hiruzen's attitude had been firm, so Danzo had said nothing more.
What he had not expected was that the Uchiha clan would actually take it seriously and openly put it on the table!
No, that was Uchiha Madara. Didn't they realize how sensitive that name was?
Were the Uchiha really this reckless? This straightforward?
Weren't they afraid Hiruzen was fishing?
They had even reported the list of attendees and the keynote speaker, Seisui. The only thing left was inviting Hiruzen to sit in and listen.
That was why Danzo had rushed over to find "Seisui" in such a panic.
He wanted to stop this reinterpretation of Madara's will.
"Why should I give it up?"
Tobirama shot back, "I already said it—if it benefits Konoha in any way, I will do it. I will find a way to integrate what is good into the Will of Fire."
"As for whether it is sensitive or will draw criticism, I do not care in the slightest."
Danzo frowned tightly.
"What could possibly be good for Konoha in Madara's will? Brat, you should know that he was the main reason Hashirama-sama died. He was a missing-nin!"
"If Hashirama-sama were still alive, would you dare say that to his face?" Tobirama sighed inwardly, but on the surface he snapped back coldly.
Danzo was instantly speechless.
And Uchiha Madara, who was watching with full concentration, also turned wistful when he heard those words.
Ah, Hashirama!
You always did things that were impossible to forget…
Back then, after faking his death, he had chosen to hide here partly because he was worried that the truth of his false death would be discovered.
Tobirama would certainly have labeled him a missing-nin and then dissected his corpse.
But Hashirama had overruled all opposition and hidden his "corpse" instead.
And he had firmly refused to classify him as Konoha's missing-nin, saying only that the two of them had clashed in ideals, and that Uchiha Madara would forever remain a part of Konoha.
Though the result had been terrible, the original intention had still been for the good of the village…
So much so that after Hashirama died, Uchiha Madara had never once thought about going back and attacking Konoha, because he had no choice but to remember that debt of feeling to his old rival.
And that was also why Konoha had left the matter of Uchiha Madara unresolved for so long…
Hashirama had personally refused to define him as a missing-nin. Even Tobirama could not overturn that.
"Do you understand what 'Madara's will' actually means?"
Tobirama looked at Danzo and said slowly, "I can explain it to you."
Danzo let out a cold snort and made a gesture for him to continue.
A brat who had never even met Madara, discussing the will of the Shura of the Shinobi world?
Ridiculous!
Uchiha Madara also focused himself and listened closely. He wanted to hear how Seisui would interpret him…
"I have always been curious about why the First-sama and Uchiha Madara fought."
"To understand that, I consulted a great number of records, verified things with the older generation of Uchiha, and even found some precious diaries. Only then did I uncover a few clues and piece them together."
Tobirama layered excuse after excuse over himself, building shield after shield, before finally saying: "Just as the First-sama himself said—it was a clash of ideals!"
"The First-sama once said that protecting the village is the most important thing, and that anyone who harms the village cannot be forgiven—no matter whether they are his children, his brothers, or his friends…"
Danzo said coldly, "What is wrong with that statement?"
"Nothing is wrong with it, naturally."
Tobirama waved a hand, signaling for him to let him finish: "But it is said that before Uchiha Madara died, he once said that if things continued to develop like this, the root and branch would be reversed, and one day it would inevitably become the village's darkness…"
"The First-sama's ideals were certainly sound, but some people carried them out badly."
Tobirama stared fixedly at Danzo: "The village is a tool to protect everyone—not an abstract symbol that stands above the individual!"
"If there is no oversight, then the Will of Fire will become a terrifying monster—one that lets a handful of people in power pursue private interests and oppress individuals and shinobi clans, allowing darkness to spread unchecked within the village!"
"And today's Konoha lacks exactly that."
"It is not that I am dissatisfied with the Third-sama. I also believe what he has done is very good. But what about the next Hokage? What about the other power holders besides the Hokage?"
"Can the Hokage alone really supervise everything?"
"And who is supposed to supervise a Hokage who has made mistakes?"
"You, as the assistant—can you truly carry out strict peer-level oversight over the Hokage, the other advisors, and the Konoha councilors in accordance with the Will of Fire and the First-sama's spirit?"
Danzo gave a disdainful laugh. "Naturally I can. Do you know how many times I have slammed the table with him?"
"Really? Then if Hokage-sama decided to crush you anyway, even when you had done nothing wrong—if you think you could resist, then that would mean you truly can do it."
Tobirama returned the same disdainful smile.
This time, Danzo could not laugh.
Back when Hiruzen had commended him at the First Training Ground…
Even amid his joy, Danzo had inwardly marveled at the terrifying level of prestige Hiruzen now possessed.
If he wanted to strike at him from the shadows, then probably no one would speak for him. There would not even be any need to go through procedure.
At that moment, Danzo could not help but feel a strange trace of respect toward the Uchiha boy before him.
Truly bold! Even he did not dare think that way…
Just a mere Ninja Academy student.
Even if he was an unparalleled genius of the Uchiha clan, he still actually dared to think about supervising the Hokage, the advisors, and the other Konoha councilors…
Danzo had already forgiven "Seisui" for his disrespect toward him.
This really was arrogance beyond all bounds—not something directed only at him.
"So what do you mean? You want to supervise the Hokage?" Danzo could not help asking.
"It is not that I want to. Rather, every shinobi in Konoha should keep the bottom line of the Will of Fire in his heart. Whoever touches that bottom line should be questioned!"
Tobirama declared forcefully:
"If it is only because of the Third Hokage's wisdom that the shinobi rely on him too much, and in doing so lose the habit, courage, and right to speak, then Konoha will sooner or later head toward ruin because of that!"
"I have no intention of questioning the Third-sama, but one day he too will pass away…"
"While the Third-sama is still here, I believe he can understand my intentions, and will not twist my thinking into some challenge to his authority…"
"We must transform his wise 'rule by man' into a spirit and will that Konoha's shinobi must never forget—something carved into Konoha's bones, sealing up the cracks through which the village might one day become distorted!"
Tobirama spoke his true thoughts.
After learning that Danzo, in order to establish Root, had wildly abducted and demanded the village's talented shinobi…
Tobirama had been furious.
He could understand that some shinobi were needed to do the dirty and exhausting work for the sake of the village…
And some shinobi were indeed naturally drawn to darkness, so using people according to their talents was not a problem.
But what did it mean to forcibly kidnap others in the name of the village, in the name of Konoha?
That kind of thing was undermining Konoha at its roots!
From that moment onward, Tobirama had been thinking about how to rectify this phenomenon…
Shinobi lacked the awareness to resist oppression from those in power.
True, Tobirama believed Hiruzen had done very well—but he was already nearing fifty…
If Hiruzen could remain in his current state forever, never aging and never dying, then none of this would be a problem.
But shinobi always die.
If the next Hokage were someone like Danzo…
Or if one day his temperament suddenly changed, and he used Hiruzen's public credibility to do things similar to what Danzo had done…
Then Konoha would be turned into a giant Bloody Mist Village!
So preparations had to be made in advance.
Besides, it would also greatly strengthen the shinobi's sense of belonging.
"Have you considered that this would lead to internal friction in the village? Do you know how chaotic it would become if everyone started speaking out…?" Danzo barked in a deep voice.
"Only when the bottom line of the Will of Fire is involved should people speak out. At all other times, everyone should simply follow the Hokage's orders in unison!"
Tobirama barked back as well: "Stop dragging in unrelated things and switching concepts!"
"I have also studied your will. It is not without redeeming qualities. But the mistakes you made—you have delayed making amends for them for far too long…"
"One 'Madara,' one 'Root'—both are historical problems left behind by the village. If they are not repaired now, during the golden age brought by the Third-sama, then later they will become even harder to solve!"
"Assistant Danzo, I hope you can be a little braver…"
"Try reflecting on yourself. Try repenting a little for your mistakes. Admit the wrongs you committed, and find a way to make up for them."
Tobirama's tone softened, like a teacher admonishing a student: "This is not difficult. Please be brave and take that first step!"
But to Danzo, it sounded extremely harsh…
Not to mention "Seisui"—even if Hiruzen were the one saying such things to him, he would not be able to accept it!
"Do not be too arrogant, brat!"
"You think you understand Konoha so well? Let me tell you—you have no right to judge… to evaluate me!" Danzo seemed enraged and roared loudly.
Tobirama looked at Danzo in disappointment and shook his head.
"I will give you time. If before I graduate, you still have not made amends for your mistakes…"
"Then I will have no choice but to protect Konoha in my own way."
"I have already warned you in advance. But if you can correct yourself, I am willing to work with you…"
Danzo stared at Tobirama.
"You? What can you do? You are just a Ninja Academy student. Do not make me laugh!"
Tobirama waved a hand listlessly. "That is all I have to say. Do not say I did not warn you beforehand…"
With that, Tobirama turned and left, speaking no further with Danzo.
'I understand now why Hiruzen has not dealt with Danzo…'
'It is not only because he has gone soft due to their bond. It is also because, as Hokage, his prestige is now too overwhelming. If he himself were to launch a criticism of Danzo, Danzo would be beaten down so hard he would never get back up. That would not be good…'
'The village still needs Danzo to work, and I am the one who can speak in Hiruzen's place.'
'That way, as Hokage, he will not personally enter the fray, but can instead act as the referee and keep the intensity under control…'
'Hiruzen, this was also within your calculations, was it not?' Tobirama walked toward the Uchiha clan district, looking at the Hokage Rock in the distance, feeling somewhat emotional.
His revival was not only meant to solve the Uchiha problem, but Danzo's problem as well…
However, Tobirama had also left Danzo a way out.
If Danzo could change, or if being awakened to the issue could make him actively try to make amends—
Then Tobirama would not mind becoming part of a bizarre master-disciple pairing with him, saving his political life once.
Tobirama needed a high-status identity so he could participate more deeply in village affairs, and fully make use of his ability in research, oversight, and governance.
The identity of the Hokage assistant's disciple was suitable as a public credential.
But the problem was that Tobirama was not used to treating Danzo as a master.
So rather than that, it would be better to first knock him down and then pull him back up, creating a strange relationship that looked like a mutual master-disciple bond, but in reality still left Tobirama as the teacher…
Danzo clearly needed to be supervised, just as Tobirama had supervised the Uchiha.
And this act of openly questioning Danzo would also greatly raise Tobirama's prestige within the Uchiha, allowing him to replace Isshin and Fugaku with solid achievements and become the true voice of authority.
Latecomers always had to pull off something huge if they wanted to leap past the old guard—talent alone was not enough…
And together with injecting the shinobi with a stronger sense of bottom-line thinking…
In Tobirama's eyes, taking on Danzo was something with many benefits, and something that had to be done!
'For the first time, I find myself hoping a student will not rush to correct his mistakes…' Tobirama's feelings were complicated.
If Danzo really took it to heart, went back, and immediately started remedying and reforming Root's leftover problems…
Then it would actually become hard to go after him!
But as a teacher, if he did not first warn a student who had made mistakes and instead came down immediately with a heavy hand, Tobirama would inevitably feel somewhat uncomfortable about it.
Though the dark joke here was that Danzo had obviously not listened at all.
But Uchiha Madara had listened completely.
After hearing "Seisui's" interpretation of his will, Madara seemed to freeze in place and sank into deep thought.
In the shinobi world, shinobi way and ideals were inheritances and forms of recognition even stronger than bloodlines.
Tobirama's words had truly spoken straight into his heart, so much so that even the hairs on his body had risen slightly…
"Even if Izuna were revived, he could not understand me more deeply than this!"
Madara let out a long breath. Such a thoroughly satisfying analysis made even his mind—dulled from soaking in piles of White Zetsu—feel newly sharpened.
Why had he fought Hashirama to the death?
Was it not because he had seen that damned Senju Tobirama constantly using the village to hold the Uchiha clan hostage, and that in his hands the Uchiha would sooner or later be destroyed?
Others did not understand him, his clansmen did not understand him, even Hashirama did not understand what he was thinking!
And now, after so many decades, there had appeared a descendant who looked so much like Izuna—and who understood him so completely!
"To be able to express my will so clearly…"
"I am willing to call Seisui the one and only inheritor of Madara's will. That title is one he deserves!" Madara said loudly, officially granting Tobirama his recognition.
"Madara-sama, I mean… doesn't he seem to love Konoha a lot? You still want to win him over?" one White Zetsu scratched his head and asked.
"Just do not expose yourself. This looks really difficult, okay? Why not just go with Obito instead? He is an idiot!"
"I think lately he just stays at home, staring at that photo of himself with the Hokage and grinning like a fool. He is almost gone mad…"
Madara waved his hand irritably.
"Do not bring up Uchiha Obito for now. He is the spare tire. With his brain, I will always have a way to deal with him. What is one photograph worth?"
"Sarutobi Hiruzen does have some tricks, but he is not Hashirama. He cannot win people over with a mere gesture or movement."
White Zetsu showed a look of disgust.
Who asked you that?
Why are you bringing up Senju Hashirama again?
"I am telling you—compared to Obito, Seisui is the one who will truly support me from the bottom of his heart in the future…"
"You heard it too, did you not? What Seisui wants is a perfect Konoha. But such a thing does not exist. Only the Eye of the Moon Plan is true perfect peace."
"As long as Konoha's hypocritical outer shell is torn open, and the true face of the Will of Fire is exposed, Seisui will definitely fall into immense disappointment and unbearable pain."
"Seisui is a pure Uchiha. Only a true pure-blooded Uchiha could be this obsessive—pursuing the perfection in his heart no matter the cost!"
"Forget Sarutobi Hiruzen—even if Hashirama were revived, he would not be able to resolve this move of mine!"
"No, Hashirama is a bit stupid. Even if Senju Tobirama came, it would be the same!"
Madara had come up with a "terrifying plan".
He knew that the Uchiha were now seeking reform, intending to open up positions in the Police Force to absorb members from other shinobi clans…
Which meant the Uchiha would once again be carrying out missions!
Uchiha Madara could effortlessly design an extreme moral dilemma.
For example, have a noble of the Land of Fire arrange an important mission.
While the Uchiha were carrying it out, their comrades would fall into danger.
With the Uchiha clan currently so eager to reverse its reputation in Konoha, they would definitely choose to save their comrades.
Madara would then intervene and cause that mission to fail…
And after the failure, Madara would find a way to spread news of the incident!
He had already chosen the person to use…
One of the few political enemies of the Fire Daimyō.
Having him attack the Uchiha for failing an important mission would be most appropriate.
It would definitely stir up noble pressure against the shinobi!
And not only that—after hearing Tobirama's account, Madara had already understood his line of thinking.
"With Seisui's talent, once he clashes with that blond brat who uses Flying Thunder God Technique, he will definitely become famous and gain no small amount of notoriety and influence in Konoha."
"Before graduation, Shimura Danzo cannot possibly change, so Seisui will definitely make his move."
"And just when Seisui begins fighting Shimura Danzo, I too will strike at that same moment and set my scheme against the Uchiha in motion…"
"Seisui talks about guarding the bottom line and about oversight, but the Uchiha themselves will have failed to abide by a shinobi's code. That will be the best possible weapon for Shimura Danzo's counterattack."
"That way, Seisui will definitely believe that when Shimura Danzo came under attack, he deliberately found people to redirect attention onto the Uchiha clan."
"Konoha will descend into chaos in an instant!"
"Sarutobi Hiruzen will definitely protect Shimura Danzo and use the opportunity to strike at Seisui. That is what Konoha's bonds are. That is what a Hokage is…"
"And because of this, Seisui will become deeply disappointed in the village. The relationship between the Uchiha clan and Konoha will also shatter, and once again they will see clearly the true faces of Konoha's upper ranks and return to opposition…"
"Everything will be under my control!" Madara said with complete confidence.
Hiruzen, as one of a shinobi village's top leaders, could only be so open-minded…
Could he really tolerate shinobi failing to complete a mission?
Could he really forgive the Uchiha for failing that mission, and refuse to shield Danzo?
Absolutely impossible!
This was a dead end built from layer upon layer of suspicion.
The White Zetsu at his side thought for a long while before finally nodding slowly.
"Madara-sama, this time your idea actually does seem pretty impressive? It feels pretty reliable…"
Madara smiled proudly: "In the past, I simply did not want to steal Izuna's spotlight! Could an older brother really be inferior to his younger brother?"
Though in truth, even Madara himself felt that this time he had performed beyond his usual level…
Perhaps even the Sage of Six Paths was blessing him so that he could obtain Seisui!
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