Under Senju Tobirama's instructions, Danzo entered the camp. Facing the Mist and Stone emissaries, who were already seated opposite each other, he said,
"Let's begin. Talk it out."
Why did Konoha step in to mediate the negotiations between the Mist and Stone? The reason was simple. Danzo recalled his teacher's lessons about the principle of striking a balance. Both the Second Mizukage and the Second Tsuchikage had perished, leaving both sides heavily crippled. If Konoha didn't step in at this juncture, the consequences would be disastrous.
Fuming from their losses, both sides would likely redirect their rage toward Konoha. In such a scenario, Konoha would face the grim prospect of a three-front war. As a brilliant strategist, Tobirama wouldn't make such a novice mistake.
Moreover, Konoha had only provided the battleground for their skirmish, suffering minimal damage. The Mist and Stone would merely need to compensate Konoha for the ruined buildings and land.
By now, both the Mist and Stone had realized Tobirama's scheme. Fighting each other to mutual destruction had only benefited Konoha. But there was no helping it—they had been outmaneuvered. Worse, they'd lost their village leaders. Returning home quickly to elect new leaders and stabilize their villages was now a priority.
As for swallowing their humiliation? They had no choice.
With the Mist and Stone situation mostly resolved, Konoha's focus shifted to its conflict with Kumogakure. Before the war began, Konoha had already lost two powerhouse shinobi: Senju Hashirama and Hyuga Tennin. Even so, under Tobirama's leadership, Konoha maintained its dominant position, leaving Kumogakure utterly defeated.
The Second Raikage's hair had turned white from stress. He had no choice but to admit that Kumogakure was no match for Konoha. The war had been devastating for his village.
However, Tobirama extended an olive branch, initiating peace talks with Kumogakure.
Why did he do this? As Tobirama had once discussed with Kakuzu, the root cause of conflict in the ninja world was lingering hatred. The shinobi of Konoha and Kumogakure harbored deep-seated grudges against each other. To eradicate this hatred would take decades.
Thus, for Konoha, resting on its laurels and pursuing peace was the most prudent course.
As for the terms of the ceasefire, Tobirama had no intention of letting the Second Raikage off easily. As the losing side, Kumogakure needed to display proper humility. Tobirama demanded Kumogakure's ninja body techniques and financial reparations.
The Second Raikage, long prepared for this outcome, accepted these terms with resignation. While the demands were harsh, Kumogakure could afford them.
Still, the draft peace treaty caused a stir in Kumogakure. Some viewed the terms as a national humiliation and vehemently opposed them, splitting the village into two factions that bickered endlessly.
But regardless of the infighting, the tide of events was inevitable. Konoha and Kumogakure eventually agreed to negotiate and sign the treaty in the Land of the Moon.
The negotiators were none other than the current Hokage and Raikage. The location was neutral, and both sides agreed to bring only minimal escorts. Tobirama arrived with his six disciples, while the Raikage brought his personal guard.
At first, the negotiations went smoothly, and both leaders signed the treaty. But no one anticipated what happened next.
Kumogakure's hawkish faction, led by the infamous Gold and Silver Brothers, launched a sudden attack on the negotiation site with over a dozen elite shinobi.
Seeing the ambush unfold, Tobirama ordered Hiruzen Sarutobi to secure the treaty while he and his six disciples retreated.
The rebellion within Kumogakure wasn't something Tobirama intended to involve himself in. However, after killing the Raikage, the Gold and Silver Brothers, driven by madness, pursued Tobirama and his disciples relentlessly.
It was because he was always overshadowed by Hiruzen Sarutobi!
'Hiruzen! You bastard! I'll never forget how you've schemed against me in the past. Today, I will muster all my courage and defeat you!'
Danzo gritted his teeth fiercely and slammed his fist into the ground. His mind was made up. He raised his head, eyes filled with a resolve as unyielding as steel, and addressed Tobirama Senju.
"Sensei! Let me do it!"
Danzo's breaths were heavy—so heavy that his heartbeat was hammering at 180 beats per minute. His gaze was a mixture of yearning and desperation as he stared at Tobirama, hoping his teacher would give him a clear answer.
But before Tobirama could respond, the voice of Hiruzen Sarutobi rang out, filled with a sense of justice.
"Sensei, let me go instead."
Hiruzen's face bore a faint smile, untainted by even a hint of fear in the face of death. His sincere expression made it clear—he was ready to sacrifice himself for his comrades.
Seeing this, Tobirama had already made up his mind. He turned his gaze back to Danzo.
"Danzo," Tobirama said, his tone firm yet composed, "a ninja's duty is not about settling personal scores. Your impulsiveness, driven by grudges, only endangers your comrades. Until you understand that, live on and reflect on it."
Danzo froze, stunned by Tobirama's response. He couldn't comprehend it. Hadn't he stepped forward before Hiruzen, offering to stay behind? So why had his teacher said such words? He couldn't figure it out.
But Tobirama didn't dwell on Danzo's confusion. He shifted his attention back to Hiruzen. Looking into the young man's clear eyes, Tobirama's face remained stoic, but deep inside, he was smiling.
His thoughts drifted back to more than a decade ago, when the Hidden Leaf Village was first founded. At that time, both Tobirama and Hashirama had been drawn to the young Hiruzen Sarutobi. His character was so similar to Hashirama's—open-hearted and brimming with kindness.
To encourage Hiruzen back then, both Hashirama and Tobirama had, without prior agreement, turned back under the sunlight and spoken the same words to the young boy:
"From today onward, you are the Hokage."
Remembering this, Tobirama's lips curved into a faint smile. As a ninja who had survived the Warring States Period, he had long come to terms with the concept of life and death. In this moment, he only felt a sense of fulfillment. The promise he and his brother had made all those years ago was finally about to be realized.
"Hiruzen!"
"Here!"
This time, Tobirama didn't call him "Sarutobi" but used his actual name. The atmosphere around them shifted, becoming solemn.
"You must protect the villagers who trust and look up to you. Nurture and guide the next generation who will carry on the village's future. Starting tomorrow, you will be the Hokage."
The moment those words left Tobirama's mouth, everyone present was stunned.
"You will be the Hokage."
"You will be the Hokage."
The words echoed in Danzo's mind like a nightmare, repeating over and over. He looked at Hiruzen, his entire world in disarray.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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