As a younger generation, it was normal to respect and listen to one's elders. But when those elders had long since died, revived as outdated relics from another era, and still insisted on dictating everything—how could that be tolerated?
"Haa…"
What a headache. Senju Hashirama let out a heavy sigh.
"Tsunade, that's not what we meant. I know Tobirama's tone was harsh, but you must understand—Madara is not someone to be underestimated."
"I know that."
Tsunade's expression was serious as she countered:
"But the problem isn't whether we want to help—the issue is whether the Hidden Cloud is willing to trust us. Unless they personally feel threatened by Uchiha Madara, they won't cooperate.
Besides, Takuya already suggested holding a Five Kage Summit, a joint alliance to deal with the problem. And yet, the other villages only care about their own interests. They don't take the threat of Madara seriously at all."
"We've already done everything we could."
"Lord First, Sensei, that's the truth."
Even the Third Hokage, who wasn't exactly fond of Takuya, had to admit it.
Takuya had genuinely tried his best—but no one else cooperated.
What else was he supposed to do?
Since no one wanted to work together, all he could do was protect those who mattered to him and let the rest sort itself out.
In the end, someone would have to clean up the mess.
Takuya just had to make sure that neither he nor his people would be caught in the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Heh, let's see how long the Sage of Six Paths and his brother can sit idly by in the Pure Land.
Without Naruto and Sasuke—the so-called saviors of the world—how were they planning to "maintain balance"?
They should worry about themselves first.
Takuya was certain that the moment word got out about Hashirama being revived, Uchiha Madara would immediately come for him.
That wasn't even a joke—Madara would do it.
And he could do it.
As for the Rinnegan? That was Black Zetsu's problem.
Black Zetsu controlled Obito, who already had one Rinnegan.
Retrieving the second one wouldn't be difficult, especially with an army of White Zetsu at his disposal.
Unless the Hidden Cloud managed to hide it extremely well, it was only a matter of time before it was found.
Even if they implanted it into the Third Raikage—it wouldn't matter.
But…
What did any of this have to do with him?
If Madara really showed up, Hashirama would be the first one to try and stop him.
They were both under Edo Tensei—let them fight it out.
The only problem was…
Hashirama was no longer a match for Madara.
With the Rinnegan, Madara was essentially hacking reality itself.
"What a hassle…"
Without the slightest hesitation, Takuya turned and walked away.
Hashirama groaned in frustration, shooting a glance at Tobirama as if to say, Well, now what?
Tobirama remained calm.
"Let's wait for now."
Compared to Hashirama, Tobirama was far better at keeping his cool.
"Takuya wasn't wrong—even if we are willing to help, that doesn't mean others will trust us.
Even if we call for a Five Kage Summit under big brother's name, it's unlikely the other villages will be convinced."
He paused, then added with a more serious expression:
"More importantly… if this information leaks, Madara will definitely come for big brother."
Tobirama understood Madara and Hashirama's… complicated relationship.
And he was not looking forward to the inevitable chaos.
With that thought, he shot his older brother a glare.
"Ahaha…"
Hashirama let out an awkward chuckle.
"You know how Madara is—that's just his personality…"
…
And you're any different?
Tobirama resisted the urge to curse.
Meanwhile, both the Third Hokage and Tsunade just stood there, completely lost.
Are we missing something?
Because it definitely felt like they were missing something.
"Sigh…"
Hashirama eventually wiped the grin off his face, sighing as he asked:
"So, we just… wait?"
That was not the answer he wanted.
Rather than sitting around, waiting for news, he preferred to take action—to fight head-on with his overwhelming strength.
The problem was…
He wasn't that invincible anymore.
Not that he'd realized it yet.
"Yes."
Taking action had its advantages, but so did waiting.
Unlike Hashirama, who was naturally inclined to help others, Tobirama was far more pragmatic.
Rather than rushing in to lend a hand, he preferred to assess the situation and make calculated moves.
Besides—it's not Konoha's problem anyway.
In this regard, his way of thinking was very similar to Takuya's.
"Sigh… fine."
Hashirama opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something… but in the end, he simply nodded in frustration.
"Then we'll lay low in Konoha for now and wait until Madara makes his move."
"Hey, Tsunade—should we…"
"Nope."
Tsunade immediately rejected whatever he was about to say.
"If you're bored, go find Nawaki and have him teach you mahjong—it's much more fun.
I'm heading home to sleep—I'm exhausted."
She had stayed up all night.
And now he wanted her to play cards?
Not happening.
More importantly, she knew Hashirama was probably planning to ask for money.
Hmph. Once money reaches my hands, not even my grandfather is getting a loan.
"Tch… fine."
Looking utterly defeated, Hashirama turned his attention elsewhere.
"Hey, Monkey."
"..."
Lord First, please let me go home…
I'm old, I'm exhausted, and I have no money left.
You already drained my secret savings!
Hiruzen wanted to cry.
Fortunately, Tobirama came to his rescue.
"Big brother, if you have nothing to do, why don't you go train Nawaki?
I've heard his progress hasn't been very good."
There was no way in hell he was letting Hashirama roam free.
He needed something to keep him occupied.
"Do I have to?"
"Yes."
"..."
Training some brat was such a hassle, and Hashirama really didn't want to do it.
Unfortunately, he had no choice.
Tobirama wasn't giving him any room to argue.
It was either this, or taking over his paperwork.
Yeah, no thanks.
Between the two, dealing with Nawaki seemed like the lesser evil.
———
Meanwhile…
Takuya hadn't even left for long when Tsunade suddenly caught up with him.
"You left already?"
"Tobirama wanted to get familiar with the village, so I dumped everything on him.
Handling official business is the best way to learn, don't you think?"
Tsunade grinned mischievously, linking her arm through his.
"*Don't take Second Grandpa too seriously—he's an old relic, stuck in his ways.
His grudge against the Uchiha won't disappear overnight.*"
"I know.
And I'm not planning to argue with him about it."
Trying to change Tobirama's opinion of the Uchiha was pointless.
Since it was impossible, why waste the effort?
As long as he didn't personally try to cause trouble, Takuya couldn't care less.
If Tobirama wanted to be hostile, fine.
He'd return the favor.
Simple as that.
___________________________
(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read the rest of the Chapter at Patreon com/ Emik01.
DO NOT FORGET POWER STONE AND CHATTING