Chapter 126: The Second Hokage

It had to be said that this live broadcast technique was incredibly effective. Konoha Village was too large and too populous. Everyone wanted to witness the handover of the Hokage position firsthand, so they naturally squeezed desperately towards the front.

After calming the villagers' emotions, Hashirama stood on the rooftop, smiling, and began to speak. "It has been fourteen years since the village was officially established."

"Among you, there are those who have followed me since the village's inception, and also those who came later, drawn by its reputation."

Upon hearing this, the villagers looked at each other, their faces filled with genuine joy. Originally, they might have been organized by family or clan, but because of Konoha Village, they had united. No matter where they went, they could proudly declare, "I am a person of Konoha Village." This confidence was all thanks to the Hashirama. From the moment they joined Konoha, they truly stood tall as individuals. They didn't have to suffer oppression or kowtow to anyone.

"To give you all a better life, and for the peace I have always yearned for, I have not dared to be complacent for these fourteen years."

"Finally, two years ago, the Five Great Shinobi Villages signed a peace treaty, and the ninja world finally embraced peace."

Hashirama's words were incredibly moving; many of the clan members who had followed him for so long were already shedding tears. The newly joined villagers weren't entirely clear on everything, but they deeply understood everything Hashirama had done for Konoha Village. This hard-won peace was the result of Hashirama's efforts for over a decade.

"Since I can remember, the wars between ninja have never ceased. My brother, father, and mother all perished in war."

"My comrades fell one by one before my eyes, which made me yearn even more for the arrival of peace."

Hashirama's emotions were also fluctuating at this moment, which was understandable.

"But peace is not easily obtained, so I fought for it for half my life, until now, my granddaughter is already three years old."

"The ninja world has also achieved peace. I also want to rest a little. I hope everyone doesn't mind."

"Although I have decided to resign from the position of Hokage, I have long since become one with the village. I will protect everyone, no matter what!"

After Hashirama finished speaking, he bowed to the villagers, and the villagers on the streets were already in tears. They owed their current lives to Hashirama's blessings, so how could they blame him?

A child, whose family was unknown, started it, shouting with a tender voice: "Hashirama-sama, please rest well! The village's future is still ours!" Immediately, all the young people followed suit, shouting together.

Hashirama thought he could control his emotions, but when he saw countless new tender shoots growing on this towering tree, he couldn't help but shed tears. "That's right! Children! Konoha's future belongs to you! But for now, you are still too young. For now, grow under the protection of us old-timers!"

The entire Konoha Village suddenly became incredibly 'strange.' Some were crying, some were smiling, and some were shouting loudly. But everyone was expressing their respect for Hashirama in their own way.

After Hashirama composed himself, he continued to speak, and the villagers listened attentively.

"Although I have resigned from the position of Hokage, the Will of Fire will be passed down through generations. Today is both the day I resign as Hokage and the day the new Hokage takes office."

"This person is no stranger to you. He is half responsible for the prosperity the village enjoys today. He is my brother, Senju Tobirama!"

Amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the villagers, Tobirama slowly stepped forward. Hashirama subtly retreated a step, yielding the main position to Tobirama, then took off the Hokage hat and handed it to Tobirama.

Tobirama put the Hokage hat on his head. The Nidaime Hokage's cloak flapped fiercely in the wind, making him appear incredibly majestic. Everyone loudly cheered Tobirama's name.

Tobirama displayed a rare smile at this moment, one that even Hashirama had seen only a few times.

"I believe you are all very familiar with me. From now on, I will govern the village. Like my elder brother, I will strive to ensure everyone lives a better life!"

The villagers completely believed Tobirama's words. They often saw Tobirama's busy figure around the village. Although they were somewhat reluctant about Hashirama's resignation, everyone still needed to look forward. Konoha Village would surely get better and better in the future!

"There's not much more to say. After all, we have a long future together. Let's step into a brand new Konoha together!"

As Tobirama's words fell, the entire Hokage inauguration ceremony officially concluded. Tobirama and Hashirama waved to the villagers, then turned and departed.

The villagers continued to cheer in the streets. Some shop owners, to celebrate, directly sold their merchandise at half price. There were various other festivities; in short, today was Konoha's carnival, the villagers' carnival. Although no one was sure what changes the future would bring, everyone knew it would surely get better and better.

Hashirama and Tobirama walked side by side. Without the Hokage hat on his head, Hashirama suddenly felt much lighter. The previous sense of tension was gone; this was the first time he had felt this way since becoming Hokage.

"How is it? It feels different from before, doesn't it?" Hashirama asked.

Tobirama nodded. "It is different. I feel a heavier burden on my shoulders. I never felt this way before."

"To be expected and admired by everyone in the village, I wonder if I can do well."

Hashirama patted Tobirama's shoulder. "Don't worry, your talent is greater than mine; you'll definitely be fine."

Comforted by his older brother, Tobirama's heart relaxed a little. This inauguration ceremony had been very successful, with no mishaps. The villagers were also very cooperative, and once they saw the crystal mirrors, they stopped pushing towards the building. Otherwise, an accident might really have occurred.

Hashirama suddenly remembered something and said to Tobirama with a serious expression: "You're already Hokage, and you still don't have a wife! How can this be!"

Tobirama immediately wanted to retort. What was Hashirama even talking about? These were two completely unrelated matters!

"Alright, alright, Big Brother. You can't even manage your own son, so don't bother managing me!"

It must be said, Tobirama's words truly stung Hashirama. Not only was his brother not getting married, but his words were also so venomous! Torifū, watching the two brothers bicker, found it somewhat amusing. His teacher was clearly the older brother, yet he was always the one being lectured. He truly couldn't understand the relationship between these two brothers.