"Aki and the Hokage's Will."

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The next morning, Aki packed her things early and left home with her mother's usual fussing. She made her way to the meeting spot the team had agreed on. Seeing she was the second one to arrive, she gave a respectful bow and greeted, "Good morning, Lord Danzo."

Danzo gave a slight nod when he saw Aki arrive. "Not bad," he said simply, then closed his eyes again — whether he was meditating or just deep in thought, Aki couldn't tell. Left with nothing else to do, she looked around aimlessly while waiting for the others to show up.

As the meetup time got closer, Uchiha Kagami and Akimichi Torifu also arrived one after the other.

Once everyone had assembled, Danzo took the lead, guiding the team to the merchant they were supposed to protect. On the way, he also taught Aki some commonly used codes, markings, and phrases that Konoha ninjas relied on, along with other useful field knowledge.

Before long, they reached a small, unnamed village. From the forest, they could clearly see the village entrance, where three horse-drawn carriages were parked. Around them were six or seven armed men standing guard, as if waiting for something.

Danzo signaled for the team to rest where they were while he stepped out of the trees and approached the carriages. He entered one of them and came back out a short while later, this time accompanied by two well-dressed men in luxurious silk outfits.

Once the three of them reached the team, Danzo pointed at Aki. "This young shinobi will pretend to be your nephew and stay by your side. He'll protect you personally — he's at chunin level, so you can trust your safety is in good hands." Then, he pointed at Torifu and Kagami. "These two will be embedded in the caravan transporting the soldier rations, acting as bodyguards. Their job is to prevent any theft of the supplies. As for me and this ninja," — he gestured to one of the men — "we'll scout the surrounding area to make sure no enemy ninja can ambush or surround you. Any questions?"

The two merchants exchanged glances. One of them hesitated, then said, "Lord Ninja, are you really sure Konoha's backing us on this? You know that once this shipment is sold, the profits will be enough to drive even the most disciplined ninja mad. We're seriously worried about our safety… and honestly, this job feels way too dangerous."

Danzo chuckled coldly. "If you were afraid of dying, you wouldn't be smuggling goods into the black market in the first place. If it weren't for the fact that your actions technically help Konoha, you two might've already disappeared by now. You're the infamous Sato brothers, known for smuggling military gear — and now you're scared?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Relax. We've prepared for every possible situation."

The two brothers fell silent, then nodded to signal they had no more questions. With that, the group hit the road toward the Land of Waterfalls.

Hokage's Office

"Lord Second," an ANBU ninja reported, "Danzo's squad has already left. We're secretly escorting them until they clear the borders of the village. Also, the mission for Sarutobi Hiruzen's team has been passed on. Hiruzen said his team will link up with Danzo's squad after the mission is complete and ensure the merchants return safely."

The Second Hokage nodded as he reviewed the report. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Keep a close eye on the Sand, Waterfall, and Stone shinobi movements. A war could break out any day now, so I want you to keep me fully informed on the enemy's positions. Got it?"

"Yes, we'll increase infiltration efforts in all three villages."

"Good. You're dismissed." With that, the ANBU disappeared.

Just then, someone knocked on the door. The Second Hokage gestured for them to come in. A man in doctor's attire entered, bowed, and said, "Lord Second, the First Hokage has lost consciousness again. Based on our latest assessments, we believe his time is almost up. He could pass away at any moment… would you like to visit him?"

The Second Hokage sighed deeply, thinking to himself, So it's finally happening… Big Brother's time is really running out. With enemies circling the village from every side, his death right now will hit Konoha harder than anything else. He stood up and told the doctor, "You go ahead. I'll be there soon."

The doctor bowed again and left the office, while the Second Hokage turned back toward the glass window, silently staring out at the bustling village below, his thoughts unreadable.

At the Ninja Hospital

When the Second Hokage arrived, he couldn't find the First Hokage. He grabbed a passing doctor and asked where he'd gone.

"He woke up briefly and left the hospital right away," the doctor said. "Didn't even stick around for observation."

The Second Hokage frowned in thought, then left the hospital too.

Hokage Rock

On top of the carved face of the First Hokage, a pale-faced man stood silently, gazing down at the village below. The wind blew through his hair, and his smile — though genuine — looked tired and worn. This man was none other than the First Hokage.

A moment later, the Second Hokage appeared behind him and stood quietly, also looking down at the village. Neither said a word.

After a long silence, the First Hokage smiled and asked, "Tobirama… do you think I succeeded?"

"You've done more than enough, Big Brother," Tobirama replied softly. "No one in this world could ever reach your level. Not just your personal strength — but everything you've created. This village is your legacy, and you're the best there is."

The First chuckled. "Out of the three brothers, only you and I are left now. The Senju clan… there aren't many of us anymore either. But I don't feel lonely at all. I feel… happy. Every time I look at this village, I can't even describe the feeling. Maybe 'happiness' is the only word that fits."

Tobirama didn't know what to say. Big Brother's life is at its end, he thought sadly, blinking away tears as they quietly returned to silence, watching over the village.

Eventually, the First Hokage broke the quiet again. "After I'm gone, I want you to further weaken the big clans' power. You know they'll make moves the moment I'm no longer here. Support the smaller clans more — use them to balance things out."

"I will. I already have a plan. I've been working on it for years. Don't worry, Brother."

"You're no prodigy in ninjutsu," the First teased, "but when it comes to internal affairs, you're a genius. I can't compete with you there. Oh — and one more thing: don't go too hard on the Uchiha clan."

"I know what I'm doing. I'll ease up a little."

"That didn't sound convincing at all. You're still targeting them, aren't you? I feel so guilty about Madara… at least for my sake, go easy on them."

"Big Brother! It wasn't your fault. Stop blaming yourself. It's been years — why can't you let it go?"

"Alright, alright… let's not talk about this anymore. I believe your attitude toward the Uchiha will change someday. Who knows — maybe one day you'll even let my student become Hokage."

"Not happening," Tobirama said flatly.

"Wow, such a cold rejection! I'm so heartbroken. My own brother, shooting down even my dying wish…"

The First Hokage exaggerated a dramatic, defeated posture.

Tobirama looked at him for a long time, then said seriously, "I'll think about it. But only if he really proves himself."

The First turned to him in surprise, speechless.

"Think about it," Tobirama added. "That's all. And definitely not now, so don't get your hopes up."

"Thinking about it is good enough," the First smiled. "After I'm gone, I hope you'll personally train him for a while. That would really put my mind at ease."

Tobirama gave a nod.

The First Hokage smiled, turned again to the village, and said:

"I founded the Hidden Leaf, and planted the Will of Fire here. Someday, those seeds will sprout. When they do, Konoha will become even stronger and more prosperous — and the world more peaceful. As long as leaves are dancing in the wind, there will be fire burning. The shadow of the fire will shine on the village… and then, new leaves will grow again."

He stood there quietly, looking down at the village.

With a grin, he added, "I can't fight the Grim Reaper. If he wants me gone, I can't stop him. But for now… I can still choose when I go to meet him."

He motioned for Tobirama to follow and leapt off toward the village.

Later, at a Barbecue Restaurant

Surrounded by admiring villagers, the First Hokage grinned and called out to the owner, "Bring out all your best booze! Tobirama and I are drinking everything today! And start us off with twenty plates of grilled meat! Make it fast!"

The owner scrambled to the kitchen in a panic.

They drank, sang, and joked for hours. Every now and then, the First would poke fun at Tobirama, teasing him about sensitive topics until the latter's veins popped in frustration.

They kept eating and drinking all the way until sunset.

Afterward, the First Hokage led his brother back to Hokage Rock. They sat atop his own statue. "It's been forever since I've been this happy," he said. "I can't even remember the last time we just ate and drank together like this. It really feels like we're back in our younger days."

Tobirama stayed silent, listening as the First softly rambled on. His eyes started to mist over again.

Then the First said, "Tobirama, you really should think about it. Aki would make a great choice. I can't help you anymore… Konoha's future is in your hands now."

Tobirama nodded. "Don't worry, Big Brother. I'll protect Konoha with everything I've got. I won't let anything happen to it."

The First Hokage smiled again, gazing at the village as he softly repeated:

"As long as leaves are dancing in the wind, there will be fire burning. The shadow of the fire will shine on the village… and then, new leaves will grow again…"

After those final words, the First Hokage never spoke again.

Tobirama looked at his brother's motionless back as the sun set behind him.

"…Farewell, Big Brother," he whispered.

"....."