Chapter 132: The Return of Tobirama

"True," Uzumaki Mito agreed with a smile, reflecting on the current situation between the clans.

But as her thoughts wandered to interclan marriages, her smile faded into a frown.

"By the way, about marriages… Why is it so difficult for our clans to marry women from the Uchiha?" she asked, a trace of frustration in her voice. "Look—there are already twelve couples where women from our clans married into the Uchiha. But our men? Only three have managed to marry Uchiha women. That's hardly a fair exchange. If this keeps up, all our girls will end up in the Uchiha, and we'll have no one in return."

"Uh…" Gin scratched the back of his neck, clearly caught off guard. "I can't really help with that. Honestly, the current generation of the Uzumaki—and especially the Senju—aren't doing too well in terms of both quantity and quality. It's no wonder they're having trouble attracting Uchiha girls. What can I do about it?"

He raised his hands defensively.

"We can't force people to marry. That'd be unacceptable. We have to respect freedom of choice."

"Maybe the problem lies within," he added. "You should focus on improving the upbringing and training of your clan members. Reform your clan schools—model them after ours. Don't think that just because the village academy is being restructured, the clans can't evolve as well. The academy and clan schools should complement each other."

"If your boys improve," Gin continued with a smirk, "our girls won't avoid them forever. The kind-hearted Senju and clever Uzumaki—they're not without appeal."

Of course, deep down, Gin was quietly pleased. From his perspective, the Uchiha clan was clearly winning in this exchange.

"Ugh… I hate to admit it, but you're not wrong," Mito muttered, defeated. "You're right about the Senju boys. There aren't many left, and the younger ones… well, they don't shine with much talent."

She sighed heavily.

"I'll talk to Aminari soon. We'll start reforms, using your clan as a model. Even your merit system—we'll replicate it. But…" she glanced at him hopefully, "maybe you could give us more resource exchange quotas? Especially for medicines from the Pirate World? A discount wouldn't hurt either. Without resources, even the best housewife can't cook a proper meal, don't you think?"

Her eyes practically begged.

After all, everyone linked to the Uchiha through chakra contracts knew the clan had obtained an entire Golden City from Skypiea a few years ago. With profits from medicine and enchanted shells pouring in, the Uchiha were bathing in luxury. The envy from the Senju and Uzumaki clans was palpable.

"Of course that's possible," Gin replied with a warm smile. "You're our allies. And your clans have always cooperated in signing chakra contracts. Naturally, we'll support you in return. Just talk to my mother about the details—she manages the contracts and trade deals."

"Thank you!" Mito replied sincerely. Then, more hesitantly, she added, "About the dwindling numbers of the Senju… I've discussed it with Hashirama and Tsunade. We're thinking of abolishing the policy of merging the Senju into the general population and instead, reassembling the clan—bringing back all descendants."

She hesitated for a moment before continuing.

"I wanted your opinion first… since, well, you're basically the next Hokage. I don't want you to feel sidelined."

"What do I think?" Gin chuckled. "I fully support it! The Uchiha have never feared a strong Senju clan. As allies, we'd be thrilled to see you regain your strength. Honestly, I always thought that policy was insane. What was the Second Hokage even thinking, dismantling his own clan?"

He shook his head in disbelief.

"Don't get me wrong—Tobirama wasn't stupid. He handled many of the village's early problems effectively. But…"

Gin's gaze narrowed.

"Frankly, neither the First Hokage nor Madara should've relied on him. Tobirama may have been called a genius, but many of his decisions were downright baffling—his treatment of the Uchiha, dissolving the Senju, how he raised the Third and his team… And let's not forget: he died as Hokage, covering the retreat of his students. Why?"

"Don't be too harsh," Mito sighed. "He meant well—for Konoha. He wanted to integrate the clans, break down barriers. And he didn't want the village to become the fiefdom of the Senju."

"From a Hokage's perspective, he acted in Konoha's best interest. The problem is… he died too early, before he could finish his reforms. Worse, he put too much faith in his students. That decision… well, you can see the consequences today."

If Tobirama had known that his successor, Hiruzen Sarutobi, would continue his vision in ways that nearly led to the complete decline of the Senju, he would've reconsidered many things.

He was a man of foresight, yes—but even he had blind spots.

"Hmph. Maybe," Gin muttered.

"But," he smirked, "in the end, the Senju never got their own village—and the clan nearly vanished. Meanwhile, the Sarutobi almost did turn Konoha into their personal kingdom."

He leaned back, amused.

"Maybe we should just revive Tobirama now. Let him see what his grand plans accomplished. I'd love to see the look on his face."

"Oh?" Mito raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you afraid he'll oppose your appointment as Fourth Hokage?"

"I didn't delay his revival out of fear," Gin replied confidently. "Back then, I just didn't want any extra drama."

"But now? My succession is all but guaranteed. Even if the First and Second teamed up, they couldn't stop me."

"Hey, hey! And why would we stop that?" came a familiar voice.

Gin turned to see Hashirama walking in, Madara by his side.

Gin smirked and quickly filled them in on the conversation.

Hashirama and Madara exchanged looks, hands stroking their chins thoughtfully.

"Well," Hashirama said, "Tobirama and I certainly can't stop you now. And there's no need—you're doing a fine job."

He turned to Madara, grin widening.

"Say, Madara… wouldn't it be interesting to see my brother's reaction when he finds out what's happened to the Senju and what his students have done?"

Gin laughed softly. "Looks like the First Hokage is ready to watch the show—and maybe stir some trouble too."

Hashirama's discontent with his brother's legacy and choice of disciples was evident. It was those very decisions that nearly drove Konoha into ruin. Had Gin not appeared, the village may not have survived at all.

"Oh?" Madara raised an eyebrow, arms crossed. "Sounds amusing. Let's do it."

"Yes! Let's!" Hashirama exclaimed, a mischievous sparkle in his eye—only to receive a disapproving glare from Mito.

He quickly straightened up, cleared his throat, and looked at Gin with mock seriousness.

"If you don't mind, let's resurrect Tobirama right away. Oh, and I've got some scores to settle with him myself."

He cracked his knuckles.

"And while we're at it—how about we bring back Danzo too?" His eyes gleamed dangerously. "Just killing that dog once would be too easy. I want to tear him apart a few times before I let go. Is that alright?"

"Uhh… sure!" Gin blinked, a little taken aback. "Actually, I was planning to resurrect Danzo soon anyway. Let the villagers have their revenge."

"No wonder he's the First Hokage," Gin thought, a sweat drop forming.

"Then let's go!" Hashirama said, already fired up.

"Alright," Gin nodded. "Let's head to the Uchiha's second training ground. Let the whole clan watch—it'll be more fun that way."

Leaving a shadow clone to handle administrative duties, Gin placed his hands on the shoulders of Hashirama and Madara.

With a soft flash, they vanished.

Gin's clone blinked as Uzumaki Mito created a clone of her own and teleported as well.

"Uhh… Mito-sama?" the clone asked. "Where did your real body go?"

"Where do you think?" her clone replied with a mischievous grin. "To watch the show, of course!"

"…Alright." Gin's clone winced. "Poor Tobirama."

At the Uchiha's second training ground, Gin, Hashirama, and Madara reappeared in a blink.

"Huh? Lord Gin? First Hokage? And… Uchiha Madara?" The elite members of the Uchiha Military Police looked up in surprise.

The sight of these three legendary figures appearing together drew gasps.

The Uchiha had long been aware of Madara's resurrection—with his powers sealed—but reactions varied. The older generation still revered him, while younger members remained indifferent. Ironically, the First Hokage now inspired more admiration among the youth, much to Madara's frustration.

"Lord Gin, First Hokage, Madara-sama—what brings you here?" Uchiha Tashiro asked, stepping forward and bowing respectfully.

"I'm reviving the Second Hokage—and Danzo," Gin replied with a bright grin. "Make some space and enjoy the show. Actually, call everyone over—the more the merrier!"

"…Huh?" Tashiro froze, thinking he'd misheard. He looked at Hashirama and Madara for confirmation.

Hashirama nodded enthusiastically, while Madara simply grinned, unable to hide his amusement.

To be continued....