The guards thought, 'How does Torifū-sama always manage to 'pick up' a clan and bring them back?'
Upon entering Konoha Village, the villagers on the streets saw Torifū and the group of people behind him, and they all felt very curious. Could this be another new clan joining? A few villagers who were quite familiar with Torifū ran up and quietly asked a few questions. Torifū didn't hide anything; after all, it wasn't a secret.
"This is the Tsuchigumo clan, newly joined to Konoha Village. I hope everyone will look out for them in the future."
Hearing Torifū say this, the villagers all understood. Just like the Oyashirō clan, they had come to seek refuge in Konoha. It seemed the village was truly powerful. The villagers naturally welcomed the new clan; this was a sign of the village growing stronger and being more trusted. Everyone felt a sense of pride. Some villagers, seeing that the Tsuchigumo clan's children looked a bit thin and pale, took out some food from their homes and gave it to them. The Tsuchigumo clan accepted all the villagers' kindness; the villagers of Konoha Village were very warm people. This was their first impression of Konoha.
After exchanging pleasantries with the villagers for a while, Torifū led the Tsuchigumo clan toward the Hokage's Office. The villagers also knew Torifū was on a mission, so they didn't disturb him further. Since the Hokage's Office wasn't a place just anyone could enter, the Tsuchigumo clan members were arranged to wait outside, with only Torifū accompanying Arashi into the Hokage's office. The office door was open. Torifū knocked on the door, indicating his arrival.
"Hokage-sama, this is the clan head of the Tsuchigumo clan, Tsuchigumo Arashi." Torifū then introduced, "Arashi, this is the Nidaime Hokage of Konoha Village, Senju Tobirama-sama."
Arashi bowed to Tobirama. Tobirama nodded, then gestured for him to forgo formalities.
"I have heard about your clan's situation from Torifū. Konoha Village has chosen to accept you; from now on, this is your new home."
Arashi was deeply moved upon hearing this and bowed again even more profoundly: "On behalf of my clansmen, I sincerely thank you, Hokage-sama." He added, "We finally no longer have to wander."
Tobirama rose and walked to Arashi's side, patting his shoulder: "Don't worry, from now on, you will have a home. Torifū told me about your battle, and I am aware of your inherited forbidden jutsu." He continued, "While I personally trust you, I still have a responsibility to the villagers." Tobirama then explained the agreement about not using the forbidden jutsu within dozens of miles of Konoha Village to Arashi. Arashi readily agreed.
He rarely used the forbidden jutsu and wouldn't use it for malicious purposes. He would only use it at full power during times of crisis. Just like in his battle with Torifū yesterday, seeing that the enemy's strength was far superior to his own, he was forced to use the forbidden jutsu to protect his clansmen. In the end, it turned out to be a misunderstanding, but it also made him grateful that it was Torifū he had fought, as Torifū easily defused his forbidden jutsu. Otherwise, he would currently be being hunted by Konoha.
"Since you agree, then I have no other demands, as long as you abide by this one condition."
Arashi nodded, confirming that he could certainly abide by the agreement, then asked: "Hokage-sama, where will our clan live? Have arrangements been made?"
"Yes, they have. To help you integrate into Konoha Village more quickly, I have designated your clan grounds to be next to the Senju clan's compound, which is my own clan. If you have any issues, you can come directly to me." He then added, "However, the clan grounds haven't started construction yet, so you'll have to bear with living in the guesthouse for a few months. There's another newly joined clan there; I hope you can get along well."
Arashi was somewhat surprised by this, There are other clans seeking help from Konoha Village? But it didn't matter. Two newly joined clans uniting would surely help them establish a foothold in the village. He just wondered what kind of clan it was and hoped they weren't too arrogant.
There was nothing else left to discuss. For all subsequent work, Tobirama directly handed it over to Kagami. At this point, Tobirama finally understood how Hashirama must have felt back then; having someone help felt incredibly comfortable. As Kagami's work efficiency increased, Tobirama's rest time also grew, though he still personally handled most matters, which was his responsibility to the villagers.
"Then, Hokage-sama, I will take my leave now," Arashi respectfully stated.
Tobirama waved his hand: "Mmm, someone will come to find you shortly. Just tell him if you have any issues, and if it can be done, he will do his best."
"How could I trouble you so much?" With that, Arashi turned and left the Hokage's Office.
"This Tsuchigumo Arashi is quite talented. He's around Hiruzen's age and quite strong. However, the fact that he possesses a forbidden jutsu makes him a bit stronger than Hiruzen."
Torifū pondered: "I'm not so sure. Hiruzen-nii also has the Four-Tails, and I think Sasuke-sama should have already passed the Four-Tails to him."
Tobirama nodded: "Sasuke does indeed have that idea, and Brother has agreed. The various clan heads all have the idea of entrusting the Tailed Beasts to younger generations for control, so they can grow up together and cooperate more seamlessly." The clan heads of the major clans were all past middle age; even if they used the Tailed Beast's power, their achievements would be limited. It was better to directly entrust the Tailed Beasts to the most talented children, who might even comprehend the secrets of Tailed Beast jutsu from it.
"I believe we still need to assess the character of the wielder, and ultimately, the Tailed Beasts belong to the village. Who they are passed to is decided by the village, not by the clan heads."
Tobirama affirmed Torifū's words. How the Tailed Beasts were inherited and to whom was decided by the village. However, there was no need to be so overbearing; it would be sufficient for each clan to submit a list, and the village would then review it. The main criteria would be character, strength, and talent, with character being the most important. If one's character was lacking, they absolutely could not become a Tailed Beast wielder. Tobirama found Torifū's proposed method quite feasible and decided to adopt it with a slight modification. Recently, many clan heads had approached him about wanting to pass down Tailed Beasts to their younger clan members. This was a good opportunity to test if they were up to the task.
"By the way, Torifū, do you remember what the Kumogakure informant said about the Land of Lightning making a move?"
"Of course, Hokage-sama. It hasn't been that long, has it?"
"Kumogakure has always been very warlike, always provoking us intentionally or unintentionally. They've already sent seven or eight spies."
The more Tobirama spoke, the more his expression darkened. Seeing Tobirama like this, Torifū felt that something might happen to Kumogakure.
"I have already gathered intelligence on all of Kumogakure's spies. Go and apprehend them!"