Kakuzu glanced at Torifu. "That's different; they weren't human."
To this day, Kakuzu still felt anger whenever he recalled the faces of those elders. Over the years, the hearts within Kakuzu's body had been replaced countless times, but his anger towards those elders had not diminished in the slightest.
Seeing Kakuzu like this, Torifu stopped teasing him. "Alright, you should leave the Land of Lightning quickly. It's best to head towards the Land of Water or something; they have more Bloodline Limits there."
Upon hearing "Land of Water," Kakuzu responded somewhat reluctantly. However, Torifu didn't mind. Reluctant or not, as long as the mission was completed. Where else could one find an organization with so few missions throughout the year? Kakuzu wasn't reluctant because of the mission itself, but because he disliked taking boats, and the only way to reach the Land of Water was by boat. That's why Kakuzu had been hesitant to go to the Land of Water all these years until Torifu gave the order, which he then reluctantly accepted. From this, it was clear that Kakuzu was still very serious about his missions.
"Alright then, I wish you a smooth journey."
With that, Torifu transformed into a streak of light and entered the mark, disappearing. Only Kakuzu was left, lost in thought.
After his consciousness returned to his body, Torifu immediately summoned the Uzumaki puppet and took the two vials of blood from its hand. He then activated the pre-exchanged raw puppets. In a moment, two puppets, outwardly indistinguishable, were born. To differentiate them, Torifu specifically carved the names of the Release Natures onto their eyes using chakra. Since they were puppets, devoid of pain or thought, Torifu acted boldly. In no time, the two puppets were carved, Scorch Release and Storm Release etched onto them. Torifu also took the opportunity to carve the Dust Release puppet, so there would be no confusion.
Just as Torifu was admiring his creations with satisfaction, Snowflake suddenly called out from outside the door.
"Torifu, someone's here!"
Torifu quickly went out to check and indeed saw a masked ninja, with a sword at his back and dressed in black, standing at his doorstep.
"Torifu-sama, Hashirama-sama wishes to see you now."
Oh! Since when did Sensei put on such airs? Asking an ANBU to deliver a message? Anyone who didn't know might think he was here to assassinate him.
"Alright, I'll go now. You can go about your business."
The ANBU ninja bowed to Torifu, then body-flickered away.
"Mhm, good movements."
Then Torifu's form shifted, transforming into three pure white cloud cranes, flying towards the Senju clan compound. Of course, he still used his Concealing Presence Technique as usual, and no one detected him. He planned to see if he could surprise his teacher this way. If he could, then this technique might very well be the best choice for assassinating the Hokage!
Torifu's flight speed was fast. In no time, he flew over the Senju clan compound. He could clearly see Hashirama pacing back and forth in the courtyard. Then, Hashirama suddenly paused, looked up at the sky, and shouted, "Torifu! Why aren't you coming down? What are you doing up there?!"
Good grief! He had only just arrived a few seconds ago, right? And he was already discovered? This Concealing Presence Technique truly had no effect on strong individuals.
With that, the three cloud cranes flew into the Senju clan compound and converged back into Torifu's original form. Torifu bowed to Hashirama. "Good afternoon, Sensei. Hehe, what did you call me here for?"
Torifu could clearly see that Hashirama was somewhat angry. He probably figured Tobirama had confessed about Torifu being involved in planning the scheme with him. How despicable! Evil Senju Tobirama!
Hashirama looked at Torifu's obedient demeanor and truly couldn't believe that he had actually conspired with his younger brother to plan a war!
"Do you know your mistake?"
"This disciple knows his mistake!"
[T/N: Kowtow and cripple your cultivation! Brat!]
Hashirama didn't even state what the mistake was, and Torifu immediately lowered his head to admit guilt. Hashirama had originally intended to argue with Torifu, but he seemed to have forgotten Torifu's excellent attitude towards admitting guilt. For a moment, Hashirama was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say. His recent pacing had been for practice. Now, he'd been completely outmaneuvered.
"You... I... Sigh!"
"You're only twelve years old! And you dared to plan a war with Tobirama? Did you ever consider how many lives would be lost because of it?!"
Torifu looked up at Hashirama. "Sensei, of course I considered it. But compared to the lives lost of people from enemy nations, I am more afraid of my familiar villagers losing their lives." He continued, "If they didn't have such ambitions, even if Hokage-sama and I sent a million false messages, they wouldn't start a war. But the truth is, as soon as the first message went out, they were already preparing."
Hashirama looked at Torifu's resolute expression. "What if it fails? Do you trust Tobirama that much?"
Torifu shook his head. "No, I trust the Hokage! As Hokage, he wouldn't treat the villagers' safety as a joke."
All the questions Hashirama threw out were dissolved by Torifu. Torifu had been watched by Hashirama as he grew up, and he had been sharp-tongued since childhood. Now that he was older, he was even more formidable. The most impressive thing was that Hashirama couldn't refute a single word he said.
Actually, Hashirama wasn't angry about them planning the war; rather, it was about them keeping it a secret from him all this time. Hashirama wasn't afraid of war; after all, Konoha Village was something he had carved out through war. He had foolishly believed the shinobi world was very peaceful, only to find out that people were about to fight on his doorstep. His younger brother and disciple told him that all of it was fake, that they had lied to him, and that they were about to go to war. It wasn't very damaging, but it was extremely insulting. Hashirama actually knew that the peace treaty wouldn't last long, but he didn't expect it to be torn apart after only a few years. For such a perfidious nation, Hashirama would make them taste true pain!
"When will the Land of Lightning mobilize its troops?"
Torifu thought Hashirama was asking him and was about to answer when Tobirama suddenly appeared beside the two of them.
"They'll officially mobilize next week. My ninjutsu has already been set up along the border. They'll definitely pay a painful price!"
Hashirama also clenched his fists at this. "I haven't made a move in a long time. It seems they've all forgotten my existence."
And when Torifu heard his teacher's bold declaration, he just wanted to mutter: 'They really don't know you exist, Sensei. They even think you're dead.' If they knew you, old man, were still so lively, they wouldn't dare mobilize their troops even with eight hundred times the courage.
"Alright, everyone come inside. Let's discuss the next course of action."
Hashirama finished speaking, then turned and went back into the house. Tobirama and Torifu, seeing this, immediately followed him in.