Peaceful days are always short-lived.
Inside the brand-new Hokage Building—
"Ha ha~ Madara, want to go play a few rounds after work today?"
"I'm telling you now, I don't have money. Don't think about making me pay off your gambling debts!"
"It's a sure win, trust me!"
Back at his post, Hashirama was casually processing documents while chatting with Uchiha Madara beside him, both wearing faint smiles, the picture of harmony.
Thump thump thump—
Creak—
But then, with the sound of hurried footsteps, the office door was rudely pushed open. Tobirama stepped in, his expression grim, a document in hand.
"Ah? Tobirama, we were just talking about work!"
Seeing his younger brother's stormy face, Hashirama instinctively hunched his neck, quickly defending himself.
"I'm not here for that!"
With his brow furrowed into a tight crosshatch, Tobirama shot a glare at Madara, slapped the document onto the desk, and barked,
"Calm down, calm down. Madara, make Tobirama some tea—"
"Hmph!"
At the suggestion of serving Tobirama tea, Madara turned his head sharply to look out the window, pretending not to hear.
"No need, I'm afraid he'll poison it."
Tobirama, still suppressing his irritation, rolled his eyes slightly before straightening his posture, focusing on the document.
"Big brother, war has broken out."
"Nani?"
Hashirama's easygoing aura froze, a glint of killing intent flashing in his dark eyes before his brows drew together as he picked up the document.
At first, his face was heavy. But as he read on, his expression gradually lightened.
"Oh… it's just the Land of Earth and the Land of Water fighting. I thought the Land of Fire was under attack."
According to the report, tensions between the Land of Earth and the Land of Water had escalated, with both sides deploying ninja to battle. The situation between the two countries had become severe.
"The Land of Water is so far from the Land of Earth. Why insist on fighting? It doesn't make sense."
Madara, now curious, came over to look at the file, frowning.
"From the reports along the coast, the Land of Water's influence in the Eastern Sea suddenly weakened. A large part of the sea was taken by the Land of Whirlpools. With no choice, they extended their territorial waters northward, which caused friction with the Land of Earth."
Huh? Since when was Uzumaki Hanamichi that strong?
"What about the Land of Lightning?"
If the Land of Water moved north, it would pass through the Land of Lightning's waters — and with their personality, they wouldn't give up sea routes so easily.
"That part is unclear. Likely some kind of shady deal between them."
Tobirama didn't have intelligence on that.
"So if it's not hitting us, why are you so worked up?"
Madara tossed the file back onto the desk, folding his arms.
"As expected, the Uchiha brain is underdeveloped."
Tobirama smirked at him with a jab.
"Senju Tobirama, I—"
"All right, enough! Don't start again."
Hashirama stepped between them quickly, not wanting his new office building destroyed before they'd even settled in.
"Hmph. Fine."
Tobirama turned back to his brother. "Big brother, the Land of Water's fight with the Land of Earth doesn't directly involve us — but the neighboring Land of Rivers has declared alliance with the Land of Earth."
"The Land of Rivers?"
Yes — the same place where they'd captured that giant beetle.
"With the Land of Rivers helping them, the Land of Water's defeat is only a matter of time."
Hashirama frowned slightly. "So what?"
"Can't you think ahead? Once the Land of Earth wins, do you think they'll just stop? The Land of Water will retreat into isolation, but the Land of Earth — with fresh momentum — will be looking for their next target."
Hashirama's eyes narrowed. "Us?"
"Exactly. They could pass through the Land of Rivers and raid the Land of Fire to replenish their war losses."
"No way! I'll go right now!"
Hashirama shot up, ready to leave immediately.
"And do what?"
"Mediate! I'll stop them myself!"
Tobirama sighed. "Big brother, you're too naïve. One man can't bring peace to the entire shinobi world."
"Then what do you suggest?"
A smug look crossed Tobirama's face. "I've been preparing for this. The tailed beasts — we'll distribute them among the major nations as a balance of power."
Madara's eyes went wide. "No way! Those are mine — I caught them! You think I'll hand them over to other nations?"
Hashirama hesitated, thinking about the burden of containing tailed beasts. Slowly, the idea made sense — forcing other nations to use resources to maintain them would make war less likely.
"Tobirama… you really are clever."
Madara was not amused. "Hashirama, don't you dare!"
Hashirama, apologetic, finally said, "Sorry, Madara… just this once."
Madara's expression froze. Without a word, he turned and slammed the door on his way out.
Tobirama, hiding a victorious smile, handed Hashirama a prepared document. The title read: Five Kage Summit.
Across the other great nations, the letters arrived—
Wind Country, Sunagakure — First Kazekage Reto frowned at the village's empty coffers until his aide Sha Mon brought the letter. Reading it, Reto raised a brow. "A Five Kage Summit? What's Hashirama planning?"
Water Country, Kirigakure — First Mizukage Byakuren, tending to his injured men, accepted the letter. "A Five Kage meeting… perhaps this is a way out."
Earth Country, Iwagakure — First Tsuchikage Ishikawa was in talks with Takigakure's leader when young Ōnoki burst in with the letter. Reading it, Ishikawa snorted — uninterested until Takigakure's leader pointed out the mention of tailed beasts.
"You might want to go," the Takigakure leader said.
"…Maybe you're right," Ishikawa replied at last.
(End of Chapter)
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