Upon returning to Konoha, Tobirama Senju went directly to the Sarutobi clan compound. He informed Hiruzen that he should prepare to abdicate tomorrow and pass the title of Hokage to Uchiha Ryun.
As a politician, he understood clearly that nowadays, merely relying on a marriage alliance was not enough to bind Konoha and Uchiha Ryun together.
Uchiha Ryun's strength was not inferior to his elder brother's, and his strategic mind was no less than his own. After defeating his elder brother Hashirama Senju, Tobirama became even more convinced of this idea. So he went immediately to the home of his student, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.
When Uchiha Ryun revived the two Hokage earlier, Hiruzen had already begun to prepare himself. But when this day actually arrived, he still couldn't help feeling somewhat dazed. He asked, "Sensei, did something happen?"
Tobirama glanced at him, then recounted the battle that had just taken place. After hearing it, Hiruzen took a sharp breath.
Ryun, defeated the First Hokage! Defeated him head-on! And gained the recognition of the First Hokage, sensei, Lady Mito, Madara Uchiha, and Izuna Uchiha!
His expression was complex. He thought back to when he first met Uchiha Ryun, it was because of his activity and cunning in the Land of Rain.
Back then, Uchiha Ryun seemed to be just a jonin? Who would have thought that in less than two years, Uchiha Ryun's strength would reach such a level.
He had both strategy and power, and most importantly, he was still young. If he were Tobirama Senju, he would make the same choice. After hearing his teacher's account, Hiruzen's initially somewhat dissatisfied emotions instantly vanished.
Therefore, after bidding farewell to his teacher, he prepared to have someone notify the higher-ups to announce this matter, and have Danzō inform them as well.
When Danzō heard this news, he was first shocked, then silent. There was no dissatisfaction, no scheming, just an expression of complete conviction.
He and Uchiha Ryun had gone from dislike, to valuing him, to trust and conviction, experiencing many things along the way. Thinking about it now, he shook his head and smiled.
"Alright, Hiruzen, you've worked hard these years too. But I believe the future Konoha will definitely be the strongest village in the ninja world!" Danzō Shimura patted Hiruzen Sarutobi on the shoulder.
Hiruzen laughed and scolded, "Stop talking nonsense, hurry up and go. Don't delay the important matters of the Fourth Hokage!"
Seeing his old friend like this, Danzō felt relieved. "Alright, then I'll go notify everyone. You go handle your business too."
The two went their separate ways. Meanwhile, Tobirama Senju used the Flying Thunder God Technique to go pay a visit to the Daimyo and submit the appointment letter for the Fourth Hokage. Seeing it was Tobirama Senju himself, the Daimyo didn't hesitate and immediately signed the appointment letter.
He originally wanted to invite Tobirama Senju for a meal, but Tobirama waved his hand. "There are still many matters to handle in Konoha Village right now. I appreciate your kindness, Daimyo. The Senju clan will always advance and retreat together with the Daimyo!"
This statement pleased the Daimyo. "Good, Second Hokage, go attend to your business. Tomorrow your village's Fourth Hokage succeeds the position. Since he is the son-in-law of the Senju family, that makes him the son-in-law of my Daimyo's court! I will send someone to prepare a 'generous' gift to congratulate the Fourth Hokage on his succession."
Tobirama clasped his hands. "Thank you, Daimyo. Until we meet again!"
"Yes, until we meet again!" The Daimyo was also very happy in his heart. Originally, when he heard the name Uchiha Ryun, the Daimyo's face paled. Everyone knew the Uchiha clan was notoriously volatile.
But, it turned out, after all the fuss, he's Tsunade's man! The man of my Land of Fire's princess? Then it's fine, one of our own. He must be fully supported!
Compared to Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Daimyo preferred using his own people. This was favoritism.
After seeing Tobirama Senju off, the Daimyo immediately ordered the finance minister to count out two billion silver coins and set off for Konoha immediately,务必 ensuring they arrived before the succession ceremony!
"Yes, Daimyo!" The finance minister quickly took soldiers to inventory the finances. This matter concerned the marriage of the national son-in-law, and a capable son-in-law at that. He had to put in twelve times the effort to handle it!
Danzō Shimura arrived at the Uchiha clan compound. The guards at the gate saw Danzō Shimura arrive and quickly said, "Lord Danzō, quick, please come in and sit! Are you here to see Elder Ryun? We will report it immediately!"
Due to Uchiha Ryun's influence, the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Shimura clan had grown increasingly close. Danzō Shimura often visited the Uchiha clan as a guest.
Because he was an honored guest of Elder Ryun and leaned towards the Uchiha clan, everyone addressed him as Lord Danzō.
At this moment, one guard entered the compound to report, while the other notified the young people in the clan to brew tea and bring it over to quench Lord Danzō's thirst!
Danzō Shimura watched this scene and didn't refuse, just smiled. The Uchiha now were greatly different from the past. Nowadays, the Uchiha were more people-friendly and showed him sufficient respect.
They had emotional intelligence in how they dealt with people and matters. They even regularly published the performance records of the police force, letting the whole village know about their contributions to Konoha.
All these changes seemed to be because of Uchiha Ryun's appearance. And now the Uchiha clan would also refer to themselves as Konoha's Uchiha!
Just as he was thinking about the events of this period, Uchiha Ryun's voice came through. "You all really are. How many times have I said, Lord Danzō is my friend, someone I respect. If he comes, let him through directly!"
"You really are!" Uchiha Ryun pretended to be angry, his face dark as he scolded the guards. The guards looked apprehensive (pretending), but honestly, this scene warmed Danzō Shimura's heart.
So I'm this important in Ryun's eyes! Danzō Shimura's originally kind eyes became even softer.
"Ryun, the subordinates are just afraid of disturbing you, that's why they act like this. Don't be too hard on them!" Danzō Shimura said to the two guards like a kindly old grandfather.
"Hmph, only because Lord Danzō pleads for you, I'll let it go today. Otherwise, you'd all get twenty strikes of the board!" Uchiha Ryun snorted coldly.
"Thank you, Lord Danzō. Uchiha Fū/Uchiha Hi, grateful for your mercy!" The two highly emotionally intelligent drama queens knelt on one knee, their voices sincere.
"Ah, ah, what are you doing!" Danzō said helplessly, but the corners of his mouth turned upward. He ate this up.
This made Danzō Shimura feel respected, feel that his status within the Uchiha clan was very high!
Since ancient times,套路 (tricks/strategies) win people's hearts!
"Lord Danzō, please come in quickly," Uchiha Ryun said with a smile.
Danzō Shimura also smiled. "From now on, don't call me 'Lord' anymore. Tomorrow, you will assume the position of Fourth Hokage! It is I who should call you 'Lord' from now on!"
Danzō Shimura patted Uchiha Ryun on the shoulder. The two guards' pupils constricted, but they didn't dare make a sound. Joy was evident in the depths of their eyes.
"Nonsense. Under your and Lord Hiruzen's leadership, Konoha Village is thriving day by day. What Hokage would I succeed? It's improper!" Uchiha Ryun symbolically refused.
This time it was Danzō's turn to be troubled. He scratched his head, wanting to speak but hesitating.
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