This time Sarutobi Sasuke came to Konoha not only to discuss relocating the Sarutobi clan to the village; he also wanted to introduce his son, Sarutobi Hiruzen, to Senju Tobirama.
If possible, Sarutobi Sasuke hoped Tobirama would take Hiruzen as a disciple.
It was a decision made after careful thought.
Some time ago, Sarutobi Sasuke had visited the village to inspect it.
The village's strength was beyond doubt. After all, it was founded jointly by the Uchiha and the Senju.
Of course, everyone knew that.
The key was this: Sarutobi Sasuke had more or less grasped a question crucial to the Sarutobi clan's future.
Once the Sarutobi moved to Konoha, whom should they flatter, and which side should they take?
Whom to flatter? Naturally, the one who calls the shots.
Which side to take? Naturally, the side of the one who calls the shots.
They couldn't trail after the number two and live on leftovers.
So who was the one calling the shots?
On the surface, without question, Senju Hashirama.
In reality, the one calling the shots was the man before him—Senju Tobirama.
Tobirama in name was an assistant; in truth, a regent.
On Konoha's development, his word was law.
Sarutobi Sasuke had personally seen the famed Hashirama being scolded by Tobirama, squatting in a corner and drawing circles.
And then Hashirama had to nod and bow, begging Tobirama not to be angry.
After witnessing such a scene, Sarutobi Sasuke could judge just how fearsome Tobirama's clout in the village was—overwhelming power.
If the Sarutobi wanted resources and long-term growth, they had to forge ties with Tobirama.
In the shinobi world, apart from blood relatives, the closest bond was that of master and disciple.
If Hiruzen could become Tobirama's student, the Sarutobi would have a patron in the village—and it would also be the clan's pledge of loyalty.
"Lord Tobirama, leave this to me.
"I am already a shinobi who can handle things alone."
Under his father's signal, Hiruzen stepped forward at once, voice loud and face full of confidence.
"Lord Tobirama, me as well."
Shimura Danzō came out a beat later.
"I see."
Tobirama raised his head and looked at Hiruzen and Danzō.
Though not yet adults—no more than fourteen or fifteen—in this brutal world, living to fourteen or fifteen did make one a shinobi who could stand alone. He himself had gone to war with his father at seven or eight, to wipe out the innately evil Uchiha.
"Lord Tobirama, rest this matter with Hiruzen.
"I intend to have him handle the procurement this time anyway. He is my son; one day he must shoulder the Sarutobi's burden. It's time he…"
"Delivering a letter is only in passing."
Sarutobi Sasuke said it, unconsciously talking up Hiruzen.
"I happen to think the same… it's time for Danzō as well."
Beside him, Shimura Shima followed suit. For the Shimura clan's future, he too hoped Tobirama would take Danzō as a disciple.
"Well… since you both say so, very well."
Tobirama nodded.
It was only a letter to the Daimyō of the Land of Fire, and Hiruzen and Danzō would be procuring supplies along the way. What could go wrong?
Seeing Tobirama agree, joy showed on Hiruzen's and Danzō's faces. The letter was just an excuse.
Most important was winning a chance to spend time with Tobirama.
Then came their little performance.
To ensure the mission's success, Hiruzen took the initiative to speak of his skill with Fire Release; Danzō, at his side, bragged of his Wind Release.
Tobirama humored them and even pointed out their shortcomings in understanding techniques. By now he could guess what Sarutobi Sasuke and Shimura Shima had in mind.
As for taking disciples… not impossible.
Aside from spending precious time on students, it was all advantage.
In future, the Sarutobi and Shimura would back him and not be corrupted by the innately evil Uchiha. Having clans' support would help Tobirama tighten his grip on the village.
After some back-and-forth, Sarutobi Sasuke and Shimura Shima finally spoke of their second purpose today.
"Lord Tobirama, as expected of a powerful shinobi—so knowledgeable. You point out their issues effortlessly. Would you be willing to accept Hiruzen and Danzō as disciples?"
"Taking students… hm, not out of the question. But my standards are not low."
Though Tobirama truly intended to accept Hiruzen and Danzō, he could not agree with a single word.
As the saying goes, good things take effort.
There were procedures. They had to pass a test. He was Senju Tobirama; no matter what, he could not take two incompetents—face mattered.
A necessary trial was required.
Hiruzen and Danzō showed excitement.
In just that brief exchange, they were already convinced by Tobirama. To point out their misunderstandings so quickly—something even their fathers could not do.
Even setting aside the clans' future, just to become stronger, they had to find a way to become Tobirama's students.
"When you return from the Land of Fire, I will test you. If you earn my approval, I will take you as disciples."
"Lord Tobirama, I won't disappoint you." They spoke in unison.
With intentions aligned, Tobirama once more turned to adult matters.
They discussed procurement lists, clan relocations, village planning, and more. Hiruzen and Danzō listened, thinking only of how to earn Tobirama's approval as soon as they returned.
"Then it's settled.
"The village also needs supplies; we'll ask you to handle it along the way. That way, we get a better price."
The Sarutobi and Shimura planned to put up about two hundred million ryō each for supplies. The village could subsidize them fifty million each and also put in three hundred million for its own procurement. A total of eight hundred million ryō. With such a large order, they could save around five percent.
Five percent on that sum was a hefty amount.
The money saved would not go into the public books. It would be kept to buy research instruments. Heh. The harvest of my wisdom.
He was truly looking forward to it.
So Tobirama calculated in his heart.
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