"You should both consider this matter carefully. My thoughts and suggestions are roughly what I have already said."
Inside the Hokage's Office, Hikaru sat in his seat and lightly tapped the desk.
Having said things to this point, it was more or less enough.
He was not stupid. Naturally, he could see that Tobirama had deliberately brought up the past to stimulate Hashirama.
The reason was simple.
Was it not merely because he hoped Hashirama would also make up his mind to stay?
Since that was the case, why would Hikaru not help push Hashirama a little further?
After all, to Hikaru, Hashirama staying was absolutely a good thing.
Moreover, the position Hikaru offered him was exactly what he had previously thought.
Hashirama's mind was relatively simple, perhaps because of the usual traits of Asura's reincarnations.
Although he was not mentally unstable like Indra and his descendants, he was still, no matter how one looked at it, a passionate fool.
If Hikaru let him participate in political matters, he truly feared the man might anger him to death.
Sometimes, Hikaru truly admired Tobirama.
He was clearly so farsighted, yet unfortunately had an elder brother who constantly dug pits for him.
Of course, Tobirama himself was also quite good at causing trouble for his elder brother.
If he had not been so sharp-tongued, it might not have been enough to anger Uchiha Madara away.
Even though Madara's departure was, to some extent, probably inevitable.
Black Zetsu might not have much direct strength, but his destructive ability was certainly sufficient.
Even if Tobirama had not acted, Black Zetsu would have used all kinds of hidden methods to influence Madara.
Combined with Hashirama's decision back then, Madara leaving Konoha was probably inevitable.
It was just that the situation might not have reached the point of "leaving tonight and fighting to the death."
So these brothers had truly dug pits for each other.
But no matter how much the two brothers had harmed each other, their relationship had always remained very good.
Hashirama had caused Tobirama quite a few headaches back then, but there was absolutely no issue with his strength.
After all, unlike Naruto, who basically used Rasengan for everything, Hashirama had a very unique understanding of various techniques.
Therefore, letting him become the principal of the Ninja Academy was absolutely appropriate.
Although Hikaru knew that once he became principal, many outstanding shinobi in the future—even the future Konoha Twelve—would become his students.
But Hikaru knew this man likely had no interest in becoming Hokage anymore.
After all, he was someone who had died once.
Moreover, whether it was Tobirama, Hikaru, or even Uchiha Madara back then, all of them were dissatisfied with many of his policies.
Perhaps Hashirama himself also knew he was no longer suited to sit in that position.
The principal of the Ninja Academy was definitely an important position within Konoha's shinobi system.
At the same time, it was also a relatively idle position that would not affect Konoha's fundamental policies. Leaving it to Hashirama was perfect.
"Besides, Konoha was founded by him. Letting him be principal is more than fitting."
Hashirama's arrangement was relatively simple.
Tobirama's arrangement was more complicated.
Tobirama's mind was far better than Hashirama's. Not only was he extremely sensitive in politics, he was the same in research.
Hikaru did not intend to miss either aspect.
Therefore, according to Hikaru's concept, making him a political adviser like Sarutobi Hiruzen was a good choice.
Not only that, Hikaru was also planning several departments.
Konoha currently had eight major departments, but that was absolutely not enough for such a large village.
Hikaru was constantly improving the structure and planning new departments.
He had long had the idea for a Secretariat Department, and it had already been placed on the agenda.
Besides that, Hikaru was also considering restoring the Medical Department. Similarly, the Logistics Department would be separated at a suitable time.
After Hikaru inherited the position of Hokage, he had held both of these tightly in his own hands and reduced them to "offices."
However, their importance remained extremely high. Separating them was only a matter of time.
Aside from that, Hikaru also intended to give the Finance Department banking functions.
The shinobi world already had institutions with some banking nature. After all, the shinobi world settled transactions using currency.
What Hikaru wanted to do—or rather, what he had to do—was seize that authority.
Currency was controlled and maintained by institutions under the daimyō of each nation.
Otherwise, why would those people be so wealthy?
Of course, Hikaru was not stupid. At least he would not do something like issuing currency irresponsibly.
Otherwise, the shinobi world would have long since returned to bartering, and who would still believe in the purchasing power of money?
However, Hikaru still needed to slow down with this matter.
After all, Konoha lacked talent. If he rushed to seize it now, he would only collapse everything.
Besides, Hikaru was still planning a Taxation Department.
Once the Taxation Department was more or less ready, Hikaru could officially act.
The Finance Department reform and Taxation Department were future matters.
In Hikaru's mind, there were still two departments worth considering and planning.
One was the Research Department. The other was the Industrial Department.
The shinobi world was a world of shinobi strength.
And to shinobi, what mattered most in the end?
Weapons, logistics, and ninjutsu!
The Research Department, as the name implied, would research various ninjutsu.
Expanded further, some of the more unsightly experiments currently placed under the ANBU could also be moved to the Research Department.
One could say the Research Department would have many things to research. Hikaru did not intend to give it a particularly narrow research scope.
In Hikaru's previous life, there had been a saying: technology was the primary productive force.
Although the things the Research Department studied were somewhat related to technology, in the end, everything would serve shinobi.
In Hikaru's view, anything it researched must be driven by chakra.
He would rely on these studies to advance Konoha's development, while also preventing the appearance of something like those small chakra scrolls from a certain movie that attempted to replace the shinobi system.
Shinobi still had to rely on themselves, not external power.
The Industrial Department was even simpler.
If something was researched, there needed to be a department responsible for producing it.
Besides, the shinobi world's weapon suppliers were basically scattered among various individual merchants.
Konoha itself did have manufacturing ability, but every year it still needed to purchase weapons from many independent suppliers.
In Hikaru's view, this was simply intolerable.
What was most profitable?
Aside from banks, weapons were the most profitable.
Although guns and ammunition existed in this world, basically no one used them.
Kunai, shuriken, explosive tags, and so on were the mainstream of the shinobi world. These were what truly made money.
Which shinobi did not need them?
Even civilians would more or less keep some to defend themselves against bandits and the like.
Weapons sold to civilians could remain with private merchants. After all, that was small money.
But the supply of war resources had to be held in Konoha's own hands.
As Hikaru's policies advanced, it was foreseeable that many small nations' resources would eventually be completely controlled by Konoha.
With those resources, Konoha could manufacture and sell weapons by itself.
There were only five great nations in the shinobi world, but the number of small nations was truly countless.
There were currently no large-scale, high-intensity conflicts in the shinobi world. At least after Konoha dealt with Kumogakure, there temporarily would not be.
But small-scale, low-intensity conflicts happened all the time.
If Hikaru monopolized the weapons used in those small-nation conflicts, how much money could Konoha make?
It was simply unimaginable.
Therefore, Hikaru had to launch these departments. Whoever dared obstruct him would be treated as an enemy.
The Research Department was currently very scattered. The authority for research was basically in Hikaru's hands.
If Hikaru wanted to reorganize it, he naturally needed someone trustworthy, and that person also had to be sufficiently capable.
Now Tobirama had appeared before him. Was he not the perfect candidate?
Before being revived, he had endless energy. He did not need wages or rest.
After revival, there would be all kinds of complications, but at least by then, the team would already have been established.
To be honest, Hikaru sometimes did not really want to revive Tobirama.
After all, only a zombie without worldly desires could work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round without needing wages.
"I have no problem."
Tobirama had no idea Hikaru had thought so much, let alone that Hikaru was so malicious.
He calmly nodded, showing he had no issue.
"What you mentioned is all within my expertise. However, my opinions may be out of step with the era. I worry…"
"No need to worry. Sarutobi Hiruzen used to be my enemy, yet I still kept him."
Hikaru returned to himself and casually smiled while shaking his head.
"Even if our suggestions differ, there will always be something useful. Besides, what I am best at is setting major strategic goals.
"For many finer details, I still need more people to help me."
Hearing this, Tobirama nodded.
He could naturally tell that Hikaru was indeed a qualified strategic designer.
But after designing the strategic direction, implementation truly required more people.
Moreover, Hikaru had indeed kept Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Even though Tobirama felt such an enemy was best killed, Hikaru had displayed his tolerance, which was also a good thing.
After all, Tobirama had come from the Warring States period.
Even though Sarutobi Hiruzen was his disciple, his mind still carried the thought that those who should be killed had to be killed.
Hiruzen was now very obedient, and he had indeed provided no small amount of help.
In some areas, his methods of handling matters were also better than Hikaru's. Therefore, Tobirama would not say anything more.
In the end, Hikaru was the current Hokage.
Tobirama did not want to give this promising junior of his clan any bad impression of him.
Turning his head, Tobirama looked at his elder brother.
Similarly, Hikaru also looked at Hashirama.
Now only his decision remained.
"Then I will stay as well and do what I can."
Seeing their gazes, Hashirama finally smiled bitterly and shook his head.
He could naturally feel that his younger brother and Hikaru had teamed up to scheme against him.
But he had to admit, he was indeed moved.
Konoha's current development blueprint was truly worth looking forward to.
Moreover, Hikaru and Tobirama's words had truly made him uncomfortable.
He knew that the shinobi world becoming what it was today had something to do with him.
If he stayed now, it could be considered making up for some of it.
Besides, the position Hikaru arranged for him suited him quite well.
Nurturing Konoha's future and watching those children grow was indeed something worth being happy about.
Hashirama's words made both Hikaru and Tobirama smile.
Tobirama even subtly nodded at Hikaru.
Clearly, he was very pleased with his elder brother's decision, and even more pleased with Hikaru's cooperation.
His elder brother staying was truly good news for him.
From the beginning, Tobirama had chosen to stay. But he also did not want too few people he could talk to after staying.
Now he no longer needed to worry about that.
His mood was truly very good.
"This really is good news."
Hikaru also smiled. Resolving the issue of these two was extremely beneficial for both him and Konoha's future.
However, before he could say anything else, someone suddenly knocked on his door.
Hikaru raised an eyebrow slightly. After making a gesture to the two beside him, he allowed the person in.
"Hokage-sama."
The person who entered was a shinobi from the Yamanaka Clan. His expression looked somewhat anxious.
"There is a problem with the barrier. A very powerful chakra is resonating against it.
"This chakra is extremely unfamiliar. We are worried it may be an enemy."
"An enemy?"
Hearing this, Hikaru stood up.
Behind him, the two Hokage seemed even more tense than he was.
However, they remained restrained, because Hikaru was the Hokage now.
"What movements are there from the ANBU? And the Police Force?"
"They have both already moved out."
The Yamanaka shinobi could not help glancing at the two behind Hikaru, then lowered his head and quickly answered.
Hikaru was fairly satisfied with this answer and nodded.
With them moving out, as long as the enemy was not absurdly powerful, everything could still be controlled.
However, since an enemy had come, as Hokage, Hikaru still had to do something.
Especially because this enemy would be very strong.
"But who could it be?"
Hikaru could not figure it out.
His sensory perception spread rapidly, and in an instant, he locked onto someone.
He discovered this person's chakra was indeed somewhat familiar, but within that familiarity was a strange unfamiliarity.
This made Hikaru unable to confirm the person's exact identity.
After thinking it over, Hikaru felt it would be better to personally take a look.
Although his current state was not complete, and going all out would require a certain price, if some clown truly came to provoke him, they would still have to pay a painful price.
Besides, in the shinobi world, he did not think there were many people difficult to deal with.
Do not forget, he still had Hashirama and Tobirama…
…
Nagato stood quietly in place, looking at the people surrounding him.
He made no movement.
He knew very clearly that he had not come here to cause trouble, so his behavior could be said to be extremely restrained.
However, he also did not let anyone approach him.
Not wanting trouble did not mean he wanted to be disturbed.
The ANBU, Police Force, and patrol shinobi before him were people he truly did not take too seriously.
Even before being modified, he would not have feared these people.
Now, his strength had risen to another level.
"Who are you? What are your intentions in coming to Konoha?"
Kakashi wore a mask as he stared at Nagato.
He could sense the danger from the person before him.
That faint chakra constantly leaking out made Kakashi immediately realize this person would be extremely difficult for him to deal with.
However, as ANBU commander, Kakashi had grown considerably over the years.
The scarlet Sharingan in his eye socket was already spinning.
Clearly, he had prepared himself to fight to the death.
"Don't worry. I am not your enemy."
Nagato hesitated for a moment before speaking quietly.
"If I truly wanted to do something, you probably would not be able to stop me.
"I only wish to meet your Hokage-sama. That is all."
"Is Hokage-sama someone a person like you can meet simply because you want to?"
Kakashi frowned.
Although his tone was resolute, he knew this matter would probably have to be handled by Hikaru.
This person before him gave off a feeling that was difficult to deal with even while standing still.
If they truly fought, the people here might not be his opponents.
But the Hokage symbolized a village's highest honor.
If anyone could simply meet the Hokage because they wanted to, everything would descend into chaos.
Kakashi took a deep breath, and his gaze became dangerous.
He made a slight hand gesture.
In an instant, all the ANBU began deploying. Many drew their weapons.
Seeing this, Nagato frowned unconsciously.
He knew the Hokage would not be easy to meet.
But he also knew that if a conflict broke out, everything would be ruined.
Thinking of this, Nagato began considering whether he should directly break in.
Although doing so would seem very reckless, at least it could avoid a direct conflict with these Konoha shinobi.
After all, as long as no one died, everything could still be discussed.
If people truly died, Hikaru might really fight him.
Thinking of this, chakra began surging through Nagato's body.
The Rinnegan hidden under his bamboo hat instantly released a chilling aura.
"Everyone, stop."
Just then, a calm voice suddenly sounded.
The voice was light, as if it came from far away, yet it rang beside everyone's ears.
Nagato clearly heard that voice too. He immediately raised his head and looked into the distance.
But at that moment, his body stiffened slightly.
Because he had already discovered someone had silently appeared behind him.
He forcibly suppressed his instinct to counterattack immediately.
He knew this was Senju Hikaru's signature Flying Thunder God Technique.
That also meant the Fifth Hokage had arrived.
"So it's you."
Hikaru's voice entered Nagato's ears. It still sounded gentle, but hidden within that gentleness was an indescribable chill.
"What are you doing in Konoha? I also heard you wanted to find me?"
"Yes. A private matter."
Nagato did not turn around. He took a deep breath before speaking slowly.
"I did not come here as an enemy. I also never attacked. This is my sincerity."
"You should be thankful you did not attack. Otherwise, do you think you would still be standing here speaking to me properly?"
Hikaru smiled as he spoke.
He seemed to have no regard for Nagato at all.
However, inwardly, he was somewhat shocked, because he discovered the current Nagato was more than one level stronger than the last time they met!
Most importantly, Hikaru clearly noticed that Nagato now had half of a White Zetsu body attached to him.
This change truly made Hikaru's heart tighten.
Half a White Zetsu body represented Senju Hashirama's power.
The Rinnegan represented Uchiha Madara's power.
These two powers had appeared in the body of a descendant of the Uzumaki Clan.
Just how terrifying was that?
But Hikaru absolutely could not show fear.
After all, his strength was not truly incapable of dealing with it.
And as Hokage, Hikaru would never display anything improper.
Besides, seeing Nagato's restrained manner, Hikaru guessed Nagato had probably come to him for something important.
"You all withdraw."
Hikaru waved his hand.
In an instant, all ANBU members except Kakashi left.
The Police Force shinobi exchanged glances, then bowed slightly to Hikaru and quickly withdrew.
As for the other shinobi, they also quickly left after receiving Hikaru's order.
Even if they did not know what Hikaru intended to do, they knew the Hokage's orders were not to be disobeyed.
After everyone else cleared out, Hikaru glanced at Kakashi and did not tell him to leave.
As ANBU commander, Kakashi indeed had the right to know some things.
For example, Hikaru did not intend to hide the existence of Hashirama and Tobirama from him. After all, his father already knew.
However, based on Hikaru's understanding of Hatake Sakumo, a rather traditional shinobi, Sakumo probably would not tell Kakashi about it.
Although Sakumo had once been a pioneer who broke shinobi rules, no matter how much of a pioneer he was, he still followed certain principles.
After everyone withdrew, Hikaru took a few steps back.
His gaze swept over Nagato before he slowly said,
"Looks like you recovered quite well. And this time, you actually dared to use your real body to meet me.
"Tell me. What is your purpose in coming to find me this time?"
"I came here with sincerity. I have only one purpose. I hope you can give me an answer."
Nagato took a deep breath. He turned around and removed his bamboo hat.
His Rinnegan calmly looked at Hikaru.
But when he revealed the Rinnegan and Nagato's aura fully unfolded, both Hashirama and Tobirama froze instantly.
When they saw those eyes with ring-shaped ripples, it was as if the name of those eyes appeared in their minds at once.
The Rinnegan…
…
"The Rinnegan?"
Hashirama frowned as he looked at Nagato.
He truly had not expected such eyes to appear in this world.
After being directly awakened by Hikaru, Hashirama had spent a long time inside the moon.
During that time, aside from protecting Hikaru, he had naturally read books stored inside the moon.
Therefore, he was truly not unfamiliar with the Rinnegan.
Moreover, on the moon, he had already seen that giant Tenseigan and Hikaru's Pure Eye.
He could be certain that Hikaru's eyes and that giant eye belonged to the same level as the Rinnegan before them.
Seeing the Rinnegan suddenly appear this time, they were extremely shocked.
They were shocked that these legendary eyes seemed to be popping up everywhere.
But they could still accept it.
What made them frown was the aura carried by those Rinnegan.
That aura was truly somewhat familiar to them.
It was as if they had encountered that aura, or the owner of those eyes, a very long time ago.
Yet no matter how they searched their memories, they could not fully recall anything.
Besides, to the two of them, if they had truly met someone with such eyes, they should not have forgotten.
Aside from that, there was Nagato himself.
The two of them keenly sensed that Nagato had Hashirama's aura on his body.
And the power carried by that boiling system-like vitality was so dazzling it could not be ignored.
But why did this man have his own—his elder brother's—power?
This question circled in the minds of Hashirama and Tobirama. They truly could not understand.
Hikaru having Hashirama's power was not strange. Hikaru was a member of the Senju Clan.
Moreover, although Hikaru's power was very similar to Hashirama's, there were still considerable differences.
This man before them had almost no difference.
How could they not feel confused and surprised?
However, neither of them spoke. They only watched silently.
They could also sense the danger of this man before them.
With their current strength, even as Edo Tensei, they might not necessarily be able to deal with him.
"Speak. What do you want me to help you with?"
Hikaru calmly looked at Nagato.
Because he had already detected everything, he did not appear too surprised.
What puzzled him now was that this man had come to him only to seek some kind of answer.
Was this man mentally ill or something?
Hikaru himself did not even know what answer he could give him.
"I want to ask you: as Hokage, if you wanted the shinobi world to achieve true peace, and never again see wars like before, what would you do?"
Nagato took a deep breath, then looked at Hikaru with a deep gaze.
"Would you try to communicate with them? Or would you use force to make them submit completely?"
Confirmed. This guy's brain really does have a problem.
The corner of Hikaru's mouth twitched.
He felt Nagato's chūnibyō nature definitely had something to do with something going wrong in his head.
A supervillain running up to the Kage of a village and asking this kind of question—if that was not brain damage, then what was?
However, after thinking for a moment, Hikaru decided to answer him.
He could feel that Nagato becoming like this definitely involved some major issue.
For example, Nagato's current state.
Based on Black Zetsu's usual methods, there was no way he would easily let Nagato obtain this power.
After all, this was the fusion of Indra and Asura's powers.
Was that not helping Nagato grasp the power of the Rinnegan?
A person like Black Zetsu would never make such a mistake.
If he had done so, there had to be a hidden reason.
Hikaru guessed: had he beaten Nagato too badly last time, forcing Black Zetsu to do this?
And after doing this, in order to better control Nagato, Black Zetsu should have used some methods.
But by coincidence, Nagato's strength had leapt forward and he discovered them, causing him to become lost?
After thinking it through, Hikaru could only come to this conclusion.
However, he felt his guess should be very close to the truth.
If that was truly the case, then the internal changes within the Akatsuki might become an unimaginable earthquake!
If he did not make good use of this, Hikaru would truly be letting himself down.
"You actually have no right to come before me and ask this question. I know your background."
Although Hikaru decided to answer Nagato, he still had to maintain his posture.
As Hokage, as the person who had defeated this man before, and as the Hokage who had destroyed eight thousand Kumo-nin by himself, Hikaru had to maintain enough pride and show the bearing of a Hokage.
"I remember the clothes you wore last time. You are from the Akatsuki, correct?
"I admit you were once worthy of respect, until Danzō's appearance changed you completely. Do not think that just because you hid in the Land of Rain, I do not know what happened.
"Regarding Danzō, I apologize. He died by my hand as well. In a certain sense, we owe each other nothing.
"But I still have to say this: your original ideas were very naive.
"And what difference is there between what you do now and war criminals?
"You asked whether communication can create peace.
"My answer is: no.
"Because the foundation of communication is equality, and the shinobi world has never been equal.
"Even among the Five Great Nations and Five Great Shinobi Villages, there are serious differences in strength.
"There is military inequality, resource inequality, and inequality in economic development.
"With so many inequalities, how do you expect us to sit down and talk peacefully?
"But using force is also not a good method.
"Konoha needs to bear some responsibility for this. Because if a certain someone had truly beaten the entire shinobi world into submission back then, there would not have been so much trouble."
At this point, Hikaru deliberately paused, then glanced at Hashirama from the corner of his eye.
Hashirama's face was very dark now.
He had never expected this matter to be repeatedly dragged out and whipped.
Fortunately, Hikaru did not keep clinging to it. He continued directly.
"But unfortunately, there are no ifs.
"Everyone has already developed the concept of villages. Even if you forcibly conquer them and gather them together, they will still long for everything they once had.
"That is the breeding ground of hatred. That is the source where hatred ferments.
"If you want true peace, you can only connect all villages through other means."
At this point, Hikaru stopped completely.
Looking at Nagato's shifting expression, he could not help smiling.
After all, Hikaru's words had not only denied everything Nagato had done, they also denied everything Yahiko or Jiraiya had done.
But Hikaru did not care.
Right now, he had a very interesting idea.
A bold idea.
"By the way, the person forced to death by Danzō and Hanzō was your Akatsuki's former leader, correct?"
Hikaru suddenly asked.
"The body you used before?"
"Yes. His name was Yahiko."
Nagato returned to himself and nodded in a somewhat heavy voice.
"Then this is easy."
Hikaru knew Nagato was currently confused, and he also knew Nagato suspected what he said.
Of course, Hikaru had never expected Nagato to listen to him. In a certain sense, they were enemies.
"But after turning that organization into what it is now, have you ever thought about what your friend would think if he knew?"
A smile appeared on Hikaru's face.
It looked gentle, yet carried an indescribable quality.
"What do you mean?"
Nagato frowned.
Hikaru's words made Nagato, whose beliefs were already shaken, feel truly displeased.
"Nothing much. I'm just asking whether you want to see him."
Hikaru spoke slowly, and the smile on his face became even brighter.
"Speaking of which, according to Root's records, you seem to have some relationship with Jiraiya as well.
"In that case, I do not mind helping you.
"I ask you: do you want to see that Yahiko?"
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