The moment Senju Tobirama entered the room, he saw a handsome young man with flowing black hair seated calmly on the sofa.
Based on Tobirama's many years of experience dealing with the Uchiha clan—
This man was almost certainly an Uchiha.
And so—
He stopped smiling.
Damn it.
Why is this inherently troublesome Uchiha brat here of all places?!
"Hello there."
Uchiha Makoto didn't rise from his seat. He merely lifted a hand in greeting toward Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.
Hashirama returned the greeting warmly.
Tobirama, on the other hand, wore a face like carved stone.
After brief introductions, Makoto stated his name.
"Uchiha Makoto."
At that moment, Tobirama finally dropped all pretense.
"Uchiha Makoto—why is a naturally dangerous Uchiha brat like you here?!"
His tone was sharp and hostile.
If not for the fact that this was the Fire Daimyō's residence, Tobirama would have already opened with Flying Thunder God and cut Makoto down on the spot.
Yet—
Makoto showed no panic at all.
Instead, he sat leisurely on the sofa, sipping tea, and looked straight at Tobirama with a faintly mocking smile.
Inherently paranoid Senju old man.
If I were joining Konoha alongside the Uchiha clan, I'd have to bow my head to you.
But I'm the leader of Akatsuki Village now—favored by the Daimyō himself.
Why would I let your presence suppress me?
Makoto set his teacup down and spoke loudly and clearly:
"This is the Fire Daimyō's reception chamber."
"And I am the official appointed to conduct negotiations with Konoha."
"Senju Tobirama—how dare you shout at me here?"
"You are utterly lawless!"
Tobirama's vision darkened for a moment.
He seriously wondered whether he had misheard.
This Uchiha brat… is a Fire Country official?
And the chief negotiator, no less?!
"Wonderful."
Seeing Tobirama's face turn ashen—unable to say a word—Makoto felt an immediate surge of satisfaction.
Pointing at Tobirama's nose and scolding him like this…
This feels incredible.
Just as the atmosphere reached a breaking point, Hashirama hurriedly stepped in.
"Alright, alright, Makoto. My younger brother is just like this—please don't take it personally."
"For this negotiation, Tobirama even practiced his smile in front of the mirror for quite a while."
Makoto's smile widened instantly.
Tobirama's expression, however, grew even darker.
"Brother," Tobirama roared internally,
"is this really something you should say out loud in public?!"
"Do I not need dignity?!"
"And the one hearing this is a naturally dangerous Uchiha brat!"
At that moment, Tobirama sincerely felt his brother might actually be an idiot—
Just one capable of basic self-care and blessed with overwhelming strength, which allowed him to masquerade as a functional adult.
Makoto, meanwhile, was positively radiant.
Practicing smiles is good.
Very good.
With Hashirama acting as a buffer, the negotiation finally resumed.
"Why are you here?"
"Where is the Daimyō?"
"…."
Tobirama fired off questions one after another, clearly uninterested in pleasantries.
Makoto, however, answered calmly.
There was no need to hide anything—Tobirama would learn the truth sooner or later.
"I had no interest in Konoha's establishment."
"So I left the Uchiha clan and built my own ninja village."
"If any Uchiha feel uncomfortable living in Konoha, they're welcome to join me."
"As for why I'm here—"
"The Daimyō values my abilities and trusts my judgment."
Makoto explained his situation matter-of-factly.
Hashirama remained as open-hearted as ever, even suggesting that Makoto should return to Konoha if things became difficult.
"Konoha's doors will always be open to you," Hashirama said sincerely.
"Thank you for the kindness, Lord Hashirama," Makoto replied politely.
"For now, I'm managing just fine."
"If the opportunity arises, you're always welcome to visit Akatsuki Village."
His words were respectful—he even used an honorific.
Hashirama truly was a good man.
Makoto knew he'd spread quite a few unfavorable rumors about him to the Daimyō, which did sting his conscience a little.
But—
Times are hard.
I ruined a lot of people, bankrupted nobles, and dumped the blame on Konoha…
But I'm still a good person, really.
Tobirama, however, watched Makoto like a hawk.
This man was dangerous.
That so-called Akatsuki Village would undoubtedly become a future thorn in Konoha's side.
Tch.
The Uchiha really did leave themselves a hidden move.
Establishing a rival village behind our backs—truly sinister!
"Enough small talk," Makoto said calmly.
"Why have the two of you come to seek an audience with the Fire Daimyō?"
He was asking despite already knowing the answer.
Hashirama remained silent.
Before entering, Tobirama had repeatedly warned him:
Once negotiations begin, you stay quiet. I'll handle everything.
And now—
Tobirama hesitated.
They had come to ask for help.
Those who ask must lower their heads.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have spent so long practicing smiles in the mirror.
But now—
Makoto had taken full control of the negotiation.
Representing the Daimyō himself.
This naturally dangerous Uchiha brat was clearly trying to make things difficult.
Damn it.
Am I really supposed to bow my head to an Uchiha?
Silence hung in the air.
Hashirama sensed something was wrong and subtly gestured for Tobirama to speak.
To him, meeting an Uchiha here was actually a good thing.
After all—
Konoha had been founded jointly by the Senju and Uchiha.
Surely Makoto wouldn't ignore his own clan.
Familiar faces make things easier, Hashirama thought.
"Damn it… I'll endure."
Feeling his brother's gaze, Tobirama finally lowered his head—just a little.
For the village's future, he swallowed his pride.
Thirty years east, thirty years west.
Today's humiliation—I'll reclaim it someday.
He took a breath.
"This time, we—"
"Senju Tobirama."
Makoto cut him off abruptly, smiling.
"Why are you pulling such a long face when you speak to me?"
"Weren't you practicing smiles in front of the mirror earlier?"
"Is something troubling you?"
"Or—do you have an issue with me?"
He leaned forward slightly.
"Go on."
"Smile."
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