Chapter 155: The Cooperation Between Izuna and Hiruzen, Danzo Takes Tobirama as a Disciple!
Hiruzen's expression slightly twisted.
And his reaction could be considered mild.
Beside him, Isshin was already displaying exaggerated facial expressions.
Isshin, who had always been labeled as 'steady' and 'tactical,' had all his facial features squeezed together at this moment. His eyebrows were knotted into a ball, and the three-tomoe Sharingan that originally belonged to Setsuna Uchiha activated subconsciously.
What the Young Clan Head meant was...
The child of the Ancestor's Blessing who descended from the heavens to turn the Uchiha clan's luck around, Seisui...
Has the blood of that bastard Tobirama Senju flowing in his veins?
If anyone else had said this, Isshin might have temporarily let it slide on the surface out of respect for Hiruzen.
But he would definitely remember it viciously and wait for a chance to exact revenge!
Disgusting the Uchiha was one thing, but joking about Tobirama Senju was crossing the line!
But the problem was...
These words weren't spoken by just anyone; they were spoken by Izuna Uchiha.
Even Isshin couldn't hold it together, his brain overloading and crashing for a moment.
Hiruzen subconsciously pulled out his cigarette case, but seeing that it was Mito's house, he decided not to smoke.
After all, he was in the home of his elder, not his Hokage building.
Mito, who was usually indifferent, also drew in a sharp breath of cold air, looking at Izuna with a face full of confusion.
Mito could expect Izuna to lie and make up stories.
After all, Izuna and Tobirama were very similar in a sense; they didn't care about the small details when trying to achieve their goals.
But could he really care this little?
Even the Nine-Tails was scratching its head. It hadn't spent the whole day listening to Mito and Hiruzen chat for nothing.
The Nine-Tails had also found the twisted relationship between Tobirama and Izuna quite fascinating to hear about.
"Hiruzen, don't interfere with this!"
Mito's eyes sparkled with interest, and for a moment she even seemed to look a bit younger. "Smoke if you want. I know this is hard for you to accept, so I will ask him and get to the bottom of it!"
Hiruzen nodded.
This has nothing to do with the Third Hokage...
These are all problems left behind by Tobirama-sensei. As his disciple, there is nothing I can do.
Just like Mito's sharp critique that Danzo was unqualified to evaluate Izuna.
Hiruzen could use the stories of the previous Hokage and invent some history.
But when it came to private morals, it was better not to get involved.
Letting Mito, who had higher seniority, handle the interrogation was the best approach.
Hiruzen silently stood up from the main seat, moved a small stool to the base of the wall, and took out his cigarette case.
Isshin walked over silently, sat cross-legged next to Hiruzen, and whispered, "Lord Hokage, could I have one?"
Isshin had actually quit smoking a long time ago.
But the impact of today's events on him was truly a bit too great.
Although the effect of tobacco on a shinobi's physique was better than nothing, it at least provided a sense of ritual, which could slightly suppress the turmoil in his heart!
Hiruzen handed him a cigarette, and a faint flame sparked from his finger to light it for him.
Isshin nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Lord Hokage."
And when Hiruzen went to light his own cigarette, Isshin leaned over to light it for the Lord Hokage.
The two leaned against the wall together, puffing smoke and blowing out clouds, both letting out a highly synchronized sigh.
Sigh!
Isshin and Hiruzen subconsciously looked at each other, both smiling bitterly and shaking their heads.
They had the exact same thought in their hearts.
Why is the older generation so troublesome!
"It truly hasn't been easy for you! Just to clean up the mess left by Tobirama Senju, you had to bear so much infamy for the first twenty-five years, just to step by step lay down a good foundation for reforms."
"Now that the village is finally on the right track, and the Uchiha and Konoha are heart to heart, he can still detonate a landmine he buried in the past. I really don't know what to say!"
Isshin took a vicious drag, blowing out thick smoke, his voice hoarse. "Please forgive my disrespect towards the Second Hokage, Lord Hokage."
"Rest assured, I know you are also a victim. It's all because of the sins committed by certain people!"
"The Uchiha's firm resolve to follow you will never be destroyed by anyone!"
Isshin's words made Hiruzen fall silent as he listened.
Was he a victim?
In a sense, he probably could be considered one.
Hiruzen had wanted to let Tobirama experience a new life different from being Hokage.
He never expected that even after becoming an Uchiha youth, he could still cause so much trouble!
First being possessed by Izuna, and now making himself the product of a tragic romance between the Senju and Uchiha...
"There's a reason Tobirama-sensei could develop so many forbidden jutsu."
"His brain works more actively than an ordinary person's."
Hiruzen patted Isshin's shoulder and whispered, "I understand, I understand it all."
"It hasn't been easy. It hasn't been easy for either of us!"
Isshin nodded with deep grief. "It hasn't been easy, they are too worrisome!"
Izuna, standing on the side, looked at the two speechlessly.
Isshin was an old man, and Hiruzen had the appearance of a robust middle-aged man.
Izuna, on the other hand, was relatively young; after all, he was less than thirty when he died.
This scene looked very much like two closely related parents, helplessly comforting each other because of some messy affairs involving their children, still unable to distinguish right from wrong.
But the problem was, he was the Young Clan Head of the Uchiha!
In the past, Izuna had always played the role of the parent; when had he ever been the child?
The hierarchy was completely reversed.
Is this the price of reversing Yin and Yang? Tobirama Senju, the Impure World Reincarnation you researched is evil as expected... Izuna cursed in his heart.
And Tobirama was also on the verge of losing it.
First of all, the jutsu formula summoning you is 'Yata no Kagami', what does that have to do with my Impure World Reincarnation? Don't force a connection!
Tobirama heard Isshin's words very clearly.
He hadn't expected his worries about his reputation to become a reality so quickly!
What do you mean Hiruzen is cleaning up my mess?
If you haven't been Hokage, don't talk nonsense!
Reforms like this have to be laid out bit by bit; who starts with drastic, sweeping changes right off the bat?
Tobirama felt an ever more urgent desire to hint at Hiruzen to tell some small stories about him.
It wasn't that he coveted vain titles, but they couldn't just dump the chamber pot on his head!
"Izuna, speak."
Mito's eyes sparkled, her tone surprisingly sounding a bit like a gossipy middle-aged woman. "Let me hear what exactly is going on."
Izuna's face looked a bit bitter.
If he had any other choice, he truly didn't want to reveal "Seisui's" origins.
But he had no choice!
Telling Konoha's higher-ups about that bastard's bloodline would ultimately make "Seisui's" future development better.
"Mito, carefully sense the cellular and chakra composition of this body."
"Don't you sense the flavor of Tobirama Senju?"
Izuna sighed. "And his appearance... To be honest, I didn't see it at first, but later, after analyzing Seisui's cells and chakra with the Mangekyou Sharingan, I found the clues."
"Seisui generally looks like me, his grandfather, but his bone structure genuinely has Tobirama's shadow."
"These days we've been spending time together, I've become more and more certain."
"Also, this child's personality is actually somewhat like Tobirama Senju's: calm, loves researching ninjutsu, occasionally has a sharp tongue, but is very tolerant of other clansmen who lack talent."
Mito gently probed the Adamantine Sealing Chains into "Seisui's" flesh, closed her eyes, and sensed carefully.
Hiss!
It really was exactly as Izuna said!
Only Mito Uzumaki, with her super strong sensing and memory abilities, could distinguish it.
For the people she considered important, she basically wouldn't forget their chakra as long as she had sensed it once.
She was essentially a walking memo pad.
"Seisui's cells and chakra are like a fusion of you and Tobirama. Even little Tsunade in relation to Hashirama doesn't look as much like the two of you as Seisui does!"
Mito muttered to herself, "Izuna, I thought you implanted Tobirama's cells into Seisui's body in a vain attempt to use the Hokage's bloodline to swindle and defraud the village, to snatch resources."
"It's actually true?"
Although Mito's sensing ability was extraordinary.
"Seisui's" body was not a mass-produced good.
It was the miraculous result of Tobirama striking luck after thousands of experiments, combined with Hiruko's cell fusion technology, the removal of Earth Grudge Fear's nodules, and finally calcined into one entity using the Mangekyou dojutsu power of an entire eye, 'Sukuna Hikona'!
It wasn't Tobirama being arrogant.
The resources and luck condensed into this body, plus the manufacturing process that couldn't be generalized, far exceeded the scientific research capabilities of the current era by two or three generations!
Let alone Mito, even if he came himself, he would be stunned if he didn't know the inside story.
Izuna's face was full of question marks, and he couldn't help but retort to Mito: "Who would collect other people's cells for no reason? Even though my Uchiha clan is a millennium-old noble clan, and some clansmen have slightly unique interests..."
"No one has ever done something so twisted!"
Mito smiled apologetically and loosened the Adamantine Sealing Chains on Izuna.
"Actually, there is someone."
Mito defended herself, "It's not that I'm targeting the Uchiha, but someone left a profound impression on me."
Tobirama, inside "Seisui", chuckled dryly.
This is really becoming unlivable.
Why is sister-in-law turning her elbow outward? And teasing me in front of this bastard!
"Ah, you're talking about... Tobirama, right? One really doesn't know what that guy thinks about all day."
"He always likes to secretly collect cells from various ninja clans, not even sparing shinobi with chakra Kekkei Genkai."
Izuna shook his head. "However, I know Hashirama's attitude towards his research on forbidden jutsu. Even in the cruel Warring States period, he expressed dissatisfaction with the Impure World Reincarnation jutsu."
"You and Hashirama, as a married couple, were feared by the Uchiha clansmen, but we all greatly admired you."
"You were respectable opponents."
Hearing Izuna's words, Mito sighed emotionally and shook her head. "Thank you."
Tobirama only felt a head full of question marks.
Why are you two suddenly appreciating each other?
What about me!
Are you bullying me because I can't speak right now!
If there were no jutsu like Impure World Reincarnation, Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, and Soul Confinement...
How many more people would the Senju clan have lost!
At this moment, Tobirama suddenly felt a bit of empathy for his second disciple.
Those who bear the darkness are certainly not understood by others and have to take the blame for many things that don't belong to them.
"I am also not clear on the details of Seisui's origins; I deduced it."
"You know, Seisui is originally from Kusagakure, and given his age, it doesn't match up with me or Tobirama. So he can only be the crystallization of our respective children."
Izuna slowly narrated this story that could be called a tragic romance.
In short, their respective children fell in love.
But due to Konoha's environment at the time and the opposition between the Uchiha and the village, the two chose to leave the village and live in seclusion near the Land of Fire.
And their child, Seisui, was abducted because they were close to Kusagakure.
Tobirama had heard it once, so he was okay.
But the expressions of the others were wonderful.
Hiruzen suddenly stood up, his tone very serious. "Izuna, even though you have a history with Tobirama-sensei, even if we count it as being both enemies and friends..."
"You still have no right to humiliate my sensei like this!"
"He never had a partner his entire life, living alone and completely dedicating his life to the village!"
"What you said must be fake. Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
Isshin hurriedly grabbed Hiruzen's arm, repeatedly persuading him, "Lord Hokage, calm down, calm down!"
"Young Clan Head doesn't mean to insult the Second Hokage. It's just a deduction, just a random guess."
Izuna wasn't angry looking at the furious Hiruzen; instead, he felt a bit envious in his heart.
What a good disciple...
With Hiruzen Sarutobi's wisdom and logic, he definitely could analyze that what I said isn't just fabricated nonsense.
But for the sake of Tobirama Senju's reputation, he still resolutely stepped forward.
Sigh! Izuna shook his head.
If Tobirama, as the Second Hokage, always hid the fact that he had children, that would be one thing.
But if his children couldn't accept his policies, became people who left the village, and their bloodline was abducted by Kusagakure... telling that story would sound terrible!
It would definitely affect Tobirama's reputation.
Not fatal, but it would be an indelible stain.
Hiruzen is indeed my good disciple!
This magnanimous nature... he takes after me. Tobirama thought in his heart, suddenly pausing.
Was he magnanimous?
He probably could barely be considered so.
After all, he gave the Uchiha clan a job like the Police Force that guaranteed a steady income regardless of droughts or floods. Never mind his intentions; the point was, did they have enough to eat or not!
Logically speaking, if Hiruzen wanted to confirm my identity, he should have gone along with Izuna's words.
But for the sake of my reputation, Hiruzen still spoke up for justice!
Sigh. It was actually a bit irrational; he shouldn't have done that! Tobirama thought this, but still felt quite warm in his heart.
The only person who spoke up for him today!
But Hiruzen actually didn't think that much.
He was just strictly acting according to the reaction a good disciple of Tobirama, a Hokage who knew nothing, should have.
When being Hokage, sincerity is important, but one must also know how to act and how to play dumb.
"Hiruzen, calm down, calm down."
Mito coughed lightly and spoke in a gentle tone, "I understand your emotions, but the affairs of the Warring States period were different from now, and the mindset of shinobi was also different."
"Although Izuna's words sound absurd, if you think about it carefully, it might actually be the truth!"
Hiruzen wasn't pretending this time; he was genuinely stunned.
This could be the truth?
Seeing Hiruzen's deeply confused expression, Mito analyzed seriously, "Hiruzen, first of all, you must know that the birth rate among shinobi in the Warring States period was very high. Furthermore, the atmosphere was relatively open. Shinobi without partners and children were the minority."
Izuna sighed. "That's right. The cruel environment of the Warring States period inflicted immense devastation on people's mental state. To maintain sanity, channels for releasing pressure had to exist."
"The aspect Mito mentioned was common among the general public. When it came to individuals, the more powerful the shinobi, the more likely they were to have some quirks as a way to soothe their minds."
"Like Tobirama Senju, his research into forbidden jutsu was perhaps his way of coping."
"As for me..." Izuna paused.
"You were looking for women, women from various clans." Mito said coldly, "You better shut up!"
Mito still held a grudge against Izuna, who had once harassed the Uzumaki clanswomen.
Izuna resentfully fell silent, but internally said to Tobirama, "See? The love story I told you is real! That kid Isshin was spouting nonsense!"
Tobirama chuckled dryly.
What a strange guy.
He actually cares about his reputation in this area? Isn't this something that doesn't matter at all!
However, Izuna understands me even better than I imagined... Tobirama pondered.
Just as Izuna said.
Tobirama conducting extensive research into forbidden jutsu was certainly for combat purposes, but it was also a major hobby he used to relieve his own pressure.
Not everyone was like Hashirama, possessing thick and resilient nerves.
No matter what happened, Hashirama would only be depressed for a little while, then laugh heartily while thinking of a solution.
Also, relieving pressure through romance?
Tobirama also realized a problem.
Back then, among the Warring States shinobi, he was indeed among the very few who didn't marry or have children, because he felt it was meaningless.
But if he looked at it from a research perspective...
A method that could be widely accepted by the general public must have underlying benefits and causes behind it.
This is something I neglected. I need to find time to research it.
That Tomie Uchiha that Isshin mentioned? She's a ready-made subject. There's no need to have a real relationship with her; just experiencing it slightly will suffice. Anyway, there's no need to waste too much of my time.
However, there was another reason Tobirama didn't mention.
An Uchiha woman that Izuna couldn't win over, he succeeded with right off the bat... Didn't that prove he was better than Izuna in every aspect!
Tobirama didn't even realize it himself.
Living a second life and laying down the burden of Hokage, his personality had also become more cheerful, adding a bit of youthful spirit.
After hearing Mito's explanation, Hiruzen silently pulled out another cigarette.
Let's have another one...
Was the Warring States period that messy?
But after a moment of thought, Hiruzen understood that this was reasonable.
If they didn't have children in large numbers, given the average lifespan of shinobi in the Warring States period, they would have died out long ago.
Mito frowned and continued to analyze, "So, if we say Tobirama had a secret lover or even children, it's all reasonable."
"There are no outsiders here, and we all understand him well, so I'll just say it straight!"
"He really liked to hide things. After Hashirama died back then, I was responsible for supervising his forbidden jutsu research. There were many research facilities that I couldn't even detect with the Mind's Eye of the Kagura."
"Moreover, you all know Tobirama's reputation outside. He wasn't quite like the rest of you. His enemies would use the most cruel and inhumane methods to exact revenge on him."
"If he had children, concealing their names would be the optimal solution."
Tobirama listened with a face full of black lines.
Why is her logic exactly the same as Izuna's?
Is my image in the eyes of others really that uniform?
Isshin also spoke up, "Lady Mito is right. Lord Second once used Impure World Reincarnation to resurrect the relatives of enemy leaders, then controlled them to pretend to be missing them, and used this to infiltrate the enemy camp."
Izuna chimed in, "And then he summoned Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, right? That time really shocked the ninja world and almost wiped out the youth of the Kaguya clan!"
"So much so that later on, when shinobi saw people who looked like their relatives, their first reaction wasn't longing, but immediate vigilance."
Hiruzen couldn't help but take a hard drag of his cigarette.
This really draws too much hatred!
Reading about the usage methods in ancient texts and hearing bystanders from back then narrate it felt completely different.
It really is hard to whitewash Tobirama-sensei now!
And never mind whitewashing; if he used this move and didn't get targeted by others, there would be ghosts.
If Tobirama really had children, then if they were caught, regardless of whether Tobirama was the Senju's second-in-command, hacking them to pieces first before talking would be considered giving them a quick death.
"This... I believe Tobirama-sensei primarily did it to protect the clan, to protect Konoha."
"The methods were a bit extreme, but the era and environment were different after all. We still have to view it dialectically. Didn't Lord First also classify it as a forbidden jutsu? Tobirama-sensei also agreed, which means he knew there had to be restrictions."
Hiruzen sighed. Since he had resurrected Tobirama to help him work, he had to speak up for him.
"As Hokage, he didn't have anyone to help him bear the darkness. He carried both sides of the coin alone. It was truly difficult for Tobirama-sensei. He also had to deal with the collective counterattacks from enemies after Lord First died. He had no choice but to do so."
"He was a good Hokage, a good sensei. I will always firmly believe this!"
Mito, Izuna, and Isshin simultaneously looked at Hiruzen.
Their eyes were filled with sympathy and admiration.
To have ended up with such a sensei, it was truly fortunate that Hiruzen was eloquent and could always find an angle.
Izuna sighed emotionally, "Third Hokage, I haven't submitted to Tobirama Senju on anything in my life. Even that Flying Thunder God Jutsu of his, I still consider it a despicable trick for sneak attacks."
"But his eye for picking disciples is even sharper than the Mangekyou!"
Tobirama listened, shaking his head slightly, his expression filled with emotion.
Perhaps everyone in the entire ninja world misunderstood me, Tobirama. But I am still me; I will not change! Having Hiruzen alone to know and understand me is enough!
And on the other hand, Tobirama also figured it out.
Since "Tobirama" was already dead, it didn't matter if that name took the blame.
As long as it didn't go too far.
The remaining legacy of his reputation could conveniently be inherited by his current self. It could be described as killing two birds with one stone.
A second playthrough really allows one to shed the golden cicada shell!
"As for exactly who the children of Tobirama and Izuna are, that is unverifiable."
Mito said slowly, "Izuna probably doesn't know himself. He left his mark everywhere and died early. As for Tobirama, unless he is reincarnated with Impure World Reincarnation, it's also hard to know."
"However, I believe he wouldn't admit it, so reincarnating him would be useless."
"He is very stubborn with his words."
Izuna chuckled dryly. "Reincarnate him with Impure World Reincarnation? I don't think it can be done. If he, the creator of Impure World Reincarnation, fell victim to his own jutsu, wouldn't that make people laugh their teeth out?"
"He was so despicable and cautious... don't waste your effort."
Tobirama's expression was a bit complex.
He discovered a very wonderful thing.
Whether it was him or Izuna, they both seemed to habitually overestimate each other's strength.
For example, with Impure World Reincarnation, he really hadn't left a backdoor!
But this kind of thinking was just like how Tobirama didn't think Izuna would seek death after being hit by the Flying Thunder God Slash.
Both sides imagined the other to be better than they actually were, applying a "beautification" filter.
And upon just hearing about Impure World Reincarnation, Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat.
It wasn't that he would be exposed, but it would inevitably require an explanation.
"Hiruzen, relax."
Mito, who had her Mind's Eye of the Kagura operating at full power, noticed the fluctuation in Hiruzen's chakra and comforted him. "We won't disturb your sensei. Just let Tobirama rest in peace in the Pure Land. This is not a glorious matter after all."
"And just as Izuna said, it's hard to say whether we could successfully reincarnate Tobirama."
"I know you don't want to embarrass Tobirama, so don't panic. It's not for his sake, but to prevent the good Hokage of the village from bearing the infamy of reincarnating a previous Hokage just to ask about a private matter."
Hiruzen froze, then bowed deeply to Mito. "Thank you for your consideration, Lady Mito!"
He discovered a blind spot in malice sensing and emotion sensing.
That was... it wasn't true mind reading after all.
If the initial persona and foundation were laid solidly enough, even if abnormal emotions were detected, they would be analyzed according to the established impression.
Just like right now.
Hiruzen's brief shock and worry didn't make Mito feel something was wrong; instead, she only thought of the positive aspects.
Mito shook her head gently. "Hiruzen, it is you who has worked hard."
Once, when Hiruzen first asked Mito about sensitive issues like "removing meridian nodules," Mito had also suspected whether Hiruzen was showing a monkey's tail.
After all, he was Tobirama's disciple.
But later, Mito saw that the related projects had been implemented.
Earth Grudge Fear and cloning technology were used to guarantee the welfare of disabled shinobi and for the development of medical technology.
A few days ago, when Mito was taking Yamato for a walk, she even saw En Uchiha greet her. He already had both arms and looked indistinguishable from a healthy person on the surface.
These concrete achievements that benefited the masses made Mito very reassured about Hiruzen. She never imagined that Hashirama's successor could pull off such mind-blowing operations.
Tobirama was greatly shocked.
The Mind's Eye of the Kagura could actually be deceived like this? Is this right!
Mito actually took the initiative to speak up for Hiruzen? Tobirama couldn't help but feel a bit disillusioned.
Compared to her attitude towards him, it was truly like heaven and earth!
Mito coughed lightly and continued, "I thought about it, and Izuna's hypothesis is very reasonable!"
"When Tobirama was around, those two children could only contact each other privately. Ten years after Tobirama died, the village lifted post-war and Cold War martial law. That was the perfect opportunity for them to leave the village."
"Tobirama definitely strongly opposed them being together!"
"What a pair of star-crossed lovers."
Mito said with pity, "After they lost Seisui, the guilt in their hearts probably made it hard for them to live on. Who knows where they are buried."
Izuna listened and nodded slightly, his expression also very gloomy.
"Fortunately, Hiruzen took special action against Kusagakure and rescued Seisui."
Mito sighed. "It can be considered a compensation that isn't really a compensation!"
"Lady Mito, actually, I don't think Tobirama-sensei would necessarily oppose it."
Hiruzen said carefully, "Maybe Tobirama-sensei intentionally facilitated it, wanting the Senju and Uchiha to tentatively merge as an experiment, but he died in battle for the village before he had time to expand the influence."
"If he wanted to oppose this romance, no one could have stopped him."
Mito froze for a moment.
She actually felt that what Hiruzen said was incorrect.
How could Tobirama accept the Uchiha? Even though he always said he treated everyone equally.
But after thinking about it, she still nodded. "That's also possible, Hiruzen!"
After all, this was the pure heart of Hiruzen as Tobirama's disciple.
She'd give Hiruzen some face!
And Tobirama, on one hand, felt that Hiruzen was truly his good disciple, but on the other hand, was also very displeased with the expressions of the others.
What, none of you believe him, right?
What does this look of 'Hiruzen, you really racked your brains for Tobirama's reputation' mean!
"If we put it that way..."
"Izuna, as this child's grandfather, protecting him is only natural. It's permissible."
"You step back first, I want to talk to Seisui." Mito said faintly.
Tobirama came back online!
"Seisui, tell me the truth, do not hide anything."
"After hearing about your origins, do you harbor resentment towards the village and the Uchiha? If you do, speak it out openly. It can all be coordinated and resolved right now."
Mito appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, she had already pushed her sensory abilities to the point of overload.
She had to determine whether Seisui was faking it!
All unstable factors should be strangled in the cradle!
Otherwise, the Konoha that had just started to improve in Hiruzen's hands might harbor huge hidden dangers in the future.
"I have absolutely no dissatisfaction with the village. I love Konoha very much."
Regarding this question, Tobirama had no intention of avoiding it and answered candidly, "Nor do I have any towards the Uchiha. My younger brothers all love me very much, Isshin and Clan Head Fugaku have helped me a lot, and the other clansmen are also very easy to get along with."
Tobirama wasn't lying.
In his view, was the Uchiha with him now the same as the Uchiha from before?
For an Uchiha that had already integrated into Konoha, even saying he loved the clan didn't put any psychological pressure on Tobirama.
Mito sensed carefully.
She didn't detect any abnormalities.
"Good child! Truly worthy of being..." Mito paused.
She originally wanted to say, truly worthy of being the seed of Izuna and Tobirama, but saying it like that seemed a bit strange.
"Having gathered the strengths of both the Senju and Uchiha!" Mito changed course abruptly.
"Hiruzen, regarding this child's future and origins, I have some thoughts."
Mito said softly, "Can you let me make the call? Don't worry, I won't let him suffer any losses."
Hiruzen blinked and nodded.
He knew this wasn't Mito overstepping his power as Hokage.
It was because "Seisui" carried Tobirama's bloodline and had been lost in a foreign village. It was very sensitive for him to handle it as a disciple.
But if Mito did it, it wouldn't be.
After all, she was the publicly acknowledged sister-in-law of the Senju clan.
"Seisui's origins should only be known to me, Izuna, Hiruzen, and Isshin. It must be kept strictly confidential. It's not that we want to hide it forever, but the impact brought by the fact that Tobirama and Izuna are connected by blood is uncontrollable."
"If we are not prepared, once public opinion flares up, it will bring tremendous psychological pressure to Seisui."
Mito said.
"Isshin, you will be responsible for subtly and intentionally spreading the awkward past stories between the Senju and Uchiha within the Uchiha clan, laying down a cognitive foundation."
Isshin nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Lady Mito!"
He didn't want Seisui to rashly become associated with Tobirama Senju in the eyes of the clansmen right when the Uchiha was thriving.
As for the Izuna part, the clansmen already viewed Seisui that way, so there was no need to confirm it with bloodline.
"Hiruzen, since Seisui and Tobirama have this kind of relationship, what do you say to letting Danzo take him as a disciple?"
Mito pondered, "This way, it can add a protective barrier of the Hokage faction to Seisui, and it will finally give Tobirama's spirit in heaven some peace."
"Moreover, Seisui previously impeached Danzo. If they become master and disciple, it can also demonstrate the perfect reconciliation of the incident, and it can serve the effect of supervising him closely."
"Danzo is not a bad child, but his brain doesn't work well. When he made a military pledge in front of the village to never touch the rules again, I was very worried listening to it."
"If he reoffends, Hiruzen will have no choice but to deal with him, which would also have a very bad impact on the village."
"With Seisui by his side, I will feel more at ease."
Hiruzen was stunned. So Danzo's wish was fulfilled here?
In the end, he still took "Seisui" as a disciple.
"It's naturally fine, but Lady Mito, I'd like to add Danzo to the list of people who know Seisui's origins."
Hiruzen said slowly, "This way, we can also prevent Danzo from retaliating against Seisui because of his previous actions. Although this person doesn't understand the Will of Fire, he respects sensei enough."
It was just that whenever Hiruzen thought of how Danzo and Tobirama would get along, he couldn't help but want to laugh.
This was no traditional master-disciple relationship!
This was inviting a 'Lord' back home, and a young master of both the Uchiha and Senju families at that!
Based on Hiruzen's understanding of Danzo...
He was relatively fair and didn't place too much importance on bloodlines.
For example, with Shisui, even though he was Kagami Uchiha's descendant, Danzo didn't show any special attention. On the contrary, he was very vigilant about his talent as an Uchiha, even though he was just a ninja academy student.
But there were always special cases.
Like Tsunade.
Even Danzo couldn't ignore Tsunade's identity.
And "Seisui's" identity as Tobirama Senju's biological grandson would obviously work very well on Danzo.
For this old brother of Hiruzen's...
The First Hokage was certainly great, but he didn't hold even half the weight in his heart that Tobirama-sensei did.
Moreover, Hiruzen knew Danzo had been agonizing over the research on "Wind Release Chakra Mode" for a long time.
But Hiruzen couldn't help him with that.
In terms of purely Wind Release attainments, Hiruzen wasn't much better than Danzo, and Danzo also refused his help.
Hiruzen also had a fulfilling training plan of his own, and his time wasn't abundant.
But if "Seisui" came to help him, that would be different!
Mito slowly nodded.
Temporarily hiding Seisui's identity was essentially also partly out of consideration for Tobirama's reputation.
Given Danzo's level of respect for Tobirama, in terms of both emotion and reason, he would keep his mouth tightly shut.
"Lord Hokage, Lady Mito, thank you!"
Isshin said in heartfelt admiration.
Upon hearing that Danzo was taking Seisui as a disciple, Isshin was a bit nervous.
But after Hiruzen proposed letting Danzo know Seisui's identity, the nature of it completely changed.
This was a Hokage faction identity dropping from the sky!
Not only that, Danzo would most likely give "Seisui" preferential treatment.
And given Danzo's brains and level...
Isshin thought of how well "Seisui" managed the Uchiha, and couldn't help but smile.
Wasn't this much better than Danzo, who only knew how to forcefully physically control even Root?
This way, Danzo, the mortal enemy of the Uchiha clan, might instead become a major boosting force for Seisui becoming Hokage in the future!
And Isshin didn't think Hiruzen wouldn't be able to figure this out.
So, it could only mean that the Lord Hokage's attitude towards an Uchiha becoming Hokage was fair!
Isshin took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Lord Hokage! You have done too much for the Uchiha; Isshin truly feels ashamed in his heart."
"Rest assured, leave the Second Hokage's reputation to me! I will throw away this old face of mine to make the younger generation understand the awkward relationship between the Senju and the Uchiha, and deconstruct it as much as possible."
"In short, I will make them forget past hatreds and deeply understand how good Konoha is now!"
"Young Clan Head, I might have to say some things that aren't too favorable to you in the future. Please understand!"
Isshin bowed deeply, expressing his apologies.
The corner of Tobirama's mouth twitched imperceptibly.
His positive reputation was actually going to be proactively promoted by the Uchiha clan?
And through suppressing Izuna...
This was truly too surreal!
Izuna froze, then immediately understood Isshin's meaning.
This was meant to dismantle the logic behind the so-called death matches between the Uchiha and Senju back then.
The higher-ups had already wanted peace talks, but by giving his eyes to his brother, he actually intensified the conflict.
It wasn't, as most clansmen perceived, that Tobirama's Flying Thunder God Slash caused the flames of war between the two clans to burn even fiercer; Izuna was actually also at fault here.
"Go ahead and do it, Isshin!"
"I am nothing but a dead person. Why should I care if some of my reputation can be used to pave the way for Seisui?"
Izuna took over the body. Now, the consciousness switching between him and Tobirama no longer required advance notice.
He waved his hand handsomely. "As long as the clansmen can live good lives, I'm happy with anything. However, as I said, I am considered half a Konoha person."
"I hope the village does well too!"
Izuna looked seriously at Hiruzen. "Hokage, I leave these clansmen of mine in your care. They are a very lovable group of people, but they are indeed also hard to manage."
"So, if they do anything out of line, you should beat them, you should scold them! It doesn't even matter if you strike heavily; punishing them is for their own good! You should also knock some sense into them more often..."
Isshin's heart was a bit complicated.
Well, then...
Now, if Hiruzen Sarutobi disciplines the Uchiha, he can even do it unreasonably!
It's officially authorized by the Young Clan Head...
Hiruzen's eyes were subtle.
This sounded like a parent telling a teacher: "Just beat my kid, it's fine!"
Hiruzen slowly walked over to Izuna.
And extended his hand to him.
"Izuna, I've long looked forward to meeting you."
"I always heard my sensei talk about you. He said you were the hardest opponent he faced in his life, and a fierce person against whom he had to go all out and be fully alert to remain undefeated."
"But my sensei also said it was you who motivated him to develop various forbidden jutsu. He viewed you as his eternal rival, and once revealed a sense of nostalgia for you to me."
"I have no intention of evaluating the complex relationship between you and my sensei."
"But you two are indeed very similar. I can only say that the cruel environment of the Warring States period forced you to become opposing rivals. If you were both in Konoha right now, perhaps you could become very good friends."
Hiruzen said sincerely, his hand gripping "Izuna's" heavily. "Rest assured, I will treat the Uchiha well, viewing them as my friends and family!"
"And from now on, don't call yourself half a Konoha person. You are inherently a Konoha shinobi, Izuna."
"Thanks to Isshin's Mangekyou dojutsu, the pains of the era have been eased across time and space. If there is anything that needs to be communicated in the future, I will always be waiting at the Hokage building."
In Izuna's eyes...
Hiruzen's image at this moment actually looked somewhat like Hashirama Senju.
He always used to hear Hashirama and his brother say this kind of stuff back then.
At the time, Izuna scoffed at it, only thinking of them as sugar-coated bullets.
But hearing it himself, it seemed pretty good?
"Hokage, thank you for your tolerance."
"I've already forgotten about Tobirama's affairs; he is a dead person after all. Those of us who can contribute to Konoha ought to unite together, look forward, just as you said in your Fireside Chat!"
Izuna's expression was quite emotional. He also hadn't expected Tobirama to evaluate him this way.
If he wasn't more magnanimous, wouldn't he be outdone by this bastard?
So, Izuna heavily gripped Hiruzen's hand in return. "From now on, we will address each other as 'brothers'! My seniority is higher than yours, and your age is older than mine, so it evens out perfectly as peers."
Hiruzen blinked. The atmosphere didn't allow him to refuse.
The conversation had naturally flowed to this point. "Alright, Brother Izuna!"
Tobirama chuckled dryly in his heart.
Hiruzen's mouth is truly even more formidable than Big Brother's; he even managed to fool Izuna.
Not only inventing Big Brother's history, but even spouting words I supposedly said to praise Izuna!
And he even made himself my peer...
But Tobirama didn't resent it, because Hiruzen deserved it.
He was now thinking that since his eldest disciple had done so well, he had to pay more attention to his second disciple!
He must strictly rectify him!
He couldn't even manage Root properly, yet dreamed of being Hokage every day. Wasn't that bringing shame upon him?
"Seisui, are you and Shio sure you want to be brother and sister?"
Mito said with a light smile, "On this point, don't learn from your grandfather and stay single your whole life."
Isshin hurriedly said, "Lady Mito, rest assured, I have already introduced companions to Seisui!"
The conservative Isshin still felt it was better to marry within the clan.
Tobirama nodded. "It's like this. Our friendship was forged through shared hardships; I wish to maintain this purity."
Mito nodded, indicating she understood. Actually, she also felt slightly relieved in her heart.
In her view, "Seisui", possessing the bloodlines of both Izuna and Tobirama, could definitely do a lot for the village, but from the perspective of a partner, he was truly not a good match.
Since Isshin wanted Seisui to find an Uchiha girl, then let him arrange it!
Mito's heart moved. "I've heard that some Uchiha girls have very troublesome personalities. I hope Seisui has good luck."
But Mito still didn't offer any warnings. First, it didn't sound nice, and second, wasn't there an example like Mikoto?
That night.
Danzo, at home, received a top-secret letter.
It contained information regarding Seisui's identity and arrangements.
Slowly unsealing the jutsu on it, after reading it, Danzo's pupils quaked as if struck by an earthquake.
Huh?
Danzo took a long time to calm down, looking up at Tobirama Senju's photo in his bedroom.
"Sensei, rest assured."
"I will treat Seisui like my own biological son... No, even better than that!" Danzo stood at attention before the portrait, swearing in his heart, "I will work hard to become the Fourth Hokage, and cultivate Seisui to be the Fifth!"
Danzo tore the intelligence into thin strips of paper, shoved them into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed cleanly.
This was the most secure method.
It was just that Danzo didn't realize...
Tobirama wasn't coming to learn from him.
He was coming to teach him a lesson!
And it was the kind involving kunai dipped in alcohol, disinfecting while beating!
☆☆☆
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