Konoha.
Hokage Building.
Hiruzen held a cigarette in one hand, squinting slightly as he graded exam papers with the other.
He was reviewing the Ninja Academy students' test sheets—questions he had personally set.
'Write about the Will of Fire as you understand it.'
'Describe a story of your own related to the Will of Fire.'
'Point out the current shortcomings of the village and give your views.'
The first two questions were meant for Hiruzen to assess and gauge how well the current generation of Konoha ninja understood this broad and somewhat abstract concept—the Will of Fire.
Ninja Academy students were the best subjects for this kind of survey.
Experienced ninja had spent too long struggling in the shinobi world. When asked such questions, they would only say, "Good, good, good," or claim they were happy, then vaguely repeat commonly accepted "correct" statements…
Like "Where the leaves dance, the fire burns eternally," and the like…
Just to avoid unnecessary trouble.
But Academy students were different—they would still dare to speak some truth, not constantly layering themselves in self-protection.
'The Will of Fire is still too vague. There's no clear definition or guiding framework.'
'If this continues, it'll be dangerous.'
Hiruzen scanned the papers, casually assigning a few high scores.
Most answers talked about inheritance, sacrifice, dedication—emotional responses, but lacking standardized concepts or clear definitions…
'Unifying thought and clarifying values is absolutely necessary.'
'The Will of Fire is ahead of the Shinobi Code, but only by half a step. And this kind of transitional ideology is exactly the most likely to cause problems.'
Hiruzen pondered.
A vague collective value system cannot serve as a stable code of conduct.
In the face of conflicts of interest, real-world pressures, or extreme situations, it can easily be interpreted in multiple ways—or even distorted—leading to ideological fragmentation, instability, and even severe backlash.
'The essence of the Will of Fire being half a step ahead is that it slightly breaks the Shinobi Code—but there's no corresponding ideology or system to replace it…'
'The Will of Fire awakens humanity and stimulates the ninja's subjective initiative—but it also makes them question the Shinobi Code…'
'But even if the Shinobi Code is cold, it has stood the test of time. Even if it suppresses emotions, everyone knows clearly what they should and shouldn't do…'
'Once the Will of Fire encounters dilemmas it cannot explain, it will cause terrible internal conflict among ninja… Given their mental state, this is practically planting a bomb inside the village.'
Given the psychological condition of ninja, Hiruzen even suspected…
If he left things unchecked, there might emerge extremists who would want to destroy the world—
'If neither the Will of Fire nor the Shinobi Code works…'
'Then let's destroy everything!'
It sounded absurd—but from Hiruzen's experience, it wasn't unlikely.
'Take Hiruko for example—if not for Konoha's committee system selecting him out, with his sensitive and paranoid personality, he could very well have become a missing-nin…'
'Hizashi is similar—but with the Caged Bird seal restricting him, even if he suffers injustice, he likely wouldn't resist, just muddling through life…'
Hiruzen still remembered the first time he met Hizashi.
He wasn't the cold-faced ANBU he was now—but a young man who even spoke timidly.
As for the Uchiha clan, it was even harder to predict what kind of obsessive madmen might appear…
It was only because Senju Tobirama was keeping watch that Hiruzen felt reassured.
Thought was something invisible, intangible—impossible to truly materialize.
But in truth, the power of thought was terrifying.
It could make scattered ninja clans set aside their differences to build a village—and make ninja use their flesh and blood to shield their comrades…
But it could also cause a great hidden village to quietly split apart and collapse.
Hiruzen picked up a test paper.
The name on it read: Uchiha Seisui.
Compared to the other Academy students, Senju Tobirama had emphasized clear rules and systems in the first two questions.
He also suggested that Hiruzen provide case studies to help ninja understand…
'As expected of Tobirama-sensei…'
When Hiruzen was young, Tobirama often told him:
"As long as ninja suppress their emotions, establish strict rules, and follow them, conflict can be avoided…"
Hiruzen smiled and shook his head.
Tobirama no longer mentioned suppressing emotions…
Whether he believed the Uchiha problem would be resolved—or that properly guided emotions could become a powerful force…
This was the silent dialogue between master and disciple.
'Tobirama-sensei is reminding me… that Konoha needs an update,' Hiruzen thought, lowering his gaze to the bottom of Tobirama's paper.
There lay his answer to the third question:
'What problems still exist in the current village?'
Tobirama wrote extensively—but it all boiled down to one point:
Root. Danzo.
He believed that even during a period of rapid growth, when everything seemed prosperous…
The village should not conceal past problems.
For example:
Danzo, as Hokage advisor, had turned Root into what was nominally ANBU but in reality a private army—brainwashing ninja to have no emotions, no past, no future, no names, acting recklessly in the name of the Will of Fire!
Even if Root had indeed made contributions, under traditional ninja values, merits and faults could offset each other.
But a Hokage advisor should hold himself to stricter standards!
Otherwise, how should the village's ninja view the Will of Fire?
The Hokage doing well—that's fine…
But the Hokage advisor is still the number two figure in the village. His actions also represent the village—and to some extent, Hiruzen himself!
Two extremes—light and shadow—would distort the ninja's thinking, leading to internal conflict…
Therefore, while the village was expanding and ninja were generally tolerant, it was the perfect time to bring Danzo's issues into the open and deal with them.
This way, Danzo wouldn't be completely crushed—yet the historical problems could be resolved.
Tobirama called it "scraping poison from the bone."
'The first two questions—Tobirama-sensei only wrote one page…'
'But about Danzo—he wrote over seven pages…'
'Is he worried I'll protect Danzo?'
Hiruzen smiled and shook his head.
In truth, he had already warned Danzo beforehand.
When they met at the Senju estate—and many times before.
'To punish without teaching is cruelty.'
Hiruzen didn't insist on making Danzo a scapegoat…
But if his old comrade refused to change, then he could only be used.
Such a major reform was like the reconciliation between Senju and Uchiha.
Without a major incident, the problems would never feel real to the ninja.
Danzo's weight was sufficient—and due to his special status, public reaction could be controlled.
This also owed to Hiruzen emphasizing during the commendation ceremony that Danzo had long worked under special conditions.
Giving him some cover.
Otherwise, if things blew up—with Danzo's past reputation…
Hiruzen shook his head slightly.
He contemplated the brilliance of Tobirama's move.
Not only could it resolve historical issues, but it could also win back the Uchiha's loyalty—and allow him to gain tremendous prestige among them…
A mere Academy student, and from the Uchiha…
Openly confronting Danzo and winning—like an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
As for why Hiruzen was certain Tobirama would win—
Putting aside strength—
Wasn't he himself sitting right here?
However, what Hiruzen neither foresaw nor could foresee…
Was that an unnamed Uchiha elder had decided to add fuel to the fire—
To make "Seisui" lose faith in Konoha and embrace the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Just then—
As Hiruzen was thinking about how to make Tobirama's paper public—
A knock sounded.
Danzo slowly walked in, speaking immediately: "Hiruzen, that Uchiha brat is too dangerous! I think after he graduates, he should be placed in ANBU—under my watch…"
Hiruzen smiled inwardly.
Speak of Danzo, and he appears.
"Let's talk about it after graduation. Don't worry prematurely. Help me with something first."
Without revealing anything, Hiruzen slipped Tobirama's paper back, casually dividing the papers into two stacks and handing the one containing Tobirama's to Danzo.
Danzo took it—but continued: "Hiruzen, this is no small matter! That kid gives me a bad feeling. I don't think he can do anything yet, but danger must be eliminated at its root!"
Danzo had a clear understanding of "Seisui's" talent and strength.
A true genius comparable to Namikaze Minato.
That was also why he wanted to take Seisui as his disciple.
Danzo's plan to deal with the Uchiha was, in some ways, similar to Tobirama's—
Both aimed to control the Uchiha through Seisui.
The difference was:
Danzo wanted to control Seisui—and thereby control the Uchiha.
Seeing that Hiruzen didn't seem to grasp Seisui's importance, Danzo sighed, planning to persuade him again another day, and finally glanced at the papers.
"What are these?"
"Ninja Academy papers? About the Will of Fire? You want me to help grade them?" Danzo looked confused.
Have you forgotten I am the darkness of the shinobi world?
"Otherwise? You're the Hokage's advisor. If you don't understand the Will of Fire, fine—but can't you at least guide Academy students?"
Hiruzen's face hardened: "At this rate, how will you become Hokage in the future?"
Danzo froze.
Hokage? What does this have to do with being Hokage… No, wait—this has everything to do with it!
The Hokage also serves as the Academy's principal.
And even if he didn't believe in the Will of Fire, after being around Hiruzen so long, he understood the advantage of using the First Hokage's legacy.
If he became the Fourth Hokage, he couldn't openly oppose the Will of Fire—that would isolate him from all Konoha ninja.
At most, he could secretly insert his own agenda…
"Hiruzen, that's not what I meant. I've just been busy lately… Iwagakure's spies have been getting active again…"
"Oh? Then go take care of it."
"You misunderstand. Helping the Hokage is the advisor's duty. Reviewing Academy papers can also help me relax—it'll improve my efficiency."
Danzo coughed lightly and replied.
He sat down opposite Hiruzen, familiarly picking up a red pen.
"It's been a long time since we worked together…"
Danzo inwardly praised himself.
After learning from Hiruzen for so long, he had realized something—
Don't confront the Hokage head-on.
Sometimes, you have to bend.
Besides, wasn't this obviously Hiruzen training him to be Hokage?
If he didn't appreciate it, that would be his own fault.
After all, these papers—
Whether he graded them or Orochimaru did—
Wasn't it all the same?
'On the road to becoming Hokage, I've pulled even further ahead!' Danzo rejoiced inwardly.
"Hiruzen, what's the grading standard?"
"Just follow your own judgment…" Hiruzen glanced at Danzo.
"Don't be too strict, but if you come across something problematic, deduct points. Best if you can also write a few comments to encourage the Academy students."
After a moment's thought, Hiruzen added, "And remember to sign your name!"
Danzo gave a knowing nod.
A signature, naturally, was to build up his reputation!
Just like at that commendation assembly—if he didn't write his name, who would know it was the advisor doing the grading?
Even if his handwriting was different from Hiruzen's, nobody else knew what his handwriting looked like. What if they mistook it for Orochimaru's?
Wouldn't that just be boosting a political rival's prestige?
'Hiruzen really does think things through. Even if he won't say it aloud, in his heart he still favors me…' Danzo nodded contentedly and began grading the papers.
Before long, he frowned.
After working in Root for so long, looking at the Academy students' rather "childish" ideas made him deeply uncomfortable.
'Protection? The first thing that should be emphasized is that completing the mission comes first!' Suppressing his dissatisfaction, Danzo reluctantly gave Might Guy's paper a score of sixty.
Call it mercy—barely a passing grade!
Hiruzen, meanwhile, was somewhat surprised.
He had come across the exam papers of several exchange students from Kirigakure.
'Why did they take the Will of Fire exam too?'
'So they've really integrated into life at the Academy. Good…'
Naturally, those exchange students didn't understand the Will of Fire, so their answers didn't really stay on topic. But the information their responses revealed was quite interesting.
Kisame: Comrades no longer killing each other, being able to trust one another, and being able to make suggestions to the higher-ups.
Nakamaro: Strong ninja guiding weaker ninja, and not using harming them as the price of doing so.
Snow: Respect for every ninja clan, and guilt not extending by association.
Terumī Mei: Openness, prosperity, being able to have non-shinobi hobbies one personally enjoys, and having protective mechanisms in place.
Those were their answers.
But to protect themselves—or perhaps out of genuine feeling—
Other than Nakamaro, the other three still mentioned that Kirigakure, too, was steadily improving, and that in the future it would not be weaker than Konoha.
'It reflects what's in each of their hearts…'
'That boy called Kisame is pretty good. Interesting.' A gleam flashed through Hiruzen's eyes.
Hiruzen did remember Kisame.
Because of his morning exercise routine, Hiruzen would often see him silently competing with Might Guy…
As for this Kirigakure ninja—still young, yet built like an adult and possessing enormous chakra reserves—Hiruzen had used his crystal ball to observe him several times.
His conclusion was that this was an honest man who didn't seem like a Kirigakure ninja at all.
'When an honest man gets pushed too far and finally erupts, he can be even more fearsome than a madman…'
Hiruzen smiled faintly and cast a glance at Danzo.
Making suggestions to the higher-ups—wasn't that clearly referring to Seisui and Danzo?
If this matter were handled properly, it would undoubtedly leave a deep impression on Kisame and give him a beautiful vision of what was possible. He might even try to replicate it in Kirigakure…
The Hokage, secret mastermind of the shadowy power beyond Kirigakure's borders, was preparing to give these exchange students a textbook-worthy demonstration!
After all, without comparison, there is no damage.
Though according to the intelligence exchanged between the Hyūga and the Kaguya, Hiruzen did not think Kisame would succeed in making suggestions to the Mizukage. Most likely, the moment he opened his mouth, he would be locked up…
'When the time comes, I'll apply pressure from the outside. If Kisame really does it, I still ought to cover for him a bit.'
Hiruzen gave Kisame and the others pretty good scores as a form of encouragement.
And just then, Danzo suddenly slammed the table and barked angrily, "Outrageous!!"
Hiruzen glanced over and smiled inwardly.
Understood. He had reached Tobirama-sensei's paper…
"Danzo, it's been a long time since you last slapped this table," Hiruzen said faintly.
Danzo was much more polite now than before. When he came in, he knocked. When he left, he even closed the door behind him.
That occasional table slap almost gave Hiruzen a sense of nostalgia…
"I'm not slapping you, Hiruzen!"
"This brat has lost his mind. He actually dares impeach me in an exam paper? Who does he think he is?"
"A brat is just a brat no matter how talented he is—let alone an Uchiha brat!"
"He's still an Academy student and already daring to take veiled shots at me. Once he graduates, won't he be trying to become Hokage next?!"
Danzo waved the exam paper in his hand, the sheet snapping sharply in the air.
"Are you not even going to let him speak now?"
"It's just an exam paper. If it's right, give it a high score. If it's wrong, give it a low one. Don't blow it out of proportion."
For the first time in a long while, Hiruzen was smoothing things over again.
"Look at this, Hiruzen! He even named me directly—he couldn't at least be a little subtle?"
Danzo slapped Tobirama's paper down in front of him.
"What he says… does have some merit."
Hiruzen gave a light cough. "Still, Root's old problems were always going to need an explanation sooner or later…"
He was reminding Danzo yet again.
After all, it wasn't as though his old friend absolutely had to be set over the fire. There were other ways of resolving it.
They just wouldn't be as effective…
Danzo merely let out a dismissive snort. "Hiruzen, can you really say Root was useless?"
Hiruzen shook his head. "Of course not. In fact, I've been considering reactivating Root—just in a different way."
Tobirama often liked to use the phrase "born evil" when describing the Uchiha clan.
But on the grand stage of the shinobi world, people like that—"born evil"—were not especially rare. You could find them even in Konoha.
People born with a love for fighting, killing, or researching secret arts that others could not understand, with solitary, withdrawn personalities.
For example, Aburame Shikuro of the Aburame clan—obsessed with researching nanoscale venomous insects. Even his own clan kept their distance from him, and very few people associated with him.
Or certain very particular members of the Uchiha clan…
Now that two-thirds of the Uchiha ninja had returned to the regular mission structure, the feedback from Konoha's ninja had actually been very good. They all felt they had previously misunderstood those red-eyed people…
Powerful, reliable, and once battle began, they never retreated—they all charged forward howling.
They were also generous. Working in the Police Force had left the Uchiha with savings most ninja envied, since working inside the village involved almost no attrition…
But there were still a few Uchiha clan members whose killing intent was simply too heavy, to the point that it frightened their comrades and led to some conflicts.
And in Hiruzen's eyes, those people were the future reserve candidates for the new Root.
It would become an elite squad made up of freaks… special talents, one that would be given honor and status, turning them into the village's sharpest blade rather than bombs liable to detonate at any moment.
And when freaks gathered together, they would naturally have more common ground and shared traits, making it easier for bonds to form among them, so they too could bask in the Will of Fire…
"Really? Hiruzen, you're going to rebuild Root?"
Danzo was stunned, delight plainly written all over his face. "When?!"
"It still needs more study. This time, the candidates need to be chosen more carefully. What we want is an elite force."
"You could still serve as Root's leader, but…"
Hiruzen looked at Danzo with a faint smile. "Would it just become another Shimura private army? After all, Root did once bear the Shimura name…"
"Hiruzen, what are you saying?"
Danzo laughed awkwardly. "Whether it's ANBU or Root, isn't it all for serving the Hokage? I think what happened before was a misunderstanding. There's no need to reopen old accounts…"
"Not serving me. Serving the village."
Even though they were the only two present, Hiruzen still corrected Danzo's wording: "You are indeed suited to lead the new Root. But if you resist oversight and violate the rules I lay down, then all I can say is that you were given your chance…"
As he spoke, Hiruzen sighed and rubbed his palm across the tabletop.
It didn't have Danzo's dramatic forceful flair.
But it still made Danzo's heart skip a beat. He understood that Hiruzen was serious.
"Don't worry, Hiruzen!"
"Let's talk about that brat instead! Hiruzen, I'm giving him a zero!"
Danzo abruptly changed the subject and, with exaggerated flourish, drew a bright red circle on Tobirama's exam paper.
Zero points!
Hiruzen froze. Before he could say anything, he saw Danzo begin writing furiously across it.
"Great ambition, little talent; empty grandstanding and hollow talk; unfit for great things!"
He even signed his name beneath it and added a heavy exclamation mark.
Hiruzen took a deep breath and held his expression steady.
He had never expected things to develop like this…
At the very least, he could've given a few courtesy points—thirty or fifty, something to preserve a little dignity…
A disciple giving his teacher's Will of Fire essay a zero.
The Third Hokage's advisor giving the Second Hokage a zero.
Could something like this even happen?
This wasn't just simple insubordination anymore—this called for a heavy blow!
'Good thing I told Danzo to sign it. If people thought this was me, that would really have been troublesome…' Hiruzen pressed his lips tightly together to keep from laughing.
There was nothing he could do. He had warned Danzo several times already. He had treated this old comrade with more than enough generosity.
But who could have guessed that just one mention of rebuilding Root would make Danzo think Hiruzen was backing him—and that he would use Tobirama's paper to change the subject?
'Tomorrow's training session is going to be interesting…'
Hiruzen decided then and there—when the exam papers were handed back at the Academy, he would keep watching through the crystal ball the whole time…
This was a live broadcast he absolutely could not miss!
"Hiruzen, you seem to be smiling?" Danzo asked suspiciously.
"Yes. Thinking about the establishment of the new Root makes me very happy." Hiruzen coughed lightly.
Rarely, Danzo smiled too. "Same here!"
He truly did have unusual feelings toward Root.
Setting aside the fact that it had once been his own independent kingdom—
Being surrounded by dark people also made Danzo feel that he had companions who shared his ideals, that his road to becoming Hokage was not a lonely one…
People, after all, always need social connection and recognition.
...
Ninja Academy.
Tobirama sat in the classroom, watching the papers being handed back, when suddenly something sweet rose in his throat.
For the past two or three months, this had happened to him often.
Though he had hidden it well, Obito and Shisui had still noticed, and they were deeply worried about him.
But in order to avoid unnecessary trouble, Tobirama had reassured them that it was nothing serious—just an old wound left behind in Kusagakure, and that with some time to recuperate, it would be fine…
Obito and Shisui, however, clearly didn't believe him. They thought Seisui had simply been training too hard…
And Tobirama really had been training hard.
He needed to defeat Namikaze Minato, so that on the great stage he could play out a beautiful scene with Hiruzen as the victor.
Though Tobirama did not think he would lose.
How many years had Minato even mastered the Flying Thunder God for?
The final word on Flying Thunder God belonged to him!
But after having been ambushed once in his previous life by Kinkaku and Ginkaku with the Sage of Six Paths' treasured tools, the reincarnated Tobirama had become even more cautious. He would not underestimate anyone!
And so, while working hard to recover the power of his previous life, Tobirama relied on his strength, looks, and temperament—
Together with the Academy students' shared mindset of "we have suffered under that evil yellow-haired monster for too long," and their desperate hope that someone would stand up for them—
He had already become the unquestioned king of the kids at the Academy.
At a glance, Uchiha Seisui had plainly become the sole core of the new generation.
'Here it comes again…'
'It's nothing. In another two or three months, it'll clear up.' Tobirama savored the taste of blood in his mouth.
This really wasn't any major problem.
In Tobirama's own assessment, on one hand, it was a normal reaction from the fusion of body and soul.
On the other, it was the result of what had happened back at the clan compound—when, in order to intimidate Uchiha Kaku, and with his emotions surging while still just one step short of breaking through to the three-tomoe stage, he had forcibly stimulated himself with a forbidden soul technique.
Forbidden power always came with a price.
Tobirama gave a small nod to the classmate handing out the exam papers.
With blood in his mouth, it wasn't convenient to speak…
Better to find some hidden place and deal with the congealed blood there.
Tobirama casually flipped through the paper.
Of course he didn't care about the score on it. He'd already been Hokage—why would he care about something like this?
He had only written it to let Hiruzen know that his next step would be to use Danzo as the stage.
"Hm?"
Tobirama narrowed his eyes. He had seen a giant zero.
'What is Hiruzen trying to do here?'
'Is he bantering with me? A zero is way too ugly…'
Tobirama kept reading, and then he saw Danzo's overbearing comment and signature.
The aura around him changed instantly.
'Well, well…'
'So it wasn't Hiruzen. You were the one who gave me a zero?'
'The Hokage advisor really is impressive, huh? Hiruzen lets you take part in village affairs, and this is how you handle it?'
'I hadn't even made a move against you yet, and you're already opening fire on me first!'
Anger surged within Tobirama.
"Seisui-nii, you got a perfect score, right?" At that moment, Asuma came over sighing and asked, "Father is way too harsh. He only gave me seventy-five!"
Naturally, Tobirama's essay on the Will of Fire had been widely recognized by the Academy students.
And now that the scores were out, most of the students were asking each other about them. They had all instinctively assumed Tobirama would get a perfect score, and wanted to study his model answer.
Kakashi, Might Guy, Shisui, Obito, and the others all gathered around.
Nakamaro, Kisame, and the others came over too.
A sudden thought stirred in Tobirama's heart, and a trace of coldness flashed through his eyes.
'This isn't me as your sensei coming down too hard on you…'
'It's about demonstrating a sensei's authority.'
'With political instincts like yours, how are you supposed to be a competent Hokage advisor?'
'Time to teach you a lesson… A person in a high position should not casually strike at those below him. At the very least, he should never step onto the field personally.'
'The cost-benefit ratio is badly skewed, and if it triggers backlash born of collective empathy, the consequences are even worse…'
Tobirama suddenly coughed violently, as if his whole chest were shaking.
The congealed blood in his throat immediately sprayed out, staining the entire exam paper red with blood!
The performance was so convincing that even Hiruzen, sitting in the Hokage Building, felt his heart tighten.
But the Hokage-sama relaxed again almost at once.
Because if that blood had really been caused by a physical problem, then with Senju Tobirama's depth of character, he would never have spat it out—he would have forced it back down no matter what…
He understood his teacher fairly well.
'So he really managed to anger Sensei…'
Hiruzen exhaled a dense cloud of smoke and sighed inwardly. 'Prepare to be educated.'
And at the Academy—
Asuma and the others were instantly thrown into panic, all shouting, "Seisui-nii, are you alright?!"
Shisui and Obito rushed over even faster, and the two Uchiha brats unconsciously activated their two-tomoe Sharingan.
"Brother!"
"I'm fine…" Tobirama forced out a smile, his eyes fixed straight on the exam paper.
"I'm really fine."
Following Tobirama's line of sight, Asuma looked down and saw that on the blood-soaked paper, right at the top, there was a huge zero.
Along with a red comment and Danzo's signature.
"Why is it a zero?!"
Asuma looked at Tobirama worriedly. "Seisui-nii, but even if it is a zero, there's no need to get this angry…"
"Shimura Danzo may be the Hokage advisor, but the whole village knows he doesn't understand the Will of Fire. What he says isn't worth getting angry over."
At first, Asuma had also wanted to mention that his own paper had been graded by Hiruzen, and he had no idea why Seisui's had been graded by Danzo…
But after thinking about it, he kept quiet. After all, Danzo was still the Hokage advisor.
He was more than qualified to grade Academy exams.
The fact that the Hokage advisor did not understand the Will of Fire was the common view held by most of the village.
Even if the commendation assembly had improved that image somewhat, ingrained impressions were not so easy to erase.
"Yeah, brother, it's just a score!"
Obito said hurriedly. "Your body matters more!"
"It's not about the score…"
Tobirama waved his hand weakly.
"Look at the content. I'm worried about the village… if this keeps going, it won't do! We have to face the problem head-on…"
Only then did Asuma and the others snap back to their senses.
A dozen or so heads crowded together, jostling and squeezing as they read through Tobirama's answers.
The first two questions were naturally flawless. They all felt what he had written was deep and thoughtful…
Which only made them more confused. How could an exam paper like this possibly get a zero?
And when they reached the part where Tobirama openly blasted Danzo—
Everyone fell silent.
"If you did something wrong, then you should admit it—even if you're the Hokage advisor!"
"What kind of behavior is it to use power and influence to suppress me? Are Academy students not allowed to offer their opinions to him?"
"I may not have been in Konoha for long, but I asked a lot of people. The old Root was practically just like Kusagakure—most of the ninja were forced into it!"
"That does not align with the Will of Fire…"
Another streak of bright red blood slid down from the corner of Tobirama's lips.
Only this time, he had forced it out himself with a technique…
"Brother!"
"Seisui-nii!"
Kisame stared at Tobirama, his face turning extremely ugly.
Though Kisame refused to admit it, and still believed that Kirigakure in the future would not be inferior to Konoha…
Deep down, he did not hold much hope.
After Kakashi's reminder that day, Kisame had used his morning training time to carefully read every single public notice board in Konoha, word by word, learning about the death benefits, aid for widows and orphans, the Konoha committee system, and a whole series of other policies.
He had studied with extraordinary seriousness, even neatly copying them down into a little notebook.
Kisame could not help but sigh. Compared to the current Kirigakure, Konoha's ninja might as well be living in paradise…
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes and experienced it himself, Kisame felt that even if he had racked his brain to the point of breaking it, he never would have imagined that ninja could live this kind of life.
Kisame had been thinking that if he returned to Kirigakure, he would advise the Third Mizukage to follow Konoha's example…
But if even a Konoha this good could not tolerate reasonable advice from below—
Then could Kirigakure?
At that moment, a tide-like sorrow flooded Kisame's heart, as though the shinobi world was vast, yet everywhere he looked, it was all just like the Bloody Mist Village of today…
"Kisame, what kind of expression is that?"
"Talking back to the higher-ups—this is exactly what happens, isn't it?" Nakamaro sighed and said softly, "Honestly, I don't think Root is that big a deal. So they abducted a few ninja—so what? To be frank, compared to the Bloody Mist Village, what does that even amount to…"
Kisame froze.
Snow and Mei also let out quiet sighs.
They could understand why "Seisui" was so furious.
Because this was Konoha. Root's conduct clearly violated the Will of Fire here—it was something that could not be tolerated…
But that only made them feel even more sorrow for themselves.
The kind of thing that had angered Seisui to the point of coughing up blood was, in Kirigakure, nothing more than an ordinary everyday matter…
If it had been before, they would have thought Konoha's ninja were just too pampered—that they couldn't even endure this little bit of suffering, what useless trash!
But after living in Konoha for so long…
No one understood the strength and living conditions of Konoha's ninja better than Kisame and the others. Those people lived good lives, sure, but they had not grown soft because of it. Every single one of them worked incredibly hard!
"Maybe it's the difference between people and tools?"
Nakamaro glanced at the expressions of his companions and said flatly, "We are tools for killing. They are people. And it's normal for people to have emotions…"
"You'd say something like that?" Mei asked in surprise.
Wasn't he supposed to be a reckless brute driven by killing intent?
How had a few months in Konoha made even the way he spoke carry a trace of wisdom…
"An orange planted in the Land of Water turns sour, but planted in Konoha, it might turn sweet…"
Nakamaro shook his head. "Tenzō-ojisan taught me that."
Kisame fell silent.
At that moment, an urgent desire rose in his heart—he desperately wanted to see Konoha handle this matter properly…
Because if it did, then Kirigakure would also have an example it could study…
Without even realizing it, the image of Konoha in Kisame's heart had already become that of a village he could not bear to see make mistakes.
And Asuma and the others, hearing Nakamaro and the rest speak, also listened in silence.
Reading between the lines, why did it sound like life in Kirigakure wasn't all that good…?
They had never heard them mention it before…
"Seisui-nii…" Asuma hesitated before asking, "Is there anything we can do to help you?"
Kakashi, Might Guy, and the others all echoed him.
A Seisui who coughed blood for the sake of the village was, without question, someone worthy of admiration!
"You all…"
"If you can, please help me gather some evidence. If any of your clan members were ever forced into Root by him, then on that day, please testify for me."
Tobirama spoke softly.
But the moment he said that, quite a few Academy students instinctively shrank back.
Danzo was not someone easy to offend…
Even Academy students had heard their parents repeatedly warn them about that.
"Alright!"
Asuma suddenly shouted:
"Father once said: Those who carry firewood for the people must not be left to freeze to death in the wind and snow!"
"Seisui-nii, I'll help you!"
And the moment Asuma said that, the other Academy students all froze.
What did that mean…?
In theory, the Hokage's son represented part of the Hokage's own position.
So did that mean Hokage actually didn't know about some of Root's affairs? But that didn't seem very possible either…
Still, no matter what, Asuma stepping forward had clearly given the other Academy students a powerful shot in the arm.
"Son diplomacy" was showing its power once again.
"I'm in too," Kakashi said in a low voice.
"My father said that Lord Hokage is not someone who fears having his mistakes pointed out. Even if it's Danzo, he'll still handle it fairly!"
"For the sake of youth, we have to support Seisui-nii!" Might Guy nodded solemnly.
Roused by that momentum, quite a few students from clans that had members join Root also raised their hands. "We all support you, Seisui-nii!"
The corner of Tobirama's mouth lifted unconsciously.
This was Konoha's hope for the future…
"What day, Seisui-nii?" Asuma asked in a steady voice.
"On the day I defeat Namikaze Minato for everyone!"
Tobirama abruptly rose to his feet and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. "I'll win it for everyone! I'm going to train now!"
Asuma and the others stared blankly at Tobirama.
So Seisui-nii really had remembered their words all along…
And at this moment—
Shisui and Obito were nowhere to be seen.
The two of them had rushed back to the Uchiha compound at top speed and found Isshin.
"Clan Head Isshin, Brother got so angry at Danzo that he coughed up blood!"
Shisui said in panic, "Please think of something!"
Isshin, who had been humming a little tune and feeling quite content these past few days, shot to his feet. "What did you say?"
But immediately after, something stirred in Isshin's heart.
"Shisui, don't panic…"
"This may be Seisui's way of stirring up empathy. He's probably fine."
Tobirama's intention to open fire on Danzo had been stated in front of the entire Uchiha clan.
Acting a little for effect was perfectly normal for Seisui!
"That's not it, Clan Head Isshin!"
Obito said anxiously, "We know that too, but Brother has been coughing up blood a lot lately. He thought he was hiding it well, but Shisui and I both know!"
Shisui's voice trembled with the edge of tears: "Clan Head Isshin, Brother trains and works until the middle of the night every single day, and he's also planned so much for the clan's future and improved so many jutsu!"
"I told him to rest, but Brother said things couldn't be delayed…"
"Clan Head Isshin, could Brother be…"
Isshin's expression suddenly turned extremely ugly.
This sounded far too much like someone putting his affairs in order!
As if there were no time left.
'Could it be a bloodline disease? Heavens!'
'Please, no, please don't let it be that. Seisui clearly had the ancestors' blessing!'
'Deputy Clan Head Izuna, protect him. Great Clan Head, protect him. Seisui absolutely cannot be allowed to die…'
Without realizing it, Isshin activated his Sharingan, the three tomoe spinning on their own.
'Seisui said he wanted to face Danzo head-on and bear all the consequences himself. Could it be because he knows he's about to die?'
Isshin felt as if his heart had been seized in a crushing grip.
"Come on, to the Academy!"
"No, we can't go…" Isshin bit down on the tip of his tongue. If he rushed over in such a dramatic way now, Seisui's target would become too obvious, and his plans would be exposed.
"What if this is all a misunderstanding?"
"Take me to your house first, Shisui!"
Isshin barked in a deep voice, "I'll wait for him there. Hurry and get Seisui back!"
Shisui nodded at once.
When they arrived at the home shared by Tobirama and Shisui, Isshin slowly walked toward "Seisui's" bedroom.
He opened the door.
On the desk were stacks of scrolls, along with densely written pages covered in notes.
Isshin slowly began flipping through them.
'Ideas for improving Uchiha Fire Release,' 'Sharingan Notes,' 'Summary of Swordsmanship'…
'Several thoughts on the Uchiha's place in Konoha,' 'Restructuring the Police Force,' 'Further support for widowed and solitary clan members'…
Every scroll was full of substance.
Not only had he devised intricate improvements for the Uchiha clan's techniques, he had also laid out extremely detailed plans for the clan's status within the village, explaining all manner of possible issues they might encounter.
And these truly had been written by Senju Tobirama. They were not for show.
This was simply a work habit he had carried over from his time as the Second Hokage.
He was just born to toil…
But the more Isshin read, the more his hands shook, until in the end he could barely hold the scrolls steady.
It was confirmed!
Seisui had to be suffering from a bloodline disease—his body had developed a major problem…
Otherwise, why would he be in such a hurry to write down every last thing he thought?
Wasn't it obviously because he wanted to make one final contribution to the clan?
He had even dragged Danzo into his calculations because of it, all just to unshackle the Uchiha clan from the burdens of history.
'You're about to die, and you're still carrying all this by yourself?'
'You're still so young…'
'You make me, as Clan Head, look utterly useless. Why can't I do anything at all…' Isshin clenched his fists unconsciously, and it seemed as though blood were dripping from his eyes.
He was an Uchiha with brains…
But brains alone, without the strength to defy fate, meant that when real trouble came, all he could do was stand here and stare helplessly!
'Damn that bloodline disease… damn your so-called ancestors' blessing. Why won't it protect Seisui?!'
'If the ancestors' blessing is real, then open your eyes and look at this child who has poured out his heart and soul for the Uchiha clan!'
Uchiha Isshin roared in fury.
And at that very moment, his three tomoe linked together and formed the pattern of a Mangekyō!
...
A quarter of an hour later.
Surrounded by Shisui and Obito, Senju Tobirama returned home with a helpless look.
Actually, he had wanted to train a little longer…
But the moment he opened the bedroom door, he froze.
A pair of Mangekyō Sharingan were staring straight at him!
"Seisui, you can be saved!"
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