"Big brother, what's so urgent about those stupid piles of wood?!"
"The most important thing right now is to decide who holds authority!"
"And you say I'm neglecting proper duties? I'm doing this for you, for the Senju clan, and for this village!"
Senju Tobirama roared internally, his face dark as pitch, forcibly suppressing his rapidly spiking blood pressure.
My big brother is a naïve idiot…
Fine. I accept it. I really do.
"Big brother, the village has only just been founded. People's hearts are still unsettled."
"At a time like this, we must have a clear leader. Only then can everyone feel at ease and move forward together toward a new future!"
"I'm not doing this to target the Uchiha clan. Since I promised you I'd treat the Uchiha as comrades, I won't go back on my word!"
"And for the village's long-term future, this matter should be settled now, not later."
Tobirama crossed his arms, forcing himself to remain calm as he patiently guided Hashirama step by step.
He made sure to emphasize that his proposal was absolutely not aimed at the Uchiha.
Out of respect for his brother, Tobirama was willing—barely—to regard the Uchiha as comrades.
Well… comrades who required constant vigilance and strict supervision.
Yes, that sounded right.
His proposal came purely from a place of public interest.
When a clan, a village, or even a nation was first established, the most important thing was always the same:
Determine who holds authority.
Only with unified authority could power be consolidated—
preventing this already-fragile alliance from collapsing all over again.
Hashirama looked at Tobirama's solemn expression and slowly nodded, beginning to seriously consider his brother's words.
Over the past years, most of the Senju clan's internal affairs had indeed been handled by Tobirama behind the scenes.
He had taken on all the dirty work and exhausting responsibilities.
Hashirama himself had mostly focused on inspiring morale and fighting enemies on the battlefield.
So when it came to village planning and administration, Hashirama felt Tobirama truly did have the right to speak.
After careful thought, Hashirama realized Tobirama's words did make some sense.
"Tobirama… in that case, for the sake of the village's future, we really should choose a leader first."
"Yes! That's exactly it, big brother!"
Tobirama nodded repeatedly, inwardly relieved.
My brother may be dumb, but at least he listens.
As long as he listens, there's hope.
There's still hope!
For the village's future, Hashirama absolutely had to become the leader—
with Tobirama himself serving as deputy to support him.
As for the naturally dangerous Uchiha—
They could live in the village under Senju leadership.
That was the ideal outcome.
"Hmm… Tobirama, then why don't we let Madara be the leader?"
Just as Tobirama was mapping out his grand future plan—
pushing his brother onto the seat of authority—
Hashirama calmly made his decision.
Who was most qualified to lead the village?
I, Senju Hashirama, nominate Uchiha Madara.
"…What?"
"Big brother, are you joking?!"
Tobirama's face changed instantly.
The younger brother is ready to fight to the death—
why does the elder brother surrender first?!
Let Uchiha Madara be the leader?!
How did your brain even come up with that?!
That Uchiha vermin—does he know anything about managing a village?!
Letting that group of dangerous elements seize control would inevitably drag the Senju clan down with them!
How could something like this possibly be allowed?!
"Tobirama, I'm not joking."
"I think Madara can definitely do a good job."
"And you know it too—I don't have any talent for managing a village. The position of leader should go to Madara."
Hashirama spoke earnestly.
He was only good at fighting. He couldn't even manage the Senju clan's internal affairs properly.
Letting him run an entire village?
That would only hold the village back.
Better to let Madara handle it.
He'll definitely do well.
"???"
Tobirama's eyes widened. His breathing grew rapid.
He felt like he couldn't breathe.
Big brother!
Tell me—do you only have Madara in your heart now? Have you completely forgotten your own brother?!
You can't manage things?
Then there's me!
I can support you!
Just like I did back in the Senju clan!
You can stay the hands-off leader—I'll handle everything!
I guarantee the village will run smoothly.
And even those naturally evil Uchiha—
I have plenty of ways to deal with them!
"Big brother! I—I can support you!!" Tobirama blurted out.
"I know," Hashirama replied gently.
"But Tobirama—if Madara becomes the leader, you can still support him too."
Hashirama said this casually, completely ignoring Tobirama's increasingly distorted expression.
"…Me? Senju Tobirama—supporting the naturally evil Uchiha Madara?"
Tobirama couldn't believe his brother could say something like that.
Unconsciously, he repeated his favorite phrase again—naturally evil.
I'm the second-in-command of the Senju clan!
And you want me to support Uchiha Madara?!
Are you kidding me?!
And big brother—have you forgotten something important?
I personally killed Madara's brother, Uchiha Izuna, using the Flying Thunder God Technique!
If I'm ever alone in a room with Madara, and he suddenly remembers his brother—
Wouldn't I be the one in danger?!
"Hey, Tobirama, why are you saying that again?"
"That kind of 'naturally evil' talk is bad for unity!"
Hashirama hurriedly corrected him.
The Senju and Uchiha had already reconciled.
How could Tobirama still use words like "naturally evil" to describe the Uchiha?
If the Uchiha heard that, the impact would be terrible—
Especially since he was talking about his dearest Madara.
You're willing to treat the Uchiha as comrades—that makes your brother happy.
But that lingering prejudice in your heart?
That makes your brother very unhappy.
That attitude is bad.
It needs to change.
"I know, I know!"
Tobirama was utterly exhausted.
He was trying to seriously discuss matters of the village's future—
And his brother was nitpicking words!
Are the Uchiha's Sharingan not dangerous?!
More importantly, they don't even listen to orders!
My stance couldn't be clearer, big brother—
I want you to be the leader!
Do I really have to spell it out before you understand?!
"Big brother, my position is very clear."
"I believe Uchiha Madara is not more suitable than you to be the village's leader."
"And it's not just me—the entire Senju clan thinks the same."
To keep his troublesome brother from causing even more chaos, Tobirama finally stated his stance outright.
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