Upon hearing Tobirama's command, Hiruzen nodded without hesitation, saying, "Please rest assured, Sensei and Hokage-sama. Hiruzen will definitely complete the mission and not bring shame upon our Konohagakure!"
Tobirama had great confidence in his star pupil, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Hashirama had no disciples of his own, so Hiruzen was effectively his half-disciple. Hashirama also understood Hiruzen well and trusted his abilities.
Therefore, upon hearing Hiruzen's words, Hashirama nodded and said, "I'm leaving it to you, Saru."
Once the arrangements were made, Tobirama looked at Hibari. With just a glance, Tobirama discerned Hibari's eager, restless mind.
So, Tobirama suppressed a smile, put on a stern face, and asked, "Hibari, your little curiosity has been satisfied, hasn't it? You know what you needed to know. What are you still standing here for? And what did you come here for in the first place?"
The moment Hibari heard Tobirama's words, he quickly snapped back to attention. What did he come for? The original plan was to get the key to Tobirama's study so he could go back and diligently study books.
However, Hibari's thoughts had completely shifted.
No kidding, with Chomei appearing and the infamous missing-nin Kakuzu about to make his debut, why would he bother with books?
He should get involved first. Reading could be done later, when he had time. At worst, he could even bring a couple of books along and flip through them there.
After all, this opportunity was once in a lifetime. Especially if all went well, this time he'd get to witness the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, praised by all as a 'god,' personally dealing with a Tailed Beast.
If he missed a scene like that, wouldn't he regret it to the point of spitting blood later?
Having figured this out, Hibari made up his mind. No matter what, he absolutely had to get in on this action. Also, after mingling in the village for so many years, it was time for him to officially step into the world of shinobis, wasn't it? He couldn't always remain a sheltered 'fledgling'!
With a serious expression, Hibari looked at Tobirama and said, "Ojiisan, I thought it over carefully yesterday. Although I'm young now, I have some abilities. Years ago, children my age were already heading to the battlefield, weren't they? While this era has entered a hard-won period of peace, no one can guarantee that this peace will last forever. As the saying goes, 'be prepared for danger in times of peace,' and it is no different here..."
At this point, Hibari paused, adopting a 'righteous' demeanor, and continued with great fervor, "As a third-generation descendant of the glorious Senju clan, how can I, relying on my family's influence and convenience, hide within the village and enjoy this ease? This would simply tarnish the reputation of our Senju clan! Hashirama-jiisan and Ojiisan, you both strive for the village's prosperity and strength. I, Senju Hibari, also wish to be like you, to strive for the village, and therefore, I have come here hoping to participate in this mission alongside Hiruzen... ahem, Jonin Hiruzen. To bring glory to our Konohagakure, to bring glory to our Senju clan, so that everyone may know that in our Konohagakure, in our Senju clan, there is a will that is passed down from generation to generation!"
Hibari's speech was powerful and spirited, leaving Hiruzen standing beside him dumbfounded, completely bewildered. 'I knew you were good with words, but I didn't realize you were this good. For this display, I'll write a 'served' for you!'
Not only was Hiruzen's scalp tingling from Hibari's showmanship, but even Tobirama felt a bit nauseous. Who was Hibari? Others might not know, but how could Tobirama not?
He was always a mischievous trickster. There was no way he was genuinely hot-blooded and righteous. One couldn't believe a word of it. This kid had simply heard the news, couldn't sit still, and wanted to go out and see the world, perhaps even test his skills.
While understanding this, Hibari's eloquent words still left Tobirama with a sense of poignant reflection.
Of course, he couldn't just fall for Hibari's tricks because of some pretty words. So, Tobirama was still preparing to scold Hibari first.
However, just as his lips moved, before he could speak, there was a loud "BANG!"
The sudden sound startled Tobirama, making him jump. He quickly turned to look.
What he saw was the true head of the Senju clan, the genuine leader of the Konohagakure, First Hokage Senju Hashirama, who had just nearly smashed the table with a slap.
Upon closer inspection, the First Hokage's eyes were brimming with tears of excitement. His entire face practically screamed 'moved,' and even his body, which had never trembled in the face of powerful enemies, was subtly shaking...
This clearly meant he had fallen for Hibari's trick!
"Well said! Hibari, you really haven't shamed our Senju clan, you really haven't shamed our Konohagakure! Ojiisan is proud to have a grandson with such grand aspirations! I never expected you to have such ambitions at such a young age. Truly worthy of being my, Senju Hashirama's, grandson! You're right, we must have a will that is passed down from generation to generation. As long as this will remains, the Konohagakure will prosper!" Hashirama said excitedly, looking at Hibari. If he hadn't considered the occasion, he probably would have embraced Hibari and kissed him a few times.
Hibari was also startled by Hashirama. After all, the guy had nearly shattered the table, even scaring Tobirama. Let alone him.
But the moment he heard Hashirama's words, Hibari immediately understood the situation. In a flash, he was 'possessed by an actor,' speaking with great fervor, "That's all because of your excellent guidance, Ojiisan! Being immersed in your teachings at home, I naturally came to understand your thoughts and feelings, and how vast your aspirations are. Your noble sentiments also deeply moved my young self. Therefore, I resolved early on to learn from you, Ojiisan, and become a great shinobi, someone who can protect the village!"
When Hibari finished his speech, Hiruzen, standing by, nearly threw up. 'This damned kid is too sickeningly sweet with his words. This could actually cause spiritual damage. He might as well invent a 'Mouth Release' ninjutsu!'
Even Tobirama had a sour expression, unable to resist re-examining his 'shameless' grandson.
Hashirama, on the other hand, was not at all disgusted by Hibari's words. He still stood up excitedly and said, "That's right, that's right! As expected of my grandson! You can already feel what's in my heart? You can already understand my full ambition? This is how it should be! I feel like I can already see the future of our Konohagakure in you! Hibari, work hard!"
"Yes, Ojiisan, I definitely won't disappoint you! Therefore, Hokage-sama, please permit me to act alongside Jonin Hiruzen this time, so I may have a chance to prove myself!" Seeing Hashirama so excited, Hibari quickly pressed his advantage.
Perhaps Hashirama also got carried away, for when Hibari made such an impassioned request, he didn't even think twice and immediately said, "Good! Such ambition! As Hokage, I naturally must support you! In this mission, you must also demonstrate the capabilities of a man from our Senju clan!"
The grandfather and grandson settled the matter in just a few words, leaving Hiruzen and Tobirama completely dumbfounded. When Tobirama finally came to his senses, he quickly said, "Nonsense! Such a thing..."
But before he could finish, Hibari immediately interrupted, "Ojiisan, Hokage-sama has already spoken! You need to consider your words carefully before speaking! Remember what Mito-baasan said: when we're out and about, we must uphold Hokage-sama's dignity! If he says one thing now and changes his mind later, how can he maintain dignity? How can he command respect?"
Tobirama was so choked by Hibari's words that he nearly coughed up blood. He glared fiercely at Hibari and said, "You brat! There are no outsiders here! And remember what happened today, don't let me catch you..."
"Then you'd be abusing your power for personal vendettas..." Hibari grumbled, a bit displeased.
Just then, Hashirama laughed and patted Tobirama's shoulder, saying, "Alright, Tobirama. Since Hibari has this desire, let him fly. One day, he'll have to leave our wings, won't he? Besides, it won't delay things too much, I'll arrive there very soon, won't I? I'll look after that kid then."
In truth, Tobirama also intended for Hibari to go out and see the world. Always staying at home wasn't good. 'Reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles,' knowledge and action combined was the best. Just reading books meant merely reading dead books.
Seeing that his brother Hashirama had given him an out, he took it.
"Since you've said so, Anija, I won't object. But Hibari..." Tobirama paused, looking at Hibari, then continued, "Although you have some strength, you haven't actually performed a mission yet. When you're out there, you're a true 'fledgling.' So, on the way, you must obey Hiruzen's commands. Whatever he says, you do. And... pay close attention, speak less, do more. Learn well from your Hiruzen-jisan!"
Upon hearing Tobirama relent, Hibari said excitedly, "Don't worry, Ojiisan, I definitely won't cause any trouble! I'll listen to Hiruzen-jisan obediently throughout the journey!"
Hiruzen looked at Hibari with an expression that screamed, "You bastard, you're truly shameless!" He thought, 'I told you to call me 'Ojisan' earlier, and you wouldn't. Now that there's a benefit, you're eagerly shouting it. Can't you have any integrity?'
Tobirama also nodded, then looked at Hiruzen and said, "Hiruzen, you'll have to put in extra effort this time. If this kid Hibari... acts disobediently, feel free to discipline him."
Hiruzen immediately nodded and said, "Don't worry, Sensei, I'll take good care of Hibari."