Tobirama's idea was to retreat in the face of success. Hibari fell silent after hearing this. The fact that his grandfather had started building momentum for Hiruzen proved that this wasn't just Tobirama's thought, but something already being put into action.
This further demonstrated that Tobirama had carefully considered the matter and ultimately made this decision. It was Tobirama's resolve, and Hibari had no reason to stop it, though he felt a touch of regret.
Originally, he had thought that if he could successfully 'turn the tide' and change his grandfather's fate, then perhaps Tobirama could continue as Hokage for another decade or so. This might have a deep impact on the future... Of course, this impact didn't seem to hold much significance for Hibari, but there were still some benefits.
For one, as long as Tobirama remained Hokage, their Senju clan would still enjoy some implicit preferential treatment, wouldn't they?
However, his grandfather, out of consideration for his 'great victory' and the pressure it might put on the Daimyō's office, was preparing to 'retreat in the face of success' after this war.
Hibari didn't blame the Daimyō's office for this point. In fact, the Daimyō's office could be said to have been extremely benevolent and generous to their Senju clan. Tsunade was enfeoffed as a 'Hime' upon birth. Hashirama and Tobirama successively held military power over the Land of Fire for two terms.
After Hashirama retired, he even became the current 'political' star of the Land of Fire. Although he himself held no real power, merely a honorary 'General' title, many other Senju clan members used his influence to enter the center of power in the Land of Fire. This was an undeniable fact. For example, several of Hibari's uncles had already risen to positions like city lords.
Even he, Hibari, had benefited greatly. For instance, the smooth opening of the Mitsumine Group, and before the war, when Hibari wanted to start mining, the people from the Daimyō's office were very enthusiastic and even gifted him an extra mine. They were being very respectful, weren't they?
Going further back, they had even invited Hibari to be one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and although Hibari didn't care for it and ultimately didn't go, it was still a gesture of goodwill.
From this, it was clear that the Daimyō's office was quite good to their Senju clan. However, while one should not harbor malicious intent, one should always be wary. In the end, it was because their Senju clan was too powerful, causing the Daimyō's office to feel a certain level of pressure. Even if their Senju clan had no other intentions, this pressure was indeed real.
This situation was similar to Tobirama guarding against the Uchiha clan. Perhaps the Uchiha clan wasn't causing any trouble at the moment, but they had the capability and always showed signs of it, which forced Tobirama to be on guard!
The only difference was that the Senju clan and Uchiha clan did not have a good relationship, while the Senju clan and the Daimyō's office had a very good relationship. Therefore, the measures taken were also different.
Tobirama was suppressing the Uchiha clan, while the Daimyō's office chose to win over the Senju clan!
Many things couldn't be categorized as right or wrong. It was like the view Hibari had always deeply agreed with: this world wasn't simply black and white. It was about positions and reality; it had nothing to do with right or wrong.
Therefore, he had nothing to complain about. Blame the Daimyō's office? They hadn't done anything wrong. Blame whom? There was nothing to blame in this matter.
After thinking so much, Hibari finally sighed and said, "Since you've already figured it out yourself, Ojiisan, there's nothing I want to dissuade you from. It's just a bit regrettable. Life... is truly difficult."
Tobirama looked at Hibari, then chuckled and said, "Difficult... This isn't really difficult, Hibari. You only see the bitterness of me stepping down from the Hokage position and the inexplicable reasons, but you haven't thought, if I 'sensibly' step down from the Hokage position, would the Daimyō's office just stand by and watch?"
Hibari smiled at that, then said, "That's true, isn't it? Our Land of Fire's Daimyō's office is still quite good. They're always very considerate. When a small fry like me opens a mine, they even give extra gifts. If you, Ojiisan, voluntarily step down from the Hokage position, they'd have to give you even more compensation, wouldn't they? They might even beg you three or four times to continue for another two years, hahahahaha."
Tobirama didn't say much more about this, because he also understood that it was inevitable. As long as the Daimyō's office wasn't foolish, they certainly wouldn't just watch him quit without any gesture.
He just looked at Hibari with a bit of emotion and said, "So, this isn't a difficult thing. This is just a choice in my life, that simple. There's nothing too complex. Those truly difficult things, I've already experienced them, and you, too, will inevitably experience them in the future, Hibari. That's life."
Hibari rolled his eyes upon hearing Tobirama's words, then he said, "Please stop, Ojiisan. Can't you wish me something good? I don't want to experience anything difficult. If my entire life could go as I wish, smoothly, then that would be the best life!"
Tobirama chuckled at Hibari's 'slightly childish' words, then he said, "That just means you haven't truly experienced life yet. But as an elder, of course, I hope your entire life can go as you wish."
Then Tobirama didn't continue discussing the complex and unclear matters of the Hokage position and life with Hibari. Instead, he picked up his tea, took a sip to moisten his throat, looked at Hibari, and spoke again.
"Alright, these matters are for later. The war isn't over yet. If we lose this war or something, I might have to work myself to death for another two years to atone... So, let's talk about you, brat. Why did you suddenly come to the front lines? I don't believe all that nonsense you said earlier about being a deserter? Who would dare say that about you? And I don't think you're the kind of scoundrel who'd come at the last minute to get a share of the spoils. So, what's the real reason?" Tobirama asked, looking at Hibari.
Hibari grinned and chuckled, then said, "Indeed, no one would dare call me a deserter or anything. If they did, they'd first have to disarm that Kinkaku guy to even be qualified to speak to me... As for getting a share of the spoils, there's no need for that. As a member of the Senju clan, I already enjoy unimaginable preferential treatment that common people can't even dream of. Otherwise, at my age, even if I had enough strength, I wouldn't be able to be the Anbu Deputy Commander, would I? Therefore, I don't need to compete for these merits."
"Right, so what are you here for this time?" Tobirama nodded and said. He liked this about Hibari—always knowing his place and not becoming arrogant because of it, nor feeling entitled to everything.
Hibari's expression became a little serious, then he said, "I came this time mainly because I was worried about your safety, Ojiisan..."
Tobirama was slightly stunned upon hearing this, then he said, "What? Do you think I'm old? Can't fight anymore?"
Hibari grinned and chuckled, "It's not that, but some things just have to be guarded against. As the Anbu Deputy Commander, I naturally have first-hand information. I've already figured out the situation here in the village. I imagine that if it's truly necessary, you, Ojiisan, are preparing to negotiate peace with Kumogakure, right? And perhaps even further... an alliance?"
Tobirama was silent for a moment, then he said, "That's right, if necessary... You wouldn't be unable to swallow this, wanting to cause me trouble, would you?"
"Look at you, saying such things. Do I look like someone so inconsiderate?" Hibari feigned some displeasure, then without waiting for Tobirama to speak, he continued, "Indeed, I also deeply resent those bastards from Kumogakure. Sakaun-jisan... and what happened to Nawaki and Renge-basan, I'm sure you know about it, Ojiisan. This is a blood feud for our Senju clan. But... the war isn't just about our Senju clan sacrificing. On the contrary, to prevent this pain from afflicting more people, although your choice, Ojiisan, feels ruthless and stifling, it is the right choice. I understand that principle!"
"Precisely because I am Hokage, I must..." Tobirama said softly, but before he finished, Hibari already interjected.
"Precisely, you need to maintain a ruthless attitude. I understand, and that's not what I wanted to say. I meant that perhaps you, Ojiisan, and everyone else have slightly overlooked a certain situation. Therefore, I specifically came here to give you a reminder, and to protect you." Hibari said with a slightly serious expression.
Tobirama also looked at Hibari and nodded, "Speak, what is it?"
"Kumogakure isn't like our Konoha. You became Hokage, Ojiisan, and our Senju clan became dominant. Even the Uchiha wouldn't dare openly contend with us. When you speak, the whole village listens. But remember, how did this war even start? It was due to internal conflicts within Kumogakure escalating to an uncontrollable degree. The Second Raikage only started the war to divert internal conflicts; he was forced into it. Does he think he can just stop fighting now? He truly doesn't seem to regard those two madmen, Kinkaku and Ginkaku, with proper respect. I was afraid you, Ojiisan, might overlook this point, which is why I rushed here..." Hibari said with genuine seriousness.
Tobirama was indeed momentarily stunned upon hearing Hibari's words. No one is perfect. Although Tobirama seemed impeccable in all aspects, how could he truly be perfect?
Precisely because he was Hokage, he was even more prone to being caught up in the situation. If Hibari hadn't reminded him, he truly would have overlooked this point. Even if he, as Hokage, could command the village, Kumogakure wasn't like that. Even if the Second Raikage was willing to negotiate peace and form an alliance, those two guys, Kinkaku and Ginkaku, might not necessarily go along with him...
Thinking this, Tobirama frowned and said, "Are you saying that if an alliance meeting really happens, Kinkaku and Ginkaku might disrupt it, or even incite a coup d'état?"
"Exactly. Those two bastards are true madmen who will stop at nothing for war. Think about it, what could provoke the war more than killing you, the leader of Konoha, in such a scenario? At that point, it would be a true blood feud, relentless and unending!" Hibari said with a grave expression.
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