Sarutobi Sasuke's visit to Konoha this time carried more weight than a simple relocation discussion. His primary goal, of course, was to finalize the details of moving the entire Sarutobi clan into the village. Yet, there was another matter hidden beneath his diplomatic smile—one that concerned the future of both his clan and his son.
He wished to introduce Sarutobi Hiruzen to Senju Tobirama.
If fate allowed, and Tobirama saw potential in the boy, Sasuke hoped his son could become Tobirama's disciple. It was not a decision made lightly; Sasuke had spent many nights considering the implications. In the shinobi world, power and connections decided survival, and a single opportunity could change the destiny of an entire clan.
Not long ago, Sasuke had quietly visited Konoha under the guise of an inspection. What he witnessed shocked him deeply. The village's power structure was far clearer than what outsiders believed. On the surface, Senju Hashirama, the God of Shinobi, was the leader. His name inspired reverence across nations, and no one dared deny his strength. But in practice? The one truly holding the reins of governance was Senju Tobirama.
The contrast could not have been clearer.
Sasuke vividly remembered one incident: Hashirama, the legendary founder of Konoha, sat sheepishly in a corner, drawing circles in the dirt while Tobirama lectured him in a stern, unyielding tone. The First Hokage—admired as an unstoppable force on the battlefield—nodded obediently like a scolded child.
This man… Sasuke thought at the time. This is the real power behind Konoha.
If the Sarutobi clan wanted stability, growth, and access to resources in the village, there was no doubt—they had to stand by Tobirama's side. And in the shinobi world, what was the closest bond a man could form aside from blood ties? The bond between master and disciple.
If Hiruzen became Tobirama's disciple, then not only would the Sarutobi clan secure protection, they would also have a direct connection to the man shaping the future of the Hidden Leaf.
With this decision weighing on his mind, Sasuke stepped forward. "Lord Tobirama," he said respectfully, "I have a request."
At his signal, Hiruzen straightened his back and spoke loudly, confidence radiating in his young voice:
"Master Tobirama, please leave this mission to me! I'm already strong enough to stand on my own!"
A beat later, Shimura Danzo echoed him—though his timing was slightly off, as always.
"Sir Tobirama, me too!"
Tobirama's sharp eyes swept over the two boys. Though barely fourteen or fifteen, both carried themselves with determination. In the cruel shinobi world, surviving to this age meant they were no longer children. They had already tasted blood and the weight of responsibility.
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