Outside the Hokage Building, young Danzo felt a twinge of nervousness as he walked away. He couldn't resist glancing back at the building one last time.
"Danzo!"
Suddenly, young Sarutobi Hiruzen leapt out!
Danzo nearly jumped out of his skin.
"Don't worry…" Hiruzen called out, seeing his friend's anxious glance back at the building. He hadn't gone home yet, fearing that Senju Tobirama's stern reprimand might overwhelm Danzo. He stayed behind to offer comfort.
As a good friend, Hiruzen reassured him: "Don't worry about what Tobirama-sensei said. You didn't hurt me at all. In fact, the timing of that seemingly dangerous Wind-Style Ninjutsu in the fight was perfect!"
Danzo's forehead twitched. That sounded like… Hiruzen was claiming victory! He had clearly won the match, yet Tobirama-sensei hadn't scolded him. Instead, he had praised Danzo's performance and secretly assigned him a crucial mission.
Too bad… he couldn't tell Hiruzen about this.
Danzo felt a surge of pride. He was the real core of the mission to protect Lord Emiya. Hiruzen was just a decoy, sent to cover up Danzo's true responsibility.
"What's wrong, Danzo?" Hiruzen asked, waving a hand in front of him, worried his friend had been driven crazy by Tobirama-sensei's words.
"I'm fine," Danzo said firmly, brushing away Hiruzen's hand. "Let's go back and prepare. The mission could start any minute."
Hiruzen nodded, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "That's true… I heard there aren't many patients in Konoha Hospital these days…"
Indeed, the village hospital was quiet. There was little reason for Emiya Shihara to remain in Konoha. As a legendary medical ninja, he could not idle away his time; he would travel the ninja world, honing his skills as the legends said.
Yet the villagers remained unaware. To them, there was simply a remarkable healer in Konoha Hospital, capable of curing any illness. Their main concern was the village's ongoing development.
Konoha was bustling. More and more villagers were moving, responding to Senju Tobirama's internal relocation plan. Surprisingly, the plan had been implemented smoothly. The clan patriarchs readily agreed once they saw the Senju clan leading by example.
Times were changing. Other countries had already established ninja villages, and this system was the inevitable trend of the future. Protecting Konoha became the central mission for all ninjas, transcending family gains or losses.
Partly, this was due to Hashirama Senju's generosity. His clan had abandoned the Senju name to fully integrate into Konoha.
"From now on…" Tobirama said, pride in his voice, "there will be no strife between ninja clans. All will unite under Konoha's emblem. Konoha's ninjas will thrive under the protection of this great tree, and their growth will make the village flourish even more."
Tobirama accompanied Emiya Shihara and Hashirama on a tour of the village, hoping Shihara would see that Konoha's future surpassed the ancient ninja sects.
To ensure Konoha's prosperity, the Senju clan would be sacrificed for the village. Many Senju members would no longer carry the Senju surname in future generations, instead integrating fully with Konoha.
"The surname Senju will disappear from now on," Tobirama said solemnly. "It is necessary for Konoha, even if it makes me feel some regret toward Lord Emiya, who gave us our name."
Emiya Shihara could only show his respect, understanding the logic behind this decision.
The conversation shifted. "Is Lord Emiya leaving?" Tobirama asked, serious and concerned.
"I want to travel the world," Emiya Shihara admitted. "I seek ways to treat the First Hokage. There may be rare materials across the ninja world that can heal him."
Tobirama's mind raced. "What materials? Where can I find them?"
"The remains of the Divine Tree," Emiya Shihara revealed. "It is the origin of Wood Release and chakra itself. If these remains still exist, they might restore the First Hokage without worrying about his lifespan."
Tobirama nodded thoughtfully, secretly noting the importance of this knowledge.
Then, Tobirama revealed Konoha's plan: "Lord Emiya may not be familiar with this era. As gratitude, Konoha would like to send two Genin to assist you. Stronger ninjas might draw attention, but two Genin can stay by your side without alarming others."
Shihara Emiya hesitated. If not for Tobirama's suggestion, he might have asked for protection himself. Black Zetsu had often tried to manipulate him, urging the resurrection of Kaguya. Having two Konoha ninjas present would deter Zetsu from meddling.
"Monkey, Danzo," Tobirama called out, pointing to the two young boys who had jumped forward. "These two are the most outstanding new-generation ninjas of Konoha. Let them stay with Lord Emiya and learn."
Emiya Shihara looked hesitant. Could it really be true?
These two children… were destined to become Konoha's Third Hokage and Fifth-and-a-Half Hokage.
Tobirama stroked the boys' heads. "If they are fortunate enough to inherit your teachings, Lord Emiya, they will bring change to Konoha's future. Konoha hopes the ninja world will achieve lasting peace. These children need guidance so that the ideals of peace can continue for generations."
Füll bōøk àvàilàble óñ pàtreøn (Gk31)