The sky was covered by a grey tapestry of clouds as rain rhythmically drummed against the windows of the Council Chamber. The room was small, filled with naught but a table around which Advisors and Hokage were seated.
A Sealing scroll laid on the edge of the table and next to it was a polished map of the Land of Fire along with more rough sketches of the territory of the land of Lightning, Wind, Water and Earth.
These sketches were specifically laid around the map of the Land of fire according to their Position, but fingers were pointed and discussions were held as the Executives in the room attempted to make sense of their Situation.
Each and every Man or Woman in this room carried an air of authority and Power. Their eyes were weathered and their posture sharp, not a single person without some kind of weapon on them.
But even among this crowd, there was one who stood out. Each time he spoke, the others went silent. Everywhere he pointed, their eyes followed.
He was a white-haired man wearing dark clothes. His frame was lean but muscular, seemingly perfect to maximize speed and power. His eyes held a reddish tint to them and his expression was one of cold serenity. His face bore a few markings, reminiscent to scars yet not jagged enough to truly stem from battle, elevating his air of seriousness.
Tobirama Senju. The Second Hokage.
This man was currently the most powerful person in the village, with an intelligence honoring his strength. Armed with knowledge of countless Jutsu, this man had distinguished himself from his peers during the warring states, supporting his elder brother on his quest to end this brutal period and bring peace to the five nations.
Yet, even with his immense reputation, it simply wasn't enough. Tensions were rising all over the Ninja world and while it was yet unspoken, war was soon to follow. And there was nothing he could do to stop it.
When compared to the First Hokage, the Second fell short.
.
That was what a fool would think.
The First and the Second Hokage were leagues apart, but in different domains. In terms of sheer Power, the First had undeniably stood at the Apex. No one dared defy him, not even with an alliance. His Chakra, his Jutsu and his Skill were simply too overwhelming.
But despite it being him who had ended the warring states, it was thanks to Lord Second that the Village hidden in the leaves, named "Konohagakure" was blossoming and rising far above the other villages. It was thanks to him that laws were created, that Infrastructure was built and that boundaries were set.
Without him, the village would not be thriving as it did. Yet his lord's and mentor's deeds went even further.
If Hashirama was the Symbol, the face of the Leaf, then Tobirama was its foundation.
Had the powerful but dull Hashirama had his way, the houses would have been created with wood release, turning the population dependent. The laws would be based on hope and dreams while the other villages prepared to pounce.
Just like they did now. The powerful First Hokage had disappeared and the Second Hokage now shouldered the burden of safety for the village.
But it was clear as day, the other villages hesitation had not yet faded. Time was enough to prepare for the inevitable.
And while Danzo knew that he and Hiruzen were not yet enough to protect the village, the will of fire burned in his chest, burning brighter and brighter as each day passed.
'The will to burn bright for the Village, to be the dying light illuminating the way for the future generations, whilst lighting the very same will into their hearts.'
This was the will of the First Hokage, passed down upon everyone in the village. It was the symbol of the Leaf and Danzo knew he would be one of the many to pass on the torch.