After hearing Mito's explanation, Hiruzen silently took out another cigarette.
Another one…
Was the Warring States era really that chaotic?
But after thinking about it for a moment, Hiruzen understood—it made sense.
If they hadn't had many children, given the average lifespan of shinobi in that era, they would have long since died out…
Mito frowned and continued her analysis: "So, if Tobirama had a secret lover or even children, that would be entirely reasonable."
"There are no outsiders here, and we all know him well, so I'll speak plainly!"
"He's someone who likes to hide things. Back when Hashirama died and I was responsible for overseeing his forbidden research, there were many research facilities I couldn't detect even with the Mind's Eye of the Kagura…"
"And you all know his reputation. He's not like you. His enemies would resort to the cruelest and most inhumane methods to retaliate against him…"
"If he had children, hiding their identities would be the best solution."
Tobirama's face darkened.
Why does her line of thinking match Izuna's exactly?
Is his image really that consistent in other people's eyes?
Isshin also spoke up: "Mito-sama is right. The Second Hokage once used Impure World Reincarnation to revive the relatives of enemy leaders, then controlled them to act as if they were longing for their loved ones, using that to infiltrate the enemy camp…"
Izuna picked up the thread: "And then he summoned Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, right? That incident shocked the entire shinobi world—he nearly wiped out the younger generation of the Kaguya Clan!"
"After that, whenever shinobi saw someone who looked like their own relatives, their first reaction wasn't longing—but immediate vigilance…"
Hiruzen couldn't help but take a deep drag of his cigarette.
That really invited hatred!
Reading about it in records and hearing it described by someone who witnessed it firsthand felt completely different…
This really wasn't easy to defend for Tobirama-sensei!
And putting aside defending him—after using such methods, it would be strange if others didn't target him…
If Tobirama really had children, and they were captured, then regardless of whether he was the Senju Clan's second-in-command, killing them immediately would already be considered merciful…
"Um… I believe Tobirama-sensei was primarily acting to protect the clan and Konoha…"
"The methods were somewhat extreme, but the era was different. We should evaluate it dialectically… Didn't the First Hokage already classify it as a forbidden technique? Tobirama-sensei also agreed, which shows he knew there had to be limits…"
Hiruzen sighed. Since he had revived Tobirama to help him, he had to speak up for him as well.
"As Hokage, he had no one to bear the darkness for him. He carried both sides of the village alone… Tobirama-sensei truly had it hard. He also had to deal with the enemies' collective counterattack after the First Hokage's death. He had no choice."
"He was a good Hokage and a good sensei. I have always firmly believed that!"
Mito, Izuna, and Isshin all looked toward Sarutobi Hiruzen at the same time.
Their gazes were filled with sympathy and admiration…
Having a teacher like that, it was fortunate that Sarutobi Hiruzen was so eloquent and could always find an angle…
Izuna sighed with emotion. "Third Hokage, in my life, I have never acknowledged Senju Tobirama in anything. Even that Flying Thunder God Technique of his—I consider it nothing more than a despicable ambush trick…"
"But his eye for choosing disciples is sharper than even the Mangekyō!"
Tobirama listened and shook his head slightly, his expression full of emotion.
'Perhaps everyone in the shinobi world has misunderstood me… but I am still myself. I will not change. As long as Hiruzen understands me, that is enough.'
On the other hand, Tobirama had also figured it out.
In any case, "Tobirama" was already dead, so letting that name take the blame was no great matter.
As long as it did not go too far…
The remaining legacy of his reputation could even conveniently be inherited by his current self. It could be said to kill two birds with one stone…
A second life really did allow one to slip out of the old shell!
"As for who exactly Tobirama and Izuna's children were, there's no way to verify that…"
Mito slowly said, "Izuna probably doesn't know either. He spread his affections everywhere and died early… As for Tobirama, unless we summon him with Impure World Reincarnation, it would also be difficult to know."
"However, I don't think he would admit it. Even if he were summoned, it would be useless."
"His mouth is very stubborn…"
Izuna chuckled. "Summon him with Impure World Reincarnation? I don't think that can be done… He was the creator of Impure World Reincarnation. If he fell victim to his own technique, wouldn't people laugh their teeth off?"
"He's that despicable and cautious… Don't waste your effort."
Tobirama's expression became a little complicated.
He discovered something very strange…
Whether it was him or Izuna, both of them seemed to habitually overestimate the other's abilities…
For example, with Impure World Reincarnation, he really had not left behind any countermeasure!
But that line of thought was just like how Tobirama did not believe Izuna would seek death after being struck by the Flying Thunder God Slash…
Both sides imagined the other as better than reality, as if viewing them through a beautifying filter…
And when Hiruzen first heard Impure World Reincarnation mentioned, his heart jolted.
It was not that he would be exposed, but it would inevitably require further explanation.
"Hiruzen, don't worry…"
Mito, who had the Mind's Eye of the Kagura operating at full power, detected the fluctuation in Hiruzen's chakra and comforted him: "We won't disturb your sensei… Let Tobirama rest peacefully in the Pure Land. After all, this is not an honorable matter."
"And just as Izuna said, it's hard to say whether summoning Tobirama through Impure World Reincarnation would even succeed…"
"I know you don't want Tobirama to be embarrassed. There's no need to panic… Not for his sake, but so that the village's good Hokage won't have to bear the reputation of summoning a previous Hokage just to question him about private matters…"
Hiruzen paused, then bowed deeply to Mito. "Thank you for your consideration, Mito-sama!"
He had discovered a blind spot in malice sensing and emotion sensing…
Namely, that this was not true mind-reading after all…
If the initial character image and foundation were solid enough, then even if unusual emotions were detected, they would still be analyzed according to the existing impression…
Just like now.
Hiruzen's brief shock and worry did not make Mito feel something was wrong. Instead, it only made her think in a positive direction…
Mito gently shook her head. "Hiruzen, you are the one who has worked hard…"
Once, when Hiruzen had first asked Mito about sensitive matters such as removing chakra pathway nodules, Mito had also suspected whether Hiruzen had finally shown his monkey tail…
After all, he was Tobirama's disciple…
But later, Mito saw the relevant projects actually implemented.
Earth Grudge Fear and cloning technology were used to support disabled shinobi and develop medical techniques…
A few days ago, when Mito had taken Yamato out for a walk, she had even seen Uchiha En greeting him. He already had both arms, and from the outside, there was no difference between him and an able-bodied person…
These tangible achievements that truly benefited the public made Mito feel very reassured about Hiruzen. She had never imagined that Hashirama's successor might pull off some shocking operation…
Tobirama was greatly shocked.
'The Mind's Eye of the Kagura can actually be fooled like this? Is that right?'
'Mito is even speaking up for Hiruzen on her own?' Tobirama could not help but feel somewhat disillusioned.
Compared to her attitude toward him, this was truly heaven and earth!
Mito coughed lightly and continued: "I thought about it, and Izuna's hypothesis is very reasonable!"
"When Tobirama was alive, those two children could only contact each other privately… After Tobirama had been dead for ten years, the village also lifted the martial restrictions from the postwar period. That was precisely their best chance to leave the village…"
"Tobirama must have strongly opposed them being together!"
"What a pair of ill-fated lovers…"
Mito said with pity, "After they lost Seisui, the guilt in their hearts probably made it difficult for them to go on living. Who knows where they were buried…"
Izuna listened and nodded slightly, his expression also very heavy.
"Fortunately, Hiruzen took special action against Kusagakure and rescued Seisui…"
Mito sighed. "It can be considered a kind of compensation, even if it was never meant as compensation!"
"Mito-sama, actually, I don't think Tobirama-sensei would necessarily have opposed it…"
Hiruzen said cautiously: "Perhaps Tobirama-sensei deliberately helped bring it about, wanting to let the Senju and Uchiha tentatively merge into one. It was just that before the influence could spread, he died in battle for the village…"
"If he had wanted to oppose that relationship, no one could have stopped him."
Mito froze for a moment.
In truth, she felt that Hiruzen was wrong…
How could Tobirama possibly accept the Uchiha? Although he had always claimed to treat everyone equally…
But after thinking about it, she still nodded. "That is also possible, Hiruzen!"
After all, this was Hiruzen's sincere devotion as Tobirama's disciple…
She would give Hiruzen some face!
Tobirama, on one hand, felt that Hiruzen truly was his good disciple. On the other hand, he was also very displeased with everyone else's expressions.
What, none of you believe me?
What's with that look of "Hiruzen, you're really racking your brains for Tobirama's reputation"!
"If that's the case…"
"Izuna, as this child's grandfather, it is only right that you protect him. That is acceptable."
"You may withdraw first. I want to speak with Seisui," Mito said calmly.
Tobirama logs back in!
"Seisui, tell me the truth—don't hide anything…"
"After hearing about your background, do you hold any resentment toward the village or the Uchiha? If you do, say it openly. It can all be coordinated and resolved now."
Mito appeared calm on the surface, but in reality, she had pushed her sensory ability to its limits.
She had to determine whether Seisui was pretending!
Any unstable factor had to be eliminated in the cradle!
Otherwise, Konoha—just beginning to recover under Hiruzen's leadership—might end up with a massive hidden danger in the future…
"I have no dissatisfaction with the village at all. I love Konoha."
Tobirama showed no hesitation in answering this question, speaking frankly and openly: "And none toward the Uchiha either. My younger brothers all care for me, Clan Head Isshin and Fugaku have helped me a lot, and the other clan members are all easy to get along with…"
What Tobirama said was true.
In his view, the current Uchiha—with him present—were completely different from the Uchiha of the past.
Now that the Uchiha had integrated into Konoha, even saying he loved the clan came without any psychological burden.
Mito carefully sensed.
She detected no abnormalities whatsoever…
"Good child! As expected of…" Mito paused.
She had originally wanted to say, as expected of Izuna and Tobirama's offspring, but that sounded somewhat strange…
"…someone who has inherited the strengths of both the Senju and the Uchiha!" Mito awkwardly changed course.
"Hiruzen, regarding this child's future and background, I have some ideas…"
Mito spoke softly, "May I take charge? Don't worry, he won't be treated unfairly…"
Hiruzen blinked, then nodded.
He knew this wasn't Mito overstepping his authority as Hokage…
Rather, because Seisui was Tobirama's bloodline and had once been lost to another village, it would be sensitive for him, as Tobirama's disciple, to handle it directly.
But if Mito handled it, that issue wouldn't exist…
After all, she was the acknowledged elder sister-in-law of the Senju Clan.
"As for Seisui's background, it will be known only to me, Izuna, Hiruzen, and Isshin. It must be kept strictly confidential. Not that it must remain hidden forever, but the fact that Tobirama and Izuna's bloodlines are connected carries unpredictable consequences…"
"If we are not prepared, once public opinion erupts, it will place immense psychological pressure on Seisui."
Mito said this calmly.
"Isshin, you are responsible for subtly spreading the Uchiha Clan's past awkward history with the Senju among the clan members, laying a foundation of understanding."
Isshin nodded repeatedly. "Yes, Mito-sama!"
He didn't want Seisui to suddenly be linked to Senju Tobirama in the eyes of the clan at a time when the Uchiha were flourishing…
As for Izuna's side, the clan already viewed Seisui that way—there was no need to further confirm it through bloodline.
"Hiruzen, since Seisui has this kind of connection to Tobirama, what do you think about letting Danzō take him as a disciple?"
Mito pondered, "That way, Seisui would gain a layer of protection from the Hokage faction. It would also put Tobirama's spirit at ease."
"Moreover, Seisui previously impeached Danzō. If they become sensei and disciple, it would show a complete reconciliation of the matter. It would also allow close supervision…"
"Danzō isn't a bad person, but he lacks judgment. He swore before the village that he would never violate the rules again. Hearing that made me worried…"
"If he offends again, Hiruzen will have no choice but to deal with him, which would negatively impact the village."
"With Seisui by his side, I would feel more at ease…"
Hiruzen was taken aback. So Danzō's wish would be fulfilled like this?
In the end, he still ended up taking Seisui as a disciple…
"It's certainly possible, Mito-sama. However, I would like to add one more person to the list of those who know Seisui's background—Danzō."
Hiruzen said slowly: "That way, it will also prevent Danzō from retaliating against Seisui for his earlier actions. While he doesn't understand the Will of Fire, he does hold deep respect for my sensei…"
However, when Hiruzen thought about Danzō interacting with Tobirama, he couldn't help but feel amused…
This wasn't a normal sensei-disciple relationship!
This was like bringing home an honored elder—one who happened to be a young master of both the Uchiha and the Senju!
Based on Hiruzen's understanding of Danzō…
He was relatively fair and didn't place much importance on bloodline.
For example, Shisui—even though he was a descendant of Uchiha Kagami, Danzō showed no special favor. Instead, he remained wary of his Uchiha talent, even when he was just an academy student…
But there were always exceptions.
For instance, Tsunade.
Even Danzō couldn't ignore Tsunade's status.
And Seisui's identity as Senju Tobirama's grandson would clearly carry significant weight with Danzō…
For Sarutobi Hiruzen's old friend, the First Hokage was great, but he didn't carry even half the weight of Tobirama-sensei in his heart…
Moreover, Hiruzen knew that for a long time, Danzō had been troubled by his research into Wind Release Chakra Mode…
But Hiruzen could do nothing about it.
In terms of mastery over Wind Release alone, Hiruzen was not much stronger than Danzō, and Danzō had also refused his help.
Hiruzen himself had a full training schedule and limited time.
But if Seisui helped him, it would be completely different!
Mito slowly nodded.
Part of the reason for temporarily concealing Seisui's identity was also to protect Tobirama's reputation…
Given Danzō's respect for Tobirama, both emotionally and rationally, he would keep his mouth tightly shut.
"Hokage-sama, Mito-sama, thank you!"
Isshin said sincerely, convinced from the bottom of his heart.
When he first heard that Danzō would take Seisui as a disciple, Isshin had been somewhat nervous.
But once Hiruzen suggested letting Danzō know Seisui's identity, the situation became entirely different…
This was practically a Hokage faction identity falling from the sky!
Not only that, Danzō would most likely favor Seisui…
And considering Danzō's mindset and capabilities…
Isshin thought of how Seisui had already managed the Uchiha Clan in an orderly fashion and couldn't help but smile.
Wasn't that far better than Danzō, who could only rely on coercive control even within Root?
In that case, perhaps Danzō—once the Uchiha Clan's greatest enemy—might instead become a major supporter for Seisui's future path to becoming Hokage!
Isshin didn't believe Hiruzen would fail to see all of this…
So the only explanation was that the Hokage's stance on the Uchiha becoming Hokage was fair!
Isshin took a deep breath and spoke in a low, solemn voice: "Hokage-sama! You have done far too much for the Uchiha. I truly feel ashamed…"
"Rest assured, I will take responsibility for the Second Hokage's reputation! I will set aside my pride and make sure the younger generation understands the complicated relationship between the Senju and the Uchiha, and dismantle it as much as possible…"
"In short, I will make them forget the hatred of the past and truly understand how good Konoha is now!"
"Young Clan Head, I may have to say some things that are not very favorable to you in the future. Please forgive me!"
Isshin bowed deeply, expressing his apology.
The corner of Tobirama's mouth twitched imperceptibly.
His positive reputation… was actually going to be promoted by the Uchiha Clan on their own initiative?
And by suppressing Izuna in the process…
This was simply too surreal!
Izuna was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood Isshin's intent.
This was to dismantle the logic behind the so-called life-and-death struggle between the Uchiha and the Senju back then…
The higher-ups had already been seeking peace, but by giving his brother his eyes, he had in fact escalated the conflict.
It wasn't as most clan members believed—that Tobirama's Flying Thunder God Slash had further fueled the war between the two clans. In reality, Izuna himself also bore responsibility.
"Go ahead and do it, Isshin!"
"I'm just a dead man. If using some of my reputation can pave the way for Seisui, why should I care?"
Izuna took control. By now, the switching of consciousness between him and Tobirama no longer required any prior notice.
He waved his hand casually: "As long as the clan can live well, I'm willing to accept anything… But as I said before, I can be considered half a Konoha man."
"I hope the village prospers as well!"
Izuna looked seriously at Hiruzen. "Hokage, I entrust my clansmen to your care… They are a very lovable group, but they are indeed difficult to manage."
"So if they do anything excessive, you should discipline them as needed! Even harsh measures are fine—punishing them is for their own good! You should also keep them in check regularly…"
Isshin felt somewhat conflicted inside.
Well then…
From now on, if Hiruzen scolded the Uchiha, he wouldn't even need to justify it!
Official authorization from the Young Clan Head…
Hiruzen's gaze turned subtle.
This sounded just like a parent telling a teacher, "You can go ahead and beat my child if needed!"
Hiruzen slowly walked up to Izuna.
He extended his hand toward him.
"Izuna, I've long heard of your name…"
"My sensei often spoke of you, saying that you were the most difficult opponent he had ever faced—someone he had to give his all against and remain constantly vigilant just to avoid defeat."
"But my sensei also said that you were the one who drove him to develop so many forbidden techniques. He regarded you as his eternal rival, and he once even expressed a sense of nostalgia when speaking of you…"
"I have no intention of judging the complicated relationship between you and my sensei…"
"But you truly are very similar. One can only say that the brutal environment of the Warring States era forced you into opposing sides. If you both lived in Konoha today, you might have become very good friends…"
Hiruzen spoke sincerely as he firmly clasped Izuna's hand: "Rest assured, I will treat the Uchiha well—as my friends, as my family!"
"And don't call yourself only half a Konoha man anymore. You are already a shinobi of Konoha, Izuna…"
"Thanks to Isshin's Mangekyō ability, the pain of that era has been eased across time. If there is ever anything that needs communication in the future, I will be waiting at the Hokage Building."
In Izuna's eyes…
At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed somewhat like Senju Hashirama…
These were the kinds of words he used to hear from Hashirama and his brother…
Back then, Izuna had dismissed them as nothing more than sugar-coated bullets.
But hearing them himself now… they didn't sound so bad?
"Hokage, thank you for your tolerance…"
"I have already let go of Tobirama's matter. After all, he is a dead man. Those of us who can still contribute to Konoha should stand united, just as you said in your fireside speech—look forward!"
Izuna's expression was filled with emotion. He hadn't expected Tobirama to think of him that way.
If he didn't act a bit magnanimous, wouldn't he be outdone by that bastard?
So Izuna firmly returned the handshake.
Tobirama let out a silent chuckle.
'Hiruzen's tongue is even sharper than my elder brother's. He even managed to talk Izuna into this…'
'Not only did he fabricate stories about my brother, he even made up lines about me praising Izuna!'
But Tobirama didn't mind.
Because Hiruzen was worthy.
Right now, he was thinking that since his first disciple had done so well, it was time to put more effort into his second disciple!
He needed to thoroughly discipline him!
He couldn't even properly manage Root, yet he still dreamed of becoming Hokage—wasn't that just embarrassing him?
"Seisui, are you really planning to become siblings with Shio?"
Mito said with a light smile, "On this point, don't follow your grandfather's example—being single your whole life…"
Isshin quickly added, "Mito-sama, don't worry, I've already introduced companions to Seisui!"
Conservative as he was, Isshin still felt it was better to marry within the clan…
Tobirama nodded: "That's right. We've gone through life-and-death together. I want to preserve that purity."
Mito nodded, indicating she understood. In truth, she also felt a slight sense of relief.
In her view, Seisui—who carried the blood of both Izuna and Tobirama—would undoubtedly be able to accomplish many things for the village.
But as a partner… he was far from an ideal match.
Since Isshin wanted Seisui to find a girl from the Uchiha Clan, then let him arrange it!
A thought stirred in Mito's mind: 'I've heard that some Uchiha girls have rather troublesome personalities… I hope Seisui has good luck.'
But Mito still didn't say anything. First, it would sound unpleasant. Second… weren't there examples like Mikoto?
That night.
At home, Danzō received a top-secret letter.
It contained information regarding Seisui's identity and arrangements…
Slowly undoing the sealing jutsu on it, Danzō's pupils trembled as if struck by an earthquake after reading its contents.
…What?
Danzō remained silent for a long time before lifting his head to look at the portrait of Senju Tobirama in his bedroom.
"Sensei, rest assured…"
"I will treat Seisui as if he were my own son… no, even better than that!" Danzō stood upright before the portrait, swearing inwardly: "I will strive to become the Fourth Hokage and raise Seisui to become the Fifth!"
Danzō tore the intelligence into strips of paper, stuffed them into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed them in one swift motion.
This was the most secure way to keep a secret…
However, what Danzō didn't realize was—
Tobirama wasn't here to learn from him…
He was here to teach him a lesson!
And not just any lesson—
The kind where the kunai is dipped in alcohol, striking while disinfecting at the same time!
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