Brotherly Harmony
On the soil of the ninja world,
the seeds sown by idealists can only bloom briefly—
because long before they ever bear fruit, the flowers have already withered.
The ninja clans' stance had always been clear.
Hashirama Senju was indeed overwhelmingly powerful, but if he could not secure tangible benefits for the clans—if he hesitated when core interests were at stake—then they would vote with their feet.
What they needed was a rational, thick-skinned, politically mature Hokage—someone who could fairly distribute internal利益 while aggressively fighting for gains externally.
Unless matters escalated to the point where Hashirama would certainly flip the table with force, the clans preferred letting Tobirama Senju arbitrate justice.
The outcome of the meeting utterly exceeded Hashirama's expectations.
He had never imagined that Konoha's ninja clans would side so unanimously with his younger brother.
In Hashirama's mind, the scene should have played out very differently:
The clans would support him, Tobirama would finally recognize his mistake, sincerely repent, and then the two brothers would go together to apologize to the villagers.
Reality, however, was a one-sided rout.
Hashirama found it difficult to accept.
"Big Brother, you've seen the result of the meeting."
Tobirama spoke calmly.
"After careful reflection, I admit that I went too far this time. I should not have dispatched ANBU to beat the villagers, nor should I have detained them in ANBU custody."
"I was wrong."
"Let's go together to ANBU headquarters. I'll personally comfort the villagers and offer them my sincere apology."
There was not a trace of joy on Tobirama's face—only remorse.
A perfect apology speech.
But this apology was fundamentally different from being forced to apologize earlier.
Because the matter had already been politically defined by the entirety of Konoha's ninja clans.
Senju Tobirama was innocent.
This apology was no longer a stain on his record—it was a political highlight.
The Shadow Hokage.
Konoha's Nine-Thousand-Year Elder.
This was Tobirama protecting the Hokage's dignity.
A younger brother safeguarding his elder brother's reputation.
Brotherly harmony at its finest.
Hashirama loves the people as his own children—and so does Tobirama, having been "reformed" under his brother's guidance.
As for the clans?
At worst, they all looked a little foolish together.
But no one cared.
Everyone had successfully chosen the winning side.
And face was never as important as real利益.
Under Tobirama's flawless performance, applause broke out across the hall.
A legendary scene of "brotherly harmony" was born.
"Tobirama… I never expected this…"
"As expected of you… I'm truly moved."
Hashirama had been standing awkwardly, unsure how to come down from the podium.
He had even braced himself for Tobirama's cold sarcasm.
Instead, the situation reversed so violently that his already not-too-sharp brain stalled for a moment.
Tobirama's heartfelt self-reflection filled Hashirama with joy.
Though the process differed from what he had imagined, the outcome felt even better.
Even after the clans sided with Tobirama so completely, his brother had still managed to understand his ideals, sincerely repent, and even volunteer to apologize to the villagers together.
Truly my trusted little brother.
"Big Brother, I've always supported your vision."
"Let's build Konoha together."
Tobirama stepped to Hashirama's side, delivering lines so perfectly polished that the rift between them vanished in an instant.
There, there, Big Brother.
I know you're… simple. And no one blames the simple-minded.
You tried to make me socially dead—I won't hold it against you.
Even if you always favor outsiders and keep causing me trouble…
What can I do? You're my brother.
Must be a debt from a previous life.
This wasn't Tobirama admitting fault.
This was Tobirama giving Hashirama face.
I only hope you're a little more careful next time.
As for the villagers—
Every last one of them should have remained in ANBU custody for continued ideological education.
But for Hashirama's sake, Tobirama decided to let them off lightly.
A symbolic apology, then release them.
Still, this incident rang a clear alarm bell for Tobirama.
Konoha needed a dedicated department to manage relations between ninja and civilians.
Previously, patrols had been handled piecemeal by individual clans.
This time, the situation escalated too quickly—forcing him to deploy ANBU.
If a specialized department existed, civilian gatherings could be strangled in the cradle.
This had to be placed on the agenda immediately.
A Military Police Force…
That said, such a role was bound to offend people.
But then again—
The Uchiha clan had always enjoyed village patrols.
A position where they could strut around with authority…
Tobirama pondered quietly.
The meeting came to an end.
Uchiha Setsuna, who had hoped to see the Senju brothers tear into each other, was deeply disappointed.
He wanted blood.
Uchiha Madara, meanwhile, left the hall silently.
That simple meeting made one thing clear to him—
Tobirama's influence in Konoha was immense.
And Tobirama was just as crafty and dangerous as Madara had always believed.
Only an obtuse fool like Hashirama would buy that so-called repentance.
Madara's heart grew heavy.
He and Hashirama had already begun to diverge in ideals.
He was no longer certain that the village they had built together could truly fulfill their childhood dream.
And Tobirama—
Such a dangerous man, managing the village under Hashirama's protection, had quietly gathered the support of so many clans.
If the Uchiha continued living in Konoha…
Would they still have a future?
Moonlight washed over the land.
Madara walked alone through the dim streets toward the Uchiha compound.
In the darkness, an inconspicuous shadow silently followed.
The storm had passed—quietly.
The next day,
All villagers who had been beaten by ANBU and detained were released.
They were received jointly by Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju, and at a formal meeting, Tobirama expressed his sincere apology.
The villagers, without exception, accepted it.
Yet—
The sign reading "Do Not Discuss Village Affairs" still hung throughout Konoha.
At the same time, news spread—
Konoha was officially deploying its forces.
After all the turmoil, Tobirama knew he could delay no longer.
Troops were dispatched to the Land of Lightning battlefield.
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