160Chapter 1: Back in Office
Tobirama's sudden arrival, and spontaneous return from the realm of the dead, had forced the council session to come to an abrupt end, at least until the matter was sorted out. For Hiruzen and his former teammates it was a matter of conflicting emotions. Hiruzen knew that Koharu and Homura tended to favour Danzo's side when it came to certain matters, and the Sandaime Hokage believed that was due to the fact that Hiruzen had left Team Tobirama to apprentice under Hashirama, while Danzo apprenticed under Tobirama.
Hiruzen and his former teammates had developed a friendship during their time together; however, there was no denying that even in his youth he had always been an optimist and a bit of a head in the clouds romantic like Hashirama. The other four, on the other hand, had and still were much more down to earth and had a realistic view of the world and leaned more so towards the pragmatic side of decision making. That being said, Koharu was the first to voice her displeasure of the current predicament.
"How. Dare. You." the woman practically snarled at Danzo. The intensity of how she felt was so foreign to Hiruzen that he had no idea how to react. Out of all three of them, despite Homura's own virtue of being level headed, Koharu had always been the one with a tight rein on her emotions.
Hiruzen wasn't surprised that Danzo remained calm regardless of the threat. Despite being taught by a master ninja of the highest calibre, and one of the strongest in recorded history, in terms of combat neither Homura nor Koharu were exceptionally noteworthy shinobi; they were average Jonin level ninja at best. Hiruzen acknowledged that Danzo was more than capable of handling the two of them by himself.
At least in the open field was that the case. Both of them were incredibly effective in hit and run tactics, subterfuge, along with traps and detection. They were strategically sound battle commanders and more than once had their strategies helped turn the tide of battles.
Their true strengths, however, were more on the sidelines that helped make the village great, the administrative aspect that resulted in an incredible economy, than in actual combat. Their incredible level headedness also made them tolerant to emotionally charged situations, too. Except for this one.
"I can understand your desire to protect Konoha, Danzo, but for you to have used that technique on our mentor of all people," here she had risen from her seat and hate clung to her like a second skin, "What possible reason could have possessed you into doing this!"
"And not have us consider your execution!" Homura added, as he himself shook with anger and Hiruzen knew him well enough that it took all of Homura's willpower in restraining himself from doing anything drastic. Hiruzen himself was the same. The gate was at critical condition and the wrong word would be all it took for hell to come stampeding through.
"Because I ordered him to," Tobirama's voice spoke for the first time since the meeting disbanded.
"Sensei?" Hiruzen asked.
"Danzo followed my orders when he took over Root. Truthfully, I had hoped this wouldn't come to pass but circumstances forced his hands, Hiruzen," the Sandaime became as rigid as a board.
Tobirama had always been strict on protocol and had been a hard man to read even by those closest to him. Hiruzen, however, had been quick to pick up on certain quirks here and there during his time as the man's student. Much like a child being reprimanded by their parent, Hiruzen knew well enough that he was being scolded.
"And what proof do you have that this isn't him controlling you?" Koharu looked far from convinced.
"Because those risen by the Edo Tensei do not bleed," except for Danzo, all three of them armed themselves as a kunai materialized in their mentor's hand and watched in fascination as blood flowed freely from the man's freshly cut palm. When the wound didn't heal, as was normally expected from one affected by the Edo Tensei, all three couldn't help themselves as they were overcome with emotion even further.
"Furthermore, had it been the Edo Tensei, it would be highly noticeable. My skin would be cracked and my sclera black," so long as he lived, Hiruzen hoped he'd never be forced to use the Edo Tensei, but the man was familiar with the details regarding it. The mentioned features were flaws Tobirama had been unable to rectify before his death.
"Very well, it's not the Edo Tensei," it was clear Koharu still had lingering shreds of doubt. Hiruzen would be lying to himself if he said otherwise, too, "But proof of who you claim to be is still debatable. Techniques to mask one's appearance and chakra signature have been docu–"
"August twenty-third, one-one-two-four," Tobirama calmly stated before she could go any further, and Koharu was finally silenced. Hiruzen, Homura, and even Danzo, though the latter didn't show it externally, bore confused looks, as none of them understood the reference. Koharu became wide eyed and fell to her seat. Hiruzen saw the sides of her eyes beginning to water but the woman blinked them away.
"One-one-two four? I don't understand," Hiruzen asked the million-ryo question.
"Hiruzen, please trust me when I say he is who he says he is and leave it at that," the note of finality – as well as the pleading note, he believed – caught him off guard given how much she previously fought against the notion of Tobirama's return. Hiruzen didn't push the matter.
"Why?" everyone looked at Homura, "How?"
"Right now, that isn't important. And it's best that few do know how I managed to cheat death. You four being the prime targets in knowing how I managed to pull it off," Hiruzen didn't have to possess superior intellect to understand the current situation. The fact that Tobirama was back would already create unwanted questions and many more would want to learn how the man had come back from the dead for themselves.
The eyes of the second son of Senju Butsuma scanned the room and memorized every little detail without once letting others know what he was doing. It was a skill he long since perfected since he was a young boy, and a valuable one to have. Tobirama recalled the amount of times he could have died had it not been for this exact skill.
Not much had been changed since he was in office. The changes were subtle but to a man of Tobirama's prowess they stuck out like a badly covered facial rash. The same could be said about the hidden Anbu stationed in key positions throughout the room. Back then an Anbu's presence was like a shadow: silent and immobile. These ones were basically torches lighting up a darkened room.
But, then again, from what Danzo had informed him Konoha was weakened and their forces too accustomed to peace to be of any real threat at the moment. It had been one of Tobirama's main concerns during the village's founding. The average skill level of shinobi during the Warring States Period were either classified as Elite Jonin, which was forty nine percent of them, or low level Kage that ranged in the low twenty percent. Any ninja ranked lower than that were either lucky to be alive, or they were dead or dying.
And that was the problem: death. A shinobi that would not die, and a powerful one at that, was a dangerous adversary no one wanted to face. Many powerful shinobi that would not die was a thrice-damned calamity in the making. Tobirama intended for return to be a boon for Konoha but was not ignorant to believe that his return would not be without consequences. However, contingencies had long since been planned to minimize them, and right now Tobirama needed answers.
"My first question before we get into official business: what happened to my clan?" Tobirama's tone was cold and sharp enough that even the keenest razor would appear duller than a butter knife by comparison, "The Senju Clan was the most powerful clan in the world, and yet none were spotted at the meeting. Where are they?"
"Gone, I'm sorry to say, sensei," Hiruzen told him. "After Hashirama sacrificed himself to bring back the victims of that battle, and after you sacrificed yourself for us, the Senju Clan slowly started to fall apart until only Tsunade remained."
"Tsunade's alive?" the man's hard features softened at that, "Is she alright?" the look of his students and apprentice hardened his face once more.
"Tsunade left the village years ago, sensei," Hiruzen spoke with a sad tone.
"Left!?" the man's face hardened even further before they morphed into one of fury, "What do you mean she left?" he nearly snarled. The reasons had better be good.
They weren't.
"More like she abandoned her duty," Danzo interjected and Tobirama watched his former apprentice ignore Hiruzen's glare, "Call it what you will, Hiruzen, but that girl abandoned Konoha because she could not deal with her loss and you were too liberal with your students."
If it was possible, Tobirama's gaze became colder and his look made Hiruzen feel like a genin once more, "What happened?"
Tobirama's order was answered in a summarized manner, "After the loss of her brother and then her lover, coupled with the loss of many friends, and then her clan, Tsunade felt her legacy and that of the Hokage had become cursed. Not long after the Second Shinobi World War was over, she was all that remained of the Senju Clan. I gave her permission to leave Konoha with her lover's niece soon after and she hasn't been back since."
Tobirama, however, interpreted the story in another manner, "So, to surmise: she left because she lost her loved ones and everything became too hard for her… Pathetic," he frowned and while Hiruzen nearly winced, the others weren't surprised by his cold nature. Not that Tobirama himself was surprised.
Both he and Hashirama were believers of the Will of Fire, but the Nidaime Hokage long since come to grips that he and his older brother had different opinions when it came to being ninja. Tobirama had always stressed that a true shinobi was to endure the hardships that befell them because life wasn't fair, and the life of shinobi was even more so. If one couldn't deal with it then they weren't deemed a shinobi in his opinion.
"Draft a letter and order her back. I want her barred from all assets of the Senju Clan until I deem fit. Stress to her that failure to return will see her banished from the clan, and should that fail, I'll find her myself and drag her back kicking and screaming. It's time that girl grew up and faced the world for what it is," Tobirama had never agreed with the logic, or lack there off, of trying to protect children from the horrors of the world.
One of the reasons why Hashirama desired the founding of Konoha was because he didn't want future generations to go through the same hardships, he, his brothers, and anyone else of his generation had faced during the Warring States Period. Tobirama, however, didn't see eye to eye with his brother on that. Realistically speaking, Konoha was a relatively new village and there was no guarantee Hashirama's dream would last even with the number of clans and resources Konoha began to accumulate. Hashirama wasn't an unintelligent man, but his optimistic nature had a bad tendency of overlooking grudges and outside factors, Tobirama did his best to ensure none took advantage of that.
But, while ensuring children didn't have to go through the same horrors their predecessors had was a nice thought, the world was a cruel place in Tobirama's experience, even the best of ninja would be chewed and spat out if the opportunity presented itself. The sooner they knew how to deal with that the better off they would be. To others it sounded cruel but to him that was just showed a lack of foresight on the behalf of others.
"Hiruzen, get me my clan's ledgers," if Tsunade took after his brother then Tobirama could only hope the damage was salvageable. Whenever it came to Hashirama and gambling, it either resulted in enormous loses or unbelievable gains. But Tobirama didn't like to gamble unless he knew the odds were in his favour, usually by design, or if he was left with no other alternatives. If anything, he'd get what was necessary from the hidden caches scattered across the Elemental Countries if things looked bleak. They weren't much but they'd be enough nonetheless.
"And the boy?" he heard Danzo ask and saw Hiruzen frown.
"For now, I'll be overseeing the boy's wellbeing. The Senju Clan captured and dealt with all nine of the tailed beasts at one point before they were sealed inside a vessel. One tailed beast – regardless of it being the strongest of them – sealed inside a newborn is child's play by comparison," having had a role in raising Tsunade, which had been a handful onto itself, Tobirama could handle himself. If anything, Tobirama would use Mito's notes if a need arose.
Thinking of the Biju, Tobirama couldn't help but curse his older brother once again. Despite being downright childish and stupid at times regardless of his unrivalled might, Tobirama loved Hashirama nonetheless. However, the man had been too idealistic for his own good and often Tobirama and Mito had to bring him back down to earth. But even then, it wasn't always enough. The Nidaime Hokage had been vehemently against selling the Biju to the other countries, and he had wanted to choke the life out of his brother for suggesting they be given away for free. It had been a short-term benefit but ultimately detrimental long-term, as Tobirama suspected it would. Hashirama, however, was unwavering and immovable on the matter.
And, in true form, Tobirama had predicted correctly, as the act later came back to haunt them by making the First Shinobi World War even worse instead of smoothing things over. While not directly responsible, selling off the Biju had also played a role in not only Hashirama's death, but his own, too. Now Tobirama was once again left to clean up his older brother's mess.
"The boy is of the Uzumaki Clan, yes?" at Hiruzen's nod it allowed him to continue his train of thought. Tobirama wasn't as much of a dreamer or as hopeful as his older brother, but he hoped to be wrong in this matter, "Am I to assume Mito's clan fell, too?"
"They have regrettably. Scattered to the winds would be a better way to describe it," Hiruzen explained the tale.
In the end, Tobirama could only sigh. Powerful as the Uzumaki Clan had been, and unequalled as their prowess in Fuinjutsu was, they were a proud and overly confident bunch who had a preference for isolation. The Uzumaki Clan had been one of the very first clans invited to join Konoha, but Hashirama hadn't forced the issue when they declined for the sake of peace and their long-lasting relationship.
On one end of the spectrum, Tobirama could understand their reasons. Uzu no Kuni, though more accurately it was an archipelago, had natural and manmade defences that made conventional invasion methods incredibly difficult. On a map it would appear smaller than it actually was but that was mainly due to the seals long since put into place that hid its true appearance.
However, one major problem was that the clan was in a very isolated area, and because of how secretive they were, despite the long-standing Senju and Uzumaki alliance, it made getting to them difficult. The man could only imagine the logistical nightmare it would be in getting necessary resources from the mainland, as there was only so much the sea could provide them, especially during war time. Unmatched in the art, the Uzumaki had to have realized that there was only so much that Fuinjutsu could do for them.
Even Mito's pleas with her father and the clan council did nothing to sway them. Tobirama didn't know if it was seals or the infamous Uzumaki stubbornness that prevented her from divulging such information, too, when asked. As wife of the man known as the Strongest Shinobi in the World, and being no slouch herself, few to none wanted to incur their wrath.
"Who knows or who do you suspect knows of the boy's lineage?" Tobirama asked.
"Other than his godfather and our resident spymaster, likely only his mother's old team: Uchiha Mikoto and Hyuga Hizashi, and my late wife.
"An Uzumaki, Uchiha, and Hyuga," there was lethal combination.
Then all the more reason for me to take him into the Senju Clan as a ward," Tobirama declared. Being cousin clans, and being who he was, would leave few to contest the action. Those foolish enough to do so would only play into the man's trap.
Had the man been born a Yamanaka he'd have known that this was a rare moment, one that was very seldom and in between ever since Hiruzen became the Sandaime, that both Hiruzen and Danzo agreed the idea had merit. Except for their immense chakra and vitality like their cousin clan, neither the Uzumaki or Senju had ever developed a bloodline limit that was consistently inherited. But as both bloodlines were very close due to their intermingling, wardship in this case wasn't unheard of.
Taking a ward had fallen out of practice at the end of the Warring States ever since the introduction of Genin teams, and even then, the practice had mostly been used by the samurai clans. Wardship and marriage had been used as a way to strengthen or create alliances between clans since before ninja came into being, a ward worked and learned from their foster family and were also protected by the clan raising them.
Any attack on said ward was seen as an attack on the parent and foster clans. Wards, and, as the first and second sons were the heirs of the clan, the third, fourth, and fifth sons could be adopted by their foster clans and take on the foster clan's name. Some even became head of that clan if no suitable heir, or any heir for that matter, was available. While this was much less common with the more powerful clans or those with hereditary bloodline limits, members of the Senju and Uzumaki clans had commonly married one or the other to the point that Tobirama wouldn't doubt the boy to be a third or fourth cousin.
A ward under his protection meant only the truly stupid or arrogant would put little thought into harming Naruto. After all, Tobirama was a master ninja of the strongest clan. His might had only ever been outmatched by Hashirama and Madara during his time, and his cause of death had been at the hands of two pseudo-jinchuriki who were low level Kages using the Sage of the Six Paths' Treasured Tools, and a squadron of twenty elite Jonin shinobi. Furthermore, Tobirama had yet to fully recover from his near-death injuries during the failed Gold and Silver Brothers Incident.
Even then he took them all down and died twenty minutes later from severe exhaustion and grievous wounds that would have killed lesser men the instant they received a single one. However, the returned Senju noticed Hiruzen still had some concerns.
"What are you concerned about now, Hiruzen?" Tobirama asked; Hiruzen answered.
"We both know you already know," Tobirama chuckled at his old student's comment. Even now he was just as concerned for another's safety. Powerful as he was, Tobirama was still only one man; the creator of the Kage Bunshin, true, but still only one man.
"Right now, I'm only one man. I am hopeful that Tsunade will come to her senses and focus on the here and now," and should she not he'd make good on his word,
"But worry not. The boy is the future of my clan and the Uzumaki. He'll be well protected."
None were surprised that Naruto would be made his heir despite Tsunade being alive. While not all clans followed it, for over three thousand years did families in the Elemental Countries practice different forms of patrilineal or primogeniture succession. This was done not only because men could have multiple children with different partners compared to women, but also due to the incredibly low lifespan of the time and to ensure that the bloodline could be passed on to the next generation. In addition, medical science and ninjutsu during the bloody period was nowhere as prominent as it was in today's day and age, nor as widespread, women dying at birth had been a common occurrence.
Even the Senju had followed it, though there had been female clan heads in the past from time to time, but that had been temporary until a male heir came of age or was deemed ready by the clan elders. However, sometime after the first Hidden Villages came into being did such traditions begin to shift and the statistics for the number of women becoming clan heads had drastically changed when egalitarian successions became more pronounced.
Senju Tobirama, however, while from another time, one where the role of kunoichi was much different and succession was much different than now, was a calculative man. To him it was not a matter of gender, but a matter of competency. Hashirama had been a powerful ninja and charismatic, but Tobirama believed his brother had not possessed the right qualities that was required of a clan head. And, despite being his niece, Tsunade's actions left much to be desired, too.
From a technical standpoint, as the last Senju – until Tobirama's return, that is – Tsunade was currently clan head. But with Tsunade having no child of her own that meant that it fell back to him.
Back from the dead or not, Tobirama would be unable to sire any heirs of his own blood. Killing young children during the Warring States had been a common occurrence. It took away a clan's future. During his younger years, Tobirama had been captured by a sadistic ninja after being mistaken for Hashirama.
Instead of taking the life of the younger of the Senju Brothers, as was the norm, the operative – who had lost much at the hands of the Senju Clan – had irreparably crippled his ability to have heirs. Fortunately, Tobirama had managed to escape with his life and, in retaliation the man and those that hired him had become the target of the Senju Clan's wrath. The end result: extinction and an irreparably ravaged land. It had been one of the rare times that Tobirama had seen Hashirama go all out and unleash his inner demon.
Which meant that Naruto, as heir to two major clans, would need all the top-quality protection he could get. Unfortunately, emotions blinded even the best of ninja and many would see it as an opportunity to strike in a misguided attempt at vengeance. Hiruzen didn't doubt Kakashi would postpone his time in Anbu to protect his mentor's son if given the chance.
"Who do you have in mind?" Koharu asked.
All four, Danzo included, had a chill go up their spines. No. More accurately, it was as though their spines turned into pure, hellishly cold ice. The veterans of many wars were all brought back to a time when they were nothing but wet behind the ears ninja in training.
Weak.
Vulnerable.
Helpless.
Outclassed.
All four ninja only felt this way whenever Tobirama or Hashirama decided to let their sadistic side out. It was a side that few knew of but one many could go on with forever not knowing. Whomever was foolish enough to cross their newly risen mentor would forever regret what he had planned.
Despite the impossibility of it, Tobirama chuckled once again and it made their spine grow even colder, "A 'shadow' has already been called upon. I could tell you who they are ... But I don't have to tell you how I like to keep my secrets close to the chest."
Of that all them could agree on. Tobirama's secrets were only ever revealed willingly. One had a better chance at killing the man than forcibly getting his secrets.
"However, I can promise this: you will know soon enough. As will our enemies when they show themselves. And believe me, they will do their best to ensure my clan doesn't come back from the ashes."
Hiruzen wasn't exactly comforted by those words. Whomever this individual was, Tobirama wouldn't involve them unless they were competent at whatever Tobirama had in store. Time would only tell what this would mean for Konoha, too.
"For now, I have matters to attend to. In a week's time, we will have council once again and this time we will address certain matters. Enemies will be made, alliances likely put into question, and do I look so forward to seeing many of them squirm," Hiruzen could only sigh. His mentor often had a dark and twisted sense of humour.
"Are you sure that's wise?" out of all of his past students, Hiruzen had been the only one to question Tobirama's motives. It was both refreshing and annoying if Tobirama was honest.
"Normally, I'd say no. However, I've been away for some time, Hiruzen, and my knowledge on what has happened since my departure and what the current political status of Konoha is has no doubt changed since then. I need time to prepare my attack and parries. But most importantly, I need to ensure this boy doesn't fall into the wrong hands," a babe with a Tailed Beast sealed in them was a dangerous ace to lose.
"Spread the word. I want only your most trusted and best sent to the Senju compound when you have the chance," even then Tobirama would be judging them himself as an additional precaution.
"Yes... about the Senju Compound," Koharu flinched at his gaze, "It hasn't been in use for quite some time and might require some maintenance here and there."
Once she was done, Tobirama sighed and mentally counted to ten. Of all the bad habits Tsunade could have inherited from her grandfather, the gambling, love of money, the one thing he had hoped she didn't was how Hashirama always found a way to give him a skull splitting migraine.
"Ancestors give me strength not to kill that girl,"if anything he'd spank her behind black and blue. Dismissing them except for Danzo, Tobirama asked his former apprentice the biggest question that plagued his mind.
"How bad is it?" much of what he knew was lacking despite Danzo giving him the critical points.
Danzo said nothing but gave his back from the dead mentor a look that only the man would recognize from years of association.
"That bad is it," Tobirama could only imagine what the damage was.
"Hiruzen's done much for Konoha," of that Danzo would have to give him credit. "His accomplishments have him hailed as the greatest Hokage for his deeds in office during war and peace time and for his might as a ninja. Currently, he's the strongest of the Great Five Kages," and that was no small feat when Humetsuno no Ē (A the Immortal) had still been around. When the Saindaime Raikage died in the Third Shinobi World War, Hiruzen's might as the strongest of the Great Five Kages had become pretty much uncontested.
"But he takes too much after my brother, doesn't he?" Danzo once more only gave his mentor a look.
"I can see why I was brought back," a slight part of Tobirama wanted Danzo to be proven wrong but knew his apprentice wouldn't have going through with their plan over something so trifle. Tobirama had nothing against the philosophy known as the Will of Fire; he was a believer in it too. Not so much like his brother, but still a firm believer in his own way.
However, the problem was that when many began putting too much stock into a belief, they often became clouded and forgot the realities of the world. They began to see the world as to how they want to see it, not as it is. It was a flaw Hashirama had and it would appear it had been passed on to Hiruzen, and perhaps even the current generation.
The damage from the Demon Fox was extensive and the village had also only just come out of a war. Konoha needed a firm hand and needed to be seen as strong, a message needed to be sent. The Will of Fire would inspire and motivate others, but it wouldn't keep the wolves at bay or put food on a family's table. Ninja were loyal to a village if the village appeared to be loyal to them. A village made one feel safe, offered protection, and gave them an income that allowed them access to basic needs and desires. Part of the Will of Fire was that a ninja of Konoha were a family and looked after the best interest of the village, not their own self-interest. Tobirama believed this, too, but he wasn't a fool to believe that Konoha's clans didn't have some form of self-interest. So long as it didn't put Konoha at risk or threaten the village as a whole, a bit of self-interest was 'tolerable'. Only a fool would think self-interest could be truly dealt away with, at best it could be managed and guided in a better direction.
Right now, Tobirama's interest would be making it look like Konoha was weak and take advantage of those foolish enough to show their hands. However, that had to be reigned in since the village lacked both manpower, resources, and Tobirama's knowledge of this day and age was limited. Too many variables were present for him to do such a thing unless his goal was to weaken Konoha.
"What's the situation with the other Great Five?" getting an idea on how the other great villages were fairing would provide insight on what could be done.
"To start, Sunagakure no Sato has recently become our ally," Tobirama didn't know how to feel about that at the moment.
"Are they still the weakest of the Five?" Danzo merely gave a light smirk; Tobirama had a warped sense of humour at times.
"Yes, albeit marginally, right now. And part of the reason why the war began was due to them. Their Sandaime Kazekage went missing and their efforts to locate him saw them entering another country's territories illegally. Skirmishes were already occurring and as a result of national power in the Great Five Countries being at an all-time low due to the previous war, the smaller villages saw it as an opportunity to capitalize on; it led to another world war only a few years later. Suna's losses were second only to Iwa, but they lack the resources to rebuild and feed their people as quickly as the latter," in other words, Suna couldn't be considered much of a threat.
"So, they're our allies out of necessity, really," Tobirama would have done something differently. Kaze no Kuni was rich in how poor it was. Their needs were bought from other countries in order to survive, no one invaded unless they had to because no one really wanted the land and only the nomad clans that had lived in Kaze no Kuni for centuries knew how to survive in those barren lands. Controlling it was a waste of time and resources in Tobirama's opinion. Kaze no Kuni's shinobi, however, were another matter. They were hardened and skilled in wind techniques, Tobirama would have assimilated a portion of their forces into Hi no Kuni's.
"Anything else?"
"Kirigakure from the look of things is about to enter into a civil war. If it does then they might replace Suna as the weakest of us. Apparently, there's a rumour in their village claiming clans with bloodline limits are the cause of the wars," Danzo stated.
"Truly?" Tobirama thought the whole notion just plain moronic but Kiri's poor leadership was their loss and Konoha's gain.
"Regrettably, their borders are closed and much of the clans worth assimilating into Konoha have started going into hiding," Danzo answered the unasked question.
"Pity," the man knew of a few clans of Kirigakure no Sato that would have been a welcoming addition. But Tobirama acknowledged that Kiri's borders were one of the best given its location and the stealth of their forces coupled with the mist that surrounded the area. Getting there with the borders open was tricky enough, and to pull off what he wanted would take too much time and resources that would have ultimately been better spent elsewhere. At the same time, Kiri wasn't a threat either but warranted some looking into for future opportunities.
"Iwa has suffered the most of the war when the Fourth Hokage mastered your Hiraishin," Tobirama would be lying if he said he wasn't impressed. The Hiraishin was neither an easy technique to learn or use.
"Their forces are low but many of them are looking to settle the score, especially Onoki since he lost two of his children. But then again, Onoki has had a score to settle with Konoha even before he took over the mantle," Danzo finished.
"Onoki? That brat was made Tsuchikage?" Tobirama found that hard to believe. So currently the only threat was Iwa.
"Yes. And he is as headstrong as ever. As for Kumo, aside from us they are the only ones who can be seen as having gained a favorable outcome from the war. My agents believe Kumo is looking to form an alliance once everything has returned to a sense of normality, but unlike the rest of us they have not de-militarize their forces," Tobirama detected a hint of approval in Danzo's tone. Even he found the notion appealing.
"An alliance with Kumo? The last time Kumo tried forming an alliance with Konoha and suing for peace it nearly ended with my death and only served to prolong the First Shinobi World War. I trust Kumo as much as I trusted Madara," the man declared calmly.
"So, I was right," Danzo barely batted an eye at the revelation. "They never planned for peace," it hadn't been the first time a village sued for peace but had opposite or ulterior motives.
"Not in the slightest. I was quick to figure out that Kumo's true attempt was getting rid of me and leave Konoha weakened or morally crippled. Their Nidaime Raikage might not have been as strong as his predecessor or myself, but the man was very cunning and well prepared. I faced both him and the Gold and Silver Brothers on their terms and even then, I managed to kill him and weaken the other two enough to escape," even if barely was left unsaid.
Strong as he was, Tobirama was not his brother and knew his limits. Even with the Hiraishin, facing three Kage level shinobi on their own terms and home turf and coming out alive, even if it was near death, was a testament of the man's sheer skill as a ninja. Hashirama would have crushed them with little to no effort.
"But as we already know, their intention of continuing the war succeeded. Kumo's founding clans' modus operandi is doing whatever needs to be done to come out on top. And that ideal has likely been deeply ingrained into every future Raikage. From what I've read, I doubt that's changed," and shortly thereafter, Tobirama and his team had no choice but to go out into the field where he'd ultimately meet his end.
"I remember. Kumo spun a different tale and by the time you were well enough to do anything many of our forces began calling you a war hawk," even more so when Tobirama declined the opportunity for a peaceful resolution. By then the general opinion of Danzo amongst Konoha ninja had begun to change as well. Years later he'd earn the same moniker.
"And I endured it. Let them think all they want about me, I cared not, and I still don't. So long as Konoha was safe and so long as the next generation did better than mine, I was willing to give my life for it," Tobirama informed him.
Tobirama looked his old student dead in the eye as he said the following, "Danzo, the reason why I didn't choose you as Hokage was simple: Konoha likely would have never allowed it. Had I lived it might have been a different story altogether. But that aside, Hiruzen was Hashirama's apprentice and people fondly remember my older brother and his deeds and that in turn was reflected upon Hiruzen. I, however, despite my contributions that would benefit Konoha in the long term, was seen as the ambivalent and sterner brother who committed what many would view as atrocities and, as my apprentice, that was reflected upon you. I couldn't risk Konoha to be torn by civil war in the midst of another one. It would have ended in your death had you and Hiruzen fought, the deaths of countless others, and ended with the village Hashirama sacrificed himself for to become nothing more than rubble and corpses."
Danzo didn't like hearing it from the horse's mouth, but prideful as he was, even he wouldn't deny the fact that Hiruzen was stronger than him. While Danzo had a unique set of skills that even Hiruzen lacked, the Sandaime Hokage's raw talent as a ninja had always been greater than his own.
"The only reasons why I became Hokage was because I was Hashirama's brother and viewed as the most qualified. But by the end, many began to wonder if the right choice had been made. You and I, Danzo, we're the shadow behind the seat, the knife in the dark. We perform the deeds others cannot and are viewed as monsters for it regardless of the fact it allowed others to live comfortable and worry-free lives. Blissfully ignorant of the dangers only we know about. We are the darkness of the shinobi," the man finished.
"And now Konoha needs your rule once more," Danzo added. "Decades have passed and many only remember the good you have done for Konoha. Unlike Hiruzen, you haven't aged a day," a Hokage, any Kage of a village, was considered the strongest ninja. If they fought, Danzo could see Hiruzen losing. It wouldn't be quick or simple fight, but Hiruzen would still lose. Had he been in his prime the outcome could go either way.
"It helps you that during the twilight years of the war, Hiruzen had established reconciliation policies that were less than savory," Danzo didn't look it but a slight twitch in his facial muscles he was far from pleased.
"How weak did it make us look?" Tobirama had already deduced the outcome.
"Weak enough that it prolonged the war by almost half a year and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was pressured into having Hiruzen find a replacement once the war ended," had the Daimyo of Hi no Kuni not been Hiruzen's friend it could have been much worse.
"And now with this Yondaime Hokage dead they are thinking of putting him back in office," it made sense given Hiruzen was the only one who had any experience as Hokage.
"He was seen as the only viable option, and the Daimyo is his friend. Reinstating Hiruzen would be a quicker and smoother transition than getting a new one despite his actions not sitting well with many," Danzo was one of them. Territory that had been taken in the previous wars such as Suna's small amount of fertile land had been given back despite protest. The territory had always been a topic of debate and caused many disputes between Suna and Konoha, giving it away to Suna and not seeking reparations from Iwa despite winning the war had been one of the main factors as to why Hiruzen was asked to step down.
Tobirama would not make that same mistake.
(Hyuga Compound)
For generations, the Hyuga Clan took pride in the fact that they were renown as not only one of the longest lasting ninja clans but also one of the strongest and wealthiest in existence. Despite loss that occurred over the centuries, the clan was one of the rare few capable of tracing their lineage, which went back nearly two thousand years, even if it wasn't perfect it.
Many clans before them stood at the top of the food chain for almost as long as the Hyuga only to fall and never rise again, or become forgotten like so many others who perished during Warring States era. The Warring States Period was a harsh time and often than not had two outcomes: live or die. The tragedies and massacres that took place on a daily basis made it difficult to discern which outcome was better. But one clan's loss was another's gain, and generations of proper leadership and practice allowed the Hyuga to capitalize on such occurrences.
As a result, despite none of them holding the title of Hokage, and with the loss of the Senju Clan and the Uchiha slowly being on the verge of becoming a shadow of its former glory days, the Hyuga were easily the most prominent clan in Konoha. Their connections in the capital of Hi no Kuni and other elemental countries, coupled with their prowess as ninja, and influence within the village made them an invaluable asset to the strongest of the Great Five. This was especially so during such trying times. By using the resources at their disposal to aid and ease the burden, many would recall the Hyuga Clan's deeds during such trying times.
However, the most recent events warranted the Hyuga Council to assemble once more, which had been occurring more often ever since the Kyubi Incident. This one, however, was especially crucial in Hiashi's opinion if his father had summoned them. While the mantle of Clan Head had only recently been passed to Hiashi, the Hyuga had been born and raised for this role his whole life. So far, he hadn't heard even a whisper of displeasure, but even that didn't mean some were content with his rule. But that didn't stop his father, the previous clan head, from using the influence and authority he held over the clan.
At sixty-three years of age, and having ruled the clan for nearly fifty after his mother died during the early days of the First Shinobi World War, Higashi Hyuga was counted amongst the oldest and experienced Hyuga that remained of the Warring States Period. The man had led his clan through three Great Wars and several minor ones before he felt it time for another to take the lead. He had done it all with decorum and a level head, which is why many were left confused and at odds when the former head forwent protocol.
"Send for our best. I don't care if they belong to the Branch or the Main family just them here now!" the man ordered and none dare argue. While physically passed his prime, nowhere as formidable as he once was, the man was still formidable and possessed an air about him that made him look younger.
"Father?" Hiashi could only wonder what could have had warranted such an order. The Hyuga Clan had gotten off relatively easy during the Kyubi Incident compared to others but his clan had suffered nonetheless. Higashi had volunteered to represent the Hyuga at the council meeting while Hiashi looked after his clan; Hiashi could only wonder what had been said for him to do something out of the ordinary.
"We've received word that Hokage-sama requires skilled and true ninja," in other words, ninja that could be trusted and wouldn't question their Hokage's orders.
"This has to do with the meeting," the current patriarch's ventured guess earned him a stiff nod from his father.
"It does. Now, I want you all to be silent and pay attention like I expect all my clan members to," Hiashi knew his father well enough to know that he had just given them an order; it was far from a suggestion.
"Now, I was young, barely a boy really, when I first laid my eyes on the Senju Brothers and Uchiha Madara, and to this day I've never forgotten what they felt like. The feel of their chakra was unlike any I ever sensed or seen before. The immense and overpowering presence they exhumed... it was as though I were a pebble at the base of a mountain, a leaf a hurricane, a bubble in a bottomless ocean," the former clan leader couldn't help the involuntary shudder that came.
"Higashi-sama, you can't honestly be saying–"
"Silence!" the man's withering glare paralyzed the vocal cords of the one foolish enough to interrupt the former Hyuga patriarch.
"And I'm not saying anything. I'm telling you all here and now, and I'm only going to say this once and it doesn't matter to me if you don't believe it, but without a shred of doubt, that man claiming to be our Nidaime is, in fact, Senju Tobirama. He's back. And had it been any other ninja, I'd have questioned how that was possible," when Higashi showed he was finished, many in the room began murmuring amongst themselves
"If what Higashi-sama says is true, we all know what this means, correct?" an elder stated.
"Of course, we do! We're a council! Not some undisciplined ninja in training!" another retorted, "Our influence is in jeopardy! The Senju Clan was the strongest and most influential of the Four Noble Clans of Konoha, and when only Tsunade-sama remained our influence grew because that woman is too haunted and broken to bring it back to its former glory," Hiashi lightly frowned at the man's comment.
The current Hyuga Clan Head respected Tsunade for her skills as a ninja, but had found her way of coping with her loss unbecoming and disappointing. Hiashi remembered that even after losing his mother and many other fellow friends and clansmen he was able to endure despite how unpleasant it had been.
"Seeing as none of them were spotted defending Konoha against the Kyubi, whispers have already spread that the Uchiha are suspected of foul play, too," the absence of the Konoha Military Police Force had not gone unnoticed. "This will only benefit us in the long run."
"Pfft. The Uchiha Clan's influence has been diminishing ever since Madara abandoned Konoha. This will only accelerate it," one commented. The Hyuga Clan still acknowledged the Uchiha as a formidable force, only a fool would think otherwise, but they weren't as great as they used to be.
"And with only three out of eleven Uchiha now awakening their famed Sharingan, each passing generation dwindles those numbers even further," peace time had benefited many but it wasn't without cost.
Conflict not being a constant and daily occurrence and many becoming accustomed to peace made ninja less powerful and skilled than they used to be. While the next generation had surpassed the previous one in ways such as teamwork and collaboration, in terms of might and skill it was becoming more and more evident that, that aspect was going on a downward spiral. The awakening of a Sharingan was different from one Uchiha to the next but the overall basis was one undergoing a highly emotional state, which had been a daily occurrence in the Warring States era but not so much afterwards in a time of peace. The only time where an increase occurred had been during the Great Wars, but that increase was offset by the lost lives that came with war.
"Our cousin clan aside, you all forget one critical factor. Tobirama-sama isn't his great-niece. He possesses the drive and desire for it," Higashi added. "The Nidaime Hokage may not be praised and regaled in the same light as Hashirama once was but the man's contributions greatly benefited Konoha in the long run by comparison. "
"Then how do you propose we deal with this?"
"Not by unscrupulous means," Higashi quickly added and then elaborated even further by placing a white, sheathed, ceremonial dagger before him for all to see, "If any of you feel that way then take this and end your life. Better for you to end it now than allow Tobirama-sama to get his hands on you. Heed my words when I say that death will be your greatest desire but forever out of your reach should you make a terrible enemy out of that man. The Hyuga Clan has survived and thrived for nearly two millennia; even now we're still considered one of the top five clans that survived the Warring States Period. We are currently Konoha's most influential clan because of sound leadership, and I for one will not allow that to end now!" if it came to pass it wouldn't be the first clan Tobirama eliminated.
None took the dagger but Higashi would have his son and those he could trust keep an eye out. Just because a clan was loyal to a village and its leader didn't mean everyone in that clan or village gave a damn. Ninja lied, cheat, double-crossed and performed deeds others could only imagine. Even samurai had abandoned or turned on their allies for one reason or another. Tobirama was an intelligent and pragmatic individual, but he could be highly vindictive and colder than the ice and snows of Tetsu no Kuni if crossed in a very bad way.
"How do go about this then? Have one of our own court him?"
"An exercise in futility. Even though Tobirama was a second son he should have married and had children of his own if not for duty to his clan," given that most children from Tobirama's time often didn't make it to their adolescence, first to third sons were expected to have children of their own at an early age to ensure the clan continued on. While adoptions took place commonly within clans with secret techniques, it was a different matter to clan specific bloodline limits; it was difficult to continue a clan when the genetic lineage that distinguished it died out. Cousin clans, however, where marriage between the two was quite common was another story.
"Tobirama-sama was, is, a man whose actions or inactions always had a reason behind them. His lack of children leads me to suspect he can't have children," Higashi explained.
"But it doesn't mean he can't have an heir," Hiashi concluded and it was comments like that made Higashi swell up with pride in his first born.
"Hai. Tobirama will seek an heir. And given Tsunade-dono's actions, and as the few remaining Senju Clan members have long since died out, he'll try and find a distant relative," Higashi saw others had their suspicions on who that would be.
"The Kyubi jinchuriki? You believe Tobirama-sama will take the boy under his protection?"
"It's rather clever, really. The boy lacks the clan's common looks, but what better way to hide than in plain sight," giving an orphan an honorary last name was not uncommon in Konoha either. Many wouldn't bat an eyelash, and many were now ignorant of the names.
"I doubt that's all he has planned," Higashi had never been one of the most powerful of ninja in Konoha but even without the Byakugan he was highly observant. During his rule, Higashi noticed a subtle pattern where Tobirama's plans were never straight forward and simple as they appeared to be. His plans were multifaceted with one plan putting another in motion.
"My daughter," Hiashi was heard. "You plan to use Hinata, my heir, your granddaughter, to garner an alliance."
"Down the line, yes," in this day and ninja didn't marry for political reasons nearly as often as they did in the pre-hidden villages era but it was still done nonetheless.
"But not now. Tobirama was not much of a fan for those who lacked subtlety. Right now, we've been given an opportunity, an opening, a stepping stone for something greater. And to make certain this opportunity isn't squandered we will be sending our best."
"And if they fail?"
"Then we make our own opportunities," Higashi answered and signaled for the doors to open. Before them was a group of Hyuga and kneeling on one knee and at the head of it was Higashi's second son, Hizashi.
(Sometime Later)
Tobirama had never been one for comical or exaggerated reactions like his older brother, he had always been the more serious of the two, but even he had his limits and Hashirama had been at the top of the list of people who could make him lose his composure. Looking at the state of his clan compound, Tsunade now easily made it to the top five and believed his previously thought-out punishment too light.
Having originated from Hashirama's Mokuton and reinforced with seals from their cousin clan, the enclosure, buildings, and gates were still standing strong and sturdy as they had nearly sixty years ago. That didn't mean it wasn't exactly eye candy.
"This will require a lot of Shadow Clones," Tobirama had thought at the time. In addition, he also thought it would also need more than a coat of paint. More than a few areas of stonework here and there had long since began to erode and crumble from lack of maintenance; webs from spiders, nests birds and other creatures were present in an abundance and an eyesore to behold. The seals put in place long ago to keep such creatures would need a look over, as while they were long lasting they weren't eternal to his knowledge. Tobirama believed a share of blame lied with Hashirama, too.
Even at a young age his brother's chakra had been powerful; it was practically life, warmth, and comfort all in one and even with him long gone Tobirama's talent as a sensor allowed him to sense the echo of his chakra. Animals had always been gravitated to Hashirama because of his chakra, much to the clan's ire as it made being hidden difficult until he gained a grasp on the passive ability. Tobirama couldn't fault their desire to make the compound their home, their senses being more acute compared to humans likely allowed them to sense the lingering chakra that let them know this place was safe.
Tobirama believed that this unique and powerful chakra coupled with his Mokuton and overall might played a role in not only allowing him to capture the Tailed Beasts but made them all, except for the strongest of them, much more docile and approachable.
Fortunately, the compound was functional despite its less than stellar appearance. Tobirama was not an engineer or tradesman. So, while the quick use of clones informed him that many of the compound's buildings were liveable, a team would have to be employed to give it a thorough look over. While prepared for their eventuality, it didn't mean Tobirama liked unwelcomed surprises, and right now he wasn't in the mood for them.
Walking to the building reserved for the clan head and their family, Tobirama stopped, formed a clone, passed his ward to that clone, and then waited. Less than five minutes later, a group of shinobi encircled him and many were left at his mercy.
It wasn't a jest when many dubbed Tobirama as the fastest man of his era, one moment he was in the middle of the new arrivals, the next he appeared in front of each and everyone one of them and all flew in multiple directions within less than a second. The man had little fear of damaging his clan compound as the victims of his assault slammed into a light blue barrier that shocked them fiercely and unforgivably.
After a time, some fell and didn't move and only a few exploded into clouds of smoke that turned out to be logs. When one appeared behind him, Tobirama didn't bother ducking and merely leaned away and blocked the strike with the sword he confiscated from one of the downed ninjas. The clashing of metal on metal released a harsh sound and the attacker was forced to go on the defensive, one that barely lasted a second before they were sent soaring.
Looking back at them, Tobirama gave each ninja a look that had them weak in the knees. And he had barely begun to fight.
Immensely sorry for the very long time it took for this to be updated. I got caught up with story building and then distracted by other things like life. Bad excuse but these things happen and this is done for fun not money. Anyway, review and I'll answer your questions as best I can.
Ps. Also here is the rating of the new Shinobi Index. Just FYI, it's not a perfect indicator of one's true strength, as someone with certain skills can make them more powerful and dangerous in one aspect, especially when faced against someone who didn't get the luck of the draw. However, they can be much easier to deal with if they are matched with the wrong person. So a person can have a total number of 28.5 and go against one with a total of 34 and still win if they have the right skills, and then lose when facing someone with those same numbers or lower. It's kinda like at school where the average of a student is 65% but they have 90s and 80s in certain categories but very low numbers in other categories that causes the average to be much lower than it otherwise could be. It's flawed in a way, but that's life, and in this case it doesn't mean the ninja with the lower number isn't talented or skilled.
Furthermore, this is the base stat levels, using certain techniques like Cursed Seals, Kinjutsu, Gates, Biju Chakra Transformation and whatnot can increase or reduce, yes, it can reduce, one's stats. So there is that to consider, too.
Shinobi/Statistic Index
0-1: E-Rank
1.5: E/D-Rank
2: D-Rank
2.5: D/C-Rank
3: C-Rank
3.5: C/B-Rank
4: B-Rank
4.5: B/A-Rank
5: A/S-Rank
5.5: S-Rank
6: Above S-Rank
Overall Skill Index
0-15: Fresh academy students, civilians, inexperienced bandits. Weak individually, but can pose a threat when in serious numbers.
15.5-20: Newly fresh out of the academy Genin with average skill sets, Ronin and Experienced Bandits.
20.5-25: Experienced/Talented Genin. Possesses some C-Rank mission experience or possesses skills above the norm, Bandit/Ronin Leaders.
25.5-30: Chunin level ninja that are well-versed in most of basic shinobi combat and possess decent qualities as a ninja.
30.5-35: Tokubetsu Jonin. Possess noteworthy skills for both on and off the battlefield such as Interrogation, and Track and Capture, Bounty Hunters
35.5-40: Jonin. Well versed in multiple forms of combat, both a great deal of experienced, and knowledge. Dangerous individuals that are capable of defeating multiple opponents single handedly. Should not be taken lightly.
40.5-45: Elite Jonin- Borderline Kage. Dangerous and powerful individuals with well-known reputations. Possess skills and knowledge that only the exceptionally talented or dedicated few can attain.
45.5-50: Kage. Dangerous individuals with well-known reputation and skills that instil fear into the hearts of others. Generally possess enormous amounts of chakra and have mastered various forms for Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu.
50.5-55: Elite Kage. Individuals with skills and unnatural talent or gumption, capable of wiping out armies single handedly. Generally possess vast amounts of chakra and knowledge on all aspects of the ninja way of life.
55.5-60: Above Kage: Individuals with skills that have many compared them to the gods themselves. Possess skills that can decimate countries and armies and change the entire landscape as though it was child's play. Those that have reached this level are often held in fantasy light or have their prowess downplayed due to sheer disbelief that such a person ever existed.
Sarutobi Hiruzen (Prime)
Stamina/Chakra: 6
Intelligence: 5.5
Strength: 5
Ninjutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 5
Taijutsu: 5.5
Bukijutsu: 6
Speed: 5
Chakra Control: 5
Hand-Seals: 6
Total: 55
Threat Level: Elite Kage Level
Senju Tobirama
Stamina/Chakra: 5
Intelligence 6
Strength: 4
Ninjutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 6
Taijutsu: 5
Bukijutsu: 5
Speed: 6
Chakra Control: 6
Hand-Seals: 6
Total: 55
Threat Level: Elite Kage Level
Senju Hashirama
Stamina/Chakra: 6
Intelligence: 5
Strength: 6
Ninjutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 6
Taijutsu: 6
Bukijutsu: 6
Speed: 6
Chakra Control: 6
Hand-Seals: 6
Total: 59
Threat Level: Above Kage Level
Uchiha Madara
Stamina/Chakra: 5.5
Intelligence: 6
Strength: 5
Ninjutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 6
Taijutsu: 5.5
Bukijutsu: 6
Speed: 6
Chakra Control: 6
Hand-Seals: 6
Total: 58
Threat Level: Above Kage Level
