Hokage: Unable to persuade Madara, I chose to build my own ninja village.

Chapter 29 Tobirama Senju: Use the money you embezzle—no, I mean the money you save—to sponsor my research!

Sarutobi Sasuke's visit to Konoha this time wasn't just about discussing the relocation of the Sarutobi clan to Konoha with Tobirama Senju; he also wanted to introduce his son, Sarutobi Hiruzen, to Tobirama.

If possible, Sarutobi Sasuke also hopes that Senju Tobirama can take Sarutobi Hiruzen as his disciple.

This was a decision Sarutobi Sasuke made after careful consideration.

Some time ago.

Sarutobi Sasuke came to the village to conduct an investigation.

The village's strength is undeniable, after all, it was established jointly by the Uchiha and Senju clans.

Of course, this news is common knowledge.

Most importantly, Sarutobi Sasuke has almost figured out a key issue concerning the future development of the Sarutobi clan.

If the Sarutobi clan moves to Konoha in the future, who should they lick and which side should they choose?

Whom should we fawn over? Naturally, we should fawn over the person in charge.

Taking sides? That naturally means taking sides and deciding who's in charge.

We can't just sit around eating leftovers with the second-in-command!

Who is in charge of the village?

The one who is clearly above is none other than Hashirama Senju.

But the one in charge is actually Tobirama Senju right in front of us!

Tobirama Senju was nominally an assistant, but in reality, he was a regent!

We have a clear-cut stance on the development of Konoha!

Sarutobi Sasuke had personally witnessed the scene where the renowned ninja Hashirama Senju was being reprimanded by Tobirama Senju, squatting in a corner and drawing circles.

That's it!

Hashirama Senju had to bow and scrape before Tobirama Senju pleading with him not to be angry.

Seeing such a famous scene

Sarutobi Sasuke could tell just how terrifying Tobirama Senju's influence was in the village; it could be described as having immense power!

If the Sarutobi clan wants to obtain enough resources in the village for long-term development, they must establish a connection with Tobirama Senju.

In the ninja world.

Aside from blood relatives, the closest relationship a ninja has is with their disciple.

If Hiruzen Sarutobi could become Tobirama Senju's disciple, the Sarutobi clan would have a powerful backer in the village. This would also be a pledge of allegiance for the Sarutobi clan.

"Lord Tobirama, leave this matter to me!"

"I'm already a ninja who can stand on my own!"

At the signal from his father, Sarutobi Sasuke, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately stepped forward, his voice booming and his expression full of confidence.

"Tobirama-sama, me too!"

Danzo Shimura, however, was a step behind and came out.

"I see."

Tobirama Senju raised his head and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura in front of him.

Although they are not yet adults, and look to be only fourteen or fifteen years old, in this cruel ninja world, a child who can live to be fourteen or fifteen years old can indeed be called a capable ninja. I myself went to the battlefield with my father to eliminate the inherently evil Uchiha when I was only seven or eight years old!

"Lord Tobirama, please leave this matter to Hiruzen!"

"It just so happens that I was planning to put him in charge of purchasing supplies this time. Hiruzen is my son, and one day he will have to shoulder the burden of the Sarutobi clan. It's time for him to take charge."

"Delivering the letter was just something I did on the side."

As Sarutobi Sasuke said this, he unconsciously raised the volume of Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice.

"I also happened to have this plan, so it's time for Danzo to act as well."

Shimura Shizuru, standing nearby, felt the same way. Considering the future of the Shimura clan, he also hoped that Senju Tobirama could take Shimura Danzo as his disciple.

"Well, since you two have put it that way, then alright."

Tobirama Senju nodded.

It's just sending a letter to the daimyo of the Land of Fire. Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura also have to go to the Land of Fire to buy supplies. What could possibly go wrong?

Seeing that Tobirama Senju nodded in agreement.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura both showed expressions of joy; sending the letter was just an excuse.

Most importantly, he secured the opportunity to spend time with Tobirama Senju.

Then it was time for Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura to perform.

To ensure the mission's success, Hiruzen Sarutobi volunteered to demonstrate his expertise in Fire Release ninjutsu, while Danzo Shimura, standing nearby, unleashed his Wind Release technique.

Tobirama Senju played along with their performance, and even pointed out Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura's shortcomings in their understanding of ninjutsu. By this point, Tobirama Senju could probably guess what Sarutobi Sasuke and Shimura Shima were thinking.

Taking on apprentices is not out of the question.

Aside from the downside of wasting precious time teaching students, everything else can be considered an advantage.

From now on, the Sarutobi and Shimura clans will support him and he will not be corrupted or lured away by the inherently evil Uchiha clans. With the support of the ninja clans, Tobirama Senju will be able to better control the village in the future.

This back-and-forth continued for a while.

Sarutobi Sasuke and Shimura Shima finally revealed their second purpose for coming here today.

"Lord Tobirama, you are indeed a powerful ninja with vast knowledge. You guided them both effortlessly. I wonder if you would be willing to take Hiruzen/Danzo as your apprentices?"

"Taking on disciples... well, it's not that I can't do it, but my standards for selecting disciples are quite high."

As Tobirama Senju said this, although he did intend to accept Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura as his disciples, he certainly couldn't just agree to it so readily.

As the saying goes, good things often come with difficulties.

There are quite a few procedures to follow when accepting disciples. They must pass a series of tests. Besides, I am Tobirama Senju. No matter what, I cannot accept two good-for-nothings as disciples. I have to save face!

Necessary tests cannot be missed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura both showed signs of excitement.

In just that brief exchange, the two of them were already impressed by Tobirama Senju. To be able to point out their shortcomings in understanding ninjutsu in such a short time was something even their father couldn't do!

Even if it weren't for the future of their families, they would still try to become Tobirama Senju's apprentice simply to become stronger.

"After you return from the Land of Fire, I will test you. If you can gain my approval, I will accept you as my disciples."

"Lord Tobirama, I won't let you down!" x2

"Hiruzen Sarutobi!" Danzo Shimura shouted together.

Both sides reached an agreement, and Tobirama Senju once again brought up the topic of adults.

They discussed the list of supplies to be purchased, as well as a series of issues such as the relocation of ninja clans and the planning of ninja villages. Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura listened to the discussion, but in their hearts, they were thinking about how to gain Tobirama Senju's approval as soon as possible after returning from the Land of Fire.

"Then it's decided."

"The village needs to purchase supplies recently, so I'd like to ask you to do it for me. That way, you can get a discount."

The Sarutobi clan and the Shishi clan each plan to contribute approximately 200 million taels to purchase supplies. The village will each receive a subsidy of 50 million taels, and will also contribute an additional 300 million taels to purchase supplies, totaling 800 million taels. Such a large-scale purchase of supplies will likely result in a price reduction of about 5%.

Even if it's only five percent, it's still a significant expense.

The money saved won't go into the public account; I'll keep some to buy research equipment, hehehe. This is the result of my wisdom!

Really looking forward to it!

Tobirama Senju was making these plans in his mind.

(End of this chapter)