Traveling through three generations: Making Konoha great again!

Chapter 156 Izuna and Hiruzen's Cooperation, Danzo Takes Tobirama as His Disciple! (A long chapter of 11,000 words!)

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression twisted slightly.

And he's still considered lucky—

Yixin, standing to the side, was already putting on an exaggerated facial expression.

Isshin, who was always known for his composure and wisdom, had his features contorted at this moment, his eyebrows furrowed, and the three-tomoe shards that belonged to Uchiha Setsuna unconsciously activated—

The young clan leader meant that—

Aokiji, the son blessed by the ancestors who descended from the heavens to change the fortunes of the Uchiha clan—

Does he have that bastard Tobirama Senju's blood flowing through his veins?

If it were anyone else, Isshin might outwardly overlook it out of respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But they will definitely remember it fiercely and seek revenge when the opportunity arises!

It's not that it's wrong to be disgusting to the Uchiha clan, but making fun of Tobirama Senju is going too far!

But the problem is—

These words weren't spoken by anyone else, but by Uchiha Izuna himself—

Even Yixin couldn't hold back anymore; his brain overloaded and crashed for a moment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi subconsciously pulled out his cigarette case, but after seeing it was from the Mito family, he didn't smoke it.

After all, it was at an elder's house, not in his Hokage Building.

Even the usually indifferent Mito gasped, looking at Izuna with a face full of doubt.

Mito had expected that Izuna would lie and make up stories.

After all, Izuna and Tobirama are quite similar in some ways; they both disregard minor details in order to achieve their goals.

But can we really be so indifferent?

Even the Nine-Tails was scratching its head; it hadn't spent the whole day just listening to Mito and Hiruzen Sarutobi chatter for nothing—

Kurama seemed to find the awkward relationship between Tobirama and Izuna quite fascinating.

"Hiruzen, don't get involved in this!"

Interest gleamed in Mito's eyes, and for a moment she even seemed younger: "Go ahead and smoke. I know this is hard for you to accept, but I've come to get to the bottom of this!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

It has nothing to do with the Third Hokage.

These are all problems left behind by Tobirama-sensei, and as his apprentice, there's not much he can do about them.

Just like Mito Ruiping said that Danzo is not qualified to comment on Izuna.

Hiruzen Sarutobi can use the stories of the previous Hokage to invent some history.

However, it's best not to get involved when it comes to matters of private morality.

It would be best to have a senior Mito (a high-ranking official) handle the case.

Hiruzen Sarutobi silently got up from his seat, moved a small stool to the wall, and took out his cigarette case.

He walked over silently, sat cross-legged next to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and whispered, "Hokage-sama, could I have one?"

Yixin had already quit smoking a long time ago.

But today's events had a really big impact on him—

Although the effects of tobacco on a ninja's physique are negligible, it still provides a sense of ritual and can help suppress the worries in one's heart!

Hiruzen Sarutobi handed him a cigarette, a faint flame rising from his fingers as he lit it for him.

He nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Hokage-sama—"

When Hiruzen Sarutobi lit his cigarette, Isshin also came over to light it for the Hokage.

The two leaned against the wall, puffing on their cigarettes, and sighed in unison.

Ugh!

Isshin and Hiruzen Sarutobi exchanged a glance and shook their heads with wry smiles.

They all had the same thought in their hearts—

Why are the older generation so troublesome?

"You really had a tough time! To clean up the mess that Tobirama Senju made, you endured so much criticism for the first twenty-five years, and only then did you lay the foundation for reform step by step—"

"Now that the village is finally getting back on track, and the Uchiha clan and Konoha are truly close, he still manages to bring up the old trigger points he planted. I really don't know what to say!"

Isshin took a vicious puff of smoke, exhaling a thick cloud of smoke, his voice hoarse: "Please forgive my disrespect towards the Second Hokage, Hokage-sama—"

"Don't worry, I know you're a victim too; it's all the fault of certain people!"

"The Uchiha clan's unwavering loyalty to you will never be broken by anyone!"

Isshin's words left Hiruzen Sarutobi speechless.

Was he a victim?

In a sense, I guess so—

Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted Tobirama to experience a new life different from that of the Hokage.

But I never expected that even as an Uchiha boy, he could cause so much trouble!

It's both Izuna's possession and turning himself into a product of a Senju Uchiha sadomasochistic relationship—

"No wonder Tobirama-sensei was able to research so many forbidden techniques!"

"His mind is more agile than most people's—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Isshin on the shoulder and said in a low voice, "I understand, I understand—"

"It's not easy for anyone, it's not easy for any of us!"

He nodded heavily, his voice heavy with sorrow: "It's not easy at all; they're such a worry!"

Izuna stood to the side, speechless as he watched the two of them.

Isshin is depicted as an old man, while Hiruzen Sarutobi is portrayed as a robust middle-aged man.

Izuna was relatively young, after all, he was not even thirty when he died.

This scene looks like two parents with a good relationship, unable to distinguish right from wrong, helplessly comforting each other because of some mess their children have made—

But the problem is, he is the young patriarch of the Uchiha clan!

In the past, Izuna has always played the role of the parent. When has he ever been a child?

This is truly a reversal of the natural order—

"Is this the price of reversing Yin and Yang? Tobirama Senju, your research on the Impure World Reincarnation is indeed evil—" Izuna cursed inwardly, while Tobirama was also about to lose his composure.

First of all, the technique used to summon you is Yata no Mikoto, what does that have to do with my Impure World Reincarnation? Don't try to force it!

Tobirama Senju heard Isshin's words very clearly—

Tobirama never expected that his worries about his reputation would come true so soon!

What does it mean for Hiruzen to clean up his own mess?

Don't talk nonsense if you've never been a Hokage!

Reforms are something that need to be done step by step; there's no such thing as making sweeping changes right from the start.

Tobirama grew increasingly eager to hint at Hiruzen's desire to tell him short stories—

It's not that he's after empty fame, but he can't just put the blame on himself!

"Izuna, speak now—"

Mito's eyes blinked, and her tone was somewhat like that of a gossipy middle-aged woman: "Let me hear what's going on here?"

Izuna's expression was somewhat bitter.

If he had no other choice, he really wouldn't have wanted to reveal Qing Shui's true identity.

But there's nothing I can do!

Informing the Leaf Village leadership about that bastard's bloodline will ultimately lead to a better future for "Azure Water."

"Mito, carefully sense the composition of this body's cells and chakra—"

"Don't you sense Tobirama Senju's presence?"

Izuna sighed: "And appearance—to be honest, I didn't notice it at first, but after I analyzed Aoshui's cells and chakra with my Mangekyou Sharingan, I discovered the clues."

"Aoisui looks like my grandfather overall, but his bone structure clearly shows the resemblance to Tobirama."

"We've been spending so much time together these days, and I'm becoming more and more certain."

"Also, this child's personality is actually somewhat similar to Tobirama Senju's. He's calm, loves researching ninjutsu, and can be a bit sharp-tongued at times, but he's very tolerant of other clan members who aren't as talented—"

Mito gently inserted the Vajra Seal into Aoshui's flesh, closing his eyes to carefully sense it.

hiss!

Just as Izuna said!

In other words, Mito Uzumaki's perception and memory abilities are exceptionally strong, which is why she was able to distinguish them.

For those she considers important, she almost never forgets them once she has sensed their chakra.

It's practically a walking memo.

"Aoisui's cells and chakra are like you and Tobirama have merged—even Tsuna's relationship with Hashirama isn't as similar to the two of you as Aoisui!"

Mito muttered to herself, "Izuna, I thought you were trying to use the Hokage's bloodline to deceive people in the village after Tobirama's cells were implanted in Aomizu's body."

Acquire resources—

"It's really true?"

Although Mito's sensory abilities are extraordinary.

However, "Qingshui's" body is not a common product.

Instead, it was a stroke of genius achieved by Tobirama through thousands of experiments, combined with Hiruko's cell fusion technology, Jigan's nodule removal, and the entire power of the Kaleidoscope Eye, "Shuko Yumei," forged into one piece!

It wasn't that Tobirama was arrogant—

The resources and luck condensed in this body, coupled with the non-universal technology, far exceed the scientific research capabilities of the present two to three eras!

Let alone Mito, even if he himself came here without knowing the inside story, he would be stunned.

Izuna looked completely bewildered and couldn't help but retort to Mito, "Who would collect other people's cells for no reason? Even though my Uchiha clan is a thousand-year-old prestigious family, and some of our members have rather unique interests—"

"But no one has ever done something so twisted!"

Mito smiled warmly and released the Vajra restraints on Izuna's body.

"Actually, there are some—"

Mito defended himself, saying, "This isn't me targeting the Uchiha clan; it's just that some people have left a deep impression on me."

Tobirama chuckled inside "Seisui".

This is unbearable!

Why is my sister-in-law siding with outsiders? Or is she making fun of herself in front of this jerk?

"Hey, you're talking about Tobirama, right? I really don't know what he's thinking all day—"

"He always likes to secretly collect cells from various ninja clans, not even sparing chakra bloodline ninjas—"

Izuna shook his head: "However, I know Hashirama's attitude towards his research into forbidden techniques. Even in the cruel Warring States period, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the Impure World Reincarnation technique."

"You and Hashirama are feared by the Uchiha clan, but they all admire you."

"A respectable opponent—"

Hearing Izuna's words, Mito shook her head with emotion: "Thank you—"

Tobirama was completely baffled.

Why are you two suddenly showing mutual respect?

What about me!

You're taking advantage of the fact that I can't speak right now, aren't you!

If it weren't for techniques like Impure World Reincarnation, Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags, and Soul Imprisonment—

How many more members of the Senju clan will die!

At that moment, Tobirama suddenly felt a sense of empathy for his second apprentice.

Those who bear darkness are bound to be misunderstood by others and will be burdened with many undeserved accusations.

"I don't know the details of Qing Shui's background either; I'm just making a deduction."

"You know, Aoshui is from Kusagakure, and his age doesn't match either my or Tobirama's, so he can only be the offspring of my and Tobirama's children—"

Izuna slowly recounted this story, which could be described as a tragic love affair.

In short, their respective children fell in love.

However, due to the environment in Konoha at the time, and the conflict between the Uchiha clan and the village, the two chose to leave the village and live in seclusion near the Land of Fire.

Their child, Aoshui, was also kidnapped because they were near Kusagakure Village.

Tobirama had heard it once, so it wasn't too bad for him.

But the expressions on the other people's faces were quite interesting.

Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly stood up and said in a very serious tone, "Izuna, although you and Tobirama-sensei have a past, even if you were to be considered both enemies and friends—"

"But you have no right to humiliate my teacher like this!"

"He never had a partner in his entire life, remaining single, and dedicated his life entirely to the village!"

"What you're saying must be false, impossible, absolutely impossible!"

Isshin quickly grabbed Hiruzen Sarutobi's arm, repeatedly urging, "Hokage-sama, calm down, calm down!"

"The young clan leader didn't mean to insult the Second Hokage; he was just making a deduction, a random guess—"

Izuna looked at the furious Hiruzen Sarutobi, but he wasn't angry. Instead, he felt a little envious.

What a wonderful apprentice!

"With Hiruzen Sarutobi's intelligence and logic, he will surely be able to analyze that what I'm saying isn't just made up—"

"But for the sake of Tobirama Senju's reputation, he still resolutely stepped forward—"

"Sigh!" Izuna shook his head.

As the Second Hokage, it would have been one thing if Tobirama had kept it a secret that he had children—

But if his children can't accept his policies and become people who leave the village, to the point that their bloodline has been taken away by Kusagakure, it would be too unpleasant to talk about!

This will certainly have an impact on Tobirama's reputation.

Not fatal, but it will be an indelible stain.

"Hiruzen is truly my good disciple!"

"This kind and honest nature of his comes from me—" Tobirama thought to himself, then suddenly paused.

Is he kind?

I guess it could be considered one, albeit by a narrow margin.

After all, the Uchiha clan's police department was given such a secure job—regardless of their intentions, let's just say they're not even eating their fill!

"Logically speaking, if Hiruzen wanted to confirm my identity, he should have gone along with what Izuna said—"

"But for the sake of my reputation, Hiruzen still spoke the truth!"

"Sigh—it was actually a bit irrational, I shouldn't have done that!" Tobirama thought to himself, but he still felt quite warm inside.

The only person who spoke up for him today!

Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't actually thought that far ahead—

He simply acted as a good disciple of Tobirama should, a Hokage who knew nothing.

To be Hokage, sincerity is important, but you also need to know how to play the role and how to feign ignorance.

"Hiruzen, calm down, calm down—"

Mito coughed lightly and said gently, "I understand your feelings, but things in the Warring States period are different from now, and the mindset of ninjas is different too—"

"Although Izuna's words sound absurd, upon closer examination, they might actually be the truth!"

This time, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't faking it; he was genuinely stunned.

Could this really be the truth?

Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's deeply puzzled expression, Mito analyzed earnestly, "Hiruzen, first of all, you need to know that the birth rate of ninjas in the Sengoku period was very high—and the social atmosphere was also relatively open. Ninjas without partners or children were a minority."

Izuna sighed: "That's right—the cruel environment of the Warring States period has a tremendous destructive effect on people's mental well-being. To maintain rationality, there needs to be a way to release that pressure."

"What Mito was talking about is something that everyone has. When it comes to individuals, the more skilled a ninja is, the more likely they are to have some quirks as a way to relieve stress."

"For someone like Tobirama Senju, his research into forbidden techniques might have been his way of coping—"

"My words—" Izuna paused.

"You're looking for women, women of all races—" Mito said coldly, "You'd better shut up!"

Mito still harbors a grudge against Izuna, who had harassed the Uzumaki clan in the past.

Izuna fell silent, looking sullen, but inwardly he thought to Tobirama, "See? The love story I told you is true! Isshin was just making things up!"

Tobirama chuckled.

What a strange guy—

Are you really that concerned about your reputation in this regard? This is something that doesn't really matter at all!

"However, Izuna understands me better than I thought—" Tobirama pondered.

Just as Izuna said—

While Tobirama's extensive research into forbidden techniques was partly for combat purposes, it was also a significant hobby he used to relieve his own stress.

Not everyone has nerves as thick and strong as Hashirama's.

No matter what happens, I only feel frustrated for a moment, then I laugh it off and think of a solution.

"Also, do you relieve stress through dating?"

Tobirama also realized a problem.

Among the ninjas of the Warring States period, he was indeed one of the very few who remained unmarried and childless, because he felt it was pointless—

However, if we look at it from a research perspective...

A method that can be widely accepted by the general public must have underlying benefits and causes.

"That's something I overlooked; I'll have to look into it when I have time—"

"Is that Uchiha Tomie that Isshin was talking about? She's a ready-made subject. I don't need to have anything happen with her. I can just have a little experience with her. In short, there's no need to waste too much of my time."

However, there is another reason that Tobirama did not mention.

The Uchiha women that Izuna couldn't handle, he conquered with ease—doesn't that prove he's superior to Izuna in every way?

Tobirama himself didn't realize it.

Having been reborn, and having relinquished the burden of being Hokage, his personality became more cheerful, and he gained a touch of youthful spirit.

After hearing Mito's explanation, Hiruzen Sarutobi silently took out another cigarette.

One more, please.

Was the Warring States period really that chaotic?

However, after a moment's thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi realized that this made sense.

If they hadn't had a large number of children, given the average lifespan of ninjas during the Warring States period, they would have all died out long ago.

Mito frowned and continued her analysis: "Therefore, it would be reasonable to say that Tobirama had a secret lover or even a child."

"There are no outsiders here, and everyone knows him well, so I'll just be frank!"

"He's the kind of person who really likes to hide things. After Hashirama died, I was in charge of overseeing his forbidden technique research. There were many research sites that I couldn't detect even with Kagura's Mind's Eye—"

"Moreover, you all know Tobirama's reputation. He's different from you; his enemies will retaliate against him in the cruelest and most inhumane ways—"

"Having children means living under an assumed name is the best solution."

Tobirama was speechless with exasperation.

How come this line of thinking is exactly the same as Izuna's?

Is his image so consistent in other people's eyes?

Isshin chimed in, "Lord Mito is right. The Second Hokage once used the Impure World Reincarnation technique to resurrect the relatives of an enemy leader, then controlled them to pretend to be missing them, thus gaining entry into the enemy camp—"

Izuna picked up the thread: "And then you summoned the Mutual Explosion Tags, right? That really shocked the ninja world; they almost wiped out all the young members of the Kaguya clan!"

"So much so that later on, when ninjas saw someone who resembled their relatives, their first reaction wasn't to feel nostalgia, but to immediately become wary—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but take a deep drag on his cigarette.

That's just too hateful!

The experience of reading about its usage in ancient texts is completely different from hearing it from an observer from back then.

It's really hard to defend Tobirama-sensei!

And putting aside the issue of whitewashing, it would be strange if using this tactic didn't attract attention from others—

If Tobirama truly had children, then even if they were captured, regardless of whether Tobirama was the second-in-command of the Senju clan, chopping them up first would be considered a quick and painless punishment.

"I believe that Tobirama-sensei's main motivation was to protect his clan and Konoha—"

"The methods used are somewhat extreme, but the times and circumstances are different, so we should look at it dialectically—didn't the First Hokage also classify it as a forbidden technique? Tobirama-sensei agreed, which means he knew there were limitations—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. Since he had resurrected Tobirama to work for him, he had to speak up for him.

"As Hokage, he had no one to help him bear the darkness; he carried both sides of the same coin all by himself—Tobirama-sensei really had it tough, having to deal with the collective counterattack of the enemies after the First Hokage's death. He had no choice but to do it this way."

"I firmly believe he was a good Hokage and a good teacher!"

Mito, Izuna, and Isshin all looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi without prior arrangement.

His eyes were filled with sympathy and admiration.

Having such a teacher is fortunate; it's all thanks to Hiruzen Sarutobi's eloquence that he can always find a point to point—

Izuna sighed, "Third Hokage, I've never admired Tobirama Senju in my life. Even his Flying Thunder God Technique was just a despicable sneak attack—"

"But his eye for choosing apprentices is sharper than a kaleidoscope!"

Tobirama shook his head slightly, his expression wistful.

"The entire ninja world may have misjudged me, Tobirama, but I am still me, and I will not change! Hiruzen alone knows me and understands me, and that is enough!"

On the other hand, Tobirama also came to a realization.

Since Tobirama is already dead, it's not a big deal to blame his name.

Just don't go too far.

The remaining legacy of reputation can also be inherited by him now, which is killing two birds with one stone.

The second playthrough is about being able to escape unscathed!

"As for who Tobirama and Izuna's children are, there is no way to verify that—"

Mito slowly said, "Izuna probably didn't know either. He was promiscuous and died young—as for Tobirama, unless he is resurrected using Edo Tensei, it's hard to know."

"However, I don't think he'll admit that it's useless to use Edo Tensei."

"He's very stubborn—"

Izuna chuckled: "Resurrect him with Impure World Reincarnation? I don't think he can do it—he's the creator of Impure World Reincarnation; if he falls for his own technique, wouldn't he be a laughingstock?"

"He's so despicable and cautious—don't waste your energy."

Tobirama's expression was somewhat complicated.

He discovered something very strange—

Both he and Izuna seemed to have a habitual tendency to overestimate their opponent's strength.

For example, with the Impure World Reincarnation technique, he really didn't leave any tricks up his sleeve!

But this line of thinking is like Tobirama not believing that Izuna would commit suicide after being hit by the Flying Thunder God Slash—

Both sides imagined the other to be better than they actually were, through a "beautified" filter.

Upon hearing the word "Impure World Reincarnation," Hiruzen Sarutobi was startled.

It won't give anything away, but it will still require some explanation.

"Hiruzen, don't worry—"

Mito, with her Kagura Mind's Eye fully activated, sensed Hiruzen Sarutobi's chakra fluctuations and reassured him, "It won't disturb your teacher—just let Tobirama rest in peace in the Pure Land. After all, it's not something to be proud of."

"And as Izuna said, it's hard to say whether we can successfully resurrect Tobirama—"

"I know you don't want to embarrass Tobirama, so don't panic—not for his sake, but to prevent the village's good Hokage from bearing the reputation of inquiring about personal matters under the guise of the reanimated former Hokage—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback, then bowed deeply to Mito: "Thank you for your understanding, Mito-sama!"

He discovered a blind spot in the perception of malice and emotion—

That is, this is not true mind reading after all.

If the initial character setup and foundation are solid enough, even if unusual emotions are detected, the analysis will proceed based on existing impressions.

Just like it is now.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's brief moment of panic wouldn't make Mito think anything was wrong; on the contrary, she would only think of it in a positive light.

Mito gently shook her head: "Hiruzen, you've worked hard—"

Once, when Hiruzen Sarutobi first asked Mito about sensitive issues such as "removing meridian nodules," Mito had also wondered if Hiruzen Sarutobi was showing his true colors.

After all, he was Tobirama's apprentice—

But later, Mito saw the relevant projects come to fruition.

Earth Grudge Fear and cloning technology were used to protect disabled ninjas and develop medical technologies.

A few days ago, when Mito was taking Yamato for a walk, he saw Uchiha Homura, who greeted him. Homura now had both arms and looked no different from an able-bodied person.

These tangible benefits to the general public made Mito very confident in Hiruzen Sarutobi, never imagining that Hashirama's successor might pull off any truly awe-inspiring feats.

Tobirama was greatly shocked.

"How could Kagura's cunning be so easily fooled? Is that even possible?!"

"Mito actually spoke up for Hiruzen?" Tobirama couldn't help but feel somewhat disillusioned.

This is completely different from the attitude towards him – it's like heaven and earth!

Mito cleared his throat and continued, "After thinking about it, Izuna's idea is quite reasonable!"

"When Tobirama was alive, the two children could only contact each other in private—but ten years after Tobirama died, the village lifted the martial law imposed after the war and the Cold War, which was a good opportunity for them to leave the village."

"Tobirama must be really against them being together!"

"What a tragic couple!"

Mito said with pity, "After they lost Aomine, the guilt they felt probably made it hard for them to live on. I wonder where they were buried—"

Izuna nodded slightly, his expression quite somber.

"Fortunately, Hiruzen took special action against Kusagakure and rescued Aomizu—"

Mito sighed, "I guess you could call it compensation, but it's not really compensation!"

"Mito-sama, I actually think Tobirama-sensei might not object—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi cautiously said, "Perhaps Tobirama-sensei deliberately facilitated this, wanting the Senju and Uchiha to tentatively merge into one, but before the influence could spread, he perished for the sake of the village—"

"If he wants to oppose this relationship, no one can stop him."

Mito paused for a moment.

She actually felt that Hiruzen Sarutobi was wrong—

How could Tobirama possibly accept the Uchiha clan? Even though he always said he treated everyone equally—

But after thinking about it, he nodded: "That's possible, Hiruzen!"

After all, it was Hiruzen's sincere heart as Tobirama's disciple—

Give Hiruzen some face!

Tobirama felt that Hiruzen was a really good student, but he was also very unhappy with the expressions of the others.

What, nobody believes him?

What does it mean when it says, "Hiruzen, you really went to great lengths for Tobirama's reputation!"?

"If that's the case—"

"Izuna, as this child's grandfather, it is your duty to protect him, so that's acceptable."

"You may leave now. I need to speak with Aomizu," Mito said calmly.

Tobirama is back online!

"Qingshui, tell me the truth, don't hide anything—"

"After hearing about your background, do you harbor any resentment towards the village or the Uchiha clan? If so, speak frankly. These are things that can be resolved through negotiation."

Mito appeared calm and collected, but in reality, she had pushed her sensory abilities to an overload level.

She needed to find out if Qing Shui was faking it!

All unstable factors should be nipped in the bud!

Otherwise, the Konoha that had just recovered under Hiruzen's rule might have sown the seeds of a huge hidden danger in the future.

"I have no complaints about the village; I love Konoha."

To this question, Tobirama made no attempt to evade the issue, answering frankly, "Not even the Uchiha clan. My younger brothers love me very much, and Ikko and Chief Fugaku have been very helpful to me. The other clan members are also very easy to get along with."

What Tobirama said was true.

In his view, how could the Uchiha clan he had now be the same as the Uchiha clan of the past?

Having already integrated into Konoha, Tobirama felt no psychological pressure even though he was considered part of the Ai clan.

Mito carefully sensed it.

Nothing unusual was detected.

"Good boy! As expected of you—" Mito paused.

She had originally intended to say, "As expected of Izuna and Tobirama's offspring," but that sounded a bit odd—

"It combines the strengths of both the Senju and Uchiha clans!" Mito abruptly changed the subject.

"Hiruzen, I have some thoughts about this child's future and background—"

Mito said softly, "Can I make the decision? Don't worry, I won't let him suffer—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked and nodded.

He knew that this wasn't Mito overstepping his authority as Hokage—

Rather, it's because "Seisui" is Tobirama's bloodline and was once left behind in another village, making it a sensitive matter for him to handle as his apprentice.

But Mito wouldn't do it—

After all, she is the recognized eldest sister-in-law of the Senju clan.

"The truth about Aozumi's background is something only I, Izuna, Hiruzen, and Isshin need to know. It must be kept strictly confidential. This doesn't mean we have to hide it forever, but the fact that Tobirama and Izuna are related by blood has uncontrollable consequences."

"If we are not prepared, the public opinion will put a lot of psychological pressure on Qingshui."

Mito said this.

"Isshin, you are responsible for subtly spreading the awkward stories between the Senju and Uchiha clans in the past, laying the foundation for their understanding."

Isshin nodded repeatedly, "Yes, Lady Mito!"

He certainly didn't want Qingshui to be in the eyes of his clan members, in the midst of the Uchiha clan's prosperity, to be inadvertently associated with Tobirama Senju.

As for the part concerning Ganquannai, the clansmen already viewed Qingshui in this way; there was no need to prove it with bloodlines—

"Hiruzen, since Aosui and Tobirama have this kind of relationship, what do you think about having Danzo take him as his apprentice?"

Mito pondered, "In that case, we can also add a barrier of the Hokage lineage to Aomichi, which will at least put Tobirama's spirit in peace."

"Furthermore, since Aozumi impeached Danzo before, the fact that the two of them became master and disciple would demonstrate a satisfactory reconciliation of the matter and also serve as a way to keep a close watch on him—"

"Danzo isn't a bad person, but he's not very bright. He made a solemn vow in front of the village that he would never break the rules again, and I'm very worried about that—"

"If he commits another offense, Hiruzen will have no choice but to deal with him, which would also have a very bad impact on the village."

"I'll feel more at ease with Qingshui by his side—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback. So Danzo's wish had been fulfilled in this way?

In the end, he still accepted Qingshui as his disciple.

"Of course, that's possible, but Lady Mito, I'd like to add Danzo to the list of those who know Aomizu's past—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly said, "This way, we can also avoid Danzo retaliating because of Aozumi's previous actions. Although he doesn't understand anything about the Will of Fire, he has enough respect for our teacher—"

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Danzo and Tobirama getting along.

This is not a traditional master-disciple relationship!

"We've invited a 'master' back, and he's the young master of the Uchiha and Senju clans!"

Based on Hiruzen Sarutobi's understanding of Danzo—

He is a fairly fair person and doesn't place much importance on bloodlines.

For example, even though Shisui was a descendant of Uchiha Kagami, Danzo didn't show him any special attention. On the contrary, he was very wary of Shisui's talent as an Uchiha, even though he was just a student at the Ninja Academy.

But there are always exceptions.

For example, Tsunade.

Even Danzo couldn't ignore Tsunade's identity.

And the fact that "Seisui" is Tobirama Senju's grandson would obviously be very useful to Danzo—

For Hiruzen Sarutobi, this old friend...

The First Hokage was indeed great, but he didn't weigh half as much as Tobirama-sensei in his heart.

Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that Danzo had been troubled by his research on the "Wind Release Chakra Mode" for a long time.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi was powerless to help.

In terms of Wind Release alone, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not much better than Danzo, and Danzo also refused his help.

Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a substantial training plan, and time was limited.

But it's different when "Qingshui" comes to help him!

Mito nodded slowly.

The temporary concealment of Qingshui's identity was partly for the sake of Tobirama's reputation.

Given Danzo's level of respect for Tobirama, he would have kept his mouth shut for both reason and emotion.

"Hokage-sama, Mito-sama, thank you!"

He said with complete and sincere admiration.

Isshin was somewhat nervous after hearing that Danzo had accepted Qingshui as his disciple.

But after Hiruzen Sarutobi suggested that Danzo know Aoisui's identity, the situation changed completely—

This is the identity of someone from the Hokage lineage who fell from the sky!

Moreover, Danzo will most likely treat Aozuki better.

Moreover, given Danzo's intellect and abilities—

Thinking of how well the Uchiha clan had managed Qingshui, he couldn't help but smile.

Isn't this much better than Danzo, who only knew how to forcibly control people even within the Root?

In this way, Danzo, the mortal enemy of the Uchiha clan, might actually become a great help to Aozumi in becoming Hokage in the future!

And Ichishin didn't think Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't have thought of all this—

Therefore, the only explanation is that the Hokage himself was fair in his attitude towards the Uchiha becoming Hokage!

Isshin took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Hokage-sama! You have done so much for the Uchiha clan, Isshin truly feels guilty—"

"Rest assured, I will take care of the Second Hokage's reputation! I will set aside my old face and make the younger generation understand the complicated relationship between the Senju and Uchiha clans, and deconstruct it as much as possible—"

"In short, it will make them forget their past hatred and deeply understand the goodness of Konoha now!"

"Young clan leader, I may have to say some things that aren't in your favor in the future. Please understand!"

He bowed deeply to express his apology.

Tobirama's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

His positive reputation was actually promoted by the Uchiha clan, who offered to help him spread the word?

Or perhaps we should try to suppress Izuna—

This is so magical!

Izuna was taken aback, but then he understood what Isshin meant.

This is about dismantling the logic behind the so-called death battle between the Uchiha and Senju clans back then—

The higher-ups were already considering peace talks, but his decision to have his brother's eyes replaced actually exacerbated the conflict.

Contrary to what most of the clansmen believed, Tobirama's Flying Thunder God Slash intensified the war between the two clans, and Izuna was also partly to blame.

"Go do it, Isshin!"

"I'm just a dead man. Why should I care if my reputation can pave the way for Qingshui?"

With Izuna possessing his body, the switching of consciousness between him and Tobirama no longer requires prior notice.

He waved his hand casually: "As long as my people can live a good life, I'm happy no matter what—but, like I said, I'm half a Konoha person."

"I hope the village will be better off too!"

Izuna looked earnestly at Hiruzen Sarutobi: "Hokage, I'm entrusting my clansmen to your care—they are a lovely group of people, but they are indeed difficult to manage."

"So, if they do something excessive, you should discipline them, scold them! Even if you have to hit them hard, it doesn't matter, punishing them is for their own good! You should also keep them in check on a regular basis—"

Yixin's feelings were somewhat complicated.

Alright—

Now, if Hiruzen Sarutobi were to train the Uchiha clan, he wouldn't even bother with reason!

Official authorization from the young clan leader—

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes held a subtle expression.

This sounds like a parent saying to a teacher, "Go ahead and discipline my child, it's okay!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly walked up to Izuna.

She reached out her hand to him.

"Izuna, I have admired my name for a long time——"

"I have always heard my master talk about you. He said that you are the most difficult opponent he has ever faced, and a fierce person that he must go all out and be on his guard to remain undefeated."

"But my master also said that you were the driving force behind his research into various forbidden techniques. He regards you as his eternal rival and has even expressed his longing for you to me."

"I have no intention of commenting on the complicated relationship between you and my teacher—"

"But you two are indeed very similar. It can only be said that the cruel environment of the Warring States period forced you to become opposing rivals. If you were both in Konoha now, you might be able to become very good friends—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said sincerely, firmly grasping Izuna's hand: "Don't worry, I will treat the Uchiha well, and consider them my friends and family!"

"From now on, don't refer to yourself as half a Konoha ninja. You are a Konoha ninja, Izuna—"

"Thank you for Isshin's Mangekyou Sharingan, which allowed the pain of the era to be alleviated across time and space. If there is anything we need to discuss in the future, I will be waiting for you at the Hokage Building."

In Izuna's eyes—

Hiruzen Sarutobi's appearance at this moment even resembled Hashirama Senju—

He had always heard Hashirama and his brother say things like that before.

At that time, Izuna didn't care and thought it was just a sugar-coated bullet.

But to me, it sounds pretty good?

"Hokage, thank you for your understanding—"

"I've forgotten about Tobirama; he's dead now. We who can contribute to Konoha should unite and, as you said by the fireside, look forward!"

Izuna's expression was quite emotional; he hadn't expected Tobirama to evaluate him in this way.

If I'm not more magnanimous, won't I be outdone by this bastard?

So, Izuna gripped Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand tightly in return: "From now on, let's address each other as brothers! I'm of a higher generation than you, and you're older than me, so it's perfect that we're equals—"

Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked; the atmosphere left him no room to refuse.

Since the conversation had progressed to this point, he said, "Alright, Izuna-nii!"

Tobirama chuckled to himself.

"Hiruzen's words are even more persuasive than his older brother's; he even managed to fool Izuna—"

"Not only can he recount the history of my brother's inventions, but he can even recite the things I said to Izuna!"

"And they even put themselves on my level—"

But Tobirama wasn't opposed to it, because Hiruzen was worth it—

He was thinking that since his eldest apprentice had already done so well, he should pay more attention to his second apprentice!

We must thoroughly rectify this!

He can't even manage the Root organization properly, yet he dreams of becoming Hokage every day. Isn't that just embarrassing for him?

"Qingshui, are you and tide sure you want to be siblings?"

Mito chuckled and said, "Don't you dare follow in your grandfather's footsteps and end up single your whole life—"

Isshin quickly replied, "Lord Mito, don't worry, I've already introduced companions to Aomizu!"

Conservative Yixin still believes that marriage within the same clan is better.

Tobirama nodded: "That's right. We've been through thick and thin together, and I hope to keep that friendship pure."

Mito nodded, indicating that she understood, and she was actually slightly relieved.

In her view, "Aoisui," who possesses the blood of both Izuna and Tobirama, would certainly be capable of doing a lot for the village, but from the perspective of a partner, he is not a good match.

Since he's so eager for Qingshui to find the Uchiha girl, let him make the arrangements!

Mito's heart skipped a beat: "I've heard that some Uchiha girls have very troublesome personalities. I hope Aozumi has good luck—"

But Mito still didn't remind her, firstly because it was an unpleasant thing to say, and secondly because there were examples like Misaka.

That night.

Danzo, who was at home, received a top-secret letter.

Regarding Qingshui's identity and arrangements—

Slowly releasing the seal on it, Danzo's pupils widened as if in an earthquake after seeing it.

what?

Danzo remained calm for a long time before looking up at the photograph of Tobirama Senju in his bedroom.

"Teacher, don't worry—"

"I will treat Aoshui like my own son—no, even better!" Danzo stood before the portrait, vowing in his heart, "I will strive to become the Fourth Hokage and raise Aoshui to be the Fifth!"

Danzo tore the intelligence report into strips, stuffed them into his mouth, chewed them, and swallowed them cleanly.

This is the most confidential method—

However, Danzo was unaware of this.

Tobirama didn't come here to learn from him—

They came to attend class!

It's the kind of kunai that's dipped in alcohol and disinfected while being pounded!

P.S.: Little Fan is home! Time for some big updates, a chapter with 10,000 words in it!