Fugaku looked at Isshin in confusion, his expression somewhat subtle.
No…
If you asked him, the Uchiha Clan really did have a bit of a mental problem!
Hadn't they just agreed moments ago to trade people for time? Not exposing the Uchiha's true intentions…
How had they gone mad after hearing just a couple of sentences?
'Don't let the tomoe do your thinking for you—let the left brain attack the right brain…' For no particular reason, Fugaku suddenly recalled this line.
It had been recorded in the clan's chronicles when the young clan head Izuna once scolded the clansmen, urging everyone to think calmly.
Fugaku felt that Isshin should read it a few more times and properly absorb the wisdom within…
"What are you staring at me for? Go find someone already!"
Isshin kicked Fugaku in the backside.
"You can't even hear the real meaning in what was said, and you still think I'm just making a fuss?"
"Damn it, I tell you to read more of the clan records every day, and you only read the chapters where the young clan head curses people! You think I don't know you, brat?"
"With the way you are, how could I possibly feel at ease handing the position of clan head over to you…"
"If I let you lead them, wouldn't the Uchiha Clan end up exterminated!"
Fugaku staggered from the kick and then endured a storm-like barrage of scolding, his vision turning slightly dark.
Damn it, this old man really does understand him a bit…
No wonder the clansmen all obeyed him so much even without awakening the Mangekyō Sharingan—he really did have some brains…
Shio watched this scene dumbfounded, reluctantly pulling at the corner of her mouth into a polite smile.
Why did this clan feel a little… goofy?
It was different from her stereotype…
A moment later, the three-tomoe members had already assembled under Fugaku's mobilization.
Standing at the very front, Isshin spoke in a deep voice: "When a clansman is left wandering outside, it is the responsibility of all of us!"
"Every Uchiha is family—bones may break, but the sinews remain connected…"
"Come with me. We're going to bring that child back! If he doesn't want to return, then we will show our sincerity…"
The other three-tomoe members scratched their heads in confusion.
This reason sounded correct in every respect, yet it actually didn't quite match the clan's real situation.
The Uchiha were the kind who truly loved when they loved, and truly hated when they hated.
"Bones broken but sinews still connected" might describe real brothers…
But between ordinary friends, falling out was common. Within the clan, strength ranking mattered more.
Moreover, the Uchiha valued the clan's honor extremely highly; refusing to return to the clan would be regarded as betrayal…
Of course, Uchiha Madara was an exception.
Isshin sensed everyone's mood and felt somewhat helpless.
'This isn't the time when the young clan head was still here. Even though I've tried my best to maintain it, the cohesion within the clan is still far worse…'
Suddenly, an idea rose in his mind. Isshin cleared his throat.
"This is to make the Uchiha appear more in line with the Will of Fire."
The Uchiha were stunned.
So we also have to participate in the Will of Fire?
"The village has already given pensions, subsidies for the elderly and orphans, and a few days ago they even raised the salary of the police force…"
"Now that there is an orphan left behind, are we supposed to let the village raise him as well?"
"How are other people supposed to see us Uchiha!"
Isshin lowered his voice. "This is also to keep the Hokage from making an issue out of this. The waters here run very deep—I can only say that those who understand, understand. But I trust that you understand…"
The three-tomoe members nodded, half understanding and half not.
Isshin silently sighed in his heart.
He really was out of options too…
Who would have thought that one day, he, Uchiha Isshin, would actually have to bring out the Will of Fire to unite people's hearts…
Wasn't this a complete breakdown of order!
"Move! Remember one thing—when we act in a moment, act under the banner of the Will of Fire…"
"No matter what, we must bring that child back!"
Isshin steadied himself and comforted himself inwardly.
According to the records in the clan chronicles, every clansman blessed by the Uchiha ancestors would become a powerful Uchiha…
Though they all seemed somewhat extreme.
But didn't he still have himself, the strategist!
And what if this one just happened to be a Uchiha who was both powerful and calm and wise?
Isshin prayed inwardly, hoping that what was recorded in the chronicles was all true, and that Shio had not misjudged…
And on the other side, the more Tobirama looked at Danzō, the more displeasing he found him.
He was someone who could dig a great deal of information out of details.
What did it mean to wear bandages when there was no wound?
It meant turning one's personal scars into a tool, constantly signaling to others that he had bled for the village!
But the problem was, had the other Konoha ninjas not bled and sacrificed for the village too?
Was he the only special one?
Back when he was at his side, there had already been a scar on his chin, so why hadn't Danzō wrapped it in bandages then?
Wasn't it simply because he was afraid of being scolded!
'This is a typical case of falling into cognitive obsession, constantly hypnotizing himself about his sacrifices for Konoha…'
'And standing beside Hiruzen while still putting on this act is all the more a silent way of flaunting his own merits…'
'Stupid formalism. If he doesn't want to become Hokage and is willing to be just a blade, then fine. But if he wants to become Hokage and still carries himself like this, then it shows that he cannot examine himself calmly.'
'How has he made no progress at all!'
Tobirama was somewhat angry.
As a teacher, what he hated seeing most was a disciple he had carefully cultivated standing still in place, or even going backward…
Had this brat not taken in a single word of the instructions he gave on his deathbed back then?
What Tobirama hated most was stupid people.
Even if he could not let go of his obsession with becoming Hokage, he should at least be a bit smarter, right? That would still count as progress…
'And Hiruzen too—he is far too tolerant toward Danzō!'
Even Hiruzen got criticized along with him, but once Tobirama thought of the world-shaking wisdom that had revived him…
The Second Hokage-sama could not very well say much more. He could only treat it as Konoha's bonds being a little too close, leading to slight indulgence.
It was definitely not favoritism!
...
"That brat—I don't like the way he looks, and I especially don't like his eyes! How does he dare look me straight in the eye like that? Who does he think he is!"
"Did you notice, Hiruzen? That brat looks extremely like Uchiha Izuna, and…" Danzō complained to Hiruzen in irritation.
Hiruzen did his best to keep his expression unchanged.
"I didn't notice that, but it is normal for the descendants of shinobi clans to resemble their ancestors in appearance. Don't judge people by their looks."
"Besides, he's an orphan who was just rescued. Isn't it normal for him to remain vigilant?"
"What, do you expect him to be afraid the moment he sees you?"
Hiruzen said this with a cheerful smile, adding inwardly: If that's what you're hoping for, it won't happen even in the next life…
But Danzō nodded naturally.
"Of course. What else would it be? Hiruzen, I know you mean well and want me to have a good reputation in the village."
"But when it comes to the Uchiha Clan, I don't need that reputation. I want them to feel tense the moment they see me!"
"I will inherit Tobirama-sensei's will and become the blade that makes the Uchiha tremble…"
Hiruzen let out an "Oh."
"Still, I think something is off with you—getting angry at a little kid…" Hiruzen openly looked Tobirama up and down, tasting a faint hint of realization in his mind.
This disguise Tobirama had made really showed craftsmanship…
If he had become something like a figurine maker or a carpenter, Tobirama would surely have been a grandmaster of his generation.
The base template was Uchiha Izuna, yet quite a few elements had been subtly added in the details.
For example, the hair color was black, but if one looked closely, a faint strand of silver could be seen at the temples.
The general facial features remained unchanged, but details such as the brow ridge and the peak of the lips had been slightly adjusted—the template for those was naturally himself.
The two complemented each other in a strangely harmonious way.
Different people, viewing it from different positions, would perceive very different impressions…
"What were you about to say just now—'and also' what?" Hiruzen fanned the flames.
He could roughly guess a little…
But the Hokage had no intention of helping Danzō figure it out. If this old friend of his targeted their teacher, on the one hand it could provide Tobirama with another layer of deep cover.
On the other hand, it could vent Danzō's excess energy, preventing him from suddenly getting another crooked idea.
Otherwise, Hiruzen did not have the time to keep an eye on Danzō every moment…
With one more "guardian," the Hokage could relax quite a bit. In essence, it was also a form of mutual restraint.
Naturally, it could also help Hiruzen observe how Tobirama was doing in Konoha…
"And also…"
Danzō hesitated, but still said it: "Don't you think that kid resembles Sensei a little? I'm not talking about the facial features—it's more like an indescribable feeling…"
"Look at that strand of white hair, the peak of the lips, the jawline, the wings of the nose… If you take them separately, they don't resemble him, but when combined, it really feels strange."
Hiruzen showed a puzzled expression and looked carefully, trying hard to recall.
To be honest, among the details Danzō mentioned, there were several he had not even noticed.
He did not know whether Tobirama's little design had been discovered, or whether Danzō was simply forcing an interpretation…
"Are you too tired, Danzō?"
Hiruzen could not help saying, "You should get some rest."
"You simply don't understand, Hiruzen! In this world, there is no one who understands Sensei better than I do!" Danzō unconsciously straightened his chest.
"Every day before I go to sleep, I stare at Tobirama-sensei's portrait for three minutes to cultivate a powerful and resilient heart of sacrifice!"
"Let me tell you properly exactly what parts resemble him…"
After listening, Hiruzen unconsciously raised his eyebrows.
He had already tried his best to recall Tobirama's original appearance, yet he still did not feel that it matched.
It could only be said that perhaps Danzō had really grasped the "essence," and that Hiruzen's level was simply not high enough…
"Alright, so what?"
"You're saying this is Sensei's illegitimate orphan with the Uchiha?" Hiruzen said with a cheerful smile.
"How dare you say that, Hiruzen!" Danzō jumped in fright. Those words were far too rebellious!
"I never said that! That's not what I meant—don't misunderstand!"
A kind man rarely made a move, but when he did, it was astonishing…
If the hat of slandering Tobirama were placed on his head, then his reputation in Konoha would completely collapse.
The Uchiha and every faction would join forces to kick him out!
"I was only explaining to you why I don't like the look of that brat…"
"Judging by appearance does have some basis, Hiruzen. I handle intelligence—this is my field of expertise."
"Hand that brat over to me. Otherwise, he will surely become a future disaster for the village!"
Danzō said so.
To Danzō, Senju Tobirama—who had sacrificed himself to save him—was like a god.
Almost like the fervor of a fanatic believer.
But the Uchiha were the embodiment of original sin…
So how could a god be tainted by original sin? That was absolutely unacceptable!
"Root has already been dissolved, Danzō…"
"If you want to take a disciple, that's fine—but you'll have to ask whether he agrees."
Hiruzen spoke slowly. "Everything must follow the proper process and withstand others' scrutiny. Otherwise, don't blame me for showing no mercy."
"The Uchiha are also a part of Konoha."
Danzō nodded. "Don't worry, Hiruzen…"
He truly did not want to do anything against the rules, after all Orochimaru was watching.
And now there was also Tsunade, another competitor for the Hokage position.
If he made a mistake and was caught…
It was obvious that Tsunade and Orochimaru would join forces and completely cut off his path to becoming Hokage first!
Danzō did not think he would be rejected, even if it was just an Uchiha brat…
What status did he have?
Konoha's well-known number two, the Hokage's advisor, Hiruzen's most trusted person, the strongest contender for the Fourth Hokage, the "Darkness of the Shinobi" renowned throughout the entire shinobi world!
Taking in an Uchiha orphan from Kusagakure as a disciple was his good fortune!
Then—
Danzō swaggered up to Tobirama, narrowed his eyes, and said, "Kid, I think you're somewhat interesting. Become my disciple!"
"I will teach you how to be a Konoha ninja and pass on ninjutsu and the Will of Fire to you."
Hiruzen watched the scene silently and could hardly hold it together.
Danzō had said before that he wanted to take an Uchiha as his disciple…
So he meant Tobirama-sensei? That took quite a bit of courage…
Even Hiruzen himself had never thought of doing something like that.
Tobirama almost laughed from anger.
He had just been criticizing Danzō in his mind, and now the man had come looking for him on his own?
Out of the corner of his eye, Tobirama saw Isshin arriving with a group of Uchiha, rushing over in a crowd.
Danzō naturally noticed as well.
Tobirama smiled inwardly and said coldly: "No, I refuse."
"I don't like people who wrap bandages around their heads. It looks very stupid!"
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