The Great Name Is No Longer Needed

Senju Tobirama stood within the Hokage office, his gaze piercing through the window to stare out at Konoha.

He remained silent for a long time, as if deep in contemplation over a multitude of complex issues.

At this moment, Tobirama's mind was exceptionally clear.

He was keenly aware that in his current state—a body summoned by Impure World Reincarnation—though he possessed a portion of his former peak strength, he could never rightfully step into the light or lead Konoha under the title of Hokage.

To intervene by force would inevitably invite further skepticism and turmoil across the Shinobi World.

What he urgently needed now was an orthodox Hokage who could stand in the sun and represent the voice of Konoha.

A Hokage he could exert complete control over...

For the time being, although Hiruzen Sarutobi had his shortcomings, he had been in power for many years, still held authority, and could maintain stability within Konoha.

Of course, for long-term stability, the ultimate destination might only be Tsunade.

Thinking this far, a plan had already formed in Tobirama's mind.

The Shinobi World was currently in the countdown to a crisis; decisive measures had to be taken immediately.

He would integrate every available resource, from Konoha to the Daimyo Palace of the Land of Fire, from ordinary shinobi to civilian factions; nothing could be overlooked.

If necessary, he would not hesitate to use thunderous means to seize control of the entire situation.

He turned slowly, his cold gaze fixed directly on Hiruzen Sarutobi, his tone grave and solemn...

"Hiruzen, the Shinobi World has reached a moment of life and death. As Hokage, you must take action immediately."

"Within the next two days, the entire Land of Fire must clearly hear your voice—the voice of the Hokage. This includes the Daimyo Palace; you must bring them under control as soon as possible."

Control the Daimyo?

For a moment, the Third Hokage was stunned... because this request shattered his own understanding of governance.

Shock and astonishment appeared on his face, impossible to conceal.

He had never expected that his teacher, who had always been calm and strict, would utter such words.

"This..."

Tobirama ignored his hesitation: "Hiruzen, you have already wasted too much time. Given the current state of the Shinobi World, if you do not make a decision now..."

The Daimyo Palace...

Helping them indulge in pleasure during a time like this?

Hiruzen was truly muddled...

If the end of the world could not be avoided, resources should not be wasted on them.

With that, Tobirama turned and walked to the window: "Summon your resolve!"

"I understand, Teacher."

He knew that from this moment on, his choices would determine the fate of the entire Shinobi World.

The atmosphere was deathly silent on the journey away from Amegakure.

Kakashi and Danzo walked side by side, the air between them heavy with silence, broken only by the faint sound of footsteps on the slick road.

The intense battle they had just experienced in Amegakure left deep doubts lingering in both their hearts.

Finally, Danzo broke the long-standing silence in a low voice.

"Kakashi..."

His voice was low and hoarse, carrying a hint of weariness, yet it revealed a calmness rarely heard in his daily demeanor.

"During the battle just now, did you also sense the emotional fluctuations of that Rinnegan user?"

Hearing Danzo's question, Kakashi paused slightly, his mind recalling the details of his clash with the Six Paths of Pain.

Indeed, in the instant their blades crossed and their ninjutsu collided, he had clearly felt an unusual and oppressive emotional fluctuation—a sensation that seemed to transmit directly from the depths of the soul.

He pondered for a moment before answering softly: "It seems... there was a little of that."

Danzo nodded noncommittally, his gaze fixed ahead, as if speaking to Kakashi or perhaps just to himself: "Perhaps there truly is some subtle connection between the three great ocular powers..."

Kakashi looked up slightly at Danzo upon hearing this.

Danzo continued: "The Sharingan, the Byakugan, and the Rinnegan; since they can all perceive each other's emotions, perhaps... one day, they can truly understand one another."

"Mutual understanding..."

Was it similar to the mutual understanding between himself and Obito?

Or perhaps, reconciliation?

What did that so-called understanding actually mean?

Kakashi knew clearly that with his current abilities, it would be difficult to break through the Rinnegan head-on.

He had to become stronger...

Silence descended once more, and there seemed to be no further need for communication between the two.

A moment later, Danzo cast a glance at his subordinates...

The moment his gaze fell, the accompanying Root ninja swiftly formed hand seals, casting the Reverse Summoning Jutsu.

In these days, as the Shinobi World entered the countdown to its destruction, every major hidden village had begun adopting special methods of movement to maximize time efficiency and respond to the crises that could erupt at any moment.

Yet, the instant the Reverse Summoning Jutsu activated, Danzo suddenly felt an indescribable palpitation of the heart.

In the next moment, amidst the shifting of space, Danzo stepped firmly into the shadows of the Root underground base.

The moment his feet touched the ground, that ominous premonition in his heart intensified sharply.

"Hmm?"

Danzo furrowed his brows, scanning his surroundings rapidly, his heart sinking.

He keenly sensed that a strange and eerie aura seemed to be permeating the Root base at this very moment.

The next second, the Sharingan hidden within his body spun at high speed, rapidly scanning the environment in an attempt to uncover the source of the anomaly.

Before long, his gaze rested on a subtle trace of chakra on the ground, and his expression turned even gloomier.

"Orochimaru..."

He murmured in a low voice, coldness surging in his eyes...

"It seems you've been up to quite a few little tricks while I was away..."

Just as Danzo was lost in thought, a figure appeared abruptly before him.

"Lord Danzo."

This suddenly appearing Anbu ninja knelt on one knee, his voice respectful yet tinged with a calm, guarded restraint...

"Lord Hokage requests your immediate presence at his office; there are important matters he needs to discuss with you."

Hiruzen...

He coldly recited the name in his heart.

At this specific juncture, what could Hiruzen Sarutobi possibly want by sending someone to summon him?

However, Danzo did not display any obvious emotional fluctuations; he merely gave a faint acknowledgment, signaled for the Anbu ninja to lead the way, and then strode out of the gloomy Root base.

Passing through the long corridor, Danzo spent the entire journey secretly and carefully pondering the anomaly he had just detected.

Given Orochimaru's personality and capabilities, he would never simply engage in boring, trivial tricks.

The traces left behind in the Root base must surely harbor a deeper purpose and conspiracy.

Soon, the two arrived in front of the Hokage office building, where the bright lights failed to dispel the gloom in Danzo's heart.

He stepped slowly into the office building, his footsteps echoing in the empty hallway, each step sounding exceptionally clear.

At this moment, Hiruzen was sitting quietly in the Hokage office, his expression grave and solemn.

He seemed to have anticipated that Danzo would arrive quickly, so he showed no sign of surprise, merely looking up calmly at Danzo as he pushed the door open and entered.

"Hiruzen, you summoned me?"

Danzo's low voice was the first to break the brief silence in the room.

Yet, beneath this silence, there was a certain sense of eeriness.