The Feudal Lords Are No Longer Needed

Senju Tobirama stood in the Hokage's office, his gaze fixed on Konoha through the window.

He remained silent for a long while, as though deeply contemplating many complex matters.

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

He knew full well that his current identity—a body summoned through Impure World Reincarnation—might possess a portion of his former peak strength, but he could never openly step into the spotlight or lead Konoha in the name of the Hokage.

If he intervened by force, it would inevitably provoke even more doubt and unrest across the Shinobi World.

What he urgently needed was a legitimate Hokage who could truly stand in the sunlight and speak for Konoha.

A Hokage he could completely control...

At present, although Hiruzen Sarutobi had many shortcomings, he had held his position for years. His authority remained, and he could still stabilize Konoha's internal situation.

Of course, if they wanted to stabilize matters in the long term, the final answer might only be Tsunade.

With that thought, Tobirama had already formed a plan.

The Shinobi World had entered a countdown to crisis. Decisive measures had to be taken immediately.

Every available resource had to be consolidated, from Konoha to the Land of Fire's Daimyo Palace, from ordinary shinobi to civilian forces. None could be overlooked.

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

He slowly turned around, his cold gaze fixed directly on Hiruzen Sarutobi as he spoke in a grave, stern tone...

"Hiruzen, the Shinobi World has reached a point of life and death. As Hokage, you must act as soon as possible."

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

Control the Feudal Lords?

For a moment, the Third Hokage was somewhat stunned... because this had shattered everything he understood.

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

He had never expected his teacher, who had always been calm and strict, to say such a thing.

"This..."

Tobirama no longer paid attention to his hesitation. "Hiruzen, you have already wasted too much time. Given the current state of the Shinobi World, if you still refuse to make a decision..."

The Daimyo Palace...

At a time like this, they were still supporting those people's indulgence?

Hiruzen really had become muddleheaded...

If the apocalypse could not be avoided, resources should not be wasted on them.

After saying that, Tobirama turned and walked to the window. "Show some decisiveness!"

"I understand, Teacher."

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

The atmosphere was utterly silent as they left Amegakure.

Kakashi and Danzo walked side by side. The air between them was unusually quiet, with only their footsteps making faint sounds on the wet road.

The fierce battle they had experienced in Amegakure still left deep doubts in both their hearts.

At last, Danzo slowly spoke, breaking the long-held silence.

"Kakashi..."

His voice was low and hoarse, carrying a hint of fatigue, yet also a calm rarely heard from him.

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

Hearing Danzo's question, Kakashi paused slightly as he recalled the details of his clash with the Six Paths of Pain.

Indeed, in the instant blades crossed and ninjutsu collided, he had clearly felt an unusual, oppressive emotional fluctuation. It had seemed to come directly from the depths of the soul.

He pondered for a moment before answering softly, "It seemed... there was something."

Danzo gave an noncommittal nod and looked ahead. He seemed to be speaking with Kakashi, yet also seemed to be talking to himself. "Perhaps there really is some subtle connection between the three great dojutsu..."

Kakashi raised his head slightly and looked at Danzo.

Danzo continued, "The Sharingan, the Byakugan, and the Rinnegan—if they can all sense one another's emotions, then perhaps... one day, they can truly understand one another as well."

"Understand one another..."

Like the understanding between Obito and him?

Or perhaps reconciliation?

What did that so-called understanding truly mean?

Kakashi knew that with his current abilities, it was still difficult for him to confront the Rinnegan head-on.

He had to become stronger...

Silence descended once more. It seemed there was no longer any need for the two of them to speak.

A moment later, Danzo's eyes swept over his subordinates...

The instant his gaze fell upon them, the accompanying Root shinobi swiftly formed hand seals and began using reverse summoning.

In recent days, as the Shinobi World entered the countdown to destruction, every major shinobi village had begun adopting special methods of travel to save as much time as possible in preparation for crises that could arise at any moment.

But at the instant the reverse summoning technique activated, Danzo suddenly felt an inexplicable palpitation.

The next moment, as space shifted, Danzo stepped steadily into the shadows of Root's underground base.

The moment he landed, the ominous premonition in his heart abruptly intensified.

"Hmm?"

Danzo frowned tightly and swiftly scanned his surroundings, his heart sinking.

He keenly sensed that an unfamiliar and strange aura seemed to permeate the Root base.

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

Before long, his gaze stopped on a faint trace of chakra on the ground, and his expression darkened further.

"Orochimaru..."

He muttered the name under his breath, coldness surging in his eyes...

"Looks like you've made quite a few little moves while I was away..."

Just as Danzo was still deep in thought, a figure suddenly appeared before him.

"Lord Danzo."

The Anbu shinobi who had suddenly appeared dropped to one knee. His voice was respectful, yet carried restrained wariness...

"Lord Hokage requests that you proceed to his office immediately. He has important matters to discuss with you."

Hiruzen...

He coldly repeated the name in his mind.

At a time like this, what exactly did Hiruzen Sarutobi want by specifically sending someone to summon him?

However, Danzo displayed no obvious emotional reaction. He merely responded indifferently, signaling for the Anbu shinobi to lead the way before leaving the gloomy Root base.

As they passed through the long corridors, Danzo carefully considered the anomaly he had sensed earlier.

Given Orochimaru's personality and abilities, he would never simply make a few meaningless little moves.

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

Soon, the two arrived before the Hokage office building. The lights were bright, yet they could not dispel the gloom in Danzo's heart.

He slowly entered the building, his footsteps echoing through the empty hallway, every step especially distinct.

Hiruzen was sitting quietly in the Hokage's office, his expression grave and solemn.

He seemed to have expected Danzo to arrive so quickly. Thus, he showed no surprise at all, merely raising his head calmly to look at Danzo as he entered through the door.

"Hiruzen, you wanted to see me?"

Danzo's low voice broke the brief silence in the room first.

Yet beneath that silence lingered something strange.