A few weeks later, news came.
Shimura Clan Leader suddenly fell ill and was bedridden, seemingly nearing the end of his life.
For the sake of the Family's development, an unknown young man ascended to the position of Clan Leader, vowing to restore the prestige of the Shimura Clan and contribute his outstanding strength to the village's construction.
The Senju Brothers expressed their high praise for this, and the two sides even took a group photo together at the Clan Leader's inauguration ceremony.
As for the news that the former Clan Leader suddenly fell ill and passed away, who would care?
Despite the many ups and downs, the Shimura Clan settled down in the village and gradually became involved in various aspects of its affairs.
Next, we await the arrival of the Sarutobi Clan.
At that time, the Senju will be able to turn the tide and use the two clans to counterbalance the increasingly powerful Uchiha.
In the central part of the Land of Fire, carriages are traveling along the main road.
"Clan Leader." A ninja in charge of intelligence handed Sarutobi Sasuke a encrypted letter.
"You've worked hard." He seemed very kind, maintaining a gentle attitude even towards his direct subordinates.
He opened the encrypted letter and carefully read the message inside. After a long while, he gently shook his hand, and a small flame immediately ignited in the letter.
"Uchiha." Just mentioning those three words made him recall the scene from that day, remembering that powerful being who was like a god.
He couldn't understand where the Shimura Clan's "dog egg" came from, daring to provoke the universally acknowledged God of Shinobi.
Now look what happened! Forget about reputation, even the Clan Leader's life has been lost.
"Senju..."
Seeing his father's unusually serious expression, a five- or six-year-old Little Boy couldn't help but ask, "Father, what happened?"
Coming to his senses, he smiled and said to the boy, "Hiruzen, when we reach our destination, how about I find you a good teacher?"
The young man was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Clan Heir Hokage the Sarutobi Clan and the future Third Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Master..." Hiruzen blinked, somewhat puzzled, and said, "Why? My father's guidance is enough for me."
"Hahaha." Hearing his son's praise, Sarutobi Sasuke his beard and laughed. After a while, he explained, "That person is much more capable than his father. Most importantly, he will surely ascend to the throne representing the highest power in the future."
"I see." Hiruzen, seemingly understanding.
Seeing this, Sarutobi Sasuke smiled with satisfaction.
His son was exceptionally talented, and most importantly, he had a profound understanding of political maneuvering at a young age.
Not wanting to follow in Shimura's footsteps, sending his son away was the Sarutobi Clan's way of expressing their attitude to the outside world.
Judging from the current situation, Tobirama Senju will most likely become the Second Generation of ruler.
With his outstanding talents in all aspects, would he be afraid of not being able to inherit the position of the third generation in the future?
By then, the entire village—no, the Land of Fire— would still be under the control of the Sarutobi Clan.
Did he endure hardship and bide his time?
Bearing humiliation and hardship?
No, a truly intelligent person is one whose intelligence is not apparent to outsiders.
His gaze swept over his son's soft, white feet, Sarutobi Sasuke suddenly smiled and asked, "Hiruzen, do you know why people's feet are whiter than their faces and hands?"
Why is that?
"Because it's always hidden."
A few days later, the Sarutobi Clan successfully arrived at the unnamed United Hidden Village.
From a great distance, Sarutobi Sasuke led his son down from the carriage, adopting a very humble posture.
"Welcome, welcome." Hashirama, personally came to the village entrance to greet them.
This was also something his younger brother specifically requested. If he wanted to win people's hearts, even if it was just an act, Hashirama had to show a friendly and approachable side.
Of course, this was Hashirama's true nature, which saved him the trouble of pretending. It was precisely for this reason that Tobirama believed that the power of the village should be handed over to his older brother.
This is speaking out for justice, without the slightest selfishness.
Whether others believe it or not, Tobirama himself believed it.
"Come here, Hiruzen, greet the two lords." Sarutobi Sasuke smiled and pulled his son over.
Upon hearing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi obediently stepped forward and bowed, saying in a clear voice, "Greetings, Lord Hashirama, Lord Tobirama."
"This is your son?" Hashirama asked curiously, "I heard he's already five years old and can skillfully use two types of Ninjutsu, is that right?"
"Yes." Sarutobi Sasuke nodded and winked at his son.
Seeing this, Hiruzen walked to an open Open Ground and skillfully used basic Fire Release and Earth Release Ninjutsu.
"Impressive." Tobirama praised softly, but his gaze remained calm, revealing nothing of his true thoughts.
At that moment, Hashirama seemed to remember something and turned to look at his younger brother. "By the way, I heard you recently took on a disciple?"
"Yes." He nodded in response, "He's Shimura Clan Leader's child, and he's very talented."
"In that case, why don't you just take this little guy as your disciple as well?" Hashirama suggested with a smile.
He hadn't given it much thought; he was simply excited by the prospect, after all, Hiruzen's talent was indeed extremely rare.
Upon hearing his elder brother's words, Tobirama's expression finally changed.
"Would you be willing to become my disciple?" He looked at the little devil in front of him, wanting to observe the other's character.
As a result, all he saw was the bewilderment unique to children.
"I... I do," Hiruzen replied hesitantly.
Upon seeing this, Hashirama immediately burst into laughter, overjoyed that his younger brother had gained a new and excellent disciple.
At this moment, Tobirama belatedly realized what was happening.
He glanced at Sarutobi Sasuke with a half-smile, then nodded, acknowledging their master-disciple relationship.
"It seems that Clan Leader Sarutobi is quite pragmatic."
"The original plan can be cancelled."
In a flash, Tobirama had already adjusted his mindset and began to show the gentle side unique to the Senju.
Both sides chatted freely, recounting the glorious histories of their respective ethnic groups. The scene was harmonious and loving, and both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves immensely.
"On behalf of the village, I welcome the Sarutobi Clan." Hashirama officially announced that Sarutobi had joined the ranks of the Hidden Village.
First it Shimura, then Sarutobi; it has to be said that the Senju have been making quite a stir lately.
The villagers, who were initially confused, gradually began to think that Senju might not be as wicked as the rumors suggested.
"Our village is getting stronger and stronger!" The shills, who had been arranged in advance, began to set the tone among the villagers.
"Yes, many powerful clans have joined in, so no one dares to threaten our safety now." The villagers, who were unaware of what was going on, immediately began to discuss it enthusiastically.
It's unclear who started it, but everyone began to cheer excitedly, with praise for Senju and Hashirama mixed in.
Seeing the crowd gradually becoming agitated, a smile flickered across Tobirama's lips.
Before his smile could fully fade, he saw a large group of Uchiha clan members quickly arrive at the door.
The leader was none other than the God of Shinobi, who had not appeared for many days.
"It's so lively here," Kyosuke said with a smile, looking at everyone.