Konoha.
Hokage Office Building.
Hiruzen Sarutobi a cigarette in one hand and squinted as he graded exam papers with the other.
He was reviewing the answer sheets of the Ninja Academy students; the questions were ones he had personally set.
"Please write down the Will of Fire in your heart."
"Tell your story about your connection to the Will of Fire."
"Point out the current shortcomings of the village and write down your opinions."
The first two points were used by Hiruzen Sarutobi to survey and assess the current level of understanding of the broad concept of the Will of Fire among Konoha Ninja. Ninja Academy students were the best subjects for this survey.
A seasoned ninja, having spent so much time navigating the Shinobi World, will simply respond with a resounding "yes, yes, yes" when asked similar questions.
Or they might say they're very happy, and then vaguely repeat some statements that are generally considered correct...
For example, where Konoha dance in the air, fire also reignites...
To avoid getting involved in unnecessary trouble.
But the students at the Ninja Academy are different; they are generally more willing to speak the truth and don't rely on excessive armor.
" The Will of Fire is still too general; it lacks a clear definition and guiding principles."
"This is very dangerous."
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at the students' papers and casually gave a few high marks.
Most of the answers are based on concepts like inheritance, sacrifice, and dedication, which are all emotional and lack standardized concepts and definitions...
"Unifying thinking and clarifying values are absolutely necessary."
" The Will of Fire is ahead of the Ninja Code, but only by half a step. This kind of mindset, where the old and the new are vying for dominance, is actually the easiest to cause major problems."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered this.
Vague collective values cannot become stable behavioral norms.
In the face of conflicts of interest in the Shinobi World, real-world tests, or extreme conditions, it is extremely easy for things to be interpreted in multiple ways or even become distorted, leading to ideological divisions, wavering, and even strong backlash.
"The essence of the Will of Fire's slight lead lies in its slight violation of the Ninja Code, but there's no corresponding ideology or system to replace it..." " The Will of Fire awakened humanity and stimulated the ninjas' initiative, but it also made them begin to question the Ninja Code..."
" The Ninja Code, though cold, is time-tested. Even though it suppresses humanity and emotions, everyone knows what they should and shouldn't do..."
"When the Will of Fire faces an inexplicable predicament, it can lead to terrible internal strife among the ninjas... In terms of the ninjas' mental state, this is practically planting a bomb in the village."
Judging from the mental state of a ninja, Hiruzen Sarutobi had serious doubts...
If he continues to let things go unchecked, there's a possibility that some ninjas might become world-destroying fanatics...
The Will of Fire won't work, the Ninja Code won't work either...
Then let's destroy them all!
It sounds bizarre, but based on Hiruzen Sarutobi's experience, it's quite possible.
"Take Hiruko for example. If it weren't for the Konoha Committee System that selected him, given his sensitive and obsessive personality, he could very well have become missing-nin..."
" The Hizashi are similar, but they are restricted by the Caged Bird. They probably can't fight back even if they are wronged, and they just live a cowardly life..." Hiruzen Sarutobi still remembered the first time he met the Hizashi.
He wasn't like the cold-faced Anbu he is now; instead, he was a timid young man who would cower in fear when speaking to him.
As for the Uchiha Clan, it's even harder to say what kind of fanatical madmen might emerge...
It was only because Senju Tobirama was watching that Hiruzen Sarutobi could feel at ease.
Thoughts are invisible and intangible, and cannot be truly materialized.
Seemingly powerless, studying these is like carving on paper...
In reality, the power of thought is terrifying.
What made the seemingly disparate Ninja Clan set aside their differences to build a village, and what made ninjas stand up for their comrades with their own flesh and blood...
It could also cause a large, Hidden Village to quietly split and collapse!
Hiruzen Sarutobi picked up an exam paper, which was signed Uchiha Aosui.
Compared to other Ninja Academy students, Senju Tobirama emphasized clear rules and regulations in the first two questions.
He also suggested that Hiruzen Sarutobi provide examples to help the ninjas understand...
"As expected of Teacher Tobirama..."
When Hiruzen Sarutobi young, Senju Tobirama often told him:
"If ninjas suppress their emotions, establish strict rules, and abide by them, they can avoid fighting..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and shook his head.
Senju Tobirama hasn't mentioned suppressing his emotions anymore...
I don't know if they think the Uchiha Clan's problems will be solved, or if they believe that if the ninjas' emotions are properly channeled, they can become an extremely powerful force...
This is a silent communication between master and apprentice.
" Teacher Tobirama is reminding me that Konoha needs an update..." Hiruzen Sarutobi thought to himself, shifting his gaze to the bottom of Tobirama's test paper, where his answers to the third question were located.
"What problems still exist in Konoha today?"
Senju Tobirama wrote a lot, but it all boils down to one point!
Root, Danzo!
He believed that even during a period of rapid development, everything in the village was thriving...
But we shouldn't hide past problems either.
For example, Danzo served as the Hokage's assistant, and the Danzo, Root the Anbu, was actually a private army. They brainwashed ninjas to have no emotions, no past, no future, and no names, and they acted recklessly in the name of the Will of Fire!
Even if Root did make some contributions, from the perspective of traditional ninja values, their merits and demerits should be balanced.
However, the Hokage's assistant should hold himself to high standards and strict requirements!
Otherwise, how would the village's ninjas view the Will of Fire?
Hokage is very well done, there's no problem...
However, the Hokage's assistant is, after all, the second most important person in the village, and his actions represent the village, and to a certain extent, also represent Hiruzen Sarutobi!
The two extremes of light and darkness can distort a ninja's thinking, leading to internal strife...
Therefore, we should take advantage of the village's growth and the general leniency among the ninjas to address Danzo's problem openly... This way, we can avoid completely destroying Danzo while resolving this historical issue.
Senju Tobirama called it "Scraping Bone to Remove Poison."
"The first two questions only took up one page, but the Danzo Teacher Tobirama took over seven pages..."
"Is this because they're worried I'm protecting Danzo?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and shook his head.
In fact, he had already warned Danzo in advance.
The encounter between Danzo and the Danzo at their Senju Ancestral Residence has been mentioned many times before.
To punish someone without teaching them is cruelty.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't determined to use Danzo as a stepping stone, but his old friend just wouldn't change, so he had no choice but to use him... This major reform was like the peace talks between the Senju and Uchiha.
Unless something major happens and the problem becomes concrete, the ninjas won't truly grasp its significance...
Danzo enough influence, and due to his special status, he could also control the power of public opinion...
This is also thanks to Hiruzen Sarutobi's emphasis at the Commendation Ceremony that he had been in a special working environment for a long time.
They gave Danzo a hand.
Otherwise, if this commotion were to happen, given his old friend's past reputation...
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head slightly.
Hiruzen Sarutobi pondered the mystery of Senju Tobirama's move.
Not only could he resolve the village's historical issues, but he could also win back the hearts of the Uchiha Clan and gain terrifying prestige within the Uchiha Clan...
A Ninja Academy student, and a member of the Uchiha Clan...
To Danzo and win is truly a godlike feat of combat.
As for why Hiruzen Sarutobi was so certain that Senju Tobirama would win.
Putting aside the issue of ability, isn't he still sitting here?
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi neither could nor had foreseen this.
Another elderly Uchiha man, who wished to remain anonymous, decided to add fuel to the fire in this incident...
This will cause " Aosui " to become disillusioned with Konoha and turn to the Eye of the Moon Plan.
And just then...
Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was pondering how to make Senju Tobirama's exam paper public...
There was a knock on the door.
Danzo slowly Earth Flow in and spoke as soon as he entered:
" Hiruzen, that Uchiha brat is still too dangerous! I think we should send him to the Anbu after he graduates, right under my nose..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled inwardly.
Speaking of Danzo, Danzo has arrived...
"Let's talk about it after graduation, don't worry about it now. Help me with some chores!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly stuffed Tobirama's exam paper back into place, then casually divided it into two stacks, handing the one with Tobirama Danzo.
Danzo took it, but was still saying:
" Hiruzen, this is no small matter! I have a bad feeling about that brat. Although I don't think he's capable of really doing anything, danger needs to be nipped in the bud!"
Danzo had a certain understanding of " Aosui's" talent and strength.
He is a true genius comparable to Namikaze Minato.
This is also a major reason why he wanted to take " Aosui " as his apprentice.
Danzo's grand plan to conquer the Uchiha clan is, in some ways, similar to Senju Tobirama's.
They all controlled the Uchiha through " Aosui ".
However, Danzo's goal was to control " Aosui," and thus control the Uchiha.
It seems that Hiruzen Sarutobi is unaware of the importance of Aosui.
Danzo sighed, deciding to continue persuading Hiruzen Sarutobi another day, before glancing at the exam paper that had been handed to him...
What are these?
"Study papers from the Ninja Academy? And they're about the Will of Fire? You want me to grade them for you?" Danzo looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with suspicion. "Have you forgotten I'm the Darkness of the Shinobi?"
"Otherwise what? You're the Hokage's assistant. It's one thing if you're not proficient in the Will of Fire, but can't you even instruct students at the Ninja Academy?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi hardened his face. "How can you possibly become Hokage like this!"
Danzo aback.
Hokage? What does this have to do with Hokage...? No, it's extremely related!
The Hokage has always served as the principal of the Ninja Academy.
Even if he didn't agree with the Will of Fire, having been by Hiruzen Sarutobi's side for so long, he had absorbed the benefits of using the First Hokage's name...
After he became the Fourth, he could not openly oppose the Will of Fire, as that would be to alienate himself from all the Konoha Ninja.
At most, they might secretly slip in their own agenda...
" Hiruzen, that's not what I meant. I meant I've been quite busy with work lately... The spies in Iwagakure are getting active again..." "Oh, then go ahead and get busy!"
"Look at what you're saying. Helping the Hokage is just an auxiliary job. Taking a look at the Ninja Academy students' exam papers in advance will allow me to relax a bit, which will help me do my job better!"
Danzo coughed lightly and replied in this way.
He plopped down opposite Hiruzen Sarutobi and, as if they were old friends, picked up a red pen.
"It's been a long time since we've worked together..."
Danzo mentally gave himself a thumbs up.
Having studied with Hiruzen for so long, he's come to understand a principle: don't openly confront the Hokage...
Sometimes you have to be flexible and adaptable.
Moreover, isn't this clearly Hiruzen's way of training him to become Hokage?
If he doesn't know how to appreciate it, that's his own problem.
After all, if he's the one grading the paper, then Orochimaru could grade it too, right?
"On the path to Hokage, I've taken another step ahead!" Danzo thought to himself with secret joy.
" Hiruzen, what's the standard?"
"Do as you please..." Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Danzo:
"Don't be too strict, but deduct points for problems. It would be best to give some comments to encourage these Ninja Academy students." After thinking for a moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi added, "Remember to sign your name!"
Danzo nodded knowingly.
Signing his name is, of course, to increase his fame!
Just like that Commendation Ceremony, if the names aren't written down, how would anyone know it was approved by someone in charge?
Even if his handwriting is different from Hiruzen Sarutobi's, others don't know his handwriting. What if they mistakenly think Orochimaru wrote it? Wouldn't that just boost his political enemies' popularity?
" Hiruzen is indeed very thoughtful. Although he doesn't say it, he's definitely biased towards me..." Danzo nodded contentedly and picked up the exam papers to grade them.
A moment later, he frowned.
Having worked at Root for a long time, I still felt uncomfortable seeing the rather "naive" ideas of the Ninja Academy students.
"Protect? The priority should be completing the mission!" Danzo his dissatisfaction and reluctantly gave Might Guy a score of 60 on his test.
I'd say being lenient is a passing grade!
Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat surprised.
He flipped through the exam papers of several international students from Kirigakure.
"Why are they participating in the Will of Fire Exam?"
"This has become deeply integrated into life at the Ninja Academy, that's good..."
These international students naturally didn't understand the Will of Fire, so their answers were off-topic, but the information they conveyed was quite interesting. Kisame: Comrades no longer kill each other, they can trust one another, and they can offer suggestions to higher-ups.
Kimimaro: A skilled ninja can instruct a weaker ninja without incurring any harm in return.
Snow: Respect for all Ninja Clan; guilt will not be shared among all.
Terumi Mei: Open-minded, wealthy, with her own non-ninja hobbies, and has a safety net.
This is their answer.
However, it could also be out of genuine emotion, perhaps driven by a desire to build up armor.
Apart from Kimimaro, the other three also mentioned that Kirigakure is getting better and better and will not be weaker than Konoha in the future.
"It reflects their inner thoughts..."
"This brat named Kisame is not bad, interesting." Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes flashed.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had an impression of Kisame.
Because of his morning training, Hiruzen Sarutobi could always see him and Might Guy silently competing...
Hiruzen Sarutobi had observed this Chakra Kirigakure Ninja, several times while holding Crystal Ball.
The conclusion drawn is that this is not an honest person like the Kirigakure Ninja.
"An honest person, when pushed to their limit and driven to madness, can be more ferocious than a madman..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly and glanced at Danzo.
Offering suggestions to higher-ups—isn't that referring to " Aosui " and Danzo?
If this matter is handled well, it will undoubtedly leave a deep impression on Kisame, giving him a wonderful fantasy, and perhaps he will try to replicate it in Kirigakure...
The Hokage, the leader of a mysterious force outside the Kirigakure Village, is preparing to show the international students a textbook example of how to handle a situation!
After all, there's no harm without comparison...
Although, based on the information exchanged between Hyuga and Kaguya, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't believe Kisame would successfully offer advice to the Mizukage; it was highly likely he'd be imprisoned as soon as he opened his mouth...
"We'll put pressure on them from the outside then. If Kisame really does it, we still need to protect him."
Hiruzen Sarutobi gave Kisame and the others a good score as encouragement.
At that moment, Danzo suddenly slammed his hand on the table and shouted angrily, "Nonsense!!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at it and smiled inwardly.
I see, so they saw Teacher Tobirama's exam paper...
" Danzo, it's been a long time since you've slapped this table..." Hiruzen Sarutobi said quietly.
Danzo is much more polite now than before; he knows to knock when he comes in and close the door when he leaves.
Occasionally, such a snapshot would evoke a sense of nostalgia in Hiruzen Sarutobi...
"I'm not filming you, Hiruzen!"
"This brat's gone mad! He actually dares to impeach me in the exam paper? Who does he think he is?"
"No matter how talented a kid is, he's still just a kid in a Ninja Academy, and besides, he's an Uchiha!"
"You dare to talk sarcasticly at me while you're still a student at the Ninja Academy? You'll be dreaming of Hokage after you graduate!"
Danzo waved the exam paper in his hand, the paper rustling in the wind.
Why won't they let him speak?
"After all, it's just a test paper. Give high marks for correct answers and low marks for incorrect answers. Don't make a big deal out of it."
Hiruzen Sarutobi, after a long absence, was mixing in the mud.
"Look at Hiruzen! He even dared to name names, even if he could have been more tactful!"
Danzo Tobirama's exam paper in front of him.
"What you said actually makes some sense..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly. "However, the problems Root had in the past need to be addressed sooner or later."
He reminded Danzo once again.
After all, it's not necessary to put an old friend in such a difficult position; there are other solutions.
The effect will just be a little less...
Danzo a noncommittal snort, " Hiruzen, can you say Root is useless?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head. "Of course not. In fact, I have the idea of restarting Root, but I want to do it in a different way." Senju Tobirama often used the Born Evil " to describe the Uchiha Clan.
In the Shinobi World Stage, such " Born Evil " individuals are not particularly few in number; they can be found even in Konoha.
They are born with a love for fighting, killing, or researching secret techniques that are not understood by others, and they have a reclusive personality.
For example, Aburame Shikuroo of the Aburame Clan is passionate about researching nanoscale venomous insects. Even his own clan keeps their distance from him, and very few people associate with him.
For example, a very small number of members of the Uchiha Clan...
After two-thirds of the Uchiha ninja returned to normal mission assignments, the feedback from the Konoha Ninja was very positive; they all felt they had misunderstood the Red-Eyes...
Powerful, reliable, and once a fight breaks out, they never back down, always charging forward with a roar...
They were all very generous; their work in the Military Police Force allowed the Uchiha to accumulate savings that most ninjas envied, since working in the village involved virtually no financial loss...
However, there were a few Uchiha clan members whose killing intent was so intense that it frightened their companions and caused some conflicts. In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, these people were the future candidates for Root.
They became an elite squad composed of oddballs and special talents, and with their honor and status, they became the village's sharpest knife, not a self-destructive bomb.
When freaks get together, they tend to share more common topics and traits, which can help them form stronger bonds and be inspired by the Will of Fire...
"Really? Hiruzen, you're going to rebuild Root?"
Danzo was greatly surprised, his joy evident in his eyes. "When!"
"We need to study this further. This time, we need to be more careful in selecting personnel; we need elite troops."
"You could still be the leader of Root, but..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Danzo with a half-smile, "Could this be another Shimura Clan Army? After all, Root was once surnamed Shimura..." " Hiruzen, what are you saying!"
Danzo an awkward laugh, "Whether it's the Anbu or Root, aren't they all serving the Hokage? I think what happened before was a misunderstanding, let's not bring up the past..."
"It's not about serving me, it's about serving the village."
Even though it was just the two of them, Hiruzen Sarutobi still corrected Danzo's statement:
"You are indeed suitable to be the leader of the New Root, but if you defy regulations and violate the rules I set, then I can only say that I gave you a chance..."
After saying that, Hiruzen Sarutobi rubbed the tabletop with his palm with a sigh.
It wasn't as forceful as Danzo on the table.
But this made Danzo's heart skip a beat; he realized that Hiruzen Sarutobi was serious...
"Don't worry, Hiruzen!"
"Let's talk about this brat! Hiruzen, I'm giving him a zero!"
Danzo changed the subject, and in a slightly flamboyant manner, drew a bright red circle on Tobirama's exam paper.
Zero points!
Hiruzen Sarutobi was taken aback. Before he could say anything, he saw Danzo writing furiously on it.
"Ambitious but lacking in talent, prone to empty talk and unrealistic theories, unlikely to achieve great things!"
He even wrote his name and added a big exclamation mark.
Hiruzen Sarutobi a deep breath, keeping his expression tense.
He never expected things to turn out this way...
At least give them some face; thirty or fifty yuan would be a way to save face...
The disciple gave the Will of Fire of the Second Hokage a zero score, a score previously held by the Third Hokage and his assistant...
Is such a thing even possible?
This is no longer a simple reversal of the Heavenly Principles; we must strike hard!
"Luckily, Danzo signed it, otherwise it would have been troublesome if people thought it was me..." Hiruzen Sarutobi pursed his lips tightly to prevent himself from laughing.
He was truly at his wit's end. He had reminded Danzo several times already; he had been quite kind to his old friend.
But to everyone's surprise, Danzo seemed to mistakenly believe that he was supporting Tobirama by simply mentioning the rebuilding of Root, and casually used Tobirama's test paper as a way to change the subject.
"There will be a program to watch during my practice tomorrow..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi decided that he would continue to monitor the Ninja Academy exams with his Crystal Ball while the papers were being handed out...
This live stream is a must-watch!
" Hiruzen, you seem to be smiling?" Danzo asked suspiciously.
"Yes, I'm very happy about the establishment of the New Root ..." Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed lightly.
Danzo, unusually, laughed, "Me too!"
He did indeed have a special affection for the Root.
Putting aside the fact that it was once his personal independent kingdom.
Being with some dark people made Danzo feel that he had a group of like-minded people accompanying him, and that his path to Hokage was not lonely; people always need social interaction and recognition.
The saying goes, "Even Qin Hui had three friends..."
#
Ninja Academy.
Senju Tobirama sat in the classroom, watching the students hand out exam papers, a sweet taste suddenly welled up in his throat.
He has been doing this frequently for the past two or three months.
Although he was well concealed, Obito and Shisui still discovered him and were extremely worried about him.
However, to avoid causing unnecessary trouble, Tobirama reassured them that everything was alright, just old wounds left by Kusagakure, which would heal with some time...
However, Obito and Shisui clearly didn't believe it; they thought it was because Brother Aosui had trained too hard...
Senju Tobirama certainly trained very hard.
He needs to defeat Namikaze Minato so that he can, as the victor, put on a spectacular show against Hiruzen Sarutobi on the grand stage.
Although Senju Tobirama didn't think he would lose.
How many years has Namikaze Minato mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique?
The final interpretation of the Flying Thunder God technique rests with him!
However, having been ambushed once by Kinkaku and Ginkaku using the Treasured Tools of the Sage of Six Paths, he became even more cautious in his second life. He would not underestimate anyone! Therefore, Senju Tobirama, who was working hard to recover his power from his previous life, relied on his strength, appearance, and temperament.
Furthermore, the students of the Jonin Academy had "endured the Evil Yellow-Hair monster for too long" and desperately hoped that someone could stand up for them and restore the glory of the Azure Dragon Gang... He had become the undisputed King of Children of the Ninja Academy, and even Asuma, the former gang leader, followed his lead.
At first glance, Uchiha Aosui has clearly become the sole core of the new generation.
"Here we go again..."
"It's alright, it'll be fine in two or three months." Senju Tobirama savored the taste of blood.
This isn't a major problem.
In Senju Tobirama's self-assessment, one aspect was a normal reaction to the fusion of body and soul.
On the other hand, it was caused by using Forbidden Technique to forcibly stimulate Uchiha Tsuru when he was just one step away from breaking through to the Three-Tomoe in order to intimidate him in the clan territory.
The power of taboo always comes at a price.
Senju Tobirama nodded to the students who were handing out the exam papers.
With blood in his mouth, he couldn't speak easily...
It's best to get rid of bruises in a secluded place.
Senju Tobirama casually flipped through the exam paper.
He certainly didn't care about the score on the test paper; having been Hokage before, why would he care about such things?
This was just to let Hiruzen know that he was going to use Danzo as Danzo next.
"Um?"
Senju Tobirama narrowed his eyes; he saw a huge zero.
"What does Hiruzen mean by that?"
"Are you even interacting with me? A zero score is just too embarrassing..."
Senju Tobirama reading and came across Danzo's arrogant comments and signature.
The person's aura instantly changed.
"Good lad..."
"So it wasn't Hiruzen, it was you who gave me a zero?"
" Hokage as the Hokage's assistant is truly remarkable. Hiruzen asked you to participate in village affairs, and this is how you do it?"
"I haven't even laid a hand on you yet, and you've already started firing at me!"
Senju Tobirama Senju's anger surged.
"Brother Aosui, you must have gotten a perfect score, right?" At this moment, Asuma came over with a sigh and asked:
"My father is so harsh, he only gave me seventy-five points!"
Senju Tobirama's Will of Fire was naturally widely recognized by the students of the Ninja Academy.
When the scores were released, most of the Ninja Academy students were asking questions and subconsciously assumed that Senju Tobirama would get a perfect score, wanting to learn his standard answers.
Kakashi, Might Guy, Shisui, Obito, and others also gathered around.
Kimimaro, Kisame, and others also arrived.
Senju Tobirama Senju's heart stirred, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"This isn't because I hit you too hard; it's just to demonstrate my authority as a teacher..."
"With your level of political acumen, how can you possibly be a good advisor to the Hokage?"
"I'm going to teach you a lesson... Those in higher positions should not act rashly against those in lower positions, at least not personally."
"The severe imbalance between costs and benefits, and the potential for a backlash from collective empathy, would be even more terrifying..."
Senju Tobirama coughed suddenly, as if his chest was trembling.
The stagnant blood in his throat gushed out, staining the entire exam paper crimson!
The acting was so realistic that even Hiruzen Sarutobi, standing in the Hokage Office Building, felt a chill Hiruzen Sarutobi his spine.
However, the Lord Hokage was immediately relieved.
Because if the blood was truly due to a health problem, given Senju Tobirama's shrewdness, he wouldn't have coughed it up; he would have held it back... He understood his teacher quite well.
"This has really angered the teacher, Danzo..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi exhaled a thick cloud of smoke, sighing inwardly, "Prepare for Education!"
At the Ninja Academy.
Asuma and the others panicked instantly, shouting, "Brother Aosui, are you alright?!"
Shisui and Obito charged forward, the two Uchiha brats unconsciously activating their Two-Tomoe Sharingan.
"Elder brother!"
"It's nothing..." Senju Tobirama forced a smile, his eyes fixed on the exam paper.
"I'm really okay."
Asuma followed Senju Tobirama's gaze and saw a huge zero marked at the top of the blood-stained exam paper, along with red comments and Danzo's signature.
"Why did you get zero points?!"
Asuma looked at Senju Tobirama with concern: "Brother Aosui, even if it's a zero, we don't need to be this angry..." " Shimura Danzō, although he's the Hokage's assistant, is widely acknowledged in the village as someone who doesn't understand the Will of Fire. His words aren't worth getting angry about." Asuma had originally wanted to say that his test was graded by Hiruzen Sarutobi, but he didn't know why Aosui's was graded by Danzo...
But after thinking about it, he didn't say anything, after all, Danzo was the Hokage's assistant.
He's more than qualified to grade papers for a Ninja Academy.
The fact that the Hokage's assistant doesn't understand the Will of Fire is a consensus among most people in the village.
Even if the Commendation Ceremony has improved, stereotypes are not so easy to eliminate.
"Yes, brother, it's just one point!"
Obito hurriedly said, "Your health is the most important thing!"
It's not about the grades.
Senju Tobirama waved his hand weakly:
"Look at what I've read. I'm very worried about the village... This can't go on! We need to face the problem head-on!"
Asuma and the others then came to their senses.
A dozen or so heads huddled together, jostling to see Senju Tobirama's answer.
The first two questions were naturally no problem; they both felt the writing was insightful...
A question then arose: how could such a test paper possibly get a zero score?
And when they saw Senju Tobirama bombard Danzo.
Everyone fell silent.
"If you do something wrong, you have to admit it, even if it's with the Hokage's help!"
"What kind of nonsense is this, using your power to intimidate me? Are students of the Ninja Academy not allowed to voice their opinions to him?!"
"Although I came to Konoha late, I've asked many people, and the Root Kusagakure; most of the ninjas were forced into it!"
"This is not in accordance with the Will of Fire..."
Another stream of crimson blood flowed from Senju Tobirama's lips.
However, this time he forced it out himself using magic...
"Elder brother!"
"Brother Aosui!"
Kisame stared at Senju Tobirama, his expression turning extremely grim.
Although Kisame was unwilling to admit it, he believed that Kirigakure in the future would be no worse than Konoha...
But deep down, he didn't hold out much hope.
Kisame, who was doing his morning exercise, read through all the bulletin boards in Konoha word for word after Kakashi reminded him that day, and learned about a series of policies such as Pension, Orphan and Widow Subsidy, and Konoha Committee Member.
They studied very diligently, even taking out a small notebook to neatly copy it down.
Kisame couldn't help but sigh. Compared to Kirigakure, who were currently undergoing Scraping Bone to Remove Poison, the ninjas of Konoha were practically living in paradise... If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes and experienced it firsthand, Kisame felt he couldn't believe ninjas could live such a life. Kisame thought that if he returned to Kirigakure, he would suggest that the Third Mizukage follow suit...
But if even a good Konoha like Konoha can't accept reasonable suggestions from its higher-ups...
Can the Kirigakure work?
At that moment, a wave of sorrow surged through Kisame's heart, as if the entire Shinobi World, as far as the eye could see, was now a scene of Bloody Mist Village... " Kisame, what's with that expression?"
"Isn't this what happens when you go against the higher-ups?" Kimimaro sighed and said softly.
"Actually, I don't think Root is a big deal. They just kidnapped a few ninjas, right? To be honest, compared to the Bloody Mist Village, what is that..."
Kisame taken aback.
Yuki and Terumi Mei also sighed.
They could understand why " Aosui " was so angry.
Because this is Konoha, the Root ' actions clearly violate the Will of Fire and cannot be tolerated...
But I felt even greater sorrow for myself.
In Kirigakure, things that could make " Aosui " so angry he vomited blood were just commonplace occurrences...
If it were in the past...
They would think that the Konoha Ninja were too pampered and couldn't even withstand this little bit of hardship; they were truly useless!
But having lived in Konoha for so long...
Kisame and the others knew better than anyone the strength and living conditions of the Konoha Ninja. They lived good lives without spoiling themselves; each and every one of them worked extremely hard!
"Is it the difference between people and tools?"
Kimimaro glanced at his companions' expressions and said calmly, "We are killing tools, they are human beings, and it's normal for human beings to have emotions..." "You would actually say such a thing?" Terumi Mei asked in surprise.
What happened to the guy who was supposed to be a reckless man controlled by murderous intent?
After staying in Konoha for a few months, his speech has even taken on a hint of wisdom...
"An orange grown in the Land of Water will be sour, but grown in Konoha, it might be sweet..."
Kimimaro shook his head. " Great Uncle Tenzo taught me."
Kisame remained silent.
He now felt an urgent desire to see Konoha handle this matter properly...
In this way, Kirigakure can also have a role model to learn from...
Unbeknownst to Kisame, Konoha had become a village he couldn't bear to see make mistakes.
Asuma and the others listened silently as they heard Kimimaro and the others speak.
The implication is that life in Kirigakure isn't all that great, is it?
I've never heard them mention it before...
"Brother Aosui..." Asuma hesitated before asking, "Is there anything we can do to help you?"
Kakashi, Might Guy, and others echoed their sentiments.
Aosui, who vomited blood for the sake of the village, is undoubtedly very admirable!
"You..."
"If possible, please gather some evidence for me. If any members of the tribe were ever forcibly taken into the Root by him, please testify for me on that day."
"Senju Tobirama who said softly."
Upon hearing this, many Ninja Academy students instinctively backed down.
A person's name carries weight, and Danzo is not someone to be trifled with...
Even students at the Ninja Academy have heard their parents give them instructions.
"Good!"
Asuma shouted:
"My father once said, 'Those who carry firewood for the masses should not be left to freeze to death in the wind and snow!'"
"Brother Aosui, I will help you!"
When Asuma spoke, the other Ninja Academy students were all taken aback.
What's the meaning...
The Hokage's Son theoretically represents a portion of the Hokage's opinions.
In other words, the Lord Hokage doesn't actually know some things about Root? But that's unlikely...
Regardless, Asuma's stepping forward clearly gave the other Ninja Academy students a boost of morale.
" Son Diplomacy " is making a comeback.
"I'll do it too," Kakashi said in a deep voice.
"My father said that the Lord Hokage is not afraid of others pointing out his mistakes. Even if it's Danzo, he will still give him a reason to correct them!"
"For the sake of our youth, we must support Brother Aosui!" Might Guy nodded solemnly.
Moved by this, many of the other clan members who had joined the Root ninja students raised their hands. "We all support you, Brother Aosui!" Senju Tobirama his mouth into a smile.
This is Konoha's hope for the future...
"Which day, Brother Aosui?" Asuma asked in a low voice.
"The day my family defeats Namikaze Minato!"
Senju Tobirama corner of his mouth. "I will help everyone win! I'm going to train!"
Asuma and the others stared blankly at Senju Tobirama.
It turns out that Brother Aosui really did keep his words in mind all along...
And so I slipped away here.
The Shisui and the Obito were not present.
The two of them ran back to the Uchiha Clan Compound as fast as they could and found Isshin.
" Clan Leader Isshin, my brother was so Danzo that he vomited blood!"
Shisui said in a panic, "Let's see what we can do!"
Isshin, who was humming a little tune and feeling quite content lately, suddenly stood up. "What did you say?"
But then, Isshin struck him.
" Shisui, don't rush..."
"This might be Aosui's way of evoking empathy; he's probably alright."
Senju Tobirama announced his intention to attack Danzo in front of the entire Uchiha clan.
For Aosui, acting in a play or something like that is quite normal!
"That's not how it is, Clan Leader Isshin!"
Obito said hurriedly, "I know that too, but my brother has been coughing up blood frequently lately. He's been hiding it very well, but Shisui and I both know!"
The sound of Shisui carried a hint of weeping:
" Clan Leader Isshin, my brother trains and works until the wee hours every night, and he has also planned many future developments for the clan and improved many Ninjutsu!"
"I advised him to rest, but my brother said things couldn't be delayed..."
" Clan Leader Isshin, is my brother...?"
Isshin's face suddenly turned extremely ugly.
This invitation sounds exactly like someone making their final arrangements!
It was as if there wasn't enough time.
"Could it be Blood Disease? Oh my god!"
"No, please don't! Aosui is clearly Ancestor's Blessing!"
"May the Young Clan Leader of Izuna protect us, may the Great Clan Leader protect us, Aosui absolutely cannot be harmed..."
Isshin, Yaya activated her Sharingan, and the three Tomoe began to spin involuntarily.
" Aosui said he would Danzo in the open and take full responsibility for all the problems. Could it be that he knows he's about to die?"
Isshin felt my heart being suddenly clenched.
"Let's go to the Ninja Academy!"
"No, we can't go..." Isshin clung to the camp's edge. If he Wind-Fire off now, Aosui would become too conspicuous and expose his plans.
"What if it's a misunderstanding?"
"Take me to your house first, Shisui!"
Isshin Xin said in a deep voice, "I'm waiting for him at home. Tell Aosui to come back quickly!"
Shisui nodded quickly.
They arrived at Senju Tobirama and Shisui's house.
Isshin slowly walked towards " Aosui's" bedroom.
Open the door.
There were rows and rows of scrolls on the table, as well as many sheets of paper covered with dense writing.
Isshin slowly flipped through the pages.
" Uchiha Fire Release Improvement Ideas ", " Sharingan Records ", " Kenjutsu Summary "...
"Some thoughts on the Uchiha in Konoha ", " Police Force Structural Adjustment ", " Further Support for Orphaned Clan Members "... Each volume is substantial.
Not only did they make ingenious improvements to the techniques of the Uchiha Clan, but they also innovated upon them.