The Plan Succeeds. Call Me Monkey One Last Time, Teacher
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Senju Tobirama paused slightly, still somewhat unaccustomed to this explanation.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him calmly, as if nothing was wrong.
"Too--"
"After all, you are the Hokage now—"
Senju Tobirama chuckled and said, "He certainly has the airs and authority of Hokage now—"
"Teacher, you will always be my teacher, my respected Second Hokage, Lord Tobirama-- "
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed as well, "But your experience as Hokage is not as rich as mine—I've been in office for over twenty years, while you've only been in office for about ten years."
"In terms of seniority as Hokage, I am older than you."
"You might need some time to figure out what's going on in Konoha these days; times have changed."
Senju Tobirama was speechless, but it was indeed the truth.
The Impure World Reincarnation and the Reversal of Yin and Yang truly made the original master-disciple order become wondrous.
They're the same age now, which is pretty good.
If the father were to be resurrected but were twenty or thirty years younger than the son, it would be awkward and difficult for them to get along.
Hiruzen Sarutobi both respected him and clearly expressed his stance as the current Hokage.
While this made Senju Tobirama somewhat displeased, he was also somewhat gratified.
This is how Hokage should be!
Even if the previous Hokage were to be resurrected, we cannot simply let him be.
For a village to operate smoothly and efficiently, having a clear decision-maker is essential.
This also reflects Hiruzen Sarutobi's self-confidence.
If we still have to rely on the wisdom of our ancestors for everything, it only shows that Konoha is stuck in its past glory and is going backwards!
Then the emphasis on inheritance in "The Will of Fire" becomes nonsense.
"I can listen to you, monkey--"
Senju Tobirama paused, then changed his address to the Hokage: "But once I've integrated into Konoha, I will still point out any problems, Hiruzen."
"As an advisor, shouldn't I have the right to participate in and discuss politics?"
"Of course, I'd be happy to have you as an advisor, let alone a consultant—" Hiruzen Sarutobi joked, "I'm really looking forward to your help in identifying and addressing any shortcomings in my work, and to offering valuable suggestions."
Senju Tobirama satisfaction.
The attitude was very good!
But actually, he's rather petty.
I'll really have to find a way to spot some of the Monkey's shortcomings then, and occasionally show my authority as a teacher.
This idea is also consistent with the previous one.
Senju Tobirama was examining the information scroll about Kusagakure.
With his intelligence, he naturally understood it immediately.
"Good idea. Kusagakure is indeed a suitable village to serve as the foundation for my new identity—"
"Find a suitable character and replace his identity." Senju Tobirama nodded slightly.
He was quite adept at infiltration during the Warring States period.
"That's right, and this naturally gives you, teacher, a starting point to show your loyalty to Konoha-- "
"You are not a native genius of the Uchiha Clan; you are a descendant of the Uchiha who was rescued by Konoha, but you possess extremely high talent."
"The current Clan Head of the Uchiha clan, Isshin, is Setsuna's younger brother."
"According to intelligence from the Patrol Force, he keeps mentioning the appearance of Izuna and Madara, teaching the Uchiha Clan to be patient. He's an interesting old fellow."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said leisurely.
With the appearance of Izuna, wouldn't Isshin be overjoyed?
But there was nothing they could do; this was Uchiha descendant rescued by Konoha, and she naturally had a favorable impression of the village's higher-ups.
What stance and solutions do you have?
And it doesn't seem out of place at all.
"After you've repaired this body, go to Kusagakure and lie low. Find that woman from the Uzumaki Clan and protect her as much as possible."
"You can also use her as a cover for your own identity--"
Senju Tobirama nodded thoughtfully; it was indeed a natural barrier.
"Finally, there's the source of your physical appearance and talents—"
Hiruzen Sarutobi his throat lightly. "I originally intended to portray you as a descendant of Izuna Uchiha— "
Senju Tobirama's face darkened. "No, this is unreasonable!"
Although based on his understanding of Izuna Uchiha, this guy had probably been with women before--
He was even more popular within the Uchiha Clan than Madara was back then.
But Senju Tobirama could make a less vicious oath!
He definitely didn't refuse because he didn't want to be that bastard's heir.
The theory that it originates from descendants is based on a vast amount of detailed information that can be traced back to its source.
It wasn't suitable as a cover for his identity, and besides, it couldn't explain his later display of talent.
To conquer the Uchiha Clan, he needs both a gentle touch and a powerful weapon. He can't just abandon all those years of Ninjutsu and start training the Sharingan again, can he?
Most of his Ninjutsu are specifically designed to counter the Uchiha Clan!
It would be a shame not to use it.
"Yes, yes, yes—" Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile, "You're right!"
"Why are you laughing?"
"Because I am happy to see you about to return to the Shinobi World," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied immediately.
The master and apprentice looked at each other for a moment, then shook their heads and chuckled.
"Teacher, my thought process is --"
"In your notes, I came across phenomena in the Shinobi World that seem to involve ancestral protection and blessings, but you didn't elaborate on them much."
"I think this development is excellent. I've consulted historical records and confirmed that such a situation does exist."
"There are records from the Land of Wind that say a mother fell seriously ill when her child was born. Her reluctance and worry for her daughter became entangled in the child, giving her the power to manipulate sand."
"This is essentially a form of Chakra possession—"
Chakra can do many things.
It is a mixture of physical and spiritual power. According to the texts Hiruzen Sarutobi recently read, some powerful Uzumaki Clan can even seal a portion of Chakra within a child's body.
This allows them to have the opportunity to see their children again after they pass away.
Senju Tobirama's eyes lit up.
After thinking for a while, he suddenly curled the corners of his mouth into a smile.
"Hiruzen, this problem is solved. You don't need to worry anymore. I have a solution."
"During his lifetime, Izuna Uchiha was most opposed to the alliance between the Uchiha Senju, and repeatedly tried to Uchiha Madara— "
"But at the same time, he is a person who loves his people."
"When he died, his restless soul, like the legends of the Land of Wind, refused to leave, yet did not wish to join the Konoha with its Senju."
"It drifted onto the body of the Uchiha who had been abducted by Kusagakure."
"But that Uchiha lacked the talent to unleash his Chakra, so it could only be passed on to his descendants—"
"And after my death, my Chakra discovered Izuna Uchiha's Chakra, and both Chakra descended upon the same boy."
Hiruzen Sarutobi followed Senju Tobirama's train of thought and continued, "And this boy, although talented, suffered from malnutrition due to being enslaved since childhood, and because his Chakra was intertwined with that of others, he also suffers from Bloodline Disease— "
"This corresponds to the details that are precisely filled in should the body become unstable."
Senju Tobirama's gaze grew increasingly appreciative.
Hiruzen has indeed grown into a very outstanding player.
His storytelling ability alone demonstrates that his skills in managing people are not bad.
"Teacher, how long will it take you to finish?"
"Everything will be ready within three months at the latest."
Hiruzen Sarutobi was somewhat surprised; could it be said that he truly lived up to his teacher's reputation?
"Teacher, you know that your identity must never be exposed while we're doing this."
"But I hope you will remember that you are Senju Tobirama, and also start a new life as an Uchiha, setting aside past prejudices and re-examining them."
"Regardless, the Uchiha Clan is part of Konoha, and they have shed blood for Konoha— "
"We're plotting something, but a plot doesn't necessarily mean it can't lead to something good."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke earnestly to Senju Tobirama.
He wanted Senju Tobirama to help the Uchiha integrate into Konoha, not to go in and cause chaos.
Senju Tobirama, then said, "I will do my best."
"Go, Hiruzen, do what you're supposed to do. You're Hokage now—"
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked to the exit, which was covered with Sealing Jutsu.
"Teacher--"
"Call me Monkey one more time. Next time we meet, you'll be an Uchiha."
"You'll have to call me Lord Hokage."
These words, contrary to the Heavenly General's, warmed Senju Tobirama's heart. "Hmph, Monkey— "
"Just focus on being a good Hokage! If you don't, I will impeach you as the head of the Uchiha Clan!"
"I will show no mercy!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed heartily, "Your criticism is welcome, teacher!"
At that moment, a strange thought suddenly came to his mind.
He certainly welcomed Senju Tobirama's help in identifying problems.
However, for an Uchiha to criticize the Hokage, he would have to get past his old comrade Shimura Danzō!
The Darkness of the Shinobi seems to have encountered a new adversary.