Leaving aside the exchange taking place in the Hokage's office, Tamura Hiroshi waited until he sensed that chakra disappear before bringing up the real reason for his visit.
"Is that the Hokage's half-cloak, Senior Sakumo? The Third Hokage must think highly of you."
His gaze fell on the Hokage's half-cloak worn by Hatake Sakumo. Its style was similar to the Hokage's robe Minato Namikaze would wear in the future.
Hatake Sakumo glanced at his half-cloak but said nothing, wondering what this person's real reason for coming was.
He wouldn't treat him like an ordinary twelve-year-old boy. The boy had gone to Uchiha Territory alone and even stayed at the Uchiha Clan Head's home.
Who knew what agreement he'd reached with the Uchiha Clan Head? And as for coming to his house this time, he certainly hadn't come merely to ask about swordsmanship.
"Do you think you can become the Fourth Hokage, Senior Sakumo?"
Tamura Hiroshi asked again, hoping to try to change this man's fate. It would be a worthwhile gain.
Hatake Sakumo still said nothing. Every word had to be weighed carefully when dealing with someone like this. Better to keep quiet whenever possible.
He simply wasn't good at verbal sparring. What he was good at was cutting people down.
"I imagine you understand that you have no chance of becoming the Fourth Hokage, Senior Sakumo. The Senju Faction and the Uchiha wouldn't agree, and neither would the Third Hokage's faction.
"Because you aren't one of their people, and neither is the Hatake Clan. They can't guarantee you'd protect their existing interests.
"Look at how many times Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others have struggled openly and in secret with the Senju Faction over the years. I imagine Hiruzen Sarutobi and his allies are also worried that they'll become the