Since they could become a force to protect their people while also keeping the Nine Tailed Beasts out of everyone else's hands, why not keep them under their control?
"Hmm?"
"This kid really is different from other humans. Heh!"
"Making this friend wasn't such a bad idea after all."
Kurama was furious when he heard what they were saying. Every one of them saw the Tailed Beasts as weapons of war, as if they had been born to be sealed away and used as tools. How could that not make him angry?
But after hearing Senju Fujima's words, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. It seemed the friend he had made wasn't so bad after all.
"Mm, I think Fujima is right. We're already powerful enough. We don't need the power of the Nine Tailed Beasts."
"Wasn't our original goal to keep Black Zetsu from getting the other eight Tailed Beasts?"
"They won't usually be taken while they're right under our noses. But if they're in other villages, someone with his ability to come and go undetected could still steal them."
"If all eight Tailed Beasts attacked Konoha at once, we wouldn't even have time to react."
Madara Uchiha strongly agreed with Senju Fujima's opinion. It was very similar to his own: it would be better to keep all the Nine Tailed Beasts under their control.
Then he looked at Hashirama Senju and said matter-of-factly:
"Hmm?"
After hearing Senju Fujima's words, Hashirama fell into thought, considering whether the world Fujima had envisioned could really work.
"Mm, I agree too."
After thinking for a moment, Izuna Uchiha gave a slight nod.
"I agree too."
Tobirama Senju also agreed. He didn't care what happened to the Tailed Beasts, but the Nine Tailed Beasts had to stay in Konoha, where he could keep an eye on them.
"Fujima, are you sure the other Tailed Beasts can get along peacefully with us, just like Kurama does?"
Hashirama still had one question. The Nine-Tails could coexist peacefully with them, but what about the other Tailed Beasts?
It was true that his earlier thinking had been a little naive. The Tailed Beasts had minds of their own; they weren't weapons of war. If they really could live in peace with them, that would prevent a great deal of war and loss of life.
As long as they were still alive in this world and the Nine Tailed Beasts served as a deterrent, it would be very difficult for anyone to start a war.
"Hmph, that won't be a problem. We're not evil by nature. You humans are just too greedy, always trying to get something out of us."
"And in the end, weren't you the ones who paid for it with your lives?"
"If you have the same sincerity as Fujima, then peace between us is no dream."
"It all depends on your attitude. We don't have much objection either way."
At that moment, the Nine-Tails chimed in, looking at Hashirama.
"Heh, that's right, Dad. If you can treat them like I do—as living people and as friends—then there won't be any problem."
Senju Fujima smiled at Hashirama and reached out to stroke the Nine-Tails' soft head.
"Don't touch this great one's head. Hmph."
The Nine-Tails immediately slapped Fujima's hand away, looking displeased.
"Hahaha...!"
Everyone present couldn't help laughing at the Nine-Tails' words.
"All right, enough talk. Let's vote!"
"We'll just say who we're choosing."
"There are five of us. Whoever gets the most votes will have their proposal adopted."
Madara Uchiha had even cracked a rare smile. Then he looked at everyone and spoke.
"Mm, let's begin!"
Hashirama already knew his answer. He nodded slightly and spoke.
"I choose Fujima."
"Fujima."
"Fujima."
In the end, all five of them voted in favor of Senju Fujima's proposal.
"Good. Then we'll set about finding the other Tailed Beasts. We just need to locate them."
"Tobirama, Izuna, send Root members to search all over the world. If they find any sign of a Tailed Beast, have them report to us immediately."
"Fujima, don't go back to school for now. You can head out and look for the other Tailed Beasts too."
"Be careful on the way. You have Wood Release, so the Tailed Beasts can't do anything to you. And with the Nine-Tails there, I'm not worried."
Once they had made their decision, Hashirama quickly told Tobirama and Izuna to send Root members out to search for the Tailed Beasts.
Once they found them, he and Madara could set out and bring them all under control. Then they could bring them back and seal them together.
"I understand, big brother."
"I understand, Hashirama."
Tobirama and Izuna both nodded, then turned and walked out.
"Hashirama, what are you thinking? Fujima's still so young. What if he runs into Black Zetsu?"
"I don't agree with sending him out. Just send Root members to search. There's no need to send anyone else."
"Once we find the Tailed Beasts, I can control them with a glance and summon them straight back to Konoha."
"Sending Fujima out would just be a waste of time. He should stay home where it's safe."
Madara didn't agree. He treated Senju Fujima like his own child, as important to him as his younger brother. If Fujima went out and Black Zetsu saw him, what would happen if he got into danger?
So Madara flatly rejected Hashirama's suggestion. There was no way he would let Fujima go.
"Uh?"
"Madara, you..."
Hashirama was confused. He'd wanted Senju Fujima to go because Fujima was overwhelmingly powerful and had the Nine-Tails with him. He could definitely protect himself; there was practically no one in the world who could beat him.
Yet Madara was opposed? And so vehemently? Hashirama was taken aback.
"Hehe! Uncle Madara, you know how strong I am, don't you?"
"It's fine. I was just looking for something to do!"
"School is so boring. I've already completed your task of getting the other clans' children into the school, so there shouldn't be anything left for me to do, right?"
"Besides, I have the Flying Thunder God. No one can catch me. I won't be in any danger."
"Dad, don't you think so? Haha!"
Senju Fujima had wanted to go out for a long time. Staying home was no fun, and he still had to go to school. It was unbearably boring.
Now that he finally had the chance to head out, how great was that? A wonderful life was waiting for him. Why not go for it?
Before you continue