The Third Hokage

Everyone wore complicated expressions, silent and unable to speak. Only Hiruzen Sarutobi rose to his feet, his face filled with emotion. "Sensei, you're the Hokage, the most important ninja in the village. How can you put yourself in danger? Leave it to me. Aside from you, I'm the strongest here. I'll definitely hold them back—

steps." Senju Tobirama smiled and nodded to himself. The reason he had not spoken up immediately was because he had been observing everyone's expressions.

He had seen Danzo's hesitation, Kagami Uchiha's indifference, and Homura and Koharu's retreat. Only Hiruzen Sarutobi had stepped forward without nearly any hesitation.

He was very satisfied with that. This was the kind of ninja the village needed.

He slowly stood, glanced at everyone, and then said to Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Monkey... protect the people in the village who admire and trust you... and nurture the next generation, those to whom the future can be entrusted..."

"Starting tomorrow, you will be... the Third Hokage!"

"What?" Those words were no less shocking than when Senju Tobirama had said he would act as bait. Danzo's pupils constricted slightly. He could not even describe what he was feeling—frustration, anger, regret, shame, jealousy, all of it flooded his heart.

If... if I hadn't hesitated just now, what would the result have been...

He did not know, and he never would.

"Leave at once. Monkey, I entrust the village to you. You're still young, and the burden is heavy, but I believe in you. In you, I see the light of hope. Work hard. Everyone will help you."

"Yes!"

"Go!"

Watching everyone leave, Senju Tobirama stood alone in the open. A breeze stirred through the forest, lifting the loose strands of hair on his head.

Kinkaku and Ginkaku's target was him. There was no need to