The king of the Ninja Academy had returned to his loyal domain. Even someone as dominant as Rikusei, who ruled over the entire school, found it difficult to withstand his brilliance and was promptly dragged up to the empty rooftop.
From up high, Rikusei could clearly see Konoha's northern gate. Kusagakure had entered the village through that very gate when they were welcomed in.
Looking down, he could see many ninja wearing forehead protectors from other hidden villages strolling through Konoha's streets in small, animated groups.
Konoha could now rightfully be called the most vibrant city in the Shinobi World.
"Have you ever been to where the Tailed Beasts are kept?"
The breeze carried Tobirama's questioning voice to Rikusei's ears. Rikusei shifted his gaze toward the white-haired man in casual clothes. "No."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment before turning toward the stairs. "Follow me."
Rikusei stood there in a slight daze, unable to figure out what Tobirama, who had only just returned to the village, was up to. He hurried after the figure disappearing into the stairwell.
As Tobirama strolled through the streets, he smiled in response to the villagers greeting him.
Ever since returning from Kirigakure, he had begun carefully analyzing the impact Rikusei had had on Madara.
Konoha's departmental framework when the village had first been established bore Rikusei's influence.
During a break in their first meeting, Madara had gone out and returned carrying dango, then proposed the plan to capture the Tailed Beasts during the meeting.
Tobirama had not suspected anything when Madara's attitude suddenly changed.
But looking back now, Madara must have encountered Rikusei and the others while he was out. Tobirama did not know what they had discussed that made Madara conceive of the idea.
He had noticed that this Dango