Sarutobi Hiruzen's Ambition

While Uchiha Izuna's words had some effect, this was not the reason for Senju Tobirama to stop.

The real reason was simply that he didn't know how to face his former students.

Sarutobi Hiruzen actually preferred Shimura Danzō as his student.

Shimura Danzō even more ruthless and cunning, and in some ways, he was even more vicious than Senju Tobirama.

As for Sarutobi Hiruzen, he was too indecisive in terms of personality.

Senju Tobirama was very dissatisfied with this.

Aside from the carefree time Senju Tobirama spent his entire life either killing or on his way to killing.

No one knew better than him that a leader cannot succeed with only a benevolent heart.

Just like his brother, whose strength far surpassed that of the Shinobi World at the time, even the Tailed Beast could only be his toys.

However, it was precisely because of his benevolence, desire for peace, and pursuit of balance that the first Shinobi World war broke out shortly after his death.

So why was Sarutobi Hiruzen ultimately chosen as the Third Hokage?

A childlike heart!

Yes, in his final battle before his death, Senju Tobirama saw in Sarutobi Hiruzen a childlike heart that Shimura Danzō!

She simply wanted to draw the enemy away from him, she simply wanted to do something for him.

These actions are not acting, nor do they have any other purpose.

He did it all so he could die in place of his teacher.

This sentiment was also the real reason why he determined that Sarutobi Hiruzen was more suitable for the Third Hokage.

But what about now?

The black-robed figure before him, who had dragged the Shinobi World into war, was actually the student he had once recognized as possessing a pure heart?

How could he possibly face this calmly?

"Teacher, it's been so many years since we last met. I never imagined we'd meet again like this."

A look of guilt appeared on Sarutobi Hiruzen's aged face.

The teacher entrusted him with the position of Third Hokage successor, but what has he done all these years?

On the surface, Danzo forced him to do many things.

But what is the reality?

Without his permission, could Danzo's Danzo roots truly take hold in Konoha?

The answer is no.

Danzo is his dark side!

Do you still remember me, your teacher?

Senju Tobirama snorted coldly, his eyes filled with disappointment.

"You will always be my teacher."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's gaze was earnest.

"Is this how I taught you? To make enemies of the entire Shinobi World? To use any means necessary to gain strength?"

Senju Tobirama cursed angrily.

Sarutobi Hiruzen lowered his head slightly, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

"Back then, I entrusted Konoha to you, hoping that you could make Konoha stronger!"

"But look at what you've done all these years!"

"In peacetime, Konoha's strength has weakened, and it's actually because of internal strife!"

"At a time when Konoha's life or death is at stake, you, as the Hokage, actually deserted your post!"

"Now it's even better; they've colluded with the Otsutsuki Clan, intending to overthrow the entire Shinobi World!"

"Did I teach you all of this?"

Senju Tobirama one breath, and his eyes turned somewhat bloodshot.

"Teacher..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his head, his mouth slightly open.

"Don't call me teacher!"

Senju Tobirama roared, his chest heaving violently.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression froze, and his eyes began to redden.

"Teacher, whether you acknowledge me as your student or not, you will always be my teacher."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice deepened.

"But teacher, does my current state have absolutely nothing to do with you?"

Upon hearing this, Senju Tobirama was instantly stunned.

"After you left, I worked hard and became the Third Hokage."

"Given my seniority back then, do you think I could so easily secure my Third?"

"My clan looks down on me, the common people ignore me, I'm practically an Akira sitting in the Hokage's seat in the village!"

As Sarutobi Hiruzen recalled the past, a surge of hatred welled up in his heart.

Back then, he was incredibly ambitious, planning to make Konoha the most powerful village in the entire Shinobi World under his leadership.

But reality slapped him hard in the face.

Not only did his fellow villagers not support him, but even the families in the village treated him as nothing.

In the entire village, the only person who supported him Shimura Danzō.

As his conscience was repeatedly eroded, Sarutobi Hiruzen's mindset changed.

He became incredibly power-hungry, and would do anything for it!

Thus, under his direction and with the cooperation of Shimura Danzō, World War II began!

As it turned out, he made the right move.

During World War II, Senju Hashirama's grandson, Senju Nawaki, died. Enraged, the entire Senju Clan mobilized, resulting in the extermination of all members except Tsunade.

The village's rising star, Tsunade's fiancé Dan Katō, has died.

Hatake Sakumo, who posed the greatest threat to the Hokage position, is also dead.

The Uchiha Clan suffered countless casualties, greatly diminishing their strength.

In the village, any family that had previously opposed him was either wiped out in the war or its members withered away.

And what about him?

During World War II, his years of hard work and training were put to the test, earning him the title of "Professor of Ninjutsu".

His disciple became the renowned "Sannin".

His family members who opposed him are gone.

The threatening adversary is gone.

His prestige soared to unprecedented heights!

He naturally became the most beloved Third Hokage of Konoha!

Through so many years of hard work and dedication, he successfully led Konoha to prosperity once again!

But how did Konoha repay him?

Because of the rise of Uchiha Kei and Uchiha Itachi, some people are actually questioning his rule!

I even desperately hope that Uchiha Itachi will become the Fifth Hokage soon!

This is something he absolutely cannot tolerate!

What's more, the one threatening his position is a member of the evil Uchiha Clan!

He fought back, hoping to reverse this situation.

But what was the result?

Because of Danzo's mistakes, the Yang Organization launched a large-scale invasion of Konoha. He, the Third Hokage Hokage served the longest and contributed the most to Konoha, actually became a sinner against Konoha!

How ridiculous!

"I'm not reconciled!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression turned ferocious.

"Give me a little more time, and I can definitely make Konoha prosperous beyond compare! Dominate the Shinobi World, and even bring all the land under Konoha's control!"

"But how did Konoha treat me? They think I'm unqualified, and that all my past achievements were fake!"

"I am not reconciled!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke slowly and deliberately.

With each word he spoke, his aura grew stronger.

After he finished speaking, his aura became almost tangible, surging with boundless Chakra.

"You're being too extreme, little monkey."

Senju Tobirama wanted to curse him, but in the end it turned into a sigh.

Is it his fault?

Ultimately, it was he who had too much influence on Sarutobi Hiruzen.

To dominate the Shinobi World is...

He was hostile to the Uchiha.

Even many of Sarutobi Hiruzen's policies reflect his style.

"I'm not being extreme; this is the only way for Konoha to rise again."

After venting all his pent-up frustrations, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt much lighter.

"Teacher, I'm about to succeed. All it takes is for the Otsutsuki Clan to overthrow the entire Shinobi World."

Sarutobi Hiruzen wore a sickly smile.

"At that time, the entire Shinobi World will be a blank sheet of paper."

"In the new Shinobi World, there will only be Konoha! The Konoha flag will fly throughout the entire Shinobi World!"

"Where the Konoha dance in the air..."

"Fire..."

"As well as..."

"Life goes on and on!"