As Mingye spoke, he waved one hand around him and teased Hashirama. With a raised hand from Tobirama, more than ten ninjas around them flashed away and vanished. Mingye's eyes filled with approval when he saw Tobirama's action.
"Imitating the Anbu and forming your own ninja force—the only reason your troops can still exist is because Konoha isn't stable yet!"
Tobirama snorted coldly. Mingye's words were full of mockery, and he was not speaking to him as an equal at all. It was as though he had placed Tobirama in the position of a junior and was offering him guidance through a transaction.
"Hmph! I don't have any ulterior motives. One must always guard against others!"
Tobirama's sarcasm made Mingye wave a hand, an innocent expression on his face.
"Whatever you say. I told you, I will absolutely fulfill what I promised. I came today to discuss the outcome I have in mind!"
"What promise? Tobirama, what did you do this time?!"
Hearing Mingye's words, Hashirama—who knew absolutely nothing—looked at Tobirama in confusion. Mingye, meanwhile, wore a wicked grin and interjected as though watching a play.
"Haha! It seems not all brothers are connected at heart and tell each other everything!"
Tobirama did not answer Hashirama's question. His butcher's blade had not only killed many members of the Senju Clan who had once indirectly benefited him; it had also aligned with Mingye's philosophy of rule through chaos, throwing Konoha and even the entire Land of Fire into turmoil. If he explained it all, Hashirama would be furious.
"What do you want?!"
Uzumaki Mito appeared before them from around the corner of the doorway, her face pale. Mingye nodded and smiled at her, no longer teasing them. There was no point in driving a wedge between them.
"The reorganization of the