Isn't That Bringing Shame to Our Senju Clan?

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Hibari's excited expression, the corners of his mouth curling upward involuntarily.

This kid was exactly like he had been when he first dipped his toes into the ninja profession—everything looked fresh and thrilling. However... he sighed softly in his heart. This line of work wasn't as easy as it looked. Hibari, he hoped the boy was truly prepared.

Before his thoughts could even settle, Hashirama had already slapped his thigh, his mind made up. "The village's reputation is our most vital asset; we cannot tarnish it. When it's time to show our strength, we must let others see exactly what we're made of."

His words were firm and decisive. "Therefore, there is no room for negotiation. The Seven-Tails must be delivered safely into the hands of Takigakure. This mission concerns the village's future path and our allies; it must succeed, and it cannot fail!"

Tobirama nodded in agreement and added, "Big brother is right. Furthermore, the situation has become so complex that relying on Sasuke alone will likely not be enough to contain it..."

"Since the location has been found," Hashirama said, waving a hand before his brother could finish, "then I will go."

Tailed beasts were not things just any Tom, Dick, or Harry could handle; usually, it took an entire team just to approach one. Even someone as strong as Tobirama would have to exert significant effort to deal with one.

Looking at the current world, aside from himself, Senju Hashirama, the only other person who could confidently claim to subdue a tailed beast single-handedly was Uchiha Madara, who had wandered off to parts unknown. If anyone else said such a thing, nobody would believe them.

For a village leader to go on a mission personally sounded a bit unprofessional, as if the village were empty of talent. But looking at it from another angle, this was the perfect opportunity to make those lurking in the shadows think twice.

Moreover, tailed beasts were troublesome, and the matter could not be botched. Tobirama opened his mouth, but he couldn't find a single reason to dissuade his older brother. After a moment of contemplation, he could only say, "It is fine for you to go, big brother.

However, there are still a few urgent matters in the village that you must clarify with me and handle before you depart."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze toward Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Hiruzen, the situation over there is still unclear, and your father, Sasuke, needs an assistant. Go and prepare immediately. Reach him as fast as you can and link up to get a clear grasp of the situation. The Hokage will arrive as soon as possible to meet you both, understand?"

He didn't spell it out, but having spent so long with these two, how could Sarutobi Hiruzen not understand his teacher's meaning? It meant that before the Hokage arrived, he was to gather as much intelligence as possible. If other factions emerged to stir up trouble, he was to find a way to stall them until Hashirama arrived. Once that man showed up, any monsters or demons would have to back down.

"Rest assured, Teacher and Lord Hokage!" Sarutobi Hiruzen straightened his back and replied without hesitation. "I guarantee the mission will be completed; I will never bring shame to the Hidden Leaf!"

Tobirama was at ease with this prized student. Hashirama hadn't taken any formal disciples, but Hiruzen was practically his apprentice, and his ability and character were trustworthy.

Hashirama nodded at these words, a smile appearing on his face. "Then I leave it to you, little monkey."

With the major arrangements settled, Tobirama's gaze finally fell upon Hibari, who had been standing to the side with bright, eager eyes. With just one look, he saw right through the boy's restless desire to participate.

He suppressed the urge to smirk and deliberately put on a stern face. "Hibari, have you heard enough of the excitement? You know what you need to know, so why are you still standing there like a fool? Tell me, why exactly did you run over here?"

When Tobirama asked this, Hibari finally snapped back to reality. Right, why had he come here in the first place? Wasn't it to get the study key from the Second Hokage so he could go back and read some books?

But at this moment, his mind had already flown elsewhere. The Seven-Tails Chomei had surfaced, and a ruthless character like Kakuzu was about to appear—who cared about books? He had to get in on the action! He could read books anytime, or if it really came to it... he could just stuff a couple in his bag and flip through them on the road.

If he missed this opportunity, he would regret it for the rest of his life. Especially since, if things went as expected, he might be able to witness the First Hokage—the man hailed as a "god," his own grandfather Senju Hashirama—subduing a tailed beast with his own eyes.

If he didn't witness this scene, he would be kicking himself for decades to come.

Thinking of this, Hibari immediately made up his mind.

He had to join in on the fun. Besides, after being cooped up in the village for so many years, it was time to step into the ninja world and look around; he couldn't be a fledgling bird under protection forever, could he?

He straightened his expression and looked at Tobirama. "Second Grandfather, I've been thinking about this all night. I may be young, but I'm not without ability. In the old days, didn't children my age go to the battlefield?"

He paused, puffed out his chest, and struck a pose that looked quite convincing, his voice rising a notch. "It's peaceful now, but who can say how long it will last? We must be prepared for danger in times of peace, isn't that the truth?"

"I am, after all, of the third generation of the Forest Senju clan,"

He grew more animated as he spoke, his hands gesturing along with his words. "How can I just rely on the convenience of my family and hide in the village to enjoy a comfortable life? If word of that got out, wouldn't it be bringing shame to our Senju clan? Grandfather and Second Grandfather, you are both risking your lives for the village, and I, Senju Hibari, cannot fall behind!

So this time, I want to go on a mission with Hiruzen... ahem, Jonin Sarutobi Hiruzen, to bring glory to the Hidden Leaf and honor to the Senju clan!

I want everyone to know that in our Hidden Leaf, in our Senju clan, there is a spirit that is passed down from generation to generation!"

These words were spoken with great impact and momentum. Sarutobi Hiruzen, standing to the side, stared with wide eyes, feeling a bit dazed. He thought to himself: Good grief, I knew you were a smooth talker, but I didn't know you were this good?

These flowery words just keep coming; I'm impressed.

Not to mention Sarutobi Hiruzen, even Tobirama felt a bit of toothache listening to this. He knew Hibari's character better than anyone. The boy was always crafty; where did this sudden surge of righteous passion come from?

I don't believe a word of it! It was nothing more than the boy hearing the news, getting an itch to see the world, and wanting to test his skills.

Though he saw through it clearly, Hibari's eloquent speech still moved Tobirama slightly. However, sentiment was one thing, but he still needed to be disciplined; he couldn't let him get away with it so easily.

His lips moved to deliver a reprimand, but before the words could escape—

A loud bang exploded, startling Tobirama so much that he shuddered and quickly turned his head.

Well, well. The true head of the Senju family, the number one figure of the Hidden Leaf Village, the First Hokage Senju Hashirama, had slammed his hand down so hard he nearly shattered the table.

Looking closer, the man actually had tears shimmering in his eyes, his face filled with "emotion," and even his frame, which wouldn't tremble before an army of thousands, was slightly shaking.

He had clearly fallen for the kid's act!

"Well said!" Hashirama looked at Hibari, his voice trembling with excitement. "Hibari, you really haven't brought shame to the Senju family, nor to the Hidden Leaf!

Grandfather is proud of your ambition! I never expected you to have such aspirations at such a young age; you are truly my grandson! You're right, that spirit must be passed down from generation to generation. As long as that spirit remains, the Hidden Leaf will always prosper!"

Hibari had also been startled by Hashirama's outburst; the table had nearly shattered, and even the Second Hokage had been shocked, let alone him. But hearing Hashirama's words, he immediately understood.

In the blink of an eye, he turned into a "drama queen," responding with an excited face: "That's all thanks to your teachings, Grandfather! I watch how you conduct yourself and handle matters every day, and slowly I've come to understand your heart and how vast your spirit is.

Your noble character moved me when I was young, so I long ago resolved to learn from you, to become an incredible ninja, and to become someone who can protect the village!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen listened from the side, his stomach churning. This kid's words were too cheesy; they could practically be used as a mental attack. He should just develop a "Talk-no-Jutsu"!

Tobirama was also feeling a sour ache in his teeth, unable to help but glance at his grandson twice more, muttering to himself about how thick the boy's skin really was.

However, Hashirama didn't find it cloying at all. He stood up abruptly, his face radiant, nodding repeatedly. "Yes, yes, yes! This is what it means to be my grandson!

You understand me; you really do understand me!

You've even grasped the passion in my heart!

Good, very good! Hibari, looking at you, I can practically see the bright future of the Hidden Leaf! Keep it up!"

"Yes, Grandfather! I will never let you down!" Seeing that the timing was right, Hibari immediately climbed up the pole. "So this time, please, Lord Hokage, grant me permission to act alongside Jonin Hiruzen and give me a chance to prove myself!"

Hashirama was in high spirits and, without a second thought, waved his hand. "Good! Such ambition! As Hokage, I must support you! Go out there and show everyone the spirit of the men of the Senju family!"

The grandfather and grandson sang in harmony, settling the matter in a few sentences. Sarutobi Hiruzen and Tobirama stood to the side, stunned. When they finally reacted, Tobirama quickly spoke up: "This is absurd! Such a thing..."

But before he could finish, Hibari cut him off crisply: "Second Grandfather, the Hokage has already spoken; you should be careful with your words.

Grandmother Mito often says that when you are out and about, you must uphold the dignity of the Hokage. If you say one thing and then go back on it, how can you talk about dignity? How can you command respect?"

These words choked Tobirama, leaving him breathless. He glared fiercely at Hibari. "You brat, there are no outsiders here! And remember today's incident; don't let me catch you..."

"That would be abusing your power for personal grudges..." Hibari muttered, curling his lip.

"Hahaha!" Hashirama laughed heartily and patted his brother's shoulder. "Enough, Tobirama. Since Hibari has the heart for it, let him go and explore. Children have to leave our wings eventually, don't they? Besides, it won't take long; I'll be there soon and will keep an eye on the boy."

In truth, Tobirama understood that keeping a child cooped up at home wasn't the answer; reading ten thousand books was not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. He just had to maintain his dignity, and now that his brother had provided a way out, he went along with it.

"Since you've said so, big brother," Tobirama sighed and turned to Hibari, "...I won't stop you. But Hibari, listen to me: although you have some ability, you have never been on a real mission.

Once you leave the village, you are just a fledgling bird. On the road, you will follow Hiruzen's commands! Do whatever he tells you to do. And... watch more, learn more, talk less, and honestly learn from your Uncle Hiruzen!"

As soon as Hibari heard the Second Hokage relent, his face beamed. "Don't worry, Second Grandfather! I promise not to cause trouble! I will definitely listen to Uncle Hiruzen on the way!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen watched him from the side, his face clearly saying, You really are something. He thought to himself that usually, getting the boy to call him "uncle" was like pulling teeth, but now that there was a benefit, he called him "uncle" so smoothly. Where was his integrity?

Tobirama nodded and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen again. "Hiruzen, I'll leave him in your care. If this brat... doesn't listen, feel free to discipline him."