"One mind has its limits; many minds can accomplish more. Perhaps we really should consider creating a position like that... but we can discuss that later."
Senju Hashirama nodded, then turned to Tobirama, his tone growing much more serious. "Joking aside, Tobirama, you should start preparing to take over as Second. When the time is right, I'll announce my retirement."
Seeing this, Uncle Tobirama stopped declining and answered solemnly, "Brother, I won't let you down."
"Whatever works," Hibari cut in again with a grin. "Just make sure Grandpa Hashirama gets paid. He's worked so hard for the village all this time. You can't just forget him once he's gone, can you? The village ought to take care of him in retirement."
"You went around in circles just to get your money back!" Sarutobi Hiruzen teased from the side.
Hibari wasn't happy to hear that.
"What do you mean, just for the money?" he retorted at once. "Paying back your debts is only right! If you disagree, lend me some money right now. I promise I won't pay you back."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to reply when Hibari beat him to it again. "Besides, I'm offering ideas for the village. There'll probably be plenty of people in Grandpa Hashirama's situation someday, won't there?
"You can't pay people while they're useful, then treat them like burdens when they're not. How disheartening would that be?"
At those words, Uncle Tobirama, who had been watching the fun, grew thoughtful.
"All right, stop bickering, you two." He waved a hand, then looked at Hibari. "Still... you've got a point, kid. We really do need measures for this."
Being a ninja was a dangerous profession. Plenty died on missions or returned injured. With the age of chaos only recently behind them, Konoha had quite a few