The Sensible Daimyo

In the time it took several thoughts to flash through Tobirama Senju's mind, Sasuke Uchiha had already left with Kabuto tucked under his arm, unaware of his gaze.

Sasuke was probably hesitating over whether to abandon his companions and go to Orochimaru for power.

Tobirama Senju glanced in the direction Sasuke had gone, then turned to look at a dark alley nearby.

Immediately.

Three ANBU wearing animal masks emerged from the darkness.

"Lord Hokage."

These three ANBU were Tobirama Senju's personal guards. Might Guy's distinctive traits were far too obvious, making him unsuitable for covert close protection, so Tobirama Senju had specifically found him another job to keep him busy.

Only when leaving Konoha would he have Might Guy accompany him.

"That little fellow just now... he was Uchiha's only remaining heir, wasn't he?"

Tobirama Senju gave the three a slight nod. "That brat was wearing clothes bearing the Uchiha clan crest."

Tobirama Senju knowingly asked.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. That boy is Sasuke Uchiha, son of Fugaku Uchiha, the former Uchiha clan head. It was his elder brother, Itachi, who personally wiped out the Uchiha Clan. As for why Sasuke survived, this subordinate does not know."

The ANBU before him was not among the village's upper ranks and did not know the inside story behind the Uchiha massacre.

Hearing his explanation, Tobirama Senju appropriately put on an expression of "Oh, so that's how it was," then gave an order.

"Make arrangements for Sasuke Uchiha to join Kakashi's ANBU. Have Naruto Uzumaki join as well."

Hearing Tobirama's arrangement, the ANBU before him nodded.

"By the way, who is their jonin instructor?" Tobirama Senju knowingly asked again.

"Reporting to Lord Hokage, it is Captain Kakashi Hatake."

"Perfect. Tell Kakashi that after the two of them join the ANBU, they can spar with each other more often. I think highly of the bond between them."

After saying that, Tobirama Senju turned and continued strolling through Konoha's streets.

The three ANBU exchanged glances. One turned and left to report the news, while the other two vanished back into the darkness.

"Good afternoon, Lord Hokage!"

"Lord Hokage, have you eaten lunch yet? Ah, you can't eat?"

"Lord Hokage!"

As he walked through Konoha, the villagers who saw Tobirama Senju greeted him enthusiastically.

It left Tobirama Senju somewhat unable to cope, and he retreated from the street in something of a fluster before returning to the Hokage Building.

The moment he arrived beneath the building, he spotted someone he knew.

Saito Shizumo, the envoy the daimyo had sent to Konoha.

The somewhat plump middle-aged man hurried over with a grin upon seeing him and bowed deeply.

"Lord Hokage, thank you once again. If not for your intervention, I fear my life would have been lost."

"It was nothing more than a small effort. There is no need for such formality, Mr. Saito." Tobirama Senju stepped forward and helped him up.

"May I ask what important matter brings Mr. Saito here?"

"Lord Hokage, now that your inauguration ceremony has concluded, as the daimyo's envoy, I should return and report to him. I cannot stay in Konoha forever, can I..."

Saito Shizumo wiped the sweat from his forehead as he spoke.

"Mr. Saito is returning to the capital of the Land of Fire, correct? I will arrange for a team of ninja to escort you." Tobirama Senju nodded.

"Lord Hokage, there is actually one more matter I came to discuss with you."

Saito Shizumo glanced at the ANBU ninja behind Tobirama Senju.

Understanding his meaning, Tobirama signaled with his eyes, and the ANBU all withdrew.

Once no one remained nearby to disturb them, Saito Shizumo stepped closer and spoke in an extremely low voice.

"Lord Hokage, the daimyo sent word yesterday that he knows everything Sunagakure has done. If Konoha intends to take military action against Sunagakure, the daimyo will offer his full support and cover all military expenses."

At those words, a smile appeared on Tobirama Senju's face.

I didn't expect that descendant to be so sensible. Tobirama Senju had already considered waging war against Sunagakure. This was truly like someone delivering a pillow just as he was feeling sleepy.

"Then please convey my thanks to the daimyo." Tobirama Senju nodded.

Saito Shizumo also breathed a sigh of relief. As a close minister of the daimyo, he knew some of the Land of Fire's secrets. It was said that the daimyo of the Land of Fire had close ties with the Senju Clan, and Tobirama Senju's unsurprised expression only strengthened his suspicions.

The convoy escorting Saito Shizumo soon departed, and after watching it leave, Tobirama Senju returned to his seat as Hokage.