After a moment, Tobirama spoke again, his tone calmer than before, carrying a strategist's almost ruthless precision:
"Actually, just as that kid Naruto said.
A war of unification would be a triumph for this age and a blessing for ages to come.
Trading a brief spell of agony for lasting stability for future generations is a bargain worth making in the long run."
He set down his pen and raised his head, turning a sharp gaze on Hashirama, who still seemed somewhat lost in thought:
"But if you ask me..."
Tobirama paused briefly, the corners of his mouth curling into an almost radical smile that looked out of place on his normally stern face.
"That kid Naruto is still too merciful. Or rather, too committed to 'playing by the rules.'"
"Merciful?"
Hashirama blinked and snapped back to the present.
Naruto wanted to start the Fourth Shinobi World War, and his younger brother was calling him "merciful"?
"That's right."
Tobirama confirmed:
"When he spoke with us earlier, he said he would give the enemy at least four hours to evacuate civilians before each attack. He also planned to hold a Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron to 'declare war'...
Those steps certainly serve purposes such as claiming the moral high ground, dividing the enemy, and reducing unnecessary civilian casualties, but they also give the enemy time to react and unite.
They'll also put financial pressure on Konoha. Still, his choice is right. Land only has value when people live on it."
As he spoke, Tobirama rose from his seat and walked over to the wall of the Hokage's Office where an enormous map of the shinobi world hung.
He did not look at the standard map already on the wall. Instead, he went straight to a nearby filing cabinet