After a long while, Hashirama slowly let out a breath, his voice heavy with exhaustion and the uncertainty of a choice he could not make.
"Let's wait until Naruto's battle report from Kusagakure arrives."
It sounded like both a delaying tactic and a chance to collect himself.
Or perhaps he wanted to see exactly how Naruto would carry out his plan, and what results it would bring, before making his own judgment.
Watching his elder brother, Tobirama understood.
He knew his brother needed time, facts, and above all, a reason that could convince him.
Of course, his single-minded brother might still stubbornly cling to his views.
He did not press him further, only sighed softly.
That sigh held both helplessness at his brother's stubbornness and regret that the most efficient plan could not be implemented immediately.
"I understand."
Tobirama nodded, carefully rolled up the map, and put it back where it belonged, as though their strategic discussion had never happened.
He gathered the unfinished paperwork from the desk, turned, and left the Hokage's Office, leaving Hashirama Senju alone with the room and that weighty decision.
Silence settled over the office again, broken only by Big Yellow's occasional soft snores.
Hashirama leaned back in his chair and stared blankly at the ceiling.
Had his decision really been wrong?
The thought battered his mind over and over, like a curse.
His closest friend, his brother, and the junior he held in such high regard had all chosen a war of unification.
A war of unification...
Forcing the entire shinobi world together through military might...
Was this truly the only road to peace?
Or at least the least bad choice?
Just as Hashirama's turmoil threatened to drag him into the depths of self-doubt, the door to the Hokage's Office opened without a sound.