At those words, Hashirama immediately shook his head and objected with unwavering conviction.
"You're wrong, Tobirama!"
"You're smart. You see things more clearly than anyone. Deep down, you know the truth better than anyone!"
"If the Senju Clan had stood alone, without joining forces with the Uchiha, none of those clans ruling their own territories would have joined us!"
"We're too strong. So strong that everyone would fear being swallowed up by the Senju."
"The Uchiha's presence gave them hope that someone could keep us in check."
"That's why I have to give the Uchiha hope, too."
"To help them accept the village and become part of it."
"Giving the Uchiha a Hokage is the best way!"
Tobirama froze for a moment, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes.
He had never expected his usually easygoing, good-natured elder brother to grasp the broader implications so clearly.
But after that brief surprise, Tobirama gritted his teeth and stood his ground, laying out the stark reality.
"You're right, Brother."
"But have you considered how all the clans that have joined us feel?"
"They can accept the Senju and Uchiha ruling together. They can accept the two clans coexisting peacefully."
"But they will never accept Madara Uchiha as the one who ultimately holds power!"
"The Uchiha are too cold. No clan would willingly accept them."
"The moment Madara is named First Hokage, unrest will spread through the village!"
"The great clans will grow divided, wary, and uneasy!"
"Huge cracks will appear in our newly founded village in an instant!"
"Everything we've worked so hard to achieve will fall apart!"
"Brother, you don't want to see that happen either, do you?"
Every word struck home, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.
Hashirama Senju, who had been so certain and delighted just