The clans all stepped forward at once, voicing their unanimous support for Hashirama Senju to become the First Hokage.
The ordinary villagers joined in without exception. Everyone trusted Hashirama. Everyone supported him.
For a time, calls rang out throughout Konoha. Everyone implored Hashirama to take office. No one objected, and no one mentioned Madara Uchiha.
That overwhelming support, those countless voices united as one, plunged Hashirama Senju into agonizing conflict.
Being trusted by the entire village and relied upon by its people filled him with joy and relief. He was grateful that his years of perseverance and effort had finally brought peace.
But what followed was guilt and anguish that sank into his very bones.
He looked toward the Uchiha Clan's compound, the heartfelt promises he had made to Madara in that clearing echoing through his mind again and again.
[Madara, I want you to be the First Hokage.]
[I'll protect our Konoha together with you.]
The promise of peace he had fought his whole life to achieve now weighed heavily on his heart, leaving him unable to breathe.
"Madara... am I really going to break my promise to you?"
"We gave everything we had and set aside our hatred to build this village together, yet in the end, I've taken all the glory for myself..."
His face twisted with conflict and his heart full of pain, Hashirama held his head in his hands, caught in an endless struggle with himself.
Tobirama Senju had been observing quietly nearby. Seeing that the time was right, he immediately stepped forward and spoke softly. His calm, rational words addressed every one of his brother's concerns.
"Brother, this doesn't count as breaking your promise."
"This is what the entire village wants now. It's the way things are moving. Forcing a different outcome would only