At Shingetsu's prompting, Madara and the Senju brothers all turned their attention to the map of the Shinobi World.
An unusual gleam flashed in Madara's and Tobirama's eyes-the shock of having their horizons suddenly broadened, the thrill of something stirring deep within them, and, following close behind, an ambition determined to succeed.
Compared with them, Hashirama seemed hesitant and uncertain. He paused, then asked reluctantly:
"But aren't we generals of the Land of Fire? Wouldn't it be a little inappropriate to establish our shogunates outside the country?"
"Hmph. Do those little countries have any right to refuse Konoha?"
Before Shingetsu or Tobirama could explain, Madara cast Hashirama a scornful glance, his sharp features brimming with arrogance as he answered.
And just as Madara said, no person or country could choose to refuse a behemoth like Konoha. But that was not the answer Hashirama wanted.
"But what if doing this throws those small countries into turmoil?"
Recalling the miserable state of the Land of Rain, Hashirama could not help worrying deeply. He truly feared that small countries would become pawns in the great powers' struggle for supremacy, even if that great power was Konoha.
"As long as ordinary people live well, they won't care whether it's a daimyō or a shogunate ruling over them."
Shingetsu sighed softly. She could fully understand the reasons behind Hashirama's hesitation and unease, and she knew his concerns were not unfounded.
But if her years in the Shinobi World had taught her anything, it was that having value others could exploit was far better than having nothing at all.
"Uncle, don't you already know what those nobles and daimyō are like? Rather than letting that scum keep causing trouble, we might as well take over."
At that, Hashirama's misgivings eased somewhat, and he nodded in agreement.