"..."
For a moment, everything fell silent. Neither Shingetsu nor Madara responded to Hashirama, leaving the atmosphere tinged with an awkward tension.
Hashirama's heartfelt words had failed to move them. After all, he had said much the same thing years ago.
As for what had happened afterward, everyone knew that story by now.
After a moment, Madara was the first to break the silence.
"If Tobirama Senju heard you say that, he might fight you to the death."
Madara chuckled, clearly taking none of Hashirama's words to heart. He even had the leisure to make fun of Tobirama.
"I'm not joking!"
Hashirama grew truly frantic. Seeing that Madara did not believe him, he hastily argued:
"You're the only one truly suited to this position!"
Hashirama actually had a very clear understanding of his own abilities.
After all these years as Hokage, Shingetsu and Tobirama had effectively stripped him of all authority. Sometimes, he could not even do a mascot's job properly.
Being the Kage of one village had nearly driven him mad.
The Kage of an entire country? Give him a break!
Hashirama was absolutely certain that Madara was far better suited to the position than his frequently softhearted self.
A Shinobi becoming the ruler of a country was an unprecedented undertaking.
Only Madara, with his firm resolve, formidable strength, and far-reaching vision, could accomplish such an era-defining feat and keep every sinister force in check.
Hashirama believed that without a shred of doubt.
"Madara."
Hashirama was utterly sincere, his eyes full of pleading.
"You're better suited to this position than I am. Only you can lead the new Konoha!"
What followed was a flood of genuine praise from Hashirama. In the past, Madara might have let it go to his head and allowed Hashirama to lead him by the