Over the years, Tobirama Senju and his eldest brother, Hashirama, had devoted themselves tirelessly to Konoha's development.
Tobirama Senju had spent all his time developing Konoha, devising policies, and researching ninjutsu and forbidden techniques. He had spared no effort in protecting Yanbai's dream.
Yanbai knew that Tobirama Senju had truly done his best.
Tobirama Senju knew Yanbai never made unfounded accusations. Senju Kawarama and Itama Senju were both Yanbai's older brothers; Yanbai had no reason to deliberately slander Itama Senju.
Yet Tobirama Senju still could not quite understand. "Why? Why would Itama do this?"
"Tobirama, do you think Itama married Kawarama's widow?" A smile lingered on Yanbai's lips.
"No..." Tobirama Senju narrowed his eyes slightly. "He didn't marry a woman. He married... the Hokage Position!" He had married into the support of numerous important shinobi clans...
In Konoha's early development, the Hokage's duties had been extremely demanding. The position carried great power, but there was also a great deal to do and tremendous responsibility. It required not only formidable strength, but also prestige and sound judgment.
Tobirama Senju, the Third Hokage, was about to step down.
The Fourth Hokage who would soon succeed him only needed to follow the governing methods of the first three Hokage and avoid making mistakes for five years.
Whoever succeeded as Hokage now would hold the highest authority in Konoha Shinobi Village without having to take many unnecessary detours.
Tobirama Senju thought of his impending retirement, of his younger brother Itama, who had recently been running around campaigning to become the next Hokage, and of the reputation and record in domestic affairs Itama Senju had quietly built over the years.
Before speaking with Yanbai, Tobirama Senju had supported Itama's bid for the Hokage Position. But now...
"I don't need to explain the backgrounds of Kawarama's