The next day, the early morning sunlight filtered through the ancient window lattice, casting mottled light and shadow on the empty floor of the Senju mansion.
The faint smell of tea mixed with old wood from the conversation with Maruboshi Kosuke last night still lingers in the air.
Senju Chen was sitting alone on the porch, holding a glass of still warm white water in his hand, looking blankly at the ancient tree in the courtyard that had gone through so many storms.
The conversation last night injected the strongest impetus into the "economic" aspect of his huge plan. And the meeting with the family of teacher Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze gave him a more intuitive feeling about Hokage's abdication.
At this moment, a slight sound of footsteps came from behind.
"Young Master Chen, outside the door...Elder Mitokado Homura and Utatane Elder Koharu are asking for a meeting." Maruboshi Kosuke said to Senju Chen in a questioning tone.
The names of these two carry too much weight in Konoha. They are disciples of Second, teammates of Third Hokage, advisors and elders of Konoha, and the core of power.
Are you coming?
Senju Chen's mouth curved in a way that no one noticed.
It was faster than he expected. It seems that the news of his return to the village has caused quite a stir in the hearts of some people.
"I'll go greet you personally." Senju Chen put down the water glass, stood up, and straightened his clothes.
When Senju Chen walked to the door of the main house, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had already entered the courtyard.
Both of them were wearing formal attire representing their status as consultants, with serious expressions. Mitokado Homura wore his signature sunglasses, and his chin beard was trimmed meticulously; Utatane Koharu had his hair tied up, his eyes were sharp, and he had a sense of scrutiny from being in a high position all year round.
They looked at the slightly bleak but still majestic Senju mansion in front of them, with a hint of complexity flashing in their eyes.
"Elder Homura, Elder Koharu, you two great masters are here, and we welcome you from afar." Senju Chen bowed slightly, with a very low posture, and his words were full of the respect of a younger generation meeting an elder.
This gesture made Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu feel happy, but their faces remained expressionless.
"Little Chen, there's no need to be polite." Utatane Koharu was the first to speak. "We also heard that you were back, so we came here to have a look. You kid, you haven't suffered much these past few months alone outside, right?"
"Thank you Elder Koharu for your concern." Senju Chen led the two of them towards the reception room and replied with a smile as they walked, "Fortunately, the journey was smooth."
Entering the reception room, Senju Chen did not pretend to help others, but took it upon himself to make tea for the two of them.
The tea is a fine tribute. It was sent by the daimyo when Tsunade came back last time. When brewed with boiling water, the elegant fragrance of tea spreads instantly.
He handed the tea cup to the two of them respectfully, and then sat down at the bottom, as if he was listening attentively.
This impeccable courtesy made Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu look at each other, and they both saw a hint of joy in each other's eyes.
It seems that this child is much more sensible than they thought.
"Little Chen, did you see Tsunade when you went out this time?" Mitokado Homura took a sip of tea and asked casually.
"I saw it." Senju Chen nodded, "Sister is tracing some ancient book clues about Medical Ninjutsu. Everything is fine. The two elders are worried."
"That's good, that's good." A real smile appeared on Utatane Koharu's face, "Then... Tsunade, did she say when she will return to the village? You also know the situation in the village now. Teacher Sarutobi abdicates, and it is exactly when a person with such prestige like her is needed to come back and take charge."
Here comes the first question.
Senju Chen understood in his heart, but there was a bit of helplessness on his face. "Sister also knows what is going on in the village, and she is also very concerned about it. However, she really can't get away from the matter at hand, and..."
He paused and seemed a little embarrassed to say, "My sister's temper is also known to the two elders. She said that her current status is sensitive, and when she comes back, she may make the situation more chaotic and allow someone with serious intentions to take advantage of the loophole. Therefore, she will not come back for the time being."
After hearing this exact answer, Mitokado Homura's hand holding the teacup relaxed a little unnoticeably. Utatane Koharu's scrutinizing gaze also softened.
Both of them breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.
Just don't come back!
If Tsunade is in the village, as one of the "Sannin", First's granddaughter and Land of Fire's princess, she is definitely the perfect candidate for Hokage Position. If she doesn't come back, things will be much simpler.
Of course, if Tsunade really comes back, they will definitely push Tsunade to Hokage Position without saying anything, thus reviving the glory of Senju Faction.
Now as long as they keep the always docile and sensible Senju Chen in front of them, Senju Faction's remaining political power and reputation will be in their hands.
"Tsunade is very considerate." Mitokado Homura nodded approvingly, and his tone became more kind, "She is not here. As Senju Clan's current representative in the village, you have to take responsibility."
"Yes, Elder Homura taught me a lesson." Senju Chen bowed his head and responded.
Seeing his appearance, Utatane Koharu felt that the time was almost up. She put down the tea cup and said earnestly, "Little Chen, you have grown up too. There are some things that we, the elders, should also talk to you about. This When Hiruzen abdicates, the choice of Fourth Hokage is related to the future safety of the village. We, Senju Clan, as the founders of the village, must not be on the wrong team at this critical moment."
Her words were high-sounding, but the meaning of "guidance" was not concealed.
Are you on the wrong team? You say it as if you can represent the right side. You just want to use Senju's name to support a candidate that is most beneficial to you and easiest to control.
He raised his head, with just the right amount of confusion and seriousness on his face. "What Elder Koharu is saying is... it's just... I'm still young and I really don't understand these big facts. I wonder who in the eyes of the two elders we Senju Faction should support?"
He kicked the ball back again.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at each other again.
They had already prepared for this problem.
Mitokado Homura cleared his throat and said in a deep voice, "Orochimaru, although he is a disciple of Sarutobi and has meritorious deeds, he is too cold and unscrupulous in his actions. In recent years, he has been addicted to some... bad research. The villagers fear him more than they love him. If he rises to power, he may not be able to convince the public."
Utatane Koharu went on to say, "As for Minato Namikaze, although he has made great contributions in the war and is deeply loved by the people, he is too young, has little political experience, and is too kind-hearted. Now that the village is suffering from internal and external troubles, what it needs is a tough and experienced leader to stabilize the situation."
The two of them sang and harmonized, and in just a few words they dismissed the two biggest hits.
Its intention is already obvious.
Haha, it seems that the old silver coin Danzo promised you a lot of benefits.
In Senju Chen's mind, he could even outline their next words - Danzo, although his methods were cruel, he was loyal to the village, and extraordinary people should be used in extraordinary times.
It's really a good calculation.
It's a pity...
Senju Chen The respectful expression on his face remained unchanged, but under the expectant gazes of the two elders, he slowly shook his head and said something that made the air in the room freeze instantly.
"The two elders' analysis is very reasonable."
"It's just that when I came back this time, my sister specially told me something."
He raised his eyes with clear eyes, looked directly at the two high-ranking Konoha consultants, and said word by word:
"Sister said, in this Fourth Hokage election, none of us Senju Faction will stand."
"..."
"..."
The kind smile on Mitokado Homura's face froze.
Utatane Koharu's sharp eyes suddenly shrank, as if they were pricked by a needle.
In the reception room, the dense fragrance of tea seemed to be frozen by these sudden cold words.
"Huh?... What did you say?" Utatane Koharu's voice lost its gentleness and became sharp and dry.
"Before I came back this time, my sister specifically told me." Senju Chen seemed not to notice the change in the atmosphere, and repeated it clearly in that gentle tone, "We, Senju Faction, remain neutral this time."
He looked at the two people's expressions that instantly turned extremely ugly, and gently added the second half of the sentence.
"Who eventually became Fourth Hokage."
"We Senju Faction will support anyone."