In the Senju clan territory.
"Brother, why is this necessary?"
"Why must the Sarutobi and Shimura clans suddenly be expelled from Konoha?"
"Didn't I already follow your instructions and send those two boys back to their respective families?"
Senju Tobirama's face was full of confusion, his brows tightly furrowed.
Previously, Hashirama had ordered him to expel Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo Shimura from their apprenticeship, and he had complied without question. But now, Hashirama actually wanted to completely drive these two clans out of Konoha, which he simply could not understand.
What reason could make his brother so resolute against these two clans?
"If you can't give me a proper reason, I absolutely will not agree this time!"
With those words, he sat directly in front of Hashirama, making it clear that he would not relent until he received an explanation today.
Seeing him like this, Senju Hashirama helplessly shook his head.
These past few days, he had been pondering matters related to the Chat Group, eagerly awaiting the second Group Assembly and curious about what the World Ranking List would look like. In his view, Konoha was already the leader among the Five Great Nations, and when the time came, his world would surely secure the top spot.
But as he thought, Senju Hashirama suddenly realized something—the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, in the future, would actually be able to throw Konoha into chaos, even daring to ruthlessly eliminate the Senju and Uchiha clans, completely wiping out both great noble families.
Based on Hashirama's reasoning, these two clans must be spies planted in Konoha by other hidden villages. Only then could they have lurked in Konoha for so many years, secretly laying out those flawless conspiracies.
But he had no concrete evidence, so he could only settle for the next best option: simply driving these two clans out of Konoha entirely.
Looking at Tobirama's stubbornness, Hashirama had no choice but to conceal the matter of the Chat Group and find another excuse to explain: "Recently, while studying a Secret Technique, I encountered the Six Paths Sage. He showed me Konoha's future, and all major events unfolded before my eyes."
Hearing Hashirama's words, Senju Tobirama instantly froze. He looked up to examine Hashirama's expression but could not detect any trace of lying.
As a brother, he could tell at a glance whether his elder brother was deceiving him.
At this moment, Tobirama finally believed that everything Hashirama said was true.
"Brother, is this Secret Technique really so profound?"
He had never understood such mysterious arts well, and now his gaze toward Hashirama was filled with genuine curiosity.
Seeing him like this, Senju Hashirama solemnly nodded.
With matters having reached this point, Senju Tobirama no longer persisted and immediately agreed: "If that's the case, rest assured, brother. Leave this matter to me!"
"We can't let them leave Konoha so easily!"
With that, he turned and quickly left the Senju clan territory.
Watching his younger brother's retreating figure, Senju Hashirama let out a long sigh of relief.
With Tobirama handling it, this matter would surely be dealt with cleanly and efficiently.
Once this hidden danger within Konoha was removed, his world would definitely secure the top spot on the ranking list.
Thinking of this, Hashirama's mood gradually brightened, and he couldn't help but hope that the World Ranking List would bring him some unexpected benefits.
Meanwhile, while Hashirama was in high spirits, the Sarutobi and Shimura clans were already facing their doom.
At this time, both clans were still weak and vulnerable. In Senju Tobirama's eyes, wiping them out would be as easy as turning over his hand.
In just a moment, a barrier suddenly enveloped the clan territories of both families. Countless shadows silently infiltrated the barrier.
These two clans, which should have risen to prominence in Konoha in the future, vanished in an instant, as if they had never existed in this world.
The World of the Second Hokage
Time flew by, and a month passed in the blink of an eye.
At the entrance of Konoha, Senju Tobirama stood among a group of ninja, his gaze fixed on a neatly dressed team of shinobi before him. They were fully equipped with supplies, seemingly prepared for a long journey.
"Hiruzen, you have a tough task ahead."
"When you return, the future of Konoha will be entrusted to you."
This team was none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen and his group, about to depart for the Land of Lightning to establish an alliance with Kumogakure.
Hearing the words of the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, Sarutobi Hiruzen could hardly contain his excitement. In his view, this mission was merely about signing a treaty before returning safely to Konoha. Although he was already the designated Third Hokage, he still maintained a degree of humility at this moment.
He immediately bowed, his tone earnest: "Teacher, rest assured! I will not fail this mission. I will complete the task flawlessly!"
Seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen's solemn expression, a faint, elusive smile flickered at the corner of Senju Tobirama's mouth, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. His face remained stern.
After all, the necessary formalities had to be observed.
He reached out and patted Sarutobi Hiruzen on the shoulder, then solemnly removed the Hokage Hat from his own head and presented it to him. "Do not disgrace Konoha's honor, Third Hokage."
The moment he took the hat, a fierce determination ignited in Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes. Gazing at the hat symbolizing the position of Hokage in his hands, his heart surged with emotion. The Hokage title he had long dreamed of was finally within reach.
Beside him, Danzo Shimura's eyes were nearly overflowing with jealousy, his gaze fixed intently on the Hokage Hat in Sarutobi Hiruzen's hands. It represented the highest authority in Konoha, yet now, the one wearing it was not him.
He could only watch helplessly as Sarutobi Hiruzen placed the hat on his head. The golden Hokage Mark on it stung his eyes painfully.
With the hat on, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a surge of strength throughout his body. He bowed once more, his voice resolute: "Teacher, rest assured! I will make Kumogakure witness the true spirit of Konoha!"
Senju Tobirama gave a slight nod, a faint smile lingering on his lips.
After Sarutobi Hiruzen and his team departed, Senju Tobirama turned and quickly returned to the Hokage Building. In his office, several ninja from the Senju Clan had already gathered.
"Clan Head, all preparations are complete!"
The First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, had passed away many years ago. Now, the Senju Clan was led by Senju Tobirama as its head. His orders were followed without question by every member of the clan.
Hearing his subordinate's report, Senju Tobirama nodded slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "We move tonight! Make it quick and decisive!"
"Execute the order!"
Night fell, the darkness thick as ink.
Senju Tobirama personally led a team of Senju Clan ninja, quietly arriving at the Sarutobi clan territory.
From afar, he could see the clan grounds bustling with celebration, clearly rejoicing over Sarutobi Hiruzen becoming the Third Hokage. Yet Senju Tobirama's expression remained utterly unperturbed, as if what lay before him was merely a group of people on the brink of death.
He raised his hand and issued a cold command: "Begin."