Before leaving, the others gave Fumori Masaki a pitying look. They all thought Tobirama was going to lecture him. Tobirama had always been strict with himself, and his demands on others were also very strict. Moreover, he thought highly of Fumori Masaki, so this mistake must have disappointed Tobirama.
Fumori Masaki could only smile bitterly in his heart, watching Tobirama sit expressionlessly in his chair, adopting a posture of serious listening. Tobirama's expression had no affinity at all, giving off immense pressure, his sharp gaze seemingly picking faults at every moment.
Before Tobirama spoke, the atmosphere was very heavy. Fumori Masaki also didn't feel it was appropriate to speak first, so both sides remained silent. After a while, Fumori Masaki heard Tobirama let out a soft sigh and lean back slightly.
"I plan to step down as Hokage and let you take over," Tobirama said abruptly.
Fumori Masaki hadn't expected to hear these words and was stunned for a moment. At the same time, he felt a sudden sense of relief in his heart. His initial goal was the position of Hokage. For this, he had repeatedly showcased his abilities, surpassing Danzo Shimura and reaching a status equal to Hiruzen Sarutobi. And now, he had finally emerged, becoming the successor recognized by Tobirama.
"What, you don't want to be Hokage?" Tobirama asked, seeing Fumori Masaki's expression.
"Ah, no, honestly, I am naturally honored to be valued by Sensei," Fumori Masaki quickly replied, regaining his composure. He knew it was best not to hide his thoughts in front of Tobirama, and speaking truthfully was more likely to gain the other party's trust. "It's just, Sensei, are you retiring so soon?"
"It's not too soon. I'm almost fifty years old," Tobirama shook his head slightly and said, "The main reason is that my body is not as good as before, and the work of the Hokage is too draining. These tasks can be handed over to you, and the remaining days can be used for things that only I can accomplish."
"Sensei means?"
"It's about the Jiraiya you mentioned. Modifying such a forbidden jutsu is not a simple matter, nor is it something just anyone can do," Tobirama said. "Also, regarding the chakra technology you proposed earlier, there aren't many talents in the village who specialize in this area right now. To achieve results, I need to dedicate myself to it, and the work of the Hokage is a burden to me."
In the current Konoha Village, Tobirama was the most outstanding researcher. Orochimaru was still just a teenager, and his mind wasn't even focused on research yet. As for other ninja clans, those with an interest in scientific research were few and far between. Even if research content was added to the Ninja Academy curriculum, it would still take some time for results to appear.
Fumori Masaki understood that if Tobirama couldn't fully commit to research, the development of new technologies would inevitably be delayed. And as Tobirama said, his body was no longer in good shape, so he planned to abandon the Hokage duties that others could handle and instead focus on the research work that no one else could replace.
"Masaki, my brother believed that you and the monkey could both inherit the Hokage position because you are both insightful and capable individuals. And now, I believe you are the more capable person to lead Konoha Village to prosperity. This is what I've seen from the suggestions you've made. The monkey is an excellent person, but his vision isn't as far-reaching as yours," Tobirama said.
That was natural, because Fumori Masaki had knowledge from another world. Even though the situations in the two worlds were different and couldn't be entirely copied, a large part of it overlapped, so he could believe that a better future lay ahead. Hiruzen Sarutobi, on the other hand, was a native of this world. He had never seen what a new society looked like, let alone imagined it. For an unpredictable future, Hiruzen Sarutobi lacked the courage to advance relentlessly, believing he was on the right path.
"Precisely because I believe you are the successor to the next Hokage, the mistake you made this time is all the more serious," Tobirama brought up the previous incident again. "This time, thanks to your abilities, it was a close call, but that was a personal matter. When you become Hokage, what you have to consider will no longer be personal, but the entire village! You must always pay attention to whether your actions will affect the entire village. The Hokage is the leader trusted and recognized by all ninja families; you must remember this point."
"Yes!" Fumori Masaki immediately replied, his voice strong and clear.
Tobirama's expression softened, and he said, "I believe this was an accidental mistake on your part. You don't need to be too nervous. I'm not leaving this world immediately. When you inherit the Hokage position, I will assist you until you can stand on your own."
"Thank you, Sensei." To be honest, Fumori Masaki was indeed a little nervous. Once he became Hokage, the things he had to consider would be more than just a few. As the helmsman of the ninja village, he had to ensure that the ship called the ninja village could sail on the correct course, preventing it from capsizing midway and reaching a vast new world.
"The announcement of my resignation as Hokage will be made after the Joint Chunin Exams. During your absence, I have already discussed with other ninja villages that it might start in two or three years, and the location will be in our village. At that time, I will have you in charge of organizing the Joint Chunin Exams. Do well," Tobirama said.
Fumori Masaki understood immediately that this was paving the way for him. With Tobirama's prestige, any successor he chose would essentially face no opposition. However, it couldn't be guaranteed that the ninja clans would be as convinced by the new leader. Of course, Fumori Masaki had performed outstandingly in the Ninja World War, and his reputation alone was already high, but what Tobirama wanted was absolute suppressive power.
Therefore, Tobirama wanted Fumori Masaki to be in charge of the Joint Chunin Exams, sending a signal to the other ninja clans, allowing Fumori Masaki to smoothly take over the Hokage appointment. This way, the resistance encountered would not be as great, and others would also have a process of acceptance.
Fumori Masaki felt fortunate in his heart; Tobirama being alive was truly a good thing. In the original story, after Tobirama's death, Hiruzen Sarutobi only ascended to the Hokage position. Although the original story didn't detail the specifics, he could imagine how much Hiruzen Sarutobi had to give to become the Third Hokage, especially with the previous generation already dead and only a so-called dying wish. The advisory positions, which could interfere with the Hokage's decisions, showed a clue: Hiruzen Sarutobi had to divide the Hokage's power among his peers, and it was through multi-party cooperation that he finally secured the position of the Third Hokage.
Fumori Masaki now didn't have such problems. Tobirama was still alive, and as the current Hokage with highly centralized power, Tobirama could completely quell any objections from various parties. He could easily secure the position of the Third Hokage without needing to share power or grant advisory positions to others to help him. Frankly, Fumori Masaki also didn't need the constraints of advisors. The benefit of advisors was that they could prevent the Hokage from abusing power, but the downside was that they would limit the Hokage's authority.
After the Nine-Tails incident in the original story, although Hiruzen Sarutobi also suspected the Uchiha clan, he knew he couldn't push them too hard. He strongly opposed the decision to relocate the Uchiha clan to the village's outskirts for isolation and surveillance. However, advisors like Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado all disagreed, and Hiruzen Sarutobi could only agree to relocate and isolate the Uchiha clan—under the constraints of the advisory system, even as Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't have absolute authority over the entire village.
If it were in an era of peace and stability, Fumori Masaki believed that the advisory system's constraints were acceptable, limiting power to prevent suffering for the people. However, for the reforms he was pushing, it would be a hindrance, only affecting the results of the reforms. Any reform, to achieve results, must be driven by strong power to ensure it won't be obstructed by any old forces. Therefore, Fumori Masaki was destined to be a dictator, at least until the reforms yielded results and stabilized.
"Alright, everything that needed to be said has been said. You should think it over carefully. Later, send Kakuzu's body to the Medical Department. Let others examine it first. I have something to do right now and can't go see that long-lost forbidden jutsu for now," Tobirama said.
"Understood," Fumori Masaki agreed, then bowed and left. He paused at the door for a moment, then clenched his fists, suddenly a little excited. The position of Hokage, which he had thought about for so long, was basically within his grasp. How could he not be happy? After calming down, he headed towards the Medical Department.
Upon arriving at the Medical Department, Fumori Masaki explained his purpose and had Kakuzu's body sent to the medical research room. An elderly medical ninja, upon hearing about Jiraiya, immediately looked surprised. During the Warring States period, although its name wasn't known, Jiraiya had already demonstrated its power. After the former high-ranking officials of Takigakure were all wiped out, this forbidden jutsu disappeared without a trace. He never expected to see it again and participate in its research.
While the medical ninja was in an excited state, Fumori Masaki turned and left, heading home. He hadn't seen Satomi and the two girls in days and missed them very much.